Testimony Tuesday: Larry Carlson

Unpacking Our Pastor's Bookshelf: The Radical Reading List

What happens when your pastor drops a reading list that is 130 books deep? If you’re Todd and Sean, you roll up your sleeves and dive right in. In this episode, we are taking on the ultimate theological challenge: tackling our pastor's massive, curated book list from a radical Lutheran perspective. We’re unpacking the themes, questioning the picks, and figuring out what these 130 titles say about faith, grace, and the world today. Whether you’re looking for your next deep theological read or just want to hear us try to process a library’s worth of literature in one sitting, this one is for you. Because the list is way too long to fit in these show notes, you can check out all 130 books for yourself right here: https://pastebin.com/F8ceFa2S [https://pastebin.com/F8ceFa2S] Grab a coffee (or a beer), hit play, and let’s get into it.

Todd & Sean’s Food Fight: Squaring Off Over the Sacrament

Here is a podcast episode description tailored for Todd and Sean, ready to drop into your show notes. It leans into your Rebel and Reformer brand, highlights the radical Lutheran perspective, and sets up the breakdown of the different theological views. Is it a symbol, a memory, or a radical reality? In this episode of Rebel and Reformer, Todd and Sean tackle one of the most fiercely debated topics in church history: the Lord’s Supper. For centuries, Christians have drawn lines in the sand over what actually happens when we gather around the bread and the wine. Is it just an object lesson? A spiritual encounter? Or is it something far more scandalous? As radical Lutherans, Todd and Sean are throwing out the watered-down, sentimental views of communion to look at the grit and glory of the Real Presence. They break down the major camps—from transubstantiation to memorialism—and explain why the historic Lutheran view isn't just a theological technicality, but a comforting, rebellious proclamation of pure grace. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join the conversation as the guys sort through the history, the scripture, and the theological "food fights" that changed the church forever. * The Great Divide: A breakdown of the Catholic, Reformed, Baptist, and Lutheran views of communion. * Why Martin Luther literally carved "This IS My Body" into a table and refused to compromise. * The radical comfort of a God who shows up in the physical, messy elements of earth. * How the Lord’s Supper flips the script on modern DIY spirituality.

The Promise in the Water: Focusing on the Objective Word over Subjective Feelings

Hook: It’s not a bath; it’s a burial. Most people see baptism as a nice family photo op or a symbolic "choice." At Rebel and Reformer, we see it as a crime scene. We’re diving into the radical reality of water baptism: the place where the "Old Adam" is drowned and a new creation is dragged out of the water. Join us as we explore the scandalous claim that God uses ordinary tap water to kill off our egos and give us a life we didn't earn.

Sola Musica

The world loves its rules and its rituals, but this podcast is about the freedom found in the fray. In this episode of Rebel and Reformer, we are setting aside the standard programming to bring you a session of raw creativity and a bold new proclamation. We’re moving the conversation from the pulpit to the playlist, exploring how the "theology of the cross" sounds when it’s set to music. * Todd at the Mic: Todd steps up to share a selection of songs that embody the rebel spirit. These tracks aren't about polished perfection or "shiny" worship; they’re about the honest, grit-and-grace reality of making music that actually means something in a broken world. * The New Mission: Sean is officially nailing a new manifesto to the digital door. He’s announcing the launch of Rebel and Reformer: Sola Musica—a dedicated space for those who find their truth in a melody and their vocation in a verse. In the tradition of the reformers, we believe that music is a gift from God that drives away the devil and makes people joyful. Join us as we celebrate the power of the song to challenge the status quo and pierce through the legalism of modern life. Sola Musica—by music alone, we find our way through the noise. Subscribe to the new music channel and witness the manifesto in action here: 👉 Rebel and Reformer: Sola Musica on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@rebelandreformersolamusica?si=Cbjiln-GGhuaIsmq]

Testimony Tuesday: Larry Carlson

In this special edition of Testimony Tuesday, we sit down with Larry—a retired history teacher, a newlywed, and a fascinating author. Larry shares the latest milestones in his life, including his recent marriage, and offers an uplifting reminder to Todd and Sean that there is always hope, no matter the season of life. We also dive into Larry’s literary world, exploring the inspiration behind his published works and getting a sneak peek at what he’s currently writing. * Lessons from the Past: Reflections from Larry's years as a history teacher and how retirement has opened up new chapters. * A New Beginning: Larry’s journey into marriage and the message of hope he brings to the table. * The Author’s Desk: A deep dive into Presbies on the Hill and the remarkable story behind his book on the "magnificent molecule." * Ecumenical Harmony: We finally provide the living proof that a Presbyterian and a couple of Lutherans can actually be friends—no formal debate required! * What’s Next: A first look at Larry’s upcoming book project. Note to Listeners: Please bear with us regarding the audio quality in the middle of the episode. We weren't recording in the "Upper Room" this time, but the message is worth the listen! Featured Books: * There is a River: Water, the Magnificent Molecule [https://www.amazon.com/There-River-Water-Magnificent-Molecule/dp/1973600595] * Presbies on the Hill * Stay tuned for Larry’s next release!