Walter Wink's "Naming the Powers" offers a critical analysis of power structures and their influence on society and religion. Wink draws on biblical and historical examples to illustrate how power operates through domination and control. He argues that understanding the dynamics of power is crucial for challenging oppressive systems and promoting social justice. The book explores the concept of the "powers" as both spiritual and social forces that shape human behavior and institutions. Wink's work has been highly influential in liberation theology and social justice movements.
In this book, Jung explores the parallels between alchemical processes, Christian dogma, and psychological symbolism. He argues that alchemy, with its dual nature of chemical and mystical components, provides insights into the process of individuation and the transcendent nature of the psyche. Jung uses a series of dreams from one of his patients to illustrate how alchemical symbols appear in the psyche, reinforcing his theory of the collective unconscious. The book is lavishly illustrated with images from alchemical and mythological sources, reflecting Jung's fascination with the esoteric and exoteric expressions of spirituality and the psyche in religion and mysticism.
In *The Phenomenon of Man*, Teilhard de Chardin presents a vision of evolution as a process that leads to greater complexity and unity, ultimately reaching a collective consciousness he terms the 'Omega Point'. The book integrates scientific and theological perspectives, proposing a morally idealistic view of human nature and its role in the universe. Initially met with skepticism, it has since been recognized for its innovative synthesis of diverse fields.
In this thought-provoking episode, former neuroscientist-turned-Franciscan sister Ilia Delio offers a radical vision for the future of religion at Theology Beer Camp. Speaking to a community of spiritual seekers, Delio places humanity within our cosmic context—mere seconds in the universe's 13.8 billion-year story—while arguing that we are the universe becoming conscious of itself. She challenges institutional religion's static cosmologies, drawing on Teilhard de Chardin's integration of evolution and faith to advocate for a "religion of the Earth" that recognizes God as "in love with matter." With urgency, Delio warns that if religion doesn't evolve beyond dogma into creative participation with cosmic processes, technology will replace it as humanity's guiding force. The conversation, complemented by responses from biblical scholar Pete Enns, exemplifies the kind of boundary-pushing theological dialogue that makes Theology Beer Camp a unique gathering for those reimagining faith at the intersection of science, ecology, and spirituality.
Join us at Theology Beer Camp this October 16-18 in St. Paul, MN.
You can WATCH this session on YouTube
Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to "nerd out" on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! Get info and tickets here.
Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, DC, and American theologian specializing in science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics, and neuroscience and the import of these for theology.
Previous Episodes with Ilia Delio
Upcoming Online Class: Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost
"Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. Moving beyond traditional Western theological frameworks, we'll explore feminist interpretations, global perspectives, and innovative approaches to understanding the Spirit in today's world. Whether you've felt the Spirit was missing from your faith journey or are simply curious to deepen your understanding, this class creates space for thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, and spiritual growth.
As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here.
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Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN.
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Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025
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