The Bad Calvinists: Recent Episodes
The Bad Calvinists
The Bad Calvinists are three pastor-friends ministering in South Central Ohio. We are in the PC(USA), a denomination that some call the mainline, others say is liberal, and still others deem heretical. We call it home! We’re Calvinists because the Presbyterian tradition finds its roots in the teachings of John Calvin. We’re bad because we critique and challenge the tradition from within, as an act of love and justice. We hope you find our conversations around scripture thoughtful, relevant and funny.
On this final episode of the season, the Bad Calvinists wade into deep theological waters of Genesis 18:16-33, where Abraham barters with God over Sodom and Gomorrah.
When was the last time you laughed really hard? On this episode the Bad Calvinists explore laughter and why it is a gift from God. We look at the story from Genesis 18 where Sarah laughed at God's seemingly absurd plan. How can laughter bring us closer to God like it does for Sarah?
TheBadCalvinists #Podcast #SarahLaughed
The Bad Calvinists this week discuss the incredible book of Esther and how we are all made "for such a time as this" in our own lives. We encourage you to read this short book before you listen.
TheBadCalvinists #Esther
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray talk an often ignored story about Moses murdering an Egyptian overseer from Exodus 2:11-15. They discuss the messiness of justice and being a leader in Moses' time and today.
On this special episode of the Bad Calvinists, we welcome author & professor Dr. Linda Mercadante to discuss the Spiritual But Not Religious trend and what it means for the church.
You can find out more about the work Dr. Mercadante does at www.healthybeliefs.org
The Bad Calvinists, on this episode, discuss Jesus showing his disciples his post-resurrection scars (John 20) and what that tells about how we recover from the trauma we all experience. Just breathe and let's talk.
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, we talk about society's problem with feet and how it relates to Jesus' call on Maundy Thursday to "wash one another's feet" from John 13. We get into what Jesus' humble service means for our faith journeys today.
After 3 seasons of calling ourselves the Bad Calvinists, we have invited Dr. W. Travis McMaken, Professor of Religion at Lindenwood University, onto the podcast to talk John Calvin & his understanding of the Eucharist. We go back to seminary with this conversation and get to know Calvin's pastoral side.
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists podcast, the guys discuss the story of the Rich Young Ruler who wants to earn his own salvation through right living. We talk the problem with wealth but also the security blankets that get in the way of us living fully into our faith.
We are BACK for Season 4! We return with the most uplifting of topics: DEATH. Jason, Joel and Gray talk about death and dying, what it means to die well and how our faith helps us accept our own mortality.
On this final episode of season 3, the Bad Calvinists talk about Peter's wild story from Acts 10-11 of the sheet of animals. We discuss how the modern church might re-envision its story just as Peter did that afternoon on the roof. We even make it to the Danger Zone!!
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, we explore the notion of God as mother, looking at the maternal images in scripture and wonder why the church has been slow to embrace using these images in worship.
For more information on the podcast, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists podcast, we talk the Easter story from Luke 24:1-12 and how this story of trauma and suffering can move us to a sense of hope and wonder, transforming our lives in the process.
To learn more about the Bad Calvinists Podcast, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, we welcome Rev. Dr. Jeff Schooley to talk the dangers of nostalgia, how to take on a more holistic view of history and how we see God working through the past to bring new life right now.
For more information about the podcast, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this week's episode of The Bad Calvinists Podcast, we welcome Rev. Dr. Mark Parsons to the show to talk NEXT LEVEL LOVE!! Diving into Joseph's story in Genesis and the Sermon on the Mount, we discuss power, letting go of your ego, and the small steps we might take to love like Christ.
For more information and previous episodes of the Bad Calvinists, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
This week on the Bad Calvinists Podcast, we welcome Rev. Trip Porch from Indianola Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio to share his sermon based on Hebrews 12, entitled How to Endure. We talk running marathons, surviving this wild journey of life, and how our faith community can carry us along the way.
For more information and past episodes, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
This week the Bad Calvinists welcome Rev. Amy Miracle from Broad Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus Ohio to talk about her sermon "Can We Talk?" We discuss scripture, sex, and how the church can encourage Christians to develop a healthy sexual ethic.
For more information about the Bad Calvinists Podcast, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this week's edition of the Bad Calvinists, we tackle the most depressing prophet, Jeremiah and wrestle with God's words to the Israelite exiles to settle in to a long exile. How can coming to terms with our current situation actually be an act of hope and faith?
For more information and past episodes of The Bad Calvinists, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this new episode of the Bad Calvinists, we discuss one of Joel's sermons on Ephesians 6 where Paul calls us to unity so we may overcome the power of the present darkness. How do we stay together as humans despite all the things that push us apart? Are we bold enough to start where it hurts and remind one another of our shared suffering?
For more information on the Bad Calvinists or to access our previous episodes, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
The Bad Calvinists are BACK for season 3 with a brand new episode!! Jason brings his sermon on Isaiah 43 & Mark 1 and how God is always doing a new thing in our midst. How do we have a proper relationship with the past so we may step into the future God has prepared for us?
We are really excited about what season 3 has in store for the Bad Calvinists! This season will bring new guests and some great discussion on faith. Subscribe and stay tuned.
For more information on the podcast, visit our website at www.thebadcalvinists.com
In this final episode of season 2, the Bad Calvinists discuss the Parable of the Sower from Luke 8 and argue about whether Gray's sermon is Calvinist enough.
We will be taking a short break for the summer of 2021 and be back in the fall with a whole new season of episodes.
For more information about the Bad Calvinists, visit www.thebadcalvinsits.com
On this special episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray tackle the doctrine of Total Depravity, made famous (or infamous) by John Calvin.
To learn more about the Bad Calvinists or listen to old episodes, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray discuss how we experience change in our lives through our faith. How does God bring about changing our hearts?
For more information about the Bad Calvinists Podcast or our episode archive, visit www.thebadcalvinists.com.
On this special episode of The Bad Calvinists Podcast, Jason, Gray and Joel do some confessing. But just not the kind of confessing you are thinking about. The guys discuss the Book of Confessions, the theological database of the PCUSA, and try to figure out why it exists and what we can learn from it.
If you want to learn more about The Bad Calvinists Podcast, you can visit www.thebadcalvinists.com where you will find our information & our podcast archives.
On this special Holy Week episode, the Bad Calvinists discuss how the suffering of Christ on the cross actually binds us closer to him and one another.
For more information about our podcast and old episodes, you can visit our website www.thebadcalvinists.com
Welcome back to The Bad Calvinists podcast. On this episode, Gray discusses his love for the PBS show This Old House and how this show is a perfect metaphor for how the church needs to approach change and growth. Bringing in story of Jacob wrestling God from Genesis 32, we discuss how sacred wounds are what leads us to new life.
For more information and past episodes, go to www.thebalcalvinists.com
Thanks for listening.
Take a deep dive with The Bad Calvinists as Jason, Joel and Gray discuss the controversial and strange book of Revelation. Why has this book captivated generations of Christians and how might we seek a bolder understanding of what is happening on its pages?
For more information about The Bad Calvinists and past episodes, visit our website: www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this episode of The Bad Calvinists Podcast, Gray, Jason, and Joel discuss the story of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14:22-33 and debate whether Peter should have stayed in the boat instead of trying to walk on water.
You can learn more about us at www.thebadcalvinists.com
On this week's episode of the Bad Calvinists, the boys dive into Jesus' baptism story from Mark and discuss how we might reclaim our belovedness in God as a foundation of our Christian faith.
Thanks for listening to the Bad Calvinist Podcast. We are three PC(USA) pastors who talk scripture and modern day faith. You can find out more on www.thebadcalvinists.com
SEASON 2 PREMIERE! On this episode of The Bad Calvinists Podcast, Jason, Joel & Gray explore John 7:53-8:11 known as the story of the woman accused of adultery. We discuss the radical approach Jesus uses to protect this woman & the ways he offers new life to woman and her accusers.
In this episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray deep dive into the first chapter of John and try to figure out why John would start his gospel with this cosmic origin story for Jesus, the Word.
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray discuss the New Testament figure, Joseph and discuss what we might learn from this memorable character from the Christmas story.
This was recorded before the pandemic. Season 2 coming in January 2021!!
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, the boys discuss the story of Zacchaeus from Luke & discuss how this story challenges who we include at God's table of grace.
On this week's episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray discuss what they have learned about the church during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray talk with therapist Andy Solovey about how to deal with the grief we experiencing in the midst of the global health pandemic. The discussion is centered around the story of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane from Matthew 26:36-46.
In this special pandemic episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel & Gray unpack the raising of Lazarus story from John 11 and how to wrestle with grief during our current health crisis. How might practice the risky vulnerability that Jesus displays in this story?
On this special pandemic edition of the Bad Calvinists, the guys wrestle with Psalm 23 and how it speaks our current health crisis. How is God present to us in the present moment especially as our congregations are physically separated?
In this episode of the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel, and Gray discuss a new way of looking at how churches might measure success in their ministry. Moving way from the anxiety of numbers, how might the church inspire spiritual, mental, and physical well-being to our communities?
In this special live recorded episode from the Annual Presbyterian Women's Gathering, the Bad Calvinists discuss the first commandment to "love the Lord God alone" & how we still struggle with this commandment today. Then we move onto Mark 12:28-34 where Jesus is asked what is the greatest commandment & the relationship between loving your neighbor and loving God.
In this week's episode of the Bad Calvinists, the pastors discuss Jesus' healing of the crippled woman from Luke 13:10-17. Is this simply a physical healing from her ailment or is there something more going on in this story?
In this episode, the Bad Calvinists discuss the infamous story of David and Bathsheba from 2nd Samuel 11-12. They talk about how toxic masculinity plays a huge part in this story and how to apply the lessons we learn from King David in our current society.
On this episode of The Bad Calvinists, Gray and Joel (without Jason this week) discuss loneliness and its effect upon our communities. How might we deal with loneliness in a positive way that builds up our own self-esteem as well as a community of support?
The Bad Calvinists, with special guest Rev. Dr. Anne Solovey Marshall, discuss one of Jason's favorite passages, Matthew 19:26 "With God, all things are possible."
On this episode of the Bad Calvinists, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Anne Marshall to discuss how we talk about God. The words we use to describe God affect how we see and treat our neighbors. How might we open our vocabulary and our minds to a wider understanding of God and how God works in the world?
Note: the quality is lower this episode due to a recording error. We apologize for the inconvenience.
In this episode of the Bad Calvinists, they discuss the necessity of boundaries in all aspects of our lives together especially our faith communities. By learning these healthy boundaries modeled by Jesus in Mark 6:30, we can bring out the best in each other.
In this special live recorded episode from the floor of Scotia Valley Presbytery, the Bad Calvinists discuss the parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16. They ask the question that this parable elicits "Is God's grace fair?"
During this episode, The Bad Calvinists discuss one of the most famous parables in the Bible, known as the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. We make a case for why this story should go by another name and why inclusive table fellowship is so central in understanding this parable. Come on into the party! There's plenty for all to enjoy!
On this episode, the Bad Calvinists tackle yet another challenging theological concept: atonement or how did Jesus save us through the cross and his resurrection? We discuss the various understandings of atonement, if God is transactional with God's love, and the Eastern Orthodox understanding of salvation.
On this very special episode of the Bad Calvinists, Joel, Gray and special guest Andy Solovey talk about one of the essential beliefs of Calvinism, predestination. How do we talk about predestination in today's church?
This week on the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray discuss the Mary and Martha story from Luke 10:38-42. What shape should discipleship take? Should we value service over contemplation or is there necessary space for both?
On this episode, we complete our Bad Calvinists Pulpit Tour with a LIVE podcast with an audience made up of our congregation members and friends. We discuss our lingering questions concerning this story of Abraham and Isaac and then take Q & A from the audience. We recommend that you listen to the Pulpit Tour sermons in our feed before you listen to this podcast.
The Bad Calvinists Pulpit Tour sermon "The God who Bleeds" preached by Rev. Joel Esala at First Presbyterian Church Chillicothe, Ohio. In preparation for our podcast on the almost sacrifice of Isaac, Jason, Joel and Gray switched pulpits and all preaching on the same text, Genesis 22.
The Bad Calvinists Pulpit Tour sermon "The Terrible Weight" preached by Rev. Gray Marshall at Circleville Presbyterian Church. In preparation for our podcast on the almost sacrifice of Isaac, Jason, Joel and Gray switched pulpits and all preaching on the same text, Genesis 22.
The Bad Calvinists Pulpit Tour sermon "Here I Am" preached by Rev. Dr. Jason Link at First Presbyterian Church Washington Court House, Ohio. In preparation for our podcast on the almost sacrifice of Isaac, Jason, Joel and Gray switched pulpits and all preaching on the same text, Genesis 22.
On this week's podcast, the Bad Calvinists explore the Book of Job with licensed counselor Andy Solovey. We tackle the heavy subjects of lament, why we suffer, and does God repent at the end of the book.
This week on the Bad Calvinists, Jason, Joel and Gray discuss what it means to live a costly faith. Too often we live a comfortable faith that asks very little from us. How might we challenge ourselves to sacrifice for the oppressed and marginalized in our communities?
In this episode, Jason, Joel and Gray discuss the Wedding at Cana found in John 2:1-12 and how this story helps us stay in the present moment in our lives.
This week on the Bad Calvinists, Joel, Jason and Gray discuss an alternative reading of Matthew 18:21-35, usually called the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. We dig into whether the King is a stand-in for God, the downside of the debt collecting business, and what to do with the violence at the end of the parable. Recorded just after Christmas of 2018.
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The Bad Calvinists take on a weighty topic this week: What happens when God doesn't answer your prayers? Going down this theological minefield, we discuss how feeling separated from God is a necessary part of our faith lives, how we should define prayer, and how suffering may be a great teacher.
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The three Bad Calvinists in this podcast discuss of the joy of being wrong. How might we be more willing to sit in uncertainty in our lives and in our faith? What value do you place on your need to be right all the time? We examine Matthew 16:21-23 where Peter rebukes Jesus about what a Messiah should look like.
Today on the podcast, the Bad Calvinists Jason, Joel and Gray take on the heavy and emotionally charged topic of forgiveness. What does it look like to accept and give forgiveness? What do we miss when we don't forgive ourselves and others? What are the challenges and struggles of offering and receiving the forgiveness that Jesus offers us? Hope you enjoy this conversation.
In the episode, Jason, Joel and Gray discuss the book of Ruth and how its story leads us to understand generosity in a whole new way. The book of Ruth is one of the most powerful books of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its themes of scarcity and abundance speak directly to our modern-day faith lives.
The Bad Calvinists discuss church conflict and how we might manage it in a healthy way instead of allowing it to tear us apart. How might we reaffirm the bonds we share even in the midst of disagreement and strife? We use Matthew 18:15-17 as a basis for this conversation.
In this podcast, Joel, Gray and Jason discuss Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman in Mark 7 and how this interaction changes Jesus and us in the process. How can we intentionally open our hearts to new voices so that we might hear the gospel anew?
In this podcast, Joel, Gray and Jason discuss the strange book of Leviticus and how we as modern-day Christians might engage with this text. How can the rituals from this book inspire our faith today?
In this our inaugural podcast, we discuss what it means to be created in God's image. How do we balance the idea of original sin with the original goodness we have received from God? Jason, Joel and Gray are joined by behavioral health therapist, Andy Solovey for this long-form conversation.