Cowboy Jesus - The Rodeo of Life and Religion: Recent Episodes
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Cowboy Jesus, hosted by Steve Poos-Benson, explores the various dimensions of life, spirituality, religion and discovering your divine purpose. Steve is the pastor of Columbine United Church in Littleton, Colorado.
Homelessness is an issue that surrounds us. Most of us when we see a homeless person either drive or walk on by. In this episode I interview Gina 0'Keefe who went to the curb, the alley, the side street and sat and talked with the homeless person to hear their story. It's a compelling conversation where we hear one person tell her story of building relationships with those who society kicks to the curbs.
Irwin Keller is described as a Rabbi, teacher, writer, hope-monger and now my friend. Irwin is a fun, brilliant person. In this interview you'll hear Rabbi Keller talk about his progressive synagogue and the stands they've taken on LGBTQI+ issues and the war in Palestine. He has a prophetic voice that speaks from the margins to the center. His worked is grounded in the depths of the Torah, and yet his interpretation is a breath of fresh air. I was moved and inspired by this interview. I hope you will also.
On Tuesday May 6th, my good friend, Rev Russ Kane and I will teach a three week class on the Confession of 1967. The Book of Confessions of the PCUSA contains statements of faith from the history of the Reformed Tradition. Russ and I love making these confessions come to life. In this episode Russ Created a podcast using AI. It's fascinating. The two "Hosts" are computer generated. They introduce the confession of 1967 and the history behind it. Give a listen and be intrigued what AI can do. Then join us live on Tuesday night!
In this episode I explore the different stories about the birth of Jesus from Matthew and Luke's gospel. There are so many differences between the two. We think they tell the same story, but they don't. Listen as I explore them both and look for meaning hidden in them.
In honor of Pride month and Pride Sunday at Columbine, I interview Steven Burge. Steven is a friend of Columbine United Church. He is a gay man who is very open about his sexuality and his faith. Together we talk about LBTQI+ issues. He shares some insights from his own life and his journey of coming out. His openness makes for a non threatening conversation allowing us to think about who we are and how we believe God loves all people regardless. The interview is right at 34 minutes.
Get ready, in this podcast it's me prattling on about one of my favorite topics, predestination and freewill. Now, don't tune me out or get bored. This is something I can't stop thinking about so I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts. It's right at 30 minutes. Listen and see if I don't stir up some of your own ideas.
Doug Huneke is a rare person. He is a pastor, friend, mentor and an expert on the Nazi Holocaust. Doug's primary focus is on the rescuers - those who risked their lives to rescue Jews from the German concentration camps. His book, The Moses of Rovno, recounts the life of Herman Graebe. Mr Graebe saved over a thousand Jews. Doug's first hand interviews are more than compelling. His book sold thousands of copies and has been used in college and seminary courses. Doug studied the common traits those who rescued Jews shared with one another. Together Doug and I talk about not only the Holocaust and the rescuers, but also what's happening in Palestine today.
In this episode I interview the author Steve Hester. Steve has written one of the best stories of the life of Jesus that I've ever read. The book is funny, serious, poignant and compelling. Malcus and Me had me laughing and wanting to pray all in the same chapter. Listen to Steve share the story of Jesus from the character of Malcus, one of the early followers of Jesus.
You've heard of Birth Doula's, what about a Death Doula? In this episode I interview Vanessa Johnston who is a professional Death Doula. This is a fascinating episode as she shares with us the different ways she coaches people in the process of dying. Please listen and share with someone who might need someone to help them in the final transition of life.
Do you fear for the Union? Do you wonder if Republicans and Democrats will ever be able to talk to each other? If so, then you need to listen to this episode. I interview John Schwenkler from Braver Angels. Braver Angels is an organization dedicated to bringing Red and Blue people to the table to listen and talk with each other. John has a great message for all of us.
In this episode I interview Damian Mulvaney. Damian and I have known each other for over twenty years. Damian is a skilled screenwriter. He has won many awards for his scripts. His scripts are compelling and tell a great story. The death of his brother is a feature in some of his screenplays. I invite you to listen to Damian share his joy of writing. One of the things I have on my bucket list is to sit with Damian and watch his work on the big screen. Here's Damian Mulvaney
In this episode I interview Linda Veres. Together we share the story of her husband's death. Jeff, Linda's husband, and I knew each other for forty years. After a debilitating stroke, and advancing MS, which left him confined to a wheel chair, he made the decision to end his life with MAID, Medical Assist In Dying. Before his death, Jeff gave me the permission to share his story. Listen and reflect not only on Jeff's death, but possibly the option for you or someone you love.
I'm back from my sabbatical starting a new season of Cowboy Jesus. In this episode I talk about Jesus discovering his purpose and the reason for why he has been sent by God. Jesus discovers, much to the dismay of his followers and the crowd, what he is supposed to be doing. It begs the question, are you doing what you're supposed to be doing?
In this episode I interview Rachel Gibson. Rachel is a dynamic person with energy and vision. She's very active on TikTok and many of you might already be following her. If not, you need to! Rachel tells the story of her upbringing in a conservative evangelical church and how she moved away from her fundamentalist beliefs. She now is in the process of deconstructing and reconstructing her faith. You'll enjoy this conversation as Rachel has a lot to say for those engaging the process of faith development.
In this episode I interview a friend and colleague, Jason Whitehead. Jason is a true pioneer and visionary. He's a professional life coach, therapist and creator of an online virtual worshiping community called Reframe. His approach to ministry is not only creative but he's joining with others shaping how people of faith gather on line.
Dave Arnett is a fascinating person who has spent his life mountain climbing throughout the world. He's climbed the seven highest peaks in the different continents. He now spends his time climbing, working on the Douglas County Search and Rescue, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Enjoy this great interview as Dave reflects on his passion for life.
I've known Mitch Samu for over 15 years. We have been colleagues at Columbine United Church. But most importantly, Mitch and I are friends. He visited Columbine and I invited him to be a guest. We talk about creativity and how to take a risk and put yourself out there. Mitch is fun and innovative in his approach to life. Enjoy the interview.
On February 25th Columbine United Church is hosting the gun buy back program, Guns to Garden tools. In this episode I interview Mike Martin the executive director of Raw Tools. Mike is the guiding visionary for Guns to Garden Tools. Mike talks about the gun culture in the Untied States and how we need to approach conflict in our lives from the perspective of non-violence. Mike has dedicated his life to getting guns off of our streets. He has a compelling vision for Christians and their love affair with guns. Listen, enjoy, and learn.
My interview with Jim East deeply moved me. He has a compelling story about growing up in the charismatic church and coming out a gay man. Jim tells the story about the complex relationship he had with the church he loved, but also knowing they would reject him because of his sexuality. As Jim describes his journey he navigates his professional life, his personal life and his spirituality. This is a must listen to episode for all people dealing with issues of sexuality and the fundamentalist church. Thank you Jim for your vulnerability.
In this episode I interview Rev. Dee Cooper. Dee is a pastor, leader, and visionary. She is a long time member of the Presbytery of Denver who has just been hired into her new position as Lead Presbytery. Dee is more than just a member of the Presbytery but she has a vision for the denomination and Christianity as a whole. She is as personable as she dynamic. Enjoy the conversation.
In this episode I interview a friend and colleague, Rev. Russ Kane. Russ is a recently retired Presbyterian Pastor. Together we talk about his career and his insights about the history of the PCUSA. Russ is a leader in the Presbyterian Church and the Denver Presbytery. He is a friend and mentor to many of us who have worked alongside of Russ. Enjoy our conversation together.
This is the annual Christmas Cowboy Jesus episode. I'm joined by Jill VanderWal, Sarah Rex, and Samantha Bronson. We laugh and share together our fun Christmas memories and traditions. Only one serious topic, the rest is fun!
In this episode I interview Rev. Jessica Rooks from the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Rooks is a District Superintendent who has oversight of the Denver Metro churches. We talk together about the current conflict within the denomination over LGBTQI+ issues. It's an eye opening conversation. She has some great insights about the status of the church, our Mountain Sky Conference and the future of the United Methodist Church. Enjoy Rev. Rooks.
It's one thing to be a progressive theologian, it's an altogether different thing to be a progressive parent raising your children with progressive values. In this episode I sit down with my colleague Jill VanderWal and we explore what it means, and how to do progressive parenting.
In this episode I interview Matt Mattson. Matt is a true visionary. We talk together about his faith journey and what has brought him to the point where he is now with a global vision of ministry. He talks about his social media presence in "Today I Pray for You." Matt also shares his new ministry project "Between." Matt believes, and I concur, Between has the potential to reach the world. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as Matt and I did talking together.
In this episode I interview Samantha Bronson. Samantha is the Minister of Children and Youth at Columbine Untied Church. Samantha has a compelling story of growing up in a conservative evangelical church. She charts her deconstruction process through education and family support. Through committed work and faith exploration she explains how she reconstructed her to faith to where she is today, a very progressive Christian. Give a listen and enjoy Samantha!
In this episode I interview Sarah Rex, the minister of music and worship at Columbine United Church. If you know Sarah she has a lot of energy and vision. Sarah has a compelling story to tell about her life growing up in the conservative evangelical church and how she moved away from fundamentalism in her adult years to embrace a progressive view of God. Sarah get's pretty excited in this episode. She gets so wound up she drops an F-bomb. Just pretend you hear the beep. Enjoy the interview!
Should you stay a Christian? There is a huge exodus away from Christianity right now. Many are leaving for some very good reasons. I believe something else. Give me 30 minutes and let's explore Christianity and world religions and why I choose to stay.
Today I talk about Death with Dignity and euthanasia. When we approach the end of our lives the option to end our life with dignity should be a choice we are all able to choose. I explore how euthanasia is similar, but different than Death with Dignity, and why one is illegal and the other is legal. Take thirty minutes and enjoy the conversation.
Maybe either you or a loved one has contemplated suicide. What do you believe happens to their soul after they have died. In this episode I continue the conversation about how suicide affects the state of the soul after death. I share an experience where someone asked me some hard questions about suicide and hell. I also cover what other religions believe about suicide.
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk about what happens to the soul after someone completes suicide. I explore my manuscript from Damned to Dignified which is an interfaith exploration of suicide. I'm going to cover this topic in three episodes. This is the first installment. Pop in your ear buds and give a listen!
Everybody has an opinion about forgiving student loans. Does our faith have any thing to say about this controversial topic? Yes it does. In this episode I share how the Prophets from the Hebrew Bible would respond. In addition I apply the teachings of Jesus. Put in your ear pods and give a listen!
Steve
There is a spectrum in faith expression today. Some define themselves as spiritual but not religious. Others have strong beliefs but don't identify with any religious tradition. Then there are those whose spirituality and beliefs are expressed through their participation in a religion. Where do you fall on this spectrum? Pop in your headphones and listen as I explore the difference and similarities between what it means to be spiritual, have beliefs and practice a religion.
People often ask me, "What happens after we die?" Though none of us know exactly what happens, I have a few ideas. I've talked with many people who have had life after death experiences. I've also studied some other religions. Take a few moments and I'll share with you my beliefs.
In this episode I share a real story about a young man who survived a helicopter crash. It was an amazing story about a premonition he had that he ignored. Have you ever had a premonition? Did you pay attention to it or disregard it? Thanks for listening as I tell you the story.
In this episode I join with Samantha Bronson to discuss our thought about Easter, how it has affected our lives and how Easter has shaped Church history. Listen and get ready for Easter Sunday!
In this episode I explore Just War Theory and apply it to our Christian Faith. I ask if it would be just for the US and Nato countries to come to the aid of Ukraine. I then explore should christians engage warfare. Do the teachings of Jesus allow for a just cause to take up arms? The episode last just over 30 minutes. Give a listen.
Welcome to the Cowboy Jesus Podcast. In this episode I interview Rená Koesler. Rená has just published her second book called Unflappable. It's a great book about lessons on leadership based upon her outdoor adventures mountain climbing around the world. She has trekked through Nepal several times. She's a noted speaker and professional coach. Come and listen and enjoy the interview!
In this episode Steve joins Rev. Jill VanderWal and Samantha Bronson to talk about the Purity Movement that grew out of the Evangelical church. The movement is a drive to ensure teenage virginity until marriage. Each of the three have a different experience with the movement and how it affected their lives and ministry. The three of them in this lively conversation share how in response to the movement they teach sexuality at Columbine Untied Church.
In this Episode Steve explores different aspects of Jesus' resurrection. Was Jesus' body physically resuscitated, bodily transformed, or spiritually resurrected? Give a listen and expand your ideas about what happened 2,000 years ago.
In this episode Steve draws upon his personal experience, as well as 38 years helping guide people through the process of faith deconstruction. Steve offers different insights and ideas you can use when you're looking for ways to reconstruct your faith into something new.
In this episode Steve continues the conversation on the differences between Progressive Christians and Evangelicals. Today he explores the different views of the Bible. He asks, Why didn't Jesus write a book? Why do we need the Bible? How do we interpret the Bible? Is the Bible authoritative in the same way that the Koran is for Muslims. Steve explores these issues and a whole lot more. Give a listen and expand your understanding of the Bible.
In this episode Steve explains the differences between Progressive Christians and Evangelical Christians and their views of hell and who goes there. Steve reviews different scripture passages that argue for hell, and then those passages that argue for universal salvation. Listen and see if you're as convinced as Steve that through Jesus the entire world is saved.
Continuing the series on Progressive vs. Evangelical Perspectives.
Several people have asked Steve, "What is the difference between Progressive and Evangelical Christians?" There are some major differences between the two. In this episode Steve continues the discussion by talking about the Progressive view of radical inclusion of all people, especially those of the LGBTQI community.
Steve begins a series on Progressive vs. Evangelical perspectives on a variety of different topics.
In this episode Steve examines the nature of suffering from a Progressive Christian perspective vs. an Evangelical perspective. Instead of assuming that all Christians believe the same about God and the nature of suffering, come listen to some views on what a progressive Christian believes.
Steve's back with a new podcast name, Cowboy Jesus!
In this episode Steve revisits a topic he covered a couple years ago, "Did Jesus die for my sins?" A lot of people have asked this question as of late, so Steve decided to take another stab at answering.
Do you believe God works in strange and mysterious ways? If so then Steve has a story for you. In this episode Steve continues the story of the theft of his identity. What started as a lesson about forgiveness takes a drastic turn when Steve's identity is used to commit a crime, and a warrant goes out for his arrest!
As Steve reflects on the racial issues that have swept across the country, he finds a connection to school shootings. Steve has given most of his career to ending school shootings. He sees a great number of similarities between the two issues. Steve believes there are solutions to both if we're willing to look in the mirror and respond to the face we see.
In this episode Steve tells the story of when his identity was stolen. Listen, as he talks about anger, resentment, and forgiveness.
In this episode Steve tells the story of his recent accident stacking hay and lessons he has learned.
When accidents come our way we need to take stock of who we are, what we've learned about ourselves, and the world around us. We need to allow accidents to become life tests that bring courage and endurance as well as compassion and blessing.
To enjoy an abundant life we need overcome our fears. In this episode Steve presents ten steps that he follows in his own life. Thanks for listening.
What do you when your faith feels more like walking across a dusty plateau than a lush forest? In this podcast Steve offers ten ways to get your life off of the spiritual plateau.
In this podcast Steve explores what it means to be authentic. Authenticity grows out of a clear sense of who we are at our core, our values and finding congruence between them.
Steve continues the conversation about Ambition. He talks about ambition as it relates to meaning in life. When we fulfill our ambitions we find meaning. Ambition is a sacred expression of why God sent us into the planet. Additionally Steve explores the New Testament's view of ambition as well as ambition during COVID-19.
Thanks for listening!
Steve takes another week to talk about ambition in an interview with his daughter Kelsey. They talk about her ambition that led her on a trek through Nepal and to work in a COVID unit at St. Anthony's hospital.
(Ok, I'm proud of her, but she fuels my own sense of ambition.)
In this episode Steve explores ambition. He talks about the negative as well as the positive aspects of healthy ambition. What's your ambition? Join us and let's talk together.
Steve shares his insights about the arc of our life and what do we do when the arc of our life has been interrupted. The COVID-19 virus has interrupted the arc of our life. How do we respond when the unforeseen comes barreling into our lives.
Steve explores how the Coronavirus is challenging our need to be together. We're wired to be together in community. The virus is pushing us apart. Steve believes we need to find ways to connect and not to take community for granted. Join us and share your thoughts.
What do you do when every door is closing around you? You've knocked on a thousands doors and nothing is opening for you? Steve shares his thoughts about how to hear God's, "Yes!" by learning how to respond to God's, "No."
Steve interviews Dr. Mark Foster. Mark was born and raised in the Mormon church. He spent several of his adult years raising his family in the faith. Mark comes to a crises where he puts everything at risk and takes a spiritual leap of faith. His story is one of spiritual liberation.
Thanks for listening!
Surviving Spiritual Abuse Part 3, Steve continues his series on Spiritual Abuse, interviewing Kathy Brown. Kathy grew up in a fundamentalist evangelical family. She shares the story of her life from early childhood through college years. She shares how it took many years of her adult life to recover from her upbringing. It's a compelling story that many can identify with. Thanks for listening!
Surviving Spiritual Abuse Part 2, Steve continues his series on spiritual abuse by interviewing Susie Burke. Susie is a long time member of Columbine United Church. What most people don't know about Susie is that she was raised in a Satanic cult. Susie shares different stories of what it was like to live in this cult. But more, she reflects as an adult about coming to a place of healing, and working as a healer in her own life and occupation. Enjoy the interview.
Have you ever been spiritually abused? Has a religious leader, organization, church, synagogue or mosque manipulated your emotions? Has your soul ever been batted about? If so then tune into this episode.
Steve begins the conversation by defining spiritual abuse and what it looks like in a congregation. He shares what a healthy faith community looks like. Steve closes by sharing things to do if someone you love is a part of a community that is spiritually abusive.
Being a part of a faith community should nurture and uplift your soul. Hopefully by listening you'll be committed to finding a joyful community to participate in.
Steve invites his colleagues Rev. Jill Bouton VanderWal and Rev. Jane Ritterson to join in a conversation about the resurrection of Jesus. They have a lot of fun and cover everything from the Shroud of Turin, to Jesus bodily raising, to Jesus blasting off in the Ascension. It's a lot of fun. Hang in there until the end. Jane rips a funny out take.
This week is the twentieth anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High School. While we prepare for holy week, we also prepare for the day that twenty years ago was a watershed in the nation, as well as in Steve's life. Steve shares his thoughts, feelings and recollections about being a first responder that day and the most profound message he carries forward, the need to forgive.
Steve shares that he's not enlightened like Walter from Craigslist. Steve struggles to follow the teachings of Jesus. Sometimes we all need a "come down" and here is Steve's story. Enjoy the Podcast. Catch his blog Cowboy Jesus. Let Steve know about topics you'd like him to cover.
A few weeks ago Steve was asked to do a podcast on how to read the Bible and how to discern what the historical teachings of Jesus are. Short of giving a thirty minute lecture, this is Steve's attempt to share how he reads the Bible. Steve shares that the Bible is not holy, but it's a medium that points to what is holy: your relationship with Jesus. Let Steve know if you have topics you'd like him to cover. Thanks for listening. Read his blog, Cowboy Jesus on stevescowboyjesus.blogspot.com
This past Sunday Steve bought a bed from Walter off of Craigslist. It was a simple exchange, yet he'll never forget Walter's generosity. Walter's small act has inspired Steve. Steve's challenged now to pay it forward. He hopes that you too are touched by this story and you'll be inspired to pay it forward as well.
Thanks for listening!
This sounds like a boring topic. Let's face it, church can be boring. However, Steve does everything in my power to keep church fun, exciting and relevant. Steve explores his thoughts and feelings on going to church. This past Sunday Steve interviewed people about their reasons for coming to church. Then Steve closes with his own riff on the topic.
Who wants to be boring? Not me baby, not me.
When Steve decided to start a podcast he made a list of people he wanted to interview. Judi Buehrer was one of those at the top. Through her journey with cancer she has stayed, in her terms, a "cockeyed optimist." She inspires Steve. Give her interview a listen and surely you'll be inspired by her words of insight and wisdom.
As your Death Coach, Steve explores the different concepts of reincarnation and resurrection. He discusses what a few of the world religions teach and shares his own opinions. Hopefully this episode will spur your own thinking about what happens to your soul after you die.
This past weekend Steve helped someone die. It's something he does on a fairly regular basis, so much so that he's come to call himself a Death Coach. After they passed away Steve drove back to his office, sat down and recorded his thoughts and insights for this podcast. It's pretty rough and raw, but it's where he was in the moment. Through death Steve finds his affirmation of life.
Steve continues the conversation on creativity. He reflects on the roots of creativity, "Pay attention, be amazed, and share your amazement." Pop in your ear buds, or listen on your favorite device.
Post comments or email Steve about what topics you'd like covered!
Thanks and Enjoy!
Steve interviews his good friend, colleague and creative muse, Mitch Samu. Pop in your ear buds, go for a walk, clean the house, or work out on the treadmill, but enjoy this episode and may your own creative juices start to flow!
Steve interviews Todd Rice. Todd shares his compelling story of addiction and recovery. From living on the streets of Denver to having a thriving business and family, Todd share his message of hope.
Steve shares his sermon from Sunday, April 22nd. Steve preaches on Jesus having dinner with disreputable guests and how the Scribes and Pharisees chide him for hanging out with the riffraff. Steve explores how we're all God's riffraff and we need to create radically inclusive communities where all of God's children are invited to come and participate. Thanks for listening!
Steve explores his views about Jesus being a sacrifice for sins. Tune in an allow his thoughts to rattle your cage, or affirm what you've always known to be true.
This is the sermon that Rev. Jane Ritterson preached this past Sunday, Palm Sunday, 2018. Jane inspires as she touches on many of the issues in our current society. Through her message she invites us to journey through Holy Week as we venture towards Easter.
Steve shares his sermon from March 18th, 2018. He talks about not allowing "Shirley" to get in the way of sharing our gratitude with the people we love and care about.
Steve preached this sermon on March 11th, 2018. It's titled, "Impossible Gratitude." In the sermon he wrestles with the notion that we're to be grateful for all things that happen to us. Give it a listen and enjoy!
Hello! Steve's going to start posting his sermons on this Podcast so you can re-listen to them while your working out, going for a walk, or commuting to work. In this sermon Steve uses the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand to talk about stretching our faith and having an expansive vision of what God can do through us.