And Also With You

Rev. Dr. Amey Victoria Adkins-Jones, a Mariology expert and theologian, dives into the significant role of the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition. She discusses Mary's virginity and its implications for understanding motherhood and consent, challenging traditional narratives. Adkins-Jones emphasizes the need to view Mary through Black feminist lenses, offering new insights into her theological significance. Additionally, she reflects on Mary's experience and presence in Jesus' life, arguing for her essential role in the Nicene Creed and contemporary faith.

Rev. Lisa Yebuah, lead pastor of Southeast Raleigh Table and a dynamic community advocate, explores the profound implications of incarnation in this insightful discussion. She delves into how salvation transcends mere moralism, focusing on holistic healing and communal well-being. The conversation reframes the notion of flesh, celebrating it as inherently good and a divine invitation to intimacy. Lisa challenges listeners to engage in embodied allyship, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with marginalized bodies while living out their creeds in tangible ways.

Reverend Jacob Breeze, an ordained Episcopal priest and PhD candidate in Systematic Theology, delves into the profound lines of the Nicene Creed regarding Jesus Christ. He discusses how specific grammar preserves the distinct identities of the Father and Son while maintaining their divine unity. Jacob highlights the importance of beginning with Jesus to understand God's humility in salvation. He also explores the Creed's paradox of Christ being both unmade in divinity and made human, emphasizing the rich tapestry of biblical imagery and the significance of using inclusive language in worship.

The hosts dive deep into why the Nicene Creed refers to God as 'Father,' challenging traditional gendered language. They explore how this term relates to parental, rather than biological, imagery. Interesting discussions reveal diverse scriptural metaphors for God, including nurturing and marital imagery. They also critique the simplistic portrayals of God, advocating for a more inclusive understanding. Feminist perspectives are woven in, highlighting the inadequacy of parental metaphors while affirming God's relationship with creation.

Meredith Miller, a pastor and author known for helping families nurture faith without the need for healing, joins the discussion. She tackles the complexities of 'Jesus is the reason for the season' amidst holiday commercialization. Meredith shares practical tips for instilling a meaningful faith in children, emphasizing joy versus stress during the holidays. She critiques traditions like 'Elf on the Shelf,' highlights the importance of teaching compassion towards differing values, and promotes the idea of breaking down the nativity story for deeper understanding.

Dive into the rich tapestry of the Nicene Creed as the hosts explore its significance today. They discuss the communal nature of faith, emphasizing that belief is a collective journey. Hear insights on how baptism connects us as one body and the Ubuntu philosophy that highlights our interconnectedness. The conversation also tackles the complexity of the Trinity, advocating for understanding it as a beautiful mystery rather than a rigid concept. This engaging dialogue reveals how ancient beliefs continue to resonate in modern life.

Dr. Hannah Black, Ph.D., a scholar of early Christianity, delves into the intriguing history of the Nicene Creed, exploring its significance as a unifying statement of faith for Christians globally. She discusses the Council of Nicaea, the political maneuvering by Constantine, and the controversial Arian controversy that shaped its formation. Hannah highlights how creeds define orthodoxy and emphasizes the duality of unity and conflict within Christian belief, all while acknowledging the voices of marginalized Christians from that era.

Brian Recker, a former evangelical pastor and author of "Hellbent," unpacks the destructive nature of hell theology in Christianity. He shares his journey from fundamentalism to a restorative, love-centered spirituality. The discussion explores how fear of hell controls church culture and complicates faith. Brian argues for justice without punishment and invites listeners to envision a faith motivated by love rather than fear. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging real-world hells and the transformative power of letting go of certainty in favor of love.

Luke Zara, priest and parish leader, reflects on fatherhood with pastoral insight. Jonathan McManus Dale, priest for children and father of two, shares playful parenting perspectives. They talk about cultural pressures on parenting, how hands-on fathering reshapes faith and images of God, rising father involvement, the joy of play and presence, and practical encouragement for dads.

Rev. Mia Kano, a part-time Episcopal rector and mother navigating PCOS and prior fertility loss. Rev. Reagan Gonzalez, an Episcopal priest and mother focused on inclusive community ministry. They talk about unexpected pregnancy: the surprise and medical risks, grief alongside joy, humor masking pain, tensions between agency and theology, and how communities can accompany and support people through unplanned parenthood.