The Central Cast

5/17/26: The Third Testament: Rewriting Faith Beyond the Bible

This episode of The Central Cast explores the idea of a "Third Testament"—a living, relational faith that grows from experience rather than a fixed written text. Recorded live, the host reflects on a conference featuring leaders like Bishop Yvette Flunder and William Barber, and shares how those moments inspired a rethinking of scripture and worship. Contributors discuss deconstruction and reconstruction of Christian tradition, emergent strategy, the eight C's of internal family systems, and the tension between holding scripture lightly while drawing from its life-giving parts. The conversation centers on how small, compassionate practices and community can produce large-scale change without recreating hierarchical power. Listeners are invited to consider how faith can be embodied in everyday relationships and actions—prioritizing connection, creativity, and justice as the foundations of a renewed, living testament.

5/10/26: Lazarus and the Afterlife: Why Resurrection Still Ends

In this episode the host explores ancient, non-biblical legends about Lazarus after his resurrection and uses those stories to probe what resurrection, suffering, and mortality mean for us. Blending reflections from hospice chaplaincy, listener conversation, and scientific ideas from Carl Sagan and physics, the episode reframes the afterlife—arguing that death can intensify life, that consciousness and meaning may persist in unexpected ways, and that Christianity can help us embrace finitude and live more fully.

5/3/26: How to Elevate Your Consciousness and Reclaim a Healthy Spirituality

This episode explores how unquestioning faith can limit consciousness and how doubt, curiosity, and resilient spiritual traditions can elevate it. Beginning with Galileo and the story of Doubting Thomas, the hosts discuss ideology, emotional maturity, and reclaiming spirituality as a life-enhancing practice, then open the floor to personal stories and community dialogue.

4/19/26: White Christian America: From Puritans to January 6

Dr. Littlefield (Pepperdine University) outlines her updated book tracing white Christian nationalism from the Puritans through January 6, 2021, defining the ideology, examining scripture about the kingdom of God, and reviewing how faith, race, and politics have been fused in U.S. history. The episode surveys historical movements and figures, analyzes modern political manifestations, and offers constructive approaches for Christians and others to resist Christian nationalism while promoting pluralism and democratic flourishing.

4/12/26: Bonhoeffer at 81: God in Weakness, Courage Against Fascism

This episode marks the 81st anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s execution and explores his prison writings, and the shift to his “religionless Christianity.” The host reads and reflects on Bonhoeffer’s political theology and provocative lines about God’s weakness and solidarity with suffering. The conversation centers on Bonhoeffer’s insistence that Christians must resist fascism — illustrated by his Confessing Church claims — and his essay “On Stupidity,” which argues that surges of power can stupefy populations. The episode draws parallels to contemporary anti-intellectualism, book bans, and the dangers of uncritical loyalty to authority. Audience responses deepen the discussion, touching on fear, cult-like dynamics, compassion, curiosity, and how communities can welcome people who change their minds. The episode calls for vigilance, empathy, and a commitment to human flourishing in the face of power and cruelty.