Crackers and Grape Juice

Episode 460: Rabbi Joseph Edelheit - Weep With Those Who Weep

On this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, Teer and Jason sit down with Rabbi Joseph for an honest and deeply personal conversation about what it means to be Jewish in a time of global conflict. As headlines from Gaza continue to grieve and divide, Rabbi Joseph offers a perspective shaped by history, faith, and heartbreak—speaking candidly about the loneliness many Jews feel, the complexity of the moment, and the challenge of holding grief for all who suffer.This is not an easy conversation. But it’s a necessary one. Together, we ask: What does it mean to tell the truth without resorting to partisanship? What does it look like to love our neighbors when the world tempts us toward sides? And how can Christians and Jews move toward one another in a time when it feels easier to retreat?If you're looking for a place to start—not to solve, but to understand—this conversation is a step in that direction.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Episode 459: Walter Bruggemann

In this special episode honoring the life and witness of Walter Brueggemann, we revisit a conversation that captures his prophetic brilliance and pastoral heart. Jason, Teer, and Taylor sit down with the legendary Old Testament theologian (whose books can be found on just about every pastor’s shelf) to talk about what it means to be a community of resistance, the radical challenge of sabbath, and his favorite word for describing the biblical encounter between David and Bathsheba. Brueggemann’s voice was bold, unsettling, and always grounded in the hope of God’s coming kingdom. We’re grateful to share this conversation again, as a tribute to a theologian who taught us to speak truthfully and live faithfully.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Episode 458: Amy Mantravadi - Broken Bonds

In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, we’re joined by author and historian Amy Mantravadi to talk about her new novel, Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation. Amy shares the inspiration behind her richly detailed historical fiction, how the tumult and theology of the Reformation continue to echo in our modern world, and why fiction can be a powerful medium for engaging the past.We also dive into her love for church history, and the unique path that led her from political science and international security to writing novels in Dayton, Ohio. Whether you're a Reformation nerd, a fiction fan, or just here for the witty banter, this one’s for you.Check out Amy’s writing at amymantravadi.substack.com/  and learn more about Broken Bonds wherever books are sold.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Episode 457: Lessons on Theocentric Preaching in a Modern World from Fleming Rutledge

In this special episode of Crackers & Grape Juice, Teer Hardy and Jason Micheli sit down with Bishop Will Willimon and Rev. Tony Robinson to celebrate the life, legacy, and theological firepower of The Rev. Fleming Rutledge. Together, they explore the depth and breadth of Rutledge’s influence on contemporary preaching and theological discourse.From her theocentric preaching style to her razor-sharp use of language, Rutledge's sermons never flinch from the hard truths—sin, salvation, resurrection, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. The conversation traverses her Southern roots, her unapologetic embrace of proclamation over persuasion, and the way her preaching cuts through the noise of modern, therapeutic homiletics.With a mix of personal stories, sharp wit, and deep reverence, Jason, Teer, Will, and Tony reflect on what makes Rutledge’s work so urgently necessary for the church today—and what it means to preach like it matters. Tune in for a spirited theological tribute to one of the great voices of our time.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Episdoe 456: Caleb Campbell - Disarming Leviathan

Caleb Campbell joins the pod to discuss his experiences engaging with Christian Nationalists and the impact of this movement on his congregation and the broader Church. In his book, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, Caleb emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach to address the issue, highlighting the importance of connecting with individuals on a personal level and focusing on shared values. For Caleb, Christian Nationalism is not a problem for the church in the United States to solve, but rather is a mission field.Links and Resources:https://www.ivpress.com/disarming-leviathanhttps://substack.com/@disarmingleviathanhttps://www.disarmingleviathan.com/Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.