Speakeasy Theology

Kenneth Tanner, an Episcopal priest, pastor, chaplain, and author of Vulnerable God, discusses theology shaped by suffering and pastoral care. They explore God kneeling with a towel, Jesus as the revelation of true humanity, healing at the heart of the gospel, the power of repetition, and divine vulnerability. Tanner also reflects on Jesus’ laughter, Pentecostal devotion, and the sweetness of Christ’s name.

A conversation about reading Scripture as a living, surprising encounter rather than a regular book. They explore parables as puzzling, formative stories that resist easy answers. Bonhoeffer's idea of asking the Bible questions and meeting God in unexpected places is highlighted. Listeners are urged to leave comfort, go down to the sea, and practice humility and persistent listening.

A lively dive into the meaning of Ascension and how it reshapes what it means to be human. They contrast Ascension with Pentecost and challenge common caricatures that separate divine and human. Rahner's idea of an 'unprinted catechism of the heart' gets attention for neglected interior formation. The conversation pushes for richer catechesis and a more embodied view of presence.

Andrew, a scholar of patristic theology who studies Christian mystics like Dionysius and Maximus, discusses therelation of divine and human in Cyril, Gregory Nazianzen, Dionysius, Maximus, John of Damascus, and Rowan Williams. He traces how theandricity (divine-human unity) is treated differently across thinkers. They also revisit historical methods, Maximus’s cosmic Christology, and why some fathers have been misread.

A wide-ranging conversation about imagination as a divine, world-shaping force rooted in Owen Barfield and William Blake. They explore how imagination and incarnation act together, medieval shared consciousness versus modern interiority, and what it looks like to participate in the body and mind of Christ. The discussion also touches on kneeling, Maria Lactans, and reclaiming a lived, non‑moralistic faith.

A lively conversation about how church belonging shapes faith and the risks of lone‑wolf Christianity. They explore teaching creeds and practices so memory forms the heart, not just the head. The role of sacraments, communal formation, and making ancient tradition living and inviting are highlighted. Final reflections include ways to translate theology accessibly and pray for renewed imagination.

Rupert, a philosopher and writer who blends science and spirituality, shares stories from ashram life and Lenten practices. He explores morphic resonance, ritual repetition, and how habit and creativity shape belonging. The conversation also considers ritual’s role in health, baptismal transformation, and sanctifying digital spaces.

If you’re interested, this is the conversation I heard that led me to the lecture, which you can read here. More to come… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cewgreen.substack.com/subscribe

David+ and I talk with Myles about Stringfellow’s uncategorizable approach to theology, why he has been neglected, and what his understanding of death and the demonic teaches us about telling the truth, resisting evil, and discerning the will of God. If you don’t already follow Myles, you can connect with his work here. Or read the excellent series he wrote on Psalm 23 and the moral life that I hosted here a few years ago. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cewgreen.substack.com/subscribe

David+ and I do a close reading of William Stringfellow’s understanding of the political significance of the spiritual gifts and the charismatic life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cewgreen.substack.com/subscribe