Intro to The Outer Court

Lizzy freaking King dropped by the Outer Court to bless us with her talent and wisdom. Although our conversation strayed to many random musings our main focus was to discuss the many issues in modern evangelical "worship" culture from pressure to perform, sexism, disingenuity, etc. We also discussed the concept of worship separate from music and how we often forget worship expands beyond songs and music. And of course, Lizzy shared with us her newest single, Floating! For more music and news from Lizzy you can visit her IG homepage and link in bio (@lizzyking)

This episode dives deeper into the theological aspect of the conversation around Israel‘s ethnic cleansing of Palestine. Where is God in these acts of violence? What does God/Theology have to do with what is happening in Palestine? How does it involve the people of God? What are the theological repercussions of Zionism? These questions and more are explored by myself and our friends Daniel and Lamma. They share their own experiences, stories, and perspectives with us as well, as two Palestinians currently living abroad. Talking Points: What makes Palestine great, Palestinian culture, current events in the attacks on Palestine and protests, Theology and Palestine, Justice, Zionism, Biblical interpretations of who Israel is, etc.

This week is our long awaited Q&A episode. You all submitted your questions via Instagram and I am now answering them. I decided to do a little debrief  from previous episodes and talk about things to come as well. Topics: Podcast debrief, upcoming episodes, pharisees, ME, LGBTQIA+, sexuality and spirituality, purity culture, crossroads in faith, travel.

What and where is Palestine? Who are the people of Palestine? What is happening with Palestine and Israel? Why is it important? These questions and more I discuss with friends Daniel and Fadi. Daniel is a Christian Palestinian working on his PhD in Theology and Fadi is an American born Palestinian living in the diaspora. They both bring their stories, knowledge and passion into our conversation and shed light on the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people currently happening.

My dear friend Janelle is the sitting Foursquare Chaplain at Harvard University and we sat down for a chat on a multitude of subjects that relate to her work and environment where faith and academia meet.  Talking Points: Janelle and her journey to Harvard, Foursquare, Harvard, Henri Nouwen, Missions, Colonialism, Islam, Humanism, Buddhism.

The Western and especially the American Church was created upon racist ideals and theology that still haunt churches today, but of course for some it's less of a haunting and more like continued blatant acts of racism and discrimination. So me and my friend Dee sat down and talked about her experiences within the white church and white culture as well as her own experiences in learning about America's dark history with slavery and racism. 

On this episode in the Outer Court my friend Matthew and I talk about his story and journey not only in his sexuality as a gay man but also in his relationship with Jesus and the Church. We also dive a little into the Church's relationship in general to the LGBTQIA+ community and our thoughts not only on their shortcomings but how they can do better!

Episode 1 is here! Who am I? What is the Outer Court? Why am I doing this podcast? All that and more will be answered in this episode. ME, your host, Jordan Ashley will explain my background, and goal in building this community, explain where we are going and what to expect as well as lay out some community guidlines! Give it a listen and let me know what you think on my Instagram page (@outer.court).

Not sure what this whole podcast is about? I have created a short commercial to explain to you what we are about at the Outer Court. If you have further questions or comments feel free to reach out to me via Instagram at @outer.court. Can't wait to get to know all of you and build a community together! All are welcome at the Outer Court.