Homebrewed Christianity

Jeremy Fackenthal, a philosopher, filmmaker, and non-profit director, delves into Walter Benjamin's intricate ideas on memory, history, and messianic time. He explores how acknowledging the past may lead to redemption and societal transformation, emphasizing the concept of 'damaged life' in today's world. Fackenthal argues for a revolutionary approach to history, advocating for critical self-reflection and the importance of communal responsibility. Their conversation bridges philosophy and theology, offering a fresh perspective on collective memory and its role in shaping our future.

Dr. Matthew Segall, an Assistant Professor specializing in process philosophy, delves into the 'meaning crisis' plaguing Western culture. He discusses the resurgence of religious interest and explores how historical and cultural shifts impact our search for meaning. Segall highlights the tension between individualism and communal belonging, advocating for a balanced engagement with diverse faith traditions. He also tackles the erosion of family life and the role of personal callings in fostering a meaningful community amidst modern challenges.

In this conversation, Ryan Burge, an assistant professor of political science and pastor in the American Baptist Church, dives into the intriguing connection between trust in religion and democracy. He shares compelling graphs revealing a decline in trust in organized religion and the rise of non-denominationalism. With humorous anecdotes and data analysis, Ryan discusses the complexities of the meaning crisis and how societal dynamics are shifting. Expect offbeat discussions on cigars and beer while gaining insights into contemporary American religious and political landscapes.

Victoria Barnett, an esteemed historian of the Holocaust and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, shares profound insights into Bonhoeffer's life during Nazi Germany. She discusses his moral dilemmas, including his role in the ecumenical movement and the assassination plots against Hitler. The conversation highlights Bonhoeffer's struggle against tyranny and how his reflections remain relevant today. Barnett also demythologizes his legacy, emphasizing collective resistance among clergy and the intricate responsibilities of the church to navigate modern ethical challenges.

Join award-winning theologian Thomas Jay Oord, philosophy lecturer Benjamin Chicka, and theology professor John Thatamanil as they dive into the dynamic contrast between Ground of Being theology and Process theology. They discuss the importance of courage in identity amidst societal challenges and critique religious institutions. The panel also explores contemporary divine participation and debates static versus dynamic interpretations of God, emphasizing an inclusive approach to theology and the transformative power of wonder in understanding existence.

Philip Clayton, a close friend and former PhD advisor to Tripp Fuller, shares heartfelt memories of the groundbreaking theologian John Cobb in this touching discussion. They explore Cobb's profound influence on process theology and eco-theology, highlighting his innovative approach to bridging diverse viewpoints. Personal anecdotes reveal Cobb's warmth and commitment to teaching, while reflections on his environmental activism show his global impact. The conversation serves as a celebration of Cobb’s legacy and inspiration for future theological exploration.

In a captivating discussion, Dr. Joerg Rieger, a distinguished theologian and expert in social justice, examines the critical role of religion in today’s world. He critiques the rise of right-wing populism and advocates for a redefined faith that promotes solidarity. Joerg emphasizes the need for compassionate socialism that aligns with religious values and the importance of understanding systemic oppression. He encourages dialogue around the intertwined nature of theology, economics, and politics, shedding light on how conceptions of God shape community dynamics.

In this enlightening discussion, Andrew M. Davis, a prominent process philosopher and theologian, introduces the intricate thought of Alfred North Whitehead. He uses the metaphor of a prism to illustrate the complexity of reality and the dynamic nature of being and becoming. The conversation explores the interplay between philosophy, human experience, and the cosmos, advocating for a relational perspective that emphasizes ethical transformation. Davis also highlights the importance of community in understanding these philosophical concepts and invites engagement through educational opportunities.

In this episode, I team up with our producer, Josh Gilbert, for an experimental format inspired by our podcast planning sessions, where Josh often brings up intriguing questions he’s gathered while editing. Together, we explore how our initial infatuation with ideas can grow into a deeper understanding and mastery and how our personal biases inevitably shape our philosophical inquiries.  We discuss the significance of philosophy in making sense of existence, agency, and how we apply ideas in everyday life. We talk about the value of curiosity and the ongoing journey of learning across the humanities, emphasizing the need to engage with philosophical texts critically and passionately. Josh pressed me on the distinction between plausibility and intensity of faith commitments, the existential register’s importance in understanding religious identity, and how modern empiricism and cultural narratives influence individual agency.  Throughout the conversation, we weave in insights from thinkers like Alfred North Whitehead, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Søren Kierkegaard, Paul Tillich, Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, J.R.R. Tolkien, Martin Heidegger, Philip Goff, and Charles Taylor. Together, we explore how these voices create a community of inquiry that invigorates our understanding of life and existence, showing how philosophy can shape what we think and how we live.To get the entire conversation, all podcast episodes ad-free, and support our work, consider joining the Process This on SubStack or get access to our entire catalog of classes & all the rest by joining up at Theology Class.UPCOMING ONLINE CLASS - Truth in Tough Times: Global Voices of LiberationI am thrilled to announce our upcoming class with Joerg Rieger and a host of liberation theologians from across the globe. Our goal is to create an experience where participants will get a clear and compelling account of contemporary liberation theology and meet the most critical voices of our generation. As always, then lass is donation-based, including 0. Get info and join up at www.TruthInToughTimes.com_____________________Join my Substack - Process This!Join our class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought.Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer’s House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HEREFollow 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, Grace Ji-Sun Kim discusses her provocative new book, When God Became White. We delve into challenging topics like the implications of a colonialist legacy on the church, the intersections of race, gender, and religion, and how historical missions have shaped perceptions. We also discuss the representation of Jesus in church life, syncretism in Christianity, and the experiences of Korean immigrants. Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion and host of the Madang podcast.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube.Previous Episodes with Grace & Susan Surviving God Godly QnA a Theology of Visibility  What is Intersectional Theology? The Prophetic Life of the Spirit Embracing the Other and Reading the Bible Keeping Hope Alive Garrett Theological Seminary sponsored this episode. Seminary education isn’t just for pastors. Social awareness of the world’s most pressing problems, robust ethical analysis, empathic biblical wisdom, and courageous leadership are skills you can use across a wide range of vocations. Whether you feel called to care and counseling, public service, prophetic arts, or non-profit management, there’s a degree program at Garrett Seminary that’s right for you. Our global faculty and diverse student body nurture class discussions that reflect the contextual realities in the communities you’ll serve, and our commitment to hands-on learning means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put that knowledge to use. Located in the heart of Northwestern’s campus, just a short train ride from Chicago, let our city be your training ground. Garrett also offers fully online and hybrid programs. So wherever and whoever you are, apply to begin your fulfilling new career today. Learn more here. _____________________Join my Substack - Process This!Join our class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought.Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer’s House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HEREFollow 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