We need to talk 

Being able to say “I don’t believe the same religious things that you do, but I still respect and care about you. I don’t think you’re wrong, I don’t think I’m right, we’re just thinking different” is a skill that many people don’t have. It takes humility, kindness, grace, and confidence all of which I feel is greatly lacking in today’s society.

I love that Barron says the dark green melly is not to share and a few clips later Elsa is already wearing it!

I am a Christian and I absolutely love this! To "disagree with love", to have conversations, and joust as you say, and walk away still in good relationship, that's what it's all about! Love that you shared this!

My mother is a devout Christian and I am an atheist. It’s taken a long time but now we have the most interesting, respectful conversations about it and it has enriched my life.

I am a Christian and I loved hearing James perspectives on the Bible. It was a great watch ❤

mama link here🫶🏼growing up Baptist,going to church on Sunday morning,Sunday night, Wednesday night~ all I can remember the sermons were to keep yourself from going to hell...as an adult I realized denomination did not mean anything it was our relationship with God ❤️after losing a baby boy and having two code blues and having a glimpse of heaven💫 I know now know,"doing unto others" the golden rule, is what it's all about...our God is an awesome God.

We need these conversations. Everyone is so divided when most of us want the same thing-to live and let live.

Everyone needs a James. What a gem! Good one Elsa!

The religious conversation at the end was a fantastic conversation. Respectful but deep philosophical conversations like this are so enlightening and enhance life. I loved it!

James is a wise man…a cultivated wisdom from a life well lived and educated, but a free thinker. We need more of this.

The conversation with James is beautiful. That's friendship.

I found this really uplifting. I'm not Christian, but I almost cried at the part "who told you you are not perfect and worthy of love". What a beautiful interpretation. And what a great friendship.

James came into your life at just the right time. He is a a great builder. He and his wife didn’t build your home for you, they built it with you and taught you along the way. He often gives you building materials as needed. The conversations you have with those two lovely humans are such great learning experiences. That we should all be fortunate enough to have a couple like that in our lives. Even better, grow to become a couple like that.

Seeing you host your circle in your home is *everything* I love the community you guys have built!

I am a former Catholic. I went to Catholic grade school/high school whenever I asked the simplest question I was chastised and then I had friends sexually assaulted by clergy. I find God in nature and that is so freeing.❤

I feel that the old adage of don't talk about politics, religion, or money has caused us as a society to become unwilling to have civil conversations. We don't have to agree but let's be respetful and listen, you never know what you will learn. Great share, I enjoyed the give and take.

This is gold, the world needs more of this content.

Thank you thank you thank you for including the part with James and your healthy discussion. James' interpretation was perfect.

Loved the scene where you discuss the Bible with James and his wife. I believe it is good to wrestle with the Bible as long as you go into the discussions trying to discern the truth. Great video and look forward to seeing all of the summer projects you will be doing.

I love this. “To hide his tiny balls” was hilarious and spot on. And hurrah to James for laughing! But really, it’s so amazing to have good friends with different opinions, and that you respect each other enough to have these conversations. This was awesome to watch.

What a wonderful friendship. I am truly saddened by lost art of conversation these days. Thank you for sharing. ❤

Your conversation with James was absolutely fascinating! Thanks for including it in the video ❤

As someone in the same boat as you, I really love and appreciate the respectful dialogue you were able to share ❤️

I'm starving for this kind of conversations. Back in university I had roommates from many different faiths and beliefs, we would sit at the dining room table (cause there was no living room in the student house we were in) and talk about topics just like this. We would literally sometimes even get to shouting but it was always with a kindness behind it and never an intent to diminish the other but rather discuss and get the other's perspective. It is only possible to do this with certain kinds of people unfortunately.

Great job! This was not food for thought, it was a buffet. You and Barron are so special. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing. Fireside chats with James. How fortunate you are to have this man in your life.

Your neighbors are the best thing ever. They have truly blessed your lives. James and Doreen are the best part of life. That is priceless. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Just what I needed, a round table talk. Seriously

I wish more people could sit down like this and have conversations of all kinds, with respect and understanding, without judgement. The world would certainly be a better place.

Your little talk reflects the way a lot of people think. You keep on doing you.

Absolutely loved that bible talk with James! It’s so fascinating to hear him explain the stories in his way. What I would do to have a conversation with him and Doreen, they seem like wonderful people and mentors!

Elsa these are the exact same feelings ive been having as im beginning to read the Bible for the first time (to have deeper understanding for all people) and I have not found people online who are bringing up this topic in a civil conversation, beautiful thank you!

I am very fortunate to have a friend that is a catholic theologian, it really helps to talk with a theologian who is well versed in talking with people who may not understand the faith. I was some-what hurt by religious teachings and rejected them completely. But what I understood Christianity to be now, is very different than then. Christianity is amazing(if it is true). The woman coming from the side, means she is Adam’s equal and companion, and being last of creation is the pinnacle of creation(catholic 😀) .

I'm atheist and look on those types of conversations with patience, but also with similar feelings as if listening to a child's fairy tale. Religion around the world has fostered peace, structure, violence, hope, despair, self loathing, racism and war. Christianity, I was brought up to believe, should lead to forgiveness and love. Instead, it seems to reward judgement, exclusion and guilt. Why can't we all do the right thing just because we are working to better each other and support communities, building success, love and strength. Why do we need to look for a savior to return (waiting for thousands of years) just to find a type of heaven, when we could create that here and now without being guilted into it. This universe is too vast and amazing to think that something as limiting as a single God being would be so concerned with us and our minor sins. Gods were the creation of men's minds to explain how nature worked and structured rules so we could function as communities to survive. We know much more through science now. Anyway, I know people tend to need something to help steer them in their philosophies, to provide the comfort of thought that there must be more after this mortal existence. I just don't understand why they feel the need to be hypocrites, judge others and doubt the spirituality of those who may not pray to the same deity as themselves. Peace.

I love that you put in the discussion with James about the Bible. This is how ideas and beliefs should be discussed everywhere. Everyone is so divided and not wanting to listen to each other, it makes me sad. Too bad y'all are so busy. It would make a good podcast 😁

I want to hear more of James' preaching! I really enjoyed his interpretation of the Adam and Eve story. Thank you for sharing that❤

I been following for a years love all the changes . ❤ you guys are amazing . I look forward to all your v-blogs

Great conversion, super appreciated you and James sharing the discussion. We need more of this ❤

Thank you so much for sharing this conversation!! So enlightening to be a fly on the wall. I hope you do more of this, it's a fascinating exchange. Your love and respect for each other is so obvious and it's a beautiful interaction.

Much respect and love for all four of you having such an open conversation. All of you being yourself and letting kindness shine out. Cheers from Michigan.

I would love to hear more of this type of talking. To have an open conversation about the bible without to shadow of religion. That was so fun.

Now I’m craving a second channel of you four discussing the Bible together. ✌️❤️🙏

Elsa, Keep reading, keep taking notes. And I encourage you to talk to James and others in your life about it.

I loved the conversation at the end. Growing up Jewish, we studied the Bible (first testament) in Hebrew. And the translation varies a lot since we learnt how to translate it ourselves and we go to see all the different meanings in the words. So we didn’t read rib or curve or even fig leaf! We got to learn all the different forms of translation and learn all the meanings. If there’s a section you think sounds off I encourage you to look up the original Hebrew verse 😊 And enjoy! It’s a crazy book!

I really enjoy watching every part of your journey Elsa but the discussion with James really drew me in. It reminded me of our gatherings in our younger years where we discussed all kinds of ideas and disagreed sometimes but all remained friends. And still remain friends some 50 years later. That would be what I wish for you and Barron. A long, interesting , thought provoking journey among friends. ❤

I love this!!! You’re so right, everyone is so sensitive these days and I really enjoyed your opinion on this issue! Being able to talk, disagree, and learn and leave still friends is something so important for human connection. I’m convinced I want to read The Message with you and go on this journey with you at the same time!

That discussion was beautiful, both the discussion itself, the setting and the people involved. Great to have you two in Colorado now.

i really appreciate James' perspective and interpretation and would love to see more of this

I absolutely LOVE how you have questioned religion, how you seek to understand others views***and what life experiences brought them there*** Such a great video, such great minds, openness, and independent thought! Also growing up near KC with a similar cultural background with religion I really appreciate you putting this out there and the care and thought in your words. You are my person!

I loved this. I’d watch more discussions. I knew there was true Christianity in those 2. James has a real air about him. Strong and peaceful. ❤

I too had a lot of church hurt and ironically enough grew up catholic. The current world/political climate also influenced me to read the Bible as an adult and let me tell you it has done wonders. My biggest take aways have been the realization of how intentional God is. You read the old and New Testament and realize that not even the best authors of today could foreshadow or use symbolism to that level of perfection. It is truly the words of a perfect creator…God. Reading it as helped ground me and actually provided me with more patience, less anger, and humility. It’s such an interesting experience and a very personal experience and I’m so thrilled that you’ve decided to just read it for yourself. I’m excited for you and will be praying you have a peaceful journey that brings you joy. There’s a quote I like…”The more faith I have the more questions I have and the more my questions are answered the more faith I have”

I would absolutely love to see more of these break downs/discussion videos with you , Barron, James and Doreen!

I loved that conversation! Thank you!

I strive to explore my faith and not get too hung up on the details; I suspect that in the afterlife we'll all be surprised by the truth. May you find a faith system that gives you comfort and strength.

LOVED this video and the conversation with James!!!! Would love to see/hear more!

I love James’ perspective and your questioning. Please…..MORE! 💕

Loved, loved, loved this week’s vid. Good stuff!

The speed at which I would eject someone from my home who condescended to return my hospitality with the threat of damnation. Good grief.

Loved the conversation. I wish I had neighbors like you and Barron and James and Doreen. Those deeper topics are soul-satisfying and bonding. Love it! Thank you for sharing.

Loved this video. Thanks for all the beautiful bits. The discourse at the end was lovely, I appreciate you sharing it

Your conversation left me wanting more! Great video!

love this grown ups talking again thank you.

I've never heard an interpretation like the one James explained, and I enjoyed it so much. Thank you both for sharing!

One of my favorite videos so far you posted. Thank you for some honest dialogue and open conversation about “life”. All of it, so interesting to hear.Thank you.

I would love for Elsa and James to do a live weekly podcast on the Bible. I too have alot of questions like Elsa. This was very interesting and I think alot of people would love to watch something like this. Elsa has such a way with words and legitimate questions about the Bible I think alot of people have. Please do more of this.

I was hesitant to find out what this video was about when I saw that religion was mentioned in a comment. I've basically been an atheist since I was 7 years old. I have TRIED to believe and understand people who are religious and I just can't. I tried to read the Bible. In college when I was was blown away by how other societies had similar origin stories to the biblical origin story. At some point I had to realize that it's OK that I don't get it. The only thing I'm not "OK" with is when people force their religion on me or someone else. And that includes laws.

I liked the first 2/3's of this video. It's that content that I have tuned into with you guys since the beginning.

Simply loved the talk. Community is the family we choose. All we need to do is listen. Really, really listen with curiosity, compassion, & an open heart.

When people tell you you are going to hell because you don't believe what they do, the fault is not likely within you but within them for being so narrow in their view of life. Just saying, it's a very big world and Christians aren't the only ones in it. Lots of paths to get to enlightenment.

You’re blessed to have these wise mentors in your life, they can handle everything you throw at them. I loved your discussion.

Very nice pull-over Barron had there. Fun to see the pups playing in the snow. Wishing you all well.

What a gorgeous ski area!! Glad everyone had a blast!!!

I would love to sit with all of you and have this same discussion. I think everyone needs a James in their circle….. wish I had one myself! Great video!❤

Can you guys talk Bible more often? I love hearing the conversation. It is so respectful and refreshing. I love you guys and keep up the wonderful work!! ❤❤❤❤

I genuinely could have listened to the 4 of you talk for hours. I love talking with friends about this!!

I love that you are able to have these conversations!

I absolutely agree with you. I’m not a Christian in any way but believe we should be able to talk about it.

Stunning video. Voice over sentiments are precious. You are definitely a writer.

Love the conversation. So interesting. Thanks for inviting us. Take care.

A really replenishing video, thank you x

I could listen to him for hours!

James is very wise! Keep seeking and learning, your heading in the right direction.

These conversations are so important. I love that there's no judgment, just listening and being heard. Thanks for letting us listen ❤

Love your frownie patch! They work so well!

Love from Ohio! You guys are an inspiration! ❤

Your discussion was so refreshing. I have been on both sides, and all I can say is that my life is soooo much happier since I came back to God. A woman should respect her husband, but God also instructed man to love her so much he is willing to give his life for her. It really is a beautiful thing....imo. James is great! You guys are great for being so open minded!

My spirit enjoyed this so much, with hearty laughter too. Thanks for the gift !

So thankful for this video. It IS good to talk, with respect, for other peoples thoughts and beliefs. Your life is quite busy enough with homesteading, art, dog life and family. But for you to take time to share faith/life discussion with us is so kind and appreciated. I encourage you to keep pressing on in knowledge and understanding, and share as you are able. Thank you.

i love this , i love the banter between you all on the subject, definitely got me interested! i agree everyone should talk about this, that and everything! i love you guys, great videos

Agree on reading John. Changed my life

Amazing video Elsa! Thank you for being so brave. ❤️

I started watching your videos several years back, and this is by far is my favorite video of all of yours.

So awesome you guys can have this dialogue. I’ve become much more serious in my faith in the last few years and try to be in the Bible daily at least a little. The rest of the video was great too! 😁

I loved this!!!! I wanted to hear James’ answer.❤

WOW. What a beautiful ending to that video. Great friends, a beautiful snowstorm and a cozy house.

So good to see Camp smiling!

Totally enjoyed this video. Thanks

Great video! Thank you.

I loved this video! I grew up so similar to you.. catholic school from k-6 and we have a similar mindset when it comes to a higher power. I use to go to bible study to learn the stories when I was in college and I was kicked out.... deemed a bad influence. I wish there could be more conversations like this! Open and honest where people would feel comfortable to disagree but simultaneously feeling loved. You have a special relationship with them and I am sure you cherish that. Love this for you all!

Elsa, thank you so much for sharing this! You bring up the same argument I’ve had for years! Love this so much.