Homebrewed Christianity

Nicholas Spencer, a senior fellow at Theos and host of the 'Reading Our Times' podcast, delves into the intricate dance between science and religion. He challenges the prevalent conflict narrative by illustrating how historical and contemporary perspectives can align. From Darwin's legacy to the ethical dilemmas posed by AI and genetic engineering, Spencer emphasizes the need for deeper, communal conversations around these topics. He reveals how socio-economic struggles often underpin mental health issues, advocating for a relational approach to our understanding of science and faith.

Dr. Aaron Stauffer, an ethicist and organizer at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, discusses the urgent need for progressive Christianity to create meaningful social change. He explores the decline of mainline Protestant public witness and critiques charity-driven approaches. Stauffer highlights initiatives like Solidarity Circles that empower faith leaders to engage with their communities. The conversation delves into the historical roots of progressive Protestantism, the importance of relational dynamics, and how faith can drive justice in an increasingly complex world.

In this episode, I am joined by the eminent historian of science and religion, Peter Harrison. We examine how we've inherited a distorted narrative about the relationship between science and religion. Rather than the conflict narrative we're accustomed to, Harrison reveals that science and religion are not historical foes, and that modern Western sciences are actually built on theological assumptions. The real game-changer comes from tracing how Protestant reforms—notably the attack on allegorical readings of scripture and the demand for each individual to justify their belief— fundamentally transformed how we read both Scripture and nature, eventually leading to our impoverished, utilitarian view of the natural world. Harrison shows how concepts we think are timeless - like "belief," "supernatural," and even "religion" itself - are modern inventions with specific histories, and how understanding these genealogies can help us see that many of our contemporary problems in science-religion dialogue are artifacts of the categories themselves rather than real conflicts in the world. The conversation ultimately suggests that by understanding how we arrived at our current conceptual frameworks, we might find new ways forward that don't trap us in the either/or thinking that dominates so much of contemporary debate. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Dr. Peter Harrison is a former Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion in the University of Oxford, and Emeritus Professor of the History of Science at the University of Queensland, where he was also an Australian Laureate fellow and Founding Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH). His many celebrated books include The Fall of Man and the Foundations of Science, The Cambridge Companion to Science and Religion, The Territories of Science and Religion, & his newest book Some New World: Myths of Supernatural Belief in a Secular Age. ONLINE SUMMIT:⁠⁠⁠ Democracy in Tension - NAVIGATING THE INTERLOCKING CRISES OF DEMOCRACY AND RELIGION ⁠⁠⁠ Democracy today faces profound challenges – polarization, inequality, populist authoritarianism, and widespread cynicism are eroding the foundations of democratic life. Yet, what if democracy's greatest strength lies not in eliminating these tensions, but in productively embracing them?The summit will navigate the complex terrain between political equality and social justice, liberal freedom and democratic sovereignty, and ethical demands and political action. As always, the class is donation-based, including 0. INFO & Sign-Up at ⁠⁠⁠www.HomebrewedClasses.com⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠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. _____________________ 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.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow 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

Robert Talisse, a political philosopher and professor at Vanderbilt University, dives into the paradox of polarization in democracy. He uncovers how our political identities overshadow other values, making us more polarized than ever. The conversation explores the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging these divides. Talisse offers hope by emphasizing the need for human connection beyond politics, sharing anecdotes like a MAGA flag camping story that highlight finding common ground. Together, they discuss navigating these tensions to preserve democracy and our humanity.

Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a theology professor and host of the Madang podcast, offers a refreshing perspective on the Holy Spirit and our connection to creation. She discusses how her understanding of pneumatology has evolved to emphasize practical faith and sustainability. Grace critiques dualistic thinking that disconnects humanity from nature and highlights the integration of the Spirit in daily life. With insights from her book 'Earthbound,' she encourages communities to discern authentic spirituality and fosters a holistic approach to faith and climate justice.

Corey Walker, Dean of the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University, and Bill Leonard, Founding Dean and Church History expert, engage in a thought-provoking discussion. They trace the roots of today’s civilizational crisis from the Council of Nicaea to smartphone addiction, exploring the impact of fear in religious discourse. The two emphasize the troubling rise of Christian nationalism and the significance of individual conscience. They call for a deeper, inclusive engagement with faith, challenging listeners to find community and meaning in diverse perspectives.

Join Josh Gilbert, podcast producer and philosophical explorer, as he shares insights on navigating modern identity and adulthood. He opens up about the existential crises faced by many today. The discussion dives into the tension between individualism and community, exploring William James' 'Will to Believe' and the complexities of personal choices. They also touch on societal divides, Byung-Chul Han's concept of positive violence, and the humorous side of planning a cigar expo. Expect laughter and deep thoughts on commitment, freedom, and the search for meaning!

Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a theology professor and host of the Madang podcast, shares her insights on the vital connection between the Holy Spirit, social justice, and the theology of inclusivity. She discusses the transformative potential of starting theological discourse with the Spirit instead of Christology. Grace also critiques the impact of colonial imagery of God on issues like patriarchy and racism, while humorously tying Pentecost to evolutionary biology. Expect engaging conversations about community, discernment, and the upcoming Theology Beer Camp!

Join Andrew Root, a professor dedicated to youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary, as he navigates the complexities of evangelism in today's despair-ridden culture. He argues that the church's true calling may not be to spread happiness, but to walk alongside individuals in their sorrow. The conversation touches on the failure of the pursuit of happiness, critiques of social media's impact on authenticity, and the need for genuine community support. Reflecting on personal stories and philosophical insights, this discussion redefines what the gospel can mean in modern times.

Rolf Jacobson, a Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, pays tribute to the influential biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann. They discuss Walter's revolutionary approach to biblical theology, emphasizing a relational God. Rolf shares touching stories about Walter's pastoral heart and his critiques of American capitalism. They explore 'The Prophetic Imagination' as a call for hope rather than condemnation, and examine the connections between ancient texts and contemporary social justice issues, showcasing Walter's innovative interdisciplinary insights.