Episode 234: Kendall Vanderslice

In this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the intersection of bread, theology, and community with guest Kendall Vanderslice. Kendall shares her lifelong love of baking, which began as a way to process emotions and eventually blossomed into a vocational calling. But her journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered the rich theological and cultural dimensions of food, particularly bread. As Kendall studied the anthropology of food and explored biblical narratives around sustenance, she uncovered powerful parallels. The chemical process of bread-making, with its cycle of death and resurrection, mirrors the gospel story. And the act of breaking bread together has long been a way for diverse communities to bridge divides and find common ground. Perhaps most compelling is Kendall's experience with a "dinner church" - a community that held their services around the table, sharing meals and communion despite varying political and theological backgrounds. The way this group navigated their differences while breaking bread offers a powerful model for us all. Kendall also delves into the symbolic significance of bread in the communion table, explaining how the humble loaf can represent nourishment, community, and the transformative work of God. Whether you're a bread enthusiast or simply curious about the deeper meaning of everyday things, this conversation is sure to leave you with a fresh perspective. Prepare to have your eyes opened to the hidden spiritual and communal depths of the humble loaf of bread.

Kendall Vanderslice is a baker, writer, speaker, and the founder of the Edible Theology Project, a ministry that connects the Communion table to the kitchen table. She is a graduate of Wheaton College (BA anthropology), Boston University (MLA gastronomy), and Duke Divinity School (master of theological studies). Kendall is the author of By Bread Alone and We Will Feast and lives (with her big-eared beagle named Strudel) in Durham, North Carolina, where she teaches workshops on bread baking as a spiritual practice.

Kendall's Book:
Bake & Pray

Kendall's Recommendations:
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Spirit of Our Politics