Homebrewed Christianity

In this episode, Tripp hosts New Testament scholar Matthew Thiessen to discuss his book on The Jewish Paul and explore a fresh understanding of Paul's letters within their proper Jewish context.Conversation Highlights: Paul's Jewish Identity: Matthew explains how we should understand Paul not as someone who left Judaism for Christianity, but as a Jew who maintained his Jewish identity while believing Jesus was the Messiah. The Law and Gentiles: The conversation explores the complex debates in early Christianity about how the Jewish law applied to Gentile believers, with Paul arguing that while the law remained important for Jews, certain aspects (like circumcision) were not required for Gentiles. Paul's Pharisaic Background: Matthew discusses how Paul's identity as a Pharisee shapes his understanding of the resurrection and how Jesus being raised from the dead modified but didn't abandon his pharisaic worldview. Resurrection Theology: The discussion examines how Paul's understanding of Jesus's resurrection as the "first fruits" reflects his Jewish eschatological hope, even while grappling with the surprising gap between Christ's resurrection and the general resurrection. Rethinking Christian Tradition: Tripp and Matthew discuss how recovering Paul's Jewish context challenges many modern Christian theological assumptions and opens up new possibilities for understanding his message. Reading Paul in His Context: The conversation explores how modern readers often misunderstand Paul by projecting post-Enlightenment concepts onto his writings rather than understanding his ancient cosmology and worldview. Check out Thiessen's previous visit to the podcast: Jesus & the Forces of Death You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeMatthew Thiessen is a professor at McMaster University specializing in early Judaism, Christian origins, and the relationship between early Christianity and Judaism. His work focuses on the rise of Christianity, particularly as it relates to early Judaism and the questions related to ethnicity and identity construction.Theology 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, I am joined by Dr. Kurt Gray, a psychologist specializing in the nature of outrage and its impact on culture. Our conversation centers around his new book Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. We explore the psychological foundations of our polarized culture. Dr. Gray, currently transitioning from UNC Chapel Hill to Ohio State, shares insights from his research on how perceptions of harm drive moral judgments across the political spectrum. The conversation delves into how humans evolved more as prey than predators, explaining our heightened sensitivity to threats and tendency toward outrage in modern contexts. Dr. Gray challenges popular theories about moral foundations, arguing that both liberals and conservatives care about similar values but perceive vulnerability differently across four domains: the environment, marginalized groups, authority figures, and religious symbols.We unpack practical approaches to navigating political and moral divides, from the importance of face-to-face conversations to understanding the psychological mechanisms behind moral certainty. They explore how religious communities might address polarization, the challenges of engaging with opposing viewpoints in the social media age, and the limitations of using facts alone to bridge moral chasms. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand and transcend the outrage that dominates our public discourse.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeDr. Kurt Gray is a Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. He received a PhD in Social Psychology from Harvard University. With over 120 published scientific papers, he explores the psychology of morality, politics, religion and AI. Gray is the recipient of numerous early-career and best paper awards, and his findings has been featured in New York Times, the Economist, Scientific American, Wired, and Hidden Brain. Gray is the co-author of the book The Mind Club: Who Thinks, What Feels and Why it Matters. He was almost a geophysicist, but a night trapped in the Canadian wilderness convinced him otherwise.Theology 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 the inaugural live stream of the class Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World, John Dominic Crossan joins me to dig into the radical historical Paul. Crosson argues for the importance of understanding Paul within the context of the historical Jesus, despite Paul's often radical and misunderstood teachings. We explore topics like Paul's controversial stance on gender and slavery, backed by textual analysis, and the influence of his letters within early Christian communities. The session also discusses the story of Thecla as an archetype of Paul's radical vision and how these narratives have been reshaped to fit different sociopolitical contexts. Questions from participants help flesh out the complexities around Paul's portrayal in the New Testament and subsequent interpretations.To access all 5 of Crossan's lectures, submit questions, and join future live streams, head here to join the class.John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Historical Jesus, How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, God and Empire, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, The Greatest Prayer, The Last Week, and The Power of Parable. He lives in Minneola, Florida.Previous Podcast Episodes with Dom & Tripp Ask JC Anything Diana Butler Bass & John Dominic Crossan: The Resurrection of Jesus Brian McLaren & John Dominic Crossan: The Message of Jesus & the Judgement of Civilization Brian Zahnd & John Dominic Crossan: God, Violence, Empire, & Salvation Why the Biblical Paul is Awesome Christian Resurrection & Human Evolution The Cross & the Crisis of Civilization The Coming Kingdom & the Risen Christ The Parables of Jesus & the Parable of God How to think about Jesus like a Historian the Last Week of Jesus’ Life Jesus, Paul, & Bible Questions Saving the Biblical Christmas Stories the most important discovery for understanding Jesus The Bible, Violence, & Our Future Resurrecting Easter on the First Christmas   From Jesus’ Parables to Parables of God  Render Unto Caesar on God & Empire Join Dom Crossan at ...Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025 3 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

Ryan Burge, a political scientist and assistant professor at Eastern Illinois University, dives into the intriguing data on religious trends in America. He discusses the decline of traditional denominations and the explosive rise of non-denominational Christianity, fueled by growing distrust in institutional religion. Burge shares insights about megachurches and the evolving dynamics of American faith, including the importance of community in the shift towards individualized spirituality. The conversation is lively, combining serious insights with humor and engaging analysis.

In this episode, I am joined by evolutionary biologist and curatorial scientist Dr. Lance Grande. Lance shares insights from his extensive career examining the dynamics and changes in evolution, culminating in his exhaustive 600-page book, The Evolution of Religion: A History of Related Traditions. The discussion delves into the application of modern evolutionary theory to the study of organized religion, the impact of religion on human culture, and the challenges and future of religion in an interconnected world. Given the unique and expansive thesis of the book, I was thrilled when Lance agreed to walk us through it with slides at the beginning of our recording session. Don't miss the video version on YouTube to see all of Lance's slides.Lance Grande is the Negaunee Distinguished Service Curator Emeritus of the Field Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Chicago. He specializes in evolutionary systematics, paleontology, and biology and is deeply interested in the interdisciplinary applications of the scientific method and philosophy. His many books include Curators: Behind the Scenes of Natural History Museums (2017) and The Lost World of Fossil Lake: Snapshots from Deep Time (2013).Theology 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

Join Craig Boyd, a philosophy and humanities professor, and Nick Polk, a Tolkien expert, as they dive into the virtuous world of Tolkien. They explore Gandalf's compassionate leadership and wisdom, connecting his journey to biblical figures like Moses. The discussions illuminate the themes of hope, the importance of purposeful relationships, and the dynamics of friendship and sacrifice found in Middle-earth. Prepare to be inspired by how these timeless narratives apply to our own lives and nurture our communal bonds!

Gerardo Marti, a sociology professor at Davidson College, dives into the complexities of modern spirituality and the ongoing meaning crisis. He examines how rapid social changes challenge personal identity formation and the evolution of religious beliefs. They explore the intertwining of religion and politics, the rise of new spiritual identities, and the struggles within modern communities. With humor and depth, they discuss the impact of disenchantment and algorithms on society, revealing the quest for transcendence in an increasingly secular world.

Explore America's shifting spiritual landscape, where traditional religion faces decline. Discover how the MAGA movement embodies a new civil religion rooted in self-creation and positive thinking. Unpack the tension between authentic community connections and commodification as seen through Trump's persona. Delve into the psychological dynamics of MAGA's authoritarian traits and its yearning for a mythic past. Gain insights into innovative theological education aimed at fostering transformative leadership in today’s polarized society.

John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is a leading historical Jesus scholar and bestselling author. He reflects on his Irish Catholic heritage and its influence on his theological inquiry. The conversation dives into collaborative eschatology, underscoring human responsibility in justice. Crossan also addresses mythicist arguments about Jesus’ historicity and shares insights on creating an accurate Jesus film. He highlights the intersection of Paul's vision and modern science, teasing his future participation in Theology Beer Camp.

Philip Goff, a philosophy professor at Durham University and author of "Why? The Purpose of the Universe", dives deep into the meaning of life, challenging conventional Christianity. He explores panpsychism and the universe's fine-tuning, confronting the problem of evil while advocating for a more accessible religion. The conversation navigates how modern belief systems clash with the crisis of meaning in contemporary society. Goff encourages openness in faith discussions and redefines the role of consciousness and divine action in our understanding of existence.