Theology Nerd Throwdown

What's up Theology Nerds! Today's episode goes all over the place - from Easter rituals to mandatory Bible readings, with plenty of religious baggage unpacked along the way.Bo starts us off with his discomfort over some potentially mandatory Bible reading legislation in Idaho (which I kept confusing with Iowa - my bad, flyover state friends). This leads to a fascinating discussion about religious literacy versus using religion as a tool of conformity and exclusion in education systems.We share some personal stories - including my "Resurrection Smoke-a-thon" Easter tradition with themed cigars and smoked meats (because nothing says "resurrection" like brisket and tobacco), and Bo's frustration with having the EXACT SAME conversation with locals every week as a Methodist minister in a community where only 4-6% of people would ever consider attending his church.The loneliness epidemic gets real as Bo talks about eating Easter dinner alone and the challenge of building meaningful relationships when you know the denomination will move you in 5 years. We unpack how late-stage capitalism is shredding our social fabric, delaying home ownership and family formation, which historically provided entry points to community.In true TNT fashion, we tangent into: The toxic effects of social media (seriously, studies show quitting improves your mental health as much as TWO YEARS of quality therapy) A proposed Bible Quiz Bowl showdown at Theology Beer Camp featuring recovering Sword Drill champions My college-era protest of wearing an Ezekiel 23:20 t-shirt to a Bible inerrancy event (the verse about donkey genitals...) The passing of Pope Francis and his open-handed approach to Catholic tradition Post-liberal theology, narrative approaches to scripture, and creeds as questions rather than conclusions For our next episode, we're bringing back the topic we skipped today: "Does Liberal Theology Have a Future?" Also, we want YOU to send us audio recordings making the case for which Bible verses should be mandatory reading if schools start requiring it. The more interesting your take, the more likely we'll feature it! CLICK HERE TO SEND A MESSAGEDon't forget - Theology Beer Camp is coming up! Get your tickets at theologybeercamp.com. For our Christology series, check out ManyFacesOfChrist.com .Until next time, keep thinking deeply and drinking good beer!You can WATCH the conversation on YOUTUBETheology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 20253 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ TodayThe 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!_____________________Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. 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.comFollow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we were joined by surprise guest Josh Patterson from the Rethinking Faith Podcast, who subjects Bo to his signature "20 Questions" game. The conversation ranges from lighthearted to profound as Bo considers which biblical book he would eliminate, which religious figure would make the worst associate pastor, and why he remains a Christian despite doubts. The discussion weaves through topics including Native American spirituality, Tom Bombadil from Lord of the Rings, wild adventures at theology conferences, and questions Bo would ask if Jesus appeared before him. Throughout the conversation, Bo reflects that his continued faith journey has been marked not by steady progress but by fortunate encounters with guides who've helped him stumble forward despite his self-described "train wreck" nature.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeTheology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 20253 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic CrossanJoin us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here._____________________Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. 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.comFollow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tripp and Bo dive into a fascinating theological discussion about Daniel 10 and its interpretation in this episode of the Theology Nerd Throwdown. Bo, who is preaching through Daniel, seeks Tripp's insights on how progressive Christians can approach the text's three-tiered cosmology featuring territorial spirits and angelic battles. They explore various ways to understand ancient worldviews without dismissing them, including how some modern Christians have used these concepts for potentially problematic practices like "spiritual mapping" and "prayer walking." The conversation touches on colonialism in missions, cultural sensitivity, and how the same text that describes cosmic battles can be weaponized for xenophobic purposes or reimagined through a lens of cultural humility. Throughout their dialogue, they weave in personal stories about mission trips, theological embarrassments, and how contextual theology might offer better approaches to understanding both ancient texts and cultural differences.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeTheology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 20253 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic CrossanJoin us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here._____________________Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. 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.comFollow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the BoDaddy shares about his co-passion projects in his local community and the struggle to act as a community of faith in our increasingly tribal time. Then they discuss the nature of contemplation versus fascination, sparked by reflections from Tripp's son's school essay and interviews with scholars Kevin Hart and Norman Wirzba. They reflect on the impact of smartphones on our attention, social life, and spiritual well-being, proposing ways to shift from fascination to deeper contemplative living. Along the way, they share humor, personal anecdotes, and a collective plan for conscious technology use during Lent. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeTheology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 20253 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic CrossanJoin us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here._____________________Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. 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.comFollow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is MAGA? In this episode, we dive deep into the movement, not just as a political force, but as a new kind of civil religion. We'll explore the history of self-creation, from Martin Luther to the age of Trump, and how this uniquely American idea shapes the MAGA movement. We'll also unpack the complex relationship between online communities and real connection, the allure of nostalgia, and the very nature of truth in a post-truth era. Join us for a fascinating conversation on the spiritual and cultural forces driving one of the most significant movements in recent history.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeA Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic CrossanJoin us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bo texted Tripp about preaching through the book of Daniel and some ideas he has about resilience and resistance he wants to discuss. He also has a preterist theory about biblical prophecy. Tripp assumes this is something his church and education experience failed to tell him about. What resulted was a lively discussion on the book of Daniel, exploring its layers of prophetic texts, historical contexts, and theological implications. We dive into Daniel's diet, fiery furnaces, the lions' den, and the interpretations of prophetic visions. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how ancient texts provide relevant insights into consumption, allegiance, and how to navigate uncertain times faithfully. Don't miss Bo explaining his take on preterism, punctuated equilibrium, and how these concepts help make sense of contemporary issues.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeA Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic CrossanJoin us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tripp & Bo dive deep into the concept of digital colonialism and how tech giants are reshaping human interaction and power dynamics. They explore how data is extracted, processed, and monetized, creating a new colonial class and transforming social relations. Through a critical lens, they discuss the implications for individual autonomy, the erosion of social trust, and potential ways to resist and reimagine our digital lives. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the very frameworks of our current digital society.You can WATCH this conversation on YouTubeA Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic CrossanJoin us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Theology Nerd Throwdown, Tripp & Bo dive into a vibrant discussion on the evolving cultural and political landscape. Bo shares his experiences and insights after moving to Idaho, reflecting on conservative backlash and modern conservatism. The duo explores the complexities of liberalism's critics, the fragmentation of society, and the role of community and virtue in an individualistic world. They discuss strategies for reclaiming ecclesiology as upstream of politics and the implications for local congregations. Tune in for a thought-provoking session that bridges theology, philosophy, and contemporary issues.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeJoin our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of LiberationThis podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity and Theology Nerd Throwdown 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bo wants to talk about the incarnation and God's love of flesh. Tripp wants street tacos. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeThis Advent season, join us for a unique four-week online class that dives deep into the Advent and Christmas sermons of some of the 20th century’s most provocative theologians: Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Tillich, and Rudolf Bultmann. Known collectively as contributors to the “theology of crisis,” these thinkers wrestled with the significance of the Incarnation in a world marked by upheaval, uncertainty, and hope. The class is online, asynchronous, and donation-based, including 0. www.OhGodWhatNow.netGet info on Theology Beer Camp 2025 here.Join the Bonhoeffer class - The Rise of Bonhoeffer - and follow the Bonhoeffer podcast!Follow the podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bo doesn't understand the growing attraction of traditional religion. He wants to talk about it. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeThis Advent season, join us for a unique four-week online class that dives deep into the Advent and Christmas sermons of some of the 20th century’s most provocative theologians: Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Tillich, and Rudolf Bultmann. Known collectively as contributors to the “theology of crisis,” these thinkers wrestled with the significance of the Incarnation in a world marked by upheaval, uncertainty, and hope. The class is online, asynchronous, and donation-based, including 0. www.OhGodWhatNow.netGet info on Theology Beer Camp 2025 here.Join the Bonhoeffer class - The Rise of Bonhoeffer - and follow the Bonhoeffer podcast!Follow the podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices