Bad Fruit Podcast

Denominations part 3: Eastern Orthodox Church

Eastern Orthodoxy is the second largest Christian tradition in the world, about 220 million strong, rooted in Byzantium, and still shaping lives today.In this episode of the Denominations series, we explore the other side of the Great Schism and the beauty of icons and liturgy, and why so many young people in America are finding a spiritual home in the Orthodox Church. What can Protestants learn from Orthodoxy’s deep sense of mystery and beauty, and how do we hold that alongside the clear proclamation of Christ crucified and risen?Email your comments and questions to badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Denominations part 2: Roman Catholicism

In this episode, we dive into the history and core beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. From its roots in the early centuries of Christianity to its doctrines on the sacraments, tradition, and the authority of the Pope, we explore how Catholicism has shaped and been shaped by the story of the Church. Along the way, we consider where Catholics and Protestants agree, where they differ, and how Christians can respond with both clarity and charity.If you have any questions or comments about this or any episode reach out at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com

Denominations part 1: The 10,000 foot view

In this kickoff episode of our Denominations series, we take a step back and look at the big picture. What exactly is a denomination? How did they form? And why do they matter today?
You’ll get a brief historical overview from the early church to the major branches of Christianity, along with a glimpse of how theological differences, cultural movements, and historical events shaped the church into what we see now. This episode also serves as a blueprint for where the series is headed, outlining the key traditions we will explore in more detail in the weeks ahead.
Whether you are new to the topic or looking to refresh your knowledge, this is the perfect place to start before diving deeper.Email us with any questions or feedback at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Pastor Ara Torosian on Persecution, Faith, and Asylum - 047

In this powerful conversation, Iranian-born pastor Ara Torosian shares his journey from persecution to pastoral ministry in the United States. Together, we explore the realities facing Iranian Christians—both those worshiping in underground house churches back home and those seeking asylum in the U.S. Pastor Ara reflects on recent arrests of his church members by immigration officials, the spiritual cost of displacement, and the unshakable hope found in Christ. This episode is not about politics—it's about people, persecution, and the faith that endures.Learn more about Pastor Ara's church here: https://cornerstonewla.org/On Facebook I will be posting more resources here: www.facebook.com/badfruitpodcast And as always please email us with any questions or comments at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Christa Petzold and the Journey Through Church History - 046

In this episode, Jonathan is joined by author Christa Petzold, to discuss her book Journey Through Church History. Together, they explore why understanding church history matters, how to approach primary sources without fear, and what modern Christians can learn from the faith and struggles of those who came before us. To learn more about her you can visit her website: https://christapetzold.com/
If you want to reach out to us at the podcast you can email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Lutheran Lion on Liberal Theology - 045

We often talk about the bad fruit in the church and focus on megachurches. Most megachurches are still (for the most part) conservative in their theology. However, bad fruit also looks like liberal theology! The Sparkle Creed and a distortion of the law/gospel distinction! In this episode I talk to the pastor who runs the Lutheran Lion Facebook page about his journey to being a pastor and liberal theology.If you would like to email us you can at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com

The Confessional Corndog on Lutheranism, Catholicism and Calvinism - 044

This week the Confessional Corndog, who is actually Pastor Wyatt, joins me to talk about Lutheranism. We look at why Lutherans are the true Catholics and not the Roman Catholics. We also talk about why Lutherans are not Calvinists too. And why Lutherans are okay with mystery and the unknown. It's a bit of history and theology mixed together for a very interesting conversation.
You can follow him on https://www.facebook.com/confessionalcorndogIf you have any questions or comments you can email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.comPlease consider liking this and sharing it with your friends.

Good Fruit: Pastor Josh Troester is all about Jesus! - 043

When I asked Pastor Josh what he was about he said he was all about Jesus. And you can tell that from the conversation we have. We talk about James River Church and the Assemblies of God and church governance and ton of other stuff that is applicable to the church today!If you want to learn more about Pastor Josh he is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2135jtroesterYou can email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Young Earth Creation Octopus or "Is Mormonism a Pyramid Scheme?" - 042

Join us this week as we sit down with the creator of the popular Christian meme page “Young Earth Creation Octopus” to explore the art of crafting theologically sound memes that point back to the Gospel, dive into Young‑Earth Creationism’s six days of Genesis and the global Flood, and sort out where dinosaurs and flat‑Earth theories fit into the conversation. Along the way, our guest shares his remarkable faith journey—from Mormonism to atheism and finally to a life‑changing encounter with Christ—and we even tackle the provocative question, “Is Mormonism just a pyramid scheme?” It’s an episode packed with humor, insight, and plenty of food for thought on how to engage skeptics and spread truth one meme at a time.If you want follow our guest he is on Facebook.
You can follow us at www.facebook.com/badfruitpodcastAnd at https://www.youtube.com/@BadFruitPodcastAlso feel free to email us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com 

Did John Lindell Hijack James River Church? - 041

This week Judah and Jonathan discuss James River Church's disaffiliation from the Assemblies of God denomination. Did John Lindell hijack the church from the members?contact us at badfruitpodcast@gmail.com