The Benediction Podcast: Recent Episodes
Chad Benedict
Discussions and stories covering pop culture, news, and entertainment, all viewed through the lens of faith.
At some point in time, we are all in need of redemption and forgiveness, as well as having to reconcile situations in which we were wrong, so in this episode, I enlisted the help of my friend Chris, and we explore the themes of reconciliation, redemption, and forgiveness in movies. We also dive deep into current events and pop culture news, as well as giving some reviews, and raving about and rejecting things that we come across in our daily lives. Enjoy!
Recently, I saw a news story in which former basketball player Bill Walton purposefully antagonized, which is commonly known as trolling, his co-commentator, Dave Pasch, over his faith, specifically his belief in creationism, live on air during a basketball game that the pair was calling. It got me to thinking, "Why does the media and entertainment industry seem to have it out for Christian?"
My friend Aaron stops by, and the two of us discuss the matter, attempt to shed some light on it, and offer up a solution, or at least a way to deal with it.
Merry Christmas everybody! It is that time of year again, the best time, in my opinion, and in this episode, my wife and daughter join me to talk about Christmas and all that it entails!
Many churches in this day and age are constantly looking for ways to be relevant in our society, but this seems to fly in the face of the counter-cultural nature of Christianity. In this episode, I explore this issue with the help of my insightful friends, and attempt to make some sense of it all.
As usual, there is also plenty of news and pop culture fun! Enjoy!
My buddy Mike is back with me for this episode, and in it, we discuss various aspects of being a fan. From sports to Star Trek,to be a fan is to be a part of a community of like minded individuals, and some times it's good, sometimes it's bad, and sometimes it's downright ugly. Join us as we dig deep into this subject, cover some news stories, and review the new series on FOX, "Gotham".
Hey everybody! This is not your typical episode, as this is basically an addendum to a news story that I covered in episode 9 regarding the NFL 's domestic abuse policy.
With the video of Ray Rice assaulting his wife surfacing today, I just wanted to clarify some points that I covered in the news story, as well as get my feelings concerning the issue of domestic violence off of my chest. Thanks for listening!
While immersed in one of my favorite activities this past week, I realized that perhaps I was a little too immersed in it, and that maybe I had allowed it to come before Jesus.
That bothered me, so I wanted to tackle the subject of idolatry. In this episode, I offer up ways to help you to identify the idols in your life, and then what to do to correct the situation.
I also cover some news and pop culture items and review the movie "Blended", as well at the new TV show, "Legends".
This episode was an absolute blast, as my friend Mike joined me for a discussion that was all about fatherhood. Don't worry moms, we didn't completely leave you out! There is plenty of info to be garnered for parents in general!
We also discussed news stories and reviewed "Hercules" and "Guardians of the Galaxy"!
In many of the books we read, video games we play, and movies we watch, the central character is one that takes on the role of a savior. In many ways, the character's attributes and behavior parallels the attributes and behavior of Christ.
In this episode I discuss the Messianic narrative in entertainment, give examples of Christ-like characters, and ponder some of the reasons as to why so many of us are drawn to these story lines.
Although a person may be an introvert, that fact doesn't excuse them from carrying out the Great Commission. In this episode, I delve into what makes an introvert tick, and how someone who is introverted can be effective in serving God and others.
I also give biblical wisdom that can aid any person in their calling, whether they are an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between!
In this episode, I discuss the many misconceptions that people have about Christians these days and what we can do to change them, my funny kids, news, and I review the new Tom Cruise movie, "Edge of Tomorrow".
Christians talk funny, so I wanted to take a deeper look at the language known as "Christianese". I also pay tribute to Maya Angelou and Ann B. Davis, and get into to some news, as well as raves and rejects!
In this episode, I've got something stuck in my craw, and that is that many churches lure people through to the door with giveaways and rock concerts, instead of the gospel. I explore that topic, I cover some news and current events, and I review X-Men: Days of Future Past. I also have to say that I recorded this on May 27th....not the 28th like I stated in the intro. What can I say? Long holiday weekends mess with my mind :)
In this episode, the topic of discussion poses the question, "Why are Christian movies so sub par?"
Godzilla is reviewed, and The Feel Good News Story of the Week is all about the incredible bond that siblings often times have.