Homebrewed Christianity

Ryan Burge, a political scientist who led a landmark study on religiously unaffiliated Americans, joins theologian Tony Jones and Sarah Lane Ritchie, director of the Spiritual Yearning Research Initiative. They reveal insights from the largest survey ever conducted on this demographic. Discover four distinct categories: NINOs, Spiritual But Not Religious, Disengaged, and Zealous Secularists. They dive into surprising findings about happiness levels among atheists and the implications for American religious identity.

Tad DeLay, a philosopher focused on political philosophy and climate, dives deep into the roots of democratic decline and how Plato's insights remain relevant today. He explores why people crave servitude, the connection between historical democratic movements and our current crises, and critiques the power dynamics of billionaire oligarchs like Peter Thiel. The conversation touches on the normalization of violence, social media's fake happiness, and the urgent need to revive shame about dishonesty as a political virtue, painting a complex yet oddly hopeful picture of our times.

Join Benjamin Chica, a Tillich scholar and philosopher, and Noreen Hirshfeld, a theologian with a tech background, as they unpack the intersection of AI and theology. They delve into how AI reflects human biases, the fading promise of AGI, and the crucial importance of genuine human connections that technology cannot replicate. With engaging anecdotes, they argue that while AI might simulate intelligence, it lacks true consciousness and emotional depth. Their insights emphasize the need for grounded relationships and caution against the AI hype.

Michael Morelli, host of Personalist Manifestos, and Paul Hoard, professor at The Seattle School, dive deep into the meanings of Incarnation amid our tech-dominated lives. They tackle Advent's call for patient longing versus today's instant gratification, exposing how algorithms distort genuine desire. The duo critiques society's addiction to smoothness, arguing that real intimacy requires friction and change. With thoughts on love's transformative power and Bonhoeffer's hermeneutic, they remind us of hope amid digital chaos, urging a return to embodied relationships.

Ryan Burge, a savvy data analyst and professor at the Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, dives into the stark disconnect between mainline clergy and their congregations. He reveals that while 60-70% of clergy identify as liberal, only about 25% of pew sitters do—creating a significant gap. Ryan discusses the implications of an aging congregation, the challenges of dwindling membership, and why young people are opting out of mainline churches. Plus, they touch on cultural shifts and the intriguing dynamics of clergy demographics, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Rian Johnson, acclaimed writer-director of the Knives Out franchise, delves into his latest film and its rich theological themes. He explores the intersection of mystery and faith, discussing how narratives can mirror liturgical structures. Rian reflects on his evangelical roots, highlighting the complexities of grace, power, and community dynamics within the church. He also shares insights on the symbolic meaning of Eve's apple in the film and the internal voices of the characters, revealing a profound narrative depth that challenges the 'us vs them' mentality.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Hermans-Webster, an acquisitions editor at Orbis Books and United Methodist pastor, joins the conversation to curate a must-have list for theology lovers. They explore a variety of theological books that challenge and inspire, from Catherine Keller's eco-theology to James Cone's foundational work on Black liberation. Thomas highlights the significance of communal activism in eco-theology, while discussions include unique takes on Christology and the role of faith in climate action. Perfect gift ideas for your favorite theology nerd!

Brian McLaren, a progressive Christian author, joins economic geographer Guillermo Bervejillo and community organizer Dawson Allen in a thought-provoking discussion. They challenge the church's economic blindness, framing economics as pivotal to understanding theology. Topics include Kojin Karatani's modes of exchange, the interplay of nation, state, and capital, and how these affect social outcomes. They emphasize the biblical narrative as a guide to communal reciprocity, calling for practical steps churches can take to reclaim community autonomy and foster deeper connections.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Andy Root, a theologian known for connecting Bonhoeffer’s ideas to youth ministry, joins fellow scholars Reggie Williams, Lori Brandt Hale, and Jeff Pugh. They dive into Bonhoeffer's life and how his critique of nationalism and collective stupidity resonates today. The panel addresses the church's failures and the importance of community action amidst authoritarianism, emphasizing prayer and nonviolent resistance. They explore how Bonhoeffer's insights can guide us in confronting contemporary crises with courage and compassion.

Diana Butler Bass, an award-winning historian and author known for her insights on contemporary Christianity, dives into the rich layers of Matthew's birth narrative. She reveals how the genealogy is a subversive royal document challenge to Roman power and highlights scandalous women as key figures. Diana draws parallels between Jesus and the Wisdom tradition while framing the Magi's rebellion against Herod as a cosmic confrontation. Tune in to explore themes of holy resistance, the implications of exile, and the transformative message of Jesus as a beacon of hope.