Homebrewed Christianity

Join Sarah Heath, a pastor and camp organizer, Bryn (Camp Gandalf), a logistics wizard, Josh Patterson, a theatrical contributor, and Will (Wilbo Baggins), a playful panelist, as they reminisce about the joyous chaos of Beer Camp. They share hilarious highlights, from a surprise Magic: The Gathering game to a theological wrestling match and karaoke in bunny suits. The focus? Embracing authenticity, community, and memorable connections across generations, all while letting loose in a space where everyone belongs.

In this enlightening conversation, Natalie Wigg-Stevenson, an Associate Professor and ordained Baptist minister, shares her journey of recovery from a brain injury endured during a closet clean-up. She candidly discusses the cognitive losses she faced and their impact on her identity, parenting, and spirituality. Natalie explores the role of psychedelics in her healing, detailing personal experiences with ketamine therapy and the insights it provided. The dialogue beautifully intertwines vulnerability, theological exploration, and the serendipity of rediscovering joy in everyday moments.

Casey Sigmon, an Assistant Professor in Preaching and Worship, dives into the transformative power of worship beyond just Sunday services. She challenges listeners to view worship as holistic life patterns rather than industry-driven aesthetics. Exploring themes of justice and communal accountability, Casey critiques white evangelical practices that favor preference over prophetic engagement. She advocates for children’s leadership in justice and reminds us that divine action may look more like collaborative choreography than cosmic intervention.

Heath W. Carter, a historian of American Christianity and author of *Union Made*, explores the often-overlooked working-class roots of social Christianity. He reveals how labor movements shaped the social gospel far from elite seminaries, highlighting grassroots efforts that pressed churches to advocate for labor rights. Carter discusses the evolution of church attitudes from anti-labor to embracing living wages, emphasizing the importance of collective action in transforming faith communities. He reflects on the challenges facing democracy and economic justice today, urging a return to solidarity.

In this enlightening conversation, Drew G. I. Hart, a public theologian and professor known for his work on Black liberation theology, dives deep into the relationship between the Black church and justice. He discusses how enslaved people adapted Christianity for liberation, the necessity of confrontational theology in achieving real justice, and critiques white progressivism in maintaining oppressive structures. Hart emphasizes that reparations are about healing, not mere debt, and addresses the moral complexities of violence and peacemaking in response to systemic oppression.

Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley is a scholar, reverend, and author of The Anti-Greed Gospel. He shares insights on how greed fuels racism and the struggle between serving God and Mammon. Foley discusses the moral imperatives demonstrated by figures like MLK, emphasizing nonviolence and moral clarity. He critiques exploitative capitalism and urges Christians to engage in local political-economic communities instead of simply relying on electoral politics. This thought-provoking conversation challenges listeners to embody justice and love in their faith.

In this engaging conversation, Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, a Lutheran theologian and ethicist, explores the disconnect between faith and economics, emphasizing how our consumer choices impact global injustice. She shares her journey from despair to action, fueled by a mystical encounter, and offers a vision of a moral economy defined by ecological, equitable, and democratic principles. With her framework of 'ten fingers on the hands of healing change,' Cynthia empowers listeners to take actionable steps, reminding us that the current economy is human-made and can be transformed.

Ryan G. Duns, SJ, is a Jesuit priest and theology professor at Marquette University, exploring the intersection of horror films and theology. He presents intriguing ideas that horror is a conservative genre, revealing our metaphysical vulnerabilities and desires for meaning. Duns discusses concepts like 'frag events' and the 'dark transcendent', using films like The Purge and The Black Phone to highlight the connection between fear and faith. He even shares anecdotes from his theology class, showcasing horror's role in deepening spiritual conversations.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Noreen Herzfeld, a scholar of science and religion, explores the intersection of AI and theology. She examines why we create AI in our own image and questions whether these machines might serve as modern surrogates for God. Herzfeld warns against the risks of digital idolatry, discussing the implications of grief bots and digital immortality. She also highlights the environmental concerns of AI's energy consumption, proposing that our technological advances may ultimately pose an existential threat.

Hanna Reichel, Associate Professor of Reformed Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and author of 'For Such a Time as This', discusses navigating faith amid rising authoritarianism. She draws parallels between Trump's America and the Weimar Republic, warning against simplistic analogies. Reichel delves into the power of language, distinguishing between authoritarianism and totalitarianism. She highlights how ancient liturgical practices can offer guidance during political chaos and the importance of discerning emotions for effective resistance.