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Cocktail Theology

Cocktail Theology

By: Benton Stokes & Dr. Elane O'Rourke
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Life and God from a very broadly Christian perspective, with no filter, over cocktails. Progressive, Biblically grounded, LGBTQ-affirming, candid discussions about faith, life, politics, roller coasters, sex, and anything else that matters. ABOUT THE HOSTS Benton Stokes is a songwriter, a recording artist, an author, a worship leader, a podcaster, a collector of comic books, a lover of roller coasters, a dad, a friend, and (with ministry partner Elane O'Rourke) half of School For Seekers. Benton has a passion for helping post-Evangelicals, particularly queer men, find their way to healthy theology and healing perspectives. Benton co-hosts (with Elane) Cocktail Theology — a podcast that tackles topics such as defining what an abomination actually is, exploring why Christians and science are at odds all the time, and reclaiming Christian-ese language like "born again." All while sipping tasty libations. Rev. Dr. Elane O'Rourke is a spiritual director, lifelong teacher, theologian, mom, contemplative, Enneagram 1, and a bunch of the things Benton wrote. She was a philosophy prof for a decade, a pastor for another decade, and the instigator of School For Seekers since 2014. Elane's first book was A Dallas Willard Dictionary, written to explain the difficult words of Christian philosopher Dallas Willard, which may explain her role in the podcast she co-hosts with Benton, Cocktail Theology. Elane's deepest desire, and life's work, is for you to believe that you are God's cherished and beloved child, worthy of care and respect. For more information about Cocktail Theology, or its sponsor, School For Seekers, visit www.schoolforseekers.com(c) 2023 School For Seekers, Inc. Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • State, Faith & Genocide

    State, Faith & Genocide
    Oct 23 2026

    Benton and Elane tackle one of the most urgent, sensitive, and heavy topics of our time: the crisis, displacement, and violence in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Navigating the essential distinction between affirming the Jewish people's right to exist and critiquing the military and governmental policies of a modern nation-state, the hosts explain why criticizing Netanyahu's government is not inherently anti-Semitic. Tune in for a courageous, faith-grounded conversation that challenges people of conscience—and followers of Jesus in particular—to reject apathy, stand up for the vulnerable, and speak out against violence.

    Cocktail: Plum Concoction #2

    Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.
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    22 mins
  • What It Means To Be Unequally Yoked

    What It Means To Be Unequally Yoked
    Oct 29 2026

    Elane and Benton tackle one of the most complex challenges in adult relationships: what happens when you and your partner are not on the same spiritual path? Moving far beyond the rigid, conservative definition of "unequally yoked" (Christian vs. non-Christian), the hosts draw candidly from their own relationships as they discuss the layers of spiritual compatibility in dating, marriage, and family life. Tune in for a vulnerable, compassionate exploration of spiritual intimacy, time management, and why true partnership requires trust, vulnerability, and honest communication

    Cocktail: Plum Concoction #3

    Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.
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    33 mins
  • Why Voting Is So Bleeping Important

    Why Voting Is So Bleeping Important
    Oct 15 2026

    In this revisiting of an episode from season 5, Benton and Elane tackle a high-stakes topic: why voting is a core moral imperative for people of faith. They dismantle the apathy of saying "my vote doesn't matter," and move past abstract patriotism and party loyalty to unpack how democracy directly impacts the most vulnerable among us—"the least of these."

    Cocktail: Vesper

    Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.
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    21 mins
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