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CPTB is a conversational, funny, and thoughtful take on this week’s Bible readings — for preachers, church leaders, deconstructors, and curious listeners who still love scripture, even when they’re not sure what to do with it. We explore the text with humor and theological depth, without certainty, outrage, or easy answers.

In this episode, Pastors Eric Damon and Bob Schaefer are joined by comedians Lizzie Martin (@lizziemartin) and Harriet Riley (@harrietrileycomedy) for Transfiguration Sunday (Matthew 17:1–9). We start with civics, citizenship, and the weird emotional texture of living in anxious times — plus a little love for “spooky” church, ritual, and the kind of wonder that modern life keeps trying to sand down.

Then we head up the mountain with Peter, James, and John, where Jesus goes full radiant glory, Moses and Elijah drop in like it’s a dream, and Peter tries to build… something. We talk about fear, mystery, the “messianic secret,” and why the good news might not be the spectacle at all — but Jesus coming close, touching his friends, and saying: “Get up. Do not be afraid.”

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Matthew 17:1–9 (NRSVue)

[1] Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. [2] And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. [3] Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. [4] Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [5] While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” [8] And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. [9] As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Hosted by Pastor Eric Damon and Pastor Bob Schaefer.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.