Common Grounds

A young, genderqueer, Episcopal priest from the South and a retired, straight, Conservative rabbi from the North meet in a coffee shop. Join us on our journey exploring the challenges and blessings of faith in a changing world.

The Next Step

As we prepare to enter a new year, Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy reflect on what's next for the podcast and on the memorable moments from this past year.

12-13
22:38

Assisted Suicide

Challenging conversations on end of life care and physician assisted suicide have increased as our general population has aged, leading people of faith to wrestle with the moral implications of how we die. Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they reflect together on this important topic.

09-27
22:40

Money, Money, Money

How does one engage money through the lens of faith? In what ways does the love of money pull us away from God and community? Jon Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant as they reflect on the relationship of money and faith.

09-13
24:17

Gender Fluidity (Part 3)

Gender fluidity is a hot button topic in our culture today. Join Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant as they discuss the relationship between gender fluidity and faith, politics, and society. This is Part 3 of a 3 part conversation series.

06-22
19:10

Gender Fluidity (Part 2)

Gender fluidity is a hot button topic in our culture today. Join Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant as they discuss the relationship between gender fluidity and faith, politics, and society. This is Part 2 of a 3 part conversation series.

06-22
21:13

Gender Fluidity (Part 1)

Gender fluidity is a hot button topic in our culture today. Join Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant as they discuss the relationship between gender fluidity and faith, politics, and society. This is Part 1 of a 3 part conversation series.

06-22
22:40

Word and Spirit: The Celebrations of Pentecost and Shavuot

How does God speak to us and guide us today? Join Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant as they explore the holidays of Shavuot and Pentecost: the day the Jewish community celebrates the gifting of the Torah and the day the Church celebrates the gifting of the Holy Spirit.

05-31
21:55

Slavery and Reparations, Part 4 (Live Recording)

Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they explore what Scripture has to say regarding slavery and reflect on how these understandings from Scripture have been used historically in relationship with slavery in the United States. This episode is Part 4 of a 4 part series recorded live on Slavery and Reparations: Parts 1 and 3 are conversations between Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant, Parts 2 and 4 are the Q&A portions with the live audience.

05-18
34:57

Slavery and Reparations, Part 3 (Live Recording)

Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they explore what Scripture has to say regarding slavery and reflect on how these understandings from Scripture have been used historically in relationship with slavery in the United States. This episode is Part 3 of a 4 part series recorded live on Slavery and Reparations: Parts 1 and 3 are conversations between Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant, Parts 2 and 4 are the Q&A portions with the live audience.

05-18
24:10

Slavery and Reparations, Part 2 (Live Recording)

Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they explore what Scripture has to say regarding slavery and reflect on how these understandings from Scripture have been used historically in relationship with slavery in the United States. This episode is Part 2 of a 4 part series recorded live on Slavery and Reparations: Parts 1 and 3 are conversations between Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant, Parts 2 and 4 are the Q&A portions with the live audience.

05-04
26:37

Slavery and Reparations, Part 1 (Live Recording)

Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they explore what Scripture has to say regarding slavery and reflect on how these understandings from Scripture have been used historically in relationship with slavery in the United States. This episode is Part 1 of a 4 part series recorded live on Slavery and Reparations: Parts 1 and 3 are conversations between Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant, Parts 2 and 4 are the Q&A portions with the live audience.

05-04
27:37

What about Israel?

Israel holds a special place in the hearts of billions, across three major world religions. It is also the subject of intense debate regarding its relationship with the Palestinians. Join Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant as they reflect on the importance and complexity of Israel.

04-19
24:38

Sacred Days: Passover and Holy Week

Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy pause to reflect on sacred days in their respective traditions: Holy Week and Passover.

04-05
23:30

Sharing Our Faith with Non-Believers

What do Christians and Jews think about sharing their faith with others? Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they explore the complex space of sharing faith with others who do not share the same faith background, as well as critique problematic forms of proselytizing.

03-22
24:40

Why Pray Together?

Why is praying with others important? What do we gain from praying together that we don't gain on our own? Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they explore why pray together.

02-15
23:46

Why Ask God?

What does prayer actually do? Is God just a wish granting fairy or does God even hear us? Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they explore what prayer means and wrestle with outcomes of prayer.

01-25
22:39

What happens when we die?

Death is a universal part of life- yet what happens when we die? What exactly is heaven and hell like? What about life after death? Join Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy as they discuss these questions and share their own thoughts on what happens after death.

01-11
22:44

The True Meaning of Chanukah and Christmas

Why is Santa associated with Christmas? Why is Chanukah now a major celebration in the Jewish community? Join Rabbi Andy and Rev. Grant as they discuss the true meaning of these religious holidays in contrast to their modern celebration.

12-14
22:07

Church and State: What is Best for Religion

As the Supreme Court rolls back accepted norms around separation of Church and State, is it good or bad for religion? 

11-30
22:30

Thanksgiving: What does authentic gratitude look like?

Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday? How do we reconcile gratitude with mass consumerism? Rev. Grant and Rabbi Andy reflect and discuss these questions and more.

11-16
21:27

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