From Father Brown and Sherlock Holmes to Adventures in Odyssey, audio dramas have long left an impact on generations. And they are making a comeback in the form of podcasts. One of the most popular audio dramas for adults is a science fiction story called Midnight Burger.
A mysterious transdimensional diner teleports across time and space in order to help others as well as bring restoration to the individuals who have found themselves on board. Why the diner goes where it goes and why the people are traveling in the diner at certain times is unknown. Two important characters in the audio drama, however, Effie and Zebuluam Mucklewain, attribute the mysterious patterns of the diner to none other than God: not only a divine being, but the God revealed in Jesus Christ. Effie and Zebululam are married Christian broadcasters from the southern U.S. who are contained in a radio. Yes, they live in a radio. Favorites to fans (even atheist listeners), the pair unashamedly interpret the events of the diner through a theological lens in ways that actually bring connection and care to the rest of the team.
Though I’m not sure of the backgrounds of the writers of Midnight Burger, my guess is they might have grown up in a church environment but have become disillusioned with conventional, institutional Christianity and the evangelical sub culture. They might make jabs at Focus on the Family, but they maintain respect for Jesus and the God of the universe (notwithstanding their foul language). Though some episodes can be drawn out and some characters a bit self-important, the overall message is kindness and love in the midst of conflict and difference. It also leaves wide open (and even encourages) the idea of God in the midst of a scientifically driven world in pursuit of truth and wonder.
About the Author
Jeremiah Damir Bašurić is a commissioned pastor at mosaicHouse Church, a multicultural Reformed church plant in Edmonton, Alta. He is also a chaplain who through an inner-city organization journeys with many people the Bible calls “rich in faith.”