The Mockingcast

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class=" wp-image-40222 alignright" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="261" height="261" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 261px) 100vw, 261px" /></a>In this episode of the show we talk with some really interesting people. We begin with a conversation with J.R. Rozko, co-director of the Mission Alliance (<a href="http://www.missioalliance.org" target="_blank">www.missioalliance.org</a>). They are doing a series of conference gatherings to explore what different past traditions have to offer the church and its mission in a post-Christian future. We’ll actually be doing a live recording of the show at their May gathering in Philadelphia which will look at the Reformation tradition (<a href="http://www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/reformedevent/" target="_blank">http://www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/reformedevent/</a>). Then we chat with Aaron Zimmerman, rector of St. Alban’s Church in Waco Texas. He shares his top five insights for preachers who want to preach more life giving and graced sermons. (<a href="http://www.stalbanswaco.org/sermon-podcast" target="_blank">http://www.stalbanswaco.org/sermon-podcast</a>). We conclude talking about our wrap up post, <em>Another Week Ends</em>. As usual you can find all the content we discuss at our website<a href="http://www.mbird.com" target="_blank"> www.mbird.com</a>.</p> The post The Protest Vote and The Magic of Protestantism appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 alignleft" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>In this episode we talk with first time guest Stephanie Phillips about the dance working career moms have to do and how she changed her dance steps. Then David Zahl shares some thoughts about the nature of criticism (the literary and artistic kind), beauty and the place of the church in the world.</p> The post Everyone’s A Critic appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 alignleft" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>In this episode of the Mockingcast we have Sarah Condon reflecting on the futility of the New Year’s Resolution and how it connects to the Lenten journey. We also have Ethan Richardson sharing his take on the contents of <em>Another Week Ends</em>, the weekly round-up post from <a href="http://www.mbird.com" target="_blank">www.mbird.com.</a><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><br /> The post Regret, Resolve and the Possibility of Relief appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 alignleft" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>This special edition of the Mockingcast comes to you by the good graces of Greg Strawbridge. Greg <a href="http://allsaints-church.com" target="_blank">is a pastor in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.</a> He’s also a musician and an online sound producer extraordinaire. You can find his interviews, sermons and talks at <a href="http://wordmp3.com" target="_blank">wordmp3.com.</a></p> Greg and I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Oppenheimer, editor of Tablet magazine, regular New York Times contributor, host of the Unorthodox podcast, and one of only two authors published in both Playboy and The Christian Century. The conversation is a virtual Judeo-Christian jubilee where we talk about faith, culture and life and everything in between. The post A Conversation With Mark Oppenheimer appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 alignleft" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>This week we talk about the contents of Another Week Ends with David Zahl as he hunkers down in preparation for the first impending blizzard of 2016.<a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><br /> The post Talking Science, Shame, and Satire in the wake of the Snowpocalypse appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-40222" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a>In this week’s episode we cover the highlights of Another Week Ends with David Zahl. As usual all the content we mention can be found on our website: <a href="http://www.mbird.com" target="_blank">www.mbird.com.</a> Have a great weekend.</p> The post David Bowie, David Brooks and the God Who Hates When We Hate Our Mess appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 alignleft" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>In this special edition of The Mockingcast we talk with Will McDavid about the state of the Church as of 2015. We also get a rundown on Todd Brewer’s best theological reads from 2015.</p> The post Mockingcast Special Edition: The State of Theology and Church in 2015 appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-40222" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p> In this episode C.J. Green breaks down the highlightd of Another Week Ends. We consider the power of Derek Webb’s recent published confession, talk about failure and mediocrity, and consider how the story of our lives isn’t always one we can chart with any kind of rational metric. All this and a special guest appearance by Paul Zahl who reflects on the rise of Trump and what it tells us about the country and ourselves. The post The Power of Confession, The Fear of Failure, and Paul Zahl on Donald Trump appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p> </p>   This is our Christmas Show. It’s short, sweet and full of Christmas cheer. Enjoy. And Merry Christmas! Show Notes: Here is the essay by Dan Harmon which was quoted at the beginning of the show. The post Have Yourself A Mockingbird Christmas Time appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p>In this episode we n<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-40222" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />ot only run down some of the most interesting stories in <em>Another Week Ends</em>, we talk about food shaming and judgment at holiday parties, as well as offering our own review of <em>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</em>.</p> The post Stuff Your Face In Front Of The Elf On The Shelf, Right After You Go See Star Wars appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 alignright" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>Another week ends…In a world that seems unpredicable, chaotic and sometimes downright scary both the religious and the irreligious seem drawn to creating hermetically sealed safe spaces. But no matter what you can’t escape door to door proseletizers. Maybe that’s a good thing. All this and more in this week’s episode of the Mockingcast.</p> The post Find Your Safe Space appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 aligncenter" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> This week we talk about the increasing burden of shame in our culture and the new trend of “prayer shaming.” We also talk a little about Bill Murray as secular saint and consider why we’re all drawn to D.I.Y. spirituality. To read about all this and more check out this week’s edition of Another Week Ends: http://www.mbird.com/2015/12/another-week-ends-prayer-shaming-gracious-sermons-magical-libraries-st-bill-of-murray/ The post There’s No Shame In Being Bill Murray appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3001.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-40221" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3001.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3001.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3001-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3001-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>Every year at the end of November we gather with friends and family eat, drink and watch football and listen to people tell us how grateful we should be. What’s the source of gratitude and what robs us of the ability to be grateful? In this special edition we chat with Sarah Condon about grace, parenting and bringing toddlers to church. The podcast concludes with a homily from David Zahl entitled “The Mother of all Virtues.” For resources mentioned in the podcast or to find out more about Mockingbird visit our website: <a href="http://www.mbird.com" target="_blank">www.mbird.com</a>.</p>     The post Thanksgiving Edition…Grace and Gratitude appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-40222 alignnone" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor-300x300" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p> In this episode of the Mockingcast we look at the a phenomenon in Palo Alto and what it tells us about the performance pressure cooker in which we all find ourselves. We also ask what grace has to do with it.   The post Asking Polly What To Do When You’ve Been Pulverized In Palo Alto appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<p><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/adrift_Fotor.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-40176 alignleft" src="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/adrift_Fotor-300x300.jpg" alt="adrift_Fotor" width="300" height="300" srcset="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/adrift_Fotor-300x300.jpg 300w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/adrift_Fotor-150x150.jpg 150w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/adrift_Fotor-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/adrift_Fotor-100x100.jpg 100w, http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/adrift_Fotor.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>How does wonder shape the way we approach people outside the faith, people with whom we deeply disagree and how might it help us see our own stories? All that and Guns N’ Roses on this week’s edition of the Mockingcast.</p>   The post Wonder As A Wellspring Of Life appeared first on New Persuasive Words.