Philip Clayton: Science & the Sacred
Homebrewed Christianity
Embracing Difficult Conversations for Growth
This chapter explores the significance of engaging in challenging conversations to build connections and deepen understanding between individuals. It highlights the potential for personal growth and self-awareness that can arise from these dialogues, despite the skepticism they may evoke.
What's up Theology Nerds! Today I'm thrilled to share my conversation with the brilliant Philip Clayton on his new book Science and the Sacred: Beyond the Gods in Our Own Image. This isn't your typical science vs. religion debate - it's something way more interesting! Philip co-authored this book with Claudia Pierce, an atheist religion journalist, creating a beautiful dialogue between theistic and non-theistic perspectives that finds surprising common ground. We explore how their five-year collaboration revealed shared values even as they maintained different views on God. Phil walks us through how modern scientific understanding can coexist with spiritual meaning, challenging both religious fundamentalism and reductive scientism. We dive into questions from both conservative Christians and skeptical atheists who read the book in advance, creating a lively three-way conversation about doubt, faith, and what it means to approach mystery with openness rather than certainty. If you're tired of culture war takes on science and religion and hungry for nuanced dialogue across differences, this episode is your jam! And guess what? Phil's coming to Theology Beer Camp this year, so grab your tickets before May 15th when prices go up!
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
As a scholar, Philip Clayton (Ingraham Professor, Claremont School of Theology) works at the intersection of science, philosophy, and theology. As an activist (president of EcoCiv.org, President of IPDC), he works to convene, facilitate, and catalyze multi-sectoral initiatives toward ecological civilization. As a disciple of Jesus, he finds himself energized by the Spirit in the Quaker community.
Previous Podcast Convos w/ Philip Clayton
- Celebrating the Life, Legacy, and Thought of Jürgen Moltmann
- The Christology Ladder
- Christ, Christmas, & the Incarnation
- How to Think Theologically
- On the Meaning of Life
- on the Mindfulness of Nature
- The Theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg w/ Philip Clayton
- Finding God in Everyone and Everywhere w/ Philip Clayton and Andrew Davis
- Can a process theologian be an Evangelical & other questions with Philip Clayton
- The #GodDebacle w/ Philip Clayton and LeRon Shults
- Philip Clayton on the Shape of Postmodern Theology
- Party Time with Philip Clayton for “The Predicament of Belief”
- Bootlegged Christianity with Philip Clayton, Jack Caputo, Bill Mallonee, Peter Rollins, & Jay Bakker
- Philip Clayton on The Resurrection, Trinity, Eschatology & the Predicament of Belief
- Coming to Jesus with Daniel Kirk & Philip Clayton
ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today
The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"
Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.
Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.
As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!
_____________________
This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com
Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.
Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
