Cocktail Theology

NEW EPISODE! Benton and Elane have a conversation sparked by Benton's brand-new song, "Take the Throne," which leads them to unpack traditional Christian imagery about kingship, power, and the maturity it takes to surrender control. It's a thoughtful discussion on the ongoing process of deconstruction, the dangers of making yourself the final arbiter of your own kingdom, and learning how to hold onto the foundational pieces of your religious past without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Cocktail: Basil Smash Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online. "Take The Throne" Words & music by Benton Stokes ©2026 Songs From The Basement/BMI. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.  

NEW EPISODE! Elane and Benton respond to a listener's letter expressing her trouble with worshipping God. She poses the question, "Does God need our constant fawning?" Which leads to the question, "Is God a narcissist?" A lively conversation about what worship is (and isn't), what makes someone a narcissist, and why lime and artichoke work so well together in a cocktail.  Cocktail: The Lime & The Artichoke Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

NEW EPISODE! Benton and Elane open Season 7 with a conversation about Jesus' Resurrection. Why didn't everyone recognize Jesus after he left the tomb? How could he walk through walls? How important is the Resurrection to what happened on the Cross? All these questions and more, plus a tasty rum cocktail. Cocktail: The Lazarus Soul Note: When they recorded this episode, Benton and Elane thought this would be The Season Of Video Podcasting. They found that having the camera on made them less honest and spontaneous, so ditched the idea. Let your visual imaginations run wild instead! Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton reflect on what Christmas means to them this year while enjoying a classic holiday cocktail. Cocktail: Tom & Jerry Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

What is purpose, where does it come from, and why is it so important? Has it already been chosen for us? Are our life stories already written down in God's Big Book Of Everything? Elane and Benton ponder purpose, callings, and the will of God while sipping a new cocktail. Cocktail: The Inglenook Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

There's only one reality, but each of us experiences it differently. That can be a useful—even a beautiful—thing. But it can also be a barrier to consensus, even conversation.  And can wreak havoc around holiday tables. Benton and Elane chat about the reality of…reality. Cocktail: Thanksgiving Cocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Elane and Benton share what Thanksgiving (the day and the practice) mean to them, as well as some things they're thankful for. They also discuss the importance of not just being grateful for things, but also thanking people (and God) for those things.  Cocktail: Maple Rye Old Fashioned Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

NEW EPISODE! Most Americans, when asked about their faith, say they are religiously unaffiliated. Elane and Benton chat about "the Nones," finding and nurturing awe, and how spirituality is a part of all us. Cocktail: Glass & Bottle Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

What do you mean when you call yourself a Christian? Benton and Elane answer that question for themselves while sipping an interesting gin cocktail. Cocktail: Three Of A Kind Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Elane and Benton welcome their good friend, Father Ricardo Avila—a gay, Latino, Episcopalian priest—to an honest conversation about what it means to be LGBTQ+ and work in ministry. They also enjoy a flight of six different rums! Cocktail: Rum Flight Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Every November, Dia de los Muertos honors loved ones who have passed with both revelry and reverence. African-Americans talk of turning to their ancestors for wisdom and guidance. Yet death remains a difficult thing for most of us to talk about. Elane and Benton chat about death while enjoying a prickly cocktail. Cocktail: Prickly Pear Margarita Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton and Elane chat about what makes someone a martyr, what doesn't, and why our culture is hung up on martyrdom. Cocktail: Enrico Palazzo Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Cynicism is becoming more and more common among us these days. Elane and Benton discuss ideas for combatting it (hint: awe is a good place to start) while sipping a rum cocktail. Cocktail: Bouteiller Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online. #progressivechristian #spirituality #queerchristian #cocktails #podcast #lgbtq+ #postevangelical #christianlife #cynical #cynicism #awe #wonder

Does someone's weight have anything to do with their spirituality? Well…it depends. Benton and Elane talk about body image and how the way we see ourselves—and what we do to sustain or change that—can be a reflection of what's going on in our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. Cocktail: Midnight Fizz Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Benton and Elane chat about what books they've ben reading, what shows they've been streaming, and what music has been bringing them life lately. Cocktail: Rum Swizzle Correction: The book Elane mentions should be "Accidental Tourist" by Anne Tyler. Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton talk about the complicated concept of forgiveness—what it is, when to do it, and when not to. Cocktail: Closing Argument Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

If 'antichrist' is an adjective describing anything that is antithetical to the way Jesus lived and what he taught, then why is the term being applied to Jesus-followers who are trying to do the work of Jesus (feeding the poor, working for justice, etc)? And: who is "the Antichrist" and why are influencers, pastors, tech billionaires, and politicians on the right talking about him so much these days? Elane and Benton discuss over yummy tiki drinks. Cocktail: Smuggler's Cove's Straits Sling Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

If you've been a Christian any length of time, you're familiar with the idea that even though we are "in the world," we are not to be "of the world" (John 15:19, John 17:14-16, Romans 12:2). So what does that mean anyway? We are all obviously in the world, but how "in the world" can we be before we find ourselves being "of the world?" Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: Man O' War Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.   #progressivechristian #spirituality #queerchristian #cocktails #podcast #lgbtq+ #postevangelical #christianlife #intheworld #oftheworld #sin #worldliness #self-denial #characterbuilding

Elane and Benton chat about the Bible—what it is, what it isn't, and how to start (or restart) reading it—all while enjoying a classic three-ingredient cocktail. Cocktail: Bijou Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton and Elane discuss the legacy of Dr. James Dobson, conservative Christian psychologist, radio personality, and political figure. Cocktail: Passionfruit Mock Mojito Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

So suppose you REALLY want a BMW. Is it wrong to pray for a BMW? How disappointed will you be if God gives you a '78 Maverick instead? Benton and Elane discuss manifesting, prosperity theology, and praying for cars while sipping a mocktail. Cocktail: Basil Peach Mocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

How do you know when it's time to leave your church? Elane and Benton chat about the reasons why someone might choose to leave their church home—and the reasons why they should stay. Cocktail: Murky Matcha Mint Mocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton attended his grandfather's funeral and two different approaches to how one gets to heaven—or ends up in hell—were presented. He and Elane discuss what it means to be "in" or "out," and the difference between being motivated by love instead of fear. Cocktail: Hibiscus Mint Mocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton discuss what it means to see someone—or oneself—as being selfish, and the distinctions between selfishness and self-awareness. Cocktail: My Tailor Is Rich Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Benton likes to be thought of as a nice person. But is being nice important? He and Elane chat about niceness, manners, kindness, and the fruits of the Spirit while sipping a tasty sparkling cocktail. Cocktail: Americano Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

NEW EPISODE! In a world that is often upended because of our president's whims, it's important to have something bigger, more consistent and reliable, to hang onto. Benton and Elane chat about who or what that might be while enjoying a delicious new cocktail. Cocktail: Eventide Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

A listener shared a viral video that captures a circle of charismatic Christians praying freely and fervently outside the White House. Elane and Benton discuss the many issues with this while sipping a Dubonnet cocktail.  Cocktail: The Dandy Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

In Acts 2, there is a description of how early Christians lived—eating together, praying together, supporting each other in all the ways. Elane poses the question: What would it look like to live that way today? Benton introduces a new original 3-ingredient cocktail. Cocktail: Tahitian Monk Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Most of us have felt like a victim at some point. When someone breaks into your home. When you're on the receiving end of a breakup you didn't see coming. When you get passed over for a promotion again. Feeling (or being) victimized and living as though you are a victim are not the same. Elane and Benton discuss the debilitating effects of victimhood. Cocktail: Corpse Reviver #2 Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Benton and Elane recount the people and experiences in their lives that have helped guide and shape their faith. Cocktail: Poet's Dream Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What if the Holy Spirit showed up in Los Angeles today the way She did in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost? And how would we know if She did? Elane and Benton ponder these and other questions about the Holy Spirit and how She interacts with humanity and how we respond (or don't) when She does. Cocktail: Elixir Tropicale Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

In celebration of the release of WHAT IS QUEER FOOD?, the new book written by our friend, multi-award-winning writer John Birdsall, this is a newly edited conversation between Elane and John that was recorded in 2023 at John's home in Tucson, Arizona. At the time, John was in the early stages of writing the book that would become WHAT IS QUEER FOOD? The book is John's deeply personal and well-researched story-sharing of the relationship between modern American food culture and the lives and revolutions of LGBTQ+ folks.    Cocktail: Brown Derby Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

The Roman Catholic Church (and the world) has a new pope. Many Protestant Christians don't see why the Pope is important, or even relevant, to the lives of non-Catholics. Elane and Benton chat about why all of us should be paying attention to what Pope Leo has to say. (For more, listen to our interview with Father James Martin--season 4, episode 10) Cocktail: The Chicago Cocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What if humanity is suffering from a lack of wonder? Our need for control and certainty has left us with a God who has been demystified, and a President who captures our attention. Elane and Benton discuss wonder and how its absence has impacted our experience of life, God, and practically everything else. 

Christians throughout the ages have claimed the Cross as their banner while they committed atrocities against those who opposed them--or who were simply in the way. In America today, that behavior is evident in the Christian nationalist movement, where men want Jesus to be depicted as assertive and powerful, not compassionate and humble. Elane and Benton chat about this while sipping Pink Ladies for the first time. Cocktail: Pink Lady aka Karen Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's music wherever you stream your favorite artists.

In this last episode of the season, Elane and Benton share the Christmas songs they find most moving, most cringy, and most special. All while enjoying French 75's. Cocktail Theology will be back with new episodes in spring 2025! #progressivechristian #spirituality #queerchristian #cocktails #podcast  #lgbtq+ #postevangelical #christianlife #christmas #christmasmusic #christmassongs #holidaysongs #silentnight #thechipmunks #french75 Cocktail: French 75 Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

NEW EPISODE! The holidays present challenges for most of us. Family tensions. Grief. Issues around eating, drinking, and gifts. Benton and Elane have a conversation about practical ways to anticipate stressers during the season. Cocktail: Winter In Norfolk County Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What makes something spiritual? Is it the intent or spirituality of its creator? Is it how the thing is received? And what does it mean for something to "spiritual" anyway? Benton and Elane ponder these questions and more while sipping espresso martinis. Cocktail: Espresso Martini Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton have an in-depth conversation about what it means for Christians to be tolerant, accepting, or allies toward those who are different from us. Complete with Biblical examples. All while sipping a new cocktail. Cocktail: The Bitterbon Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton respond to a listener's question about the difference between mythology and theology. Cocktail: The Vancouver Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton and Elane have a lighthearted chat about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and what happens between—while enjoying an apple brandy cocktail. Cocktail: Without Borders Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Many Jesus-followers on the left (and some on the right) are understandably stunned, angry, and afraid at the election of Donald Trump. Could a rejection of elitism be what won Trump the office? Elane and Benton discuss the implications for now and for the long road ahead.    Cocktail: A Bitter Pill Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

NEW EPISODE! Recorded right before Election Day, Elane and Benton chat about Jesus' commandment to love—no matter who, no matter what. Cocktail: Apple Press Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton and Elane discuss Messianic Jews—that is, Jews who believe Jesus was/is the Messiah and behave kinda like evangelical Christians do. Does this seem weird to you? It's a little confusing, at least to Benton. There are qurestions and a few answers and drinkable Brown Derbys. Cocktail: Brown Derby Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Life presents us all with realities that merit reactions like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. Toxically positive Christians deny the existence of such emotions in people who believe God is always good. Elane and Benton have a lively conversation about toxic positivity over a just-okay gin cocktail. Cocktail: Delmonico Special Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

There are Christians who have some interesting views on why they shouldn't have to care for the planet. Elane and Benton have a conversation about some of those views, as well as the question we all face (or ignore): "What can I do?" Cocktail: Unnamed Chamomile Cocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What is baptism? Is it vital to a Christian's faith or salvation? Is it sacramental? Is it transformational? What did/does Jesus's baptism mean? All these questions and more as Benton and Elane explore the subject of baptism over cocktails. Cocktail: The Deacon Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Another in their series on what people who profess to be Christians believe, Elane and Benton explore what it means to be a practitioner of Christian Science. [Spoilers: Christain Scientists are considered Christians and some of their tenets might surprise you.] There are also Hemingway daiquiris.  Cocktail: Hemingway Daiquiri Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.    

Elane and Benton discuss the idea of personhood—when does a person become a person?—and the often controversial subject of reproductive rights. What does the Bible say about abortion? How would Jesus instruct his followers to ensure that women and children are cared for? Our hosts approach these and other questions while sipping an abominable cocktail. Cocktail: Gold Rush + Mint Julep Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton wrote Christian pop songs professionally in the 90s. In this episode, he and Elane chat about the current state of Christian pop, its odd relationship with the white evangelical church, and the unmistakable media dominance of K-LOVE. Cocktail: Frisco Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.