Tony Jones, a key figure in the emerging church movement, reminisces about the vibrant origins of his podcasting journey with humor and warmth. They discuss the challenges and evolution of the church post-collapse, touching on the biggest failures of the movement and the significance of personal relationships within communities. With nostalgic stories of past gatherings, they explore the impact of social media on public discourse and ponder whether the American church or democracy will face extinction first. Through laughter and reflection, they emphasize the importance of being human in community.
The friendship between Tony Jones and Tripp has evolved, highlighting a shift from contentious debates to a more relaxed and supportive camaraderie over the years.
The discussion reflects on the complexities and challenges faced by the emerging church movement in engaging with a fragmented American religious landscape.
Speakers emphasize the crucial role of community and genuine connections in navigating societal instability and fostering meaningful change amid ideological divides.
Deep dives
A Shift in Tone Between Friends
The conversation features a noticeable change in the dynamic between the two speakers, showcasing a more relaxed and friendly approach than previous episodes usually filled with theological arguments. Tony Jones, a recurring guest, has moved away from his more contentious stance to embrace a sense of humility and comfort in their discussions. This evolution in their interaction highlights a reflection on their longstanding friendship of over 15 years, marked by shared stories and experiences rather than heated debates. Their camaraderie is evident as they reminisce about past events and the evolution of their understanding of theology and personal beliefs.
Memorable Podcast Experiences
The speakers reflect on memorable podcast experiences they've shared throughout the years, emphasizing their deep personal and professional connections. They recount amusing moments like live podcast recordings that spiraled into chaos, including humorous interactions with well-known theologians. For instance, they recall a rooftop event where a theological conversation turned comically intense, illustrating how unpredictable those gatherings can be. These anecdotes serve to highlight a richer, supportive community that arose from shared challenges and joy in their podcasting journey.
Emerging Church and Changing Religious Landscapes
Their discussion touches on the evolution of the emerging church movement and the shifts in American religious culture over the past two decades. They acknowledge that while the emergent church initially offered fresh perspectives, it also faced backlash and challenges in the ever-changing landscape of beliefs and practices. There’s an exploration of how the movement aimed to engage with postmodernity yet found itself confronting entrenched denominational identities. This interaction sheds light on the complexities of maintaining spiritual relevance in a society increasingly fragmented by differing ideologies and beliefs.
Reflections on Political and Cultural Divisions
As the conversation progresses, the speakers delve into the stark political and cultural divisions present in contemporary America, reflecting a sense of disenchantment with systemic issues. They express a mutual concern that leaders and politicians struggle to address the deeper problems afflicting society, often resorting to performative actions rather than substantial change. This dialogue reflects a growing cynicism regarding the efficacy of political structures, highlighting the ongoing grapple with ideological silos and tribalism. They underscore that meaningful change often requires navigating beyond superficial discussions and engaging with the underlying issues directly.
Community, Faith, and Future Challenges
The speakers conclude with thoughts on the importance of community in navigating future challenges, emphasizing the need for genuine connections amid societal turmoil. They discuss the potential role of faith communities in providing support and resilience as societal structures become increasingly unstable. Their vision encapsulates a proactive approach, encouraging congregations to foster environments where honest dialogue and authentic relationships can flourish. This focus on community activity speaks to the hope that, even in uncertain times, gathering spaces rooted in genuine connectivity may lead to constructive engagement and renewal.
Long time friend of the podcast - Tony Jones - is back. This episode includes a bit of storytelling about origins of the podcast, the emerging church movement, and thoughts about the church post-collapse .
We talk about...
That one time with discussed demons on a roof with Greg Boyd and NT Wright
The Phyllis Tickle beer
the origin story of homebrewed
we edited a bunch of stories out of the podcast... also for clarity Homebrewed started as a theology pub group with rewritable CDs and then became a podcast... so the blog/group is 15 years and the podcast 13 years old.
once Anthony Smith and Scot McKnight hung out at the cigar store I had a Bible study in. This store is awesome.
Tony makes me awkward with kindness
Why I am a hobbit and Sanco Panza?
What is it like to stay in a hotel together?
What was the biggest failure of the emerging church movement?
Emergent Village was lots of fun and full of really cool friends.
When the internet trolls finally apologize
How our minds have changed
What Mainline Protestants did with emerging church leaders... youth ministers
Will the American church or democracy die first?
Does Tripp or Tony think the world is more f*cked?
the task of learning how to be human in community again
Tripp tries hard not to vent about Boomers
"we don't deserve any of this sh!t"
Tripp's lockdown nightmare reflections are depressing
would the emerging church movement have survived with Twitter?
how horrible is platform building?
i like being Tony's friend
tony and tripp's post-collapse retirement podcast plan