New Wine, New Wineskins

09/02/2026

We at New Wine can learn a thing or two or three from Ms. Dolly Parton.

She left an indelible impression on people from across the cultural spectrum through what has been referred to as “The Dolly Parton Effect”. She guided people from totally varied sectors of society “to enter the same emotional space.” Born into poverty, she rose from rags to riches but never forgot her humble origins, gospel roots, and the common people. She employed self-deprecating humor and outsmarted cultural critics who underestimated her, while dedicating her resources to literacy, disaster relief, and medicine. Far more than most celebrities, she reflected qualities reminiscent of Jesus’ affirmation of poverty of spirit and the poor.

Perhaps Dolly reminds us that humility, generosity, and genuine connection can build bridges across deep differences. What might we learn from her example about how we engage with people who see the world differently than we do?

08/18/2026

Episode 20: "“Babel and Jerusalem: A Tale of Two Cities in the AI Age”.

You don't want to miss this episode- New Wine Director Paul Louis Metzger interviews Dr. Peter Casarella, Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School, on Pope Leo's recent encyclical on AI.

Listen now- https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512266/episodes/19606841 or where you like to listen to podcasts.

08/13/2026

An alarming assault led our board member, Bruce to respond by choosing to work in concert with people who are different from him and seek to bridge a deep cultural divide.

Hear Bruce share his thoughts and wisdom as he processes this journey and what it looks like to live out Jesus’ words:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43–44

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

08/10/2026

In this episode, New Wine Director Paul Louis Metzger reflects upon "Flashes of Hope" against the backdrop of uncertainty and the threat of despair. He also interviews New Wine Board member Bruce Johnson on his recent New Wine post titled "The Fourth of July Is My Christmas Eve".

You don’t want to miss this! 🎙️ Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512266/episodes/19606835 or find it wherever you listen to podcasts.

08/07/2026

From New Wine Director, Dr. Paul Louis Metzger:

Pope Leo's recent encyclical "MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS" ("On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence") is critically important in the present hour. And so, I reached out to my friend and colleague, Roman Catholic scholar, Dr. Peter Casarella, Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School, to interview him on the encyclical. Playing off themes in the work, I titled the interview, "Babel and Jerusalem: A Tale of Two Cities in the AI Age." So grateful for Dr. Casarella's rigorous theological and ethical reflections on Pope Leo's official pastoral letter.

In this episode, New Wine Director Paul Louis Metzger interviews Dr. Peter Casarella, Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School, on Pope Leo's recent encyclical on AI. Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]

08/06/2026

From New Wine Director, Dr. Paul Louis Metzger:

We took a bit of a hiatus a few weeks this summer. My wife Mariko and I took our first vacation since Christopher's injury five years ago. And so, I am just now getting back up to speed with the "Crossing the Cultural Divide" podcast here at New Wine, New Wineskins. You will find in this episode my personal reflection on "Flashes of Hope" followed by an interview of New Wine Board member, Bruce Johnson titled "The Fourth of July Is My Christmas Eve" (hint: Bruce celebrates not only these two holidays, but also the Supreme Court case of Loving v. Virginia). In this interview, Bruce shares about growing up in a bi-racial home and how his parents powerfully impacted how he engages others. I so appreciate Bruce's irenic spirit and intuitive, inquisitive way in which he engages people in pursuit of building relational bridges through Jesus in contemporary culture. Tomorrow I will share the interview I did with Dr. Peter Casarella on Pope Leo's recent encyclical on AI.

I invite you to listen and subscribe to the podcast. Thank you!

In this episode, New Wine Director Paul Louis Metzger reflects upon "Flashes of Hope" against the backdrop of uncertainty and the threat of despair. He also interviews New Wine Board member Bruce Johnson on his recent New Wine post titled "The Fou...

08/05/2026

Part 2: More Thoughts from Portland

Cities have a way of inviting reflection. We're reminded that meaningful conversations have the power to shape how we see each other.

Building bridges begins with engaging your neighbor. All are welcome.

Join the conversation.

07/30/2026

Is loving your neighbor conditional? Does it depend on where they live—or who they are?

One of our board members invites us along to a new Portland Plaza and challenges us to think differently about what it truly means to love our neighbors.

Join the conversation. All are welcome.