Homebrewed Christianity

In this episode, we are joined by social ethicist Dr. Aaron Stauffer to guide us through the intersection of theology and community organizing. Aaron, a coordinator for the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion & Justice and author of Listening to the Spirit, explores the intertwining of theology, activism, and justice. Discover how faith has historically inspired activism and can energize current movements. The dialogue delves into sacred values, community organizing, and the transformation of religious and political landscapes. Topics include bipartisan politics, military spending, foreign policy, and the role of unions like the UAW. Reflect on the impact of historical social movements, the military-industrial complex, and theological perspectives on democracy and class solidarity. Learn about upcoming events like Theology Beer Camp and the concept of Solidarity Circles to build supportive networks of change-makers. This episode is a compelling blend of faith, practical efforts for social change, and community values.Aaron Stauffer is the Director of Online Learning and Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He earned his PhD in social ethics at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York and has organized with the Industrial Areas Foundation in San Antonio, Texas and Religions for Peace. His work has appeared in Tikkun, Sojourners, The Other Journal, Political Theology, and CrossCurrents, as well as other scholarly and popular publications.About Solidarity Circles Building Solidarity by Deep TransformationFaith leaders, clergy, & organizers today feel more isolated than ever. We are over-resourced and under-connected. We need spaces and networks to organize together.Solidarity Circles are built to meet this need. These are virtual peer-networks for faith leaders, organizers, clergy, and members of the community who realize that the solidarity economy is essential for the flourishing of life and our faith communities. Solidarity circles are one way the Wendland-Cook Program is seeking to revitalize and build the church and Christian theology in positive ways. We believe that this work is deeply connected to the mission and vocation of Christian churches. Broadly understood, the cooperative and solidarity economy are ways of addressing longstanding economic inequalities within our society, including white supremacy and gender and sex inequities. We're so excited about the work we can do together. INFO HERE Watch the conversation on YouTube_____________________Join my Substack - Process This!Join our upcoming class - THE GOD OF THE BIBLE: An Absolutely Clear and Final Guide to Ultimate Mystery ;) Come to THEOLOGY BEER CAMP.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

Dr. Ryan Burge is back to unpack closing the church he pastors and put it in the changing context of institutional religion in America. This is a candid discussion on the personal and societal impacts of church closures in America, illustrated by Ryan's own experience of closing his long-term church. The conversation explores theological diversity, the digital evolution of faith awareness, and the shifting landscape of religiosity in America. With anecdotes about conference speaking, humorous takes on 90s Christian rock, and reflections on pop culture influences like South Park, this episode is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Perfect for anyone grappling with similar challenges or curious about the state of American Christianity.WATCH the conversation on YouTube Ryan P. Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University. Author of numerous journal articles, he is the co-founder of and a frequent contributor to Religion in Public, a forum for scholars of religion and politics to make their work accessible to a general audience. Burge is a pastor in the American Baptist Church. Previous Visits from Ryan Burge The Future of Christian Education & Ministry in Charts The Sky is Falling & the Charts are Popping! Graphs about Religion & Politics w/ Spicy Banter a Year in Religion (in Graphs) Evangelical Jews, Educated Church-Goers, & other bits of dizzying data 5 Religion Graphs w/ a side of Hot Takes Myths about Religion & Politics Join my Substack - Process This!Join our upcoming class - THE GOD OF THE BIBLE: An Absolutely Clear and Final Guide to Ultimate Mystery ;)Come to THEOLOGY BEER CAMP. 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

The Bible is anything but clear when it comes to God. Within the text, God is not a consistent and defined character, and after thousands of years of debate and interpretation, God is no less a mystery today. In this episode, one of my favorite Biblical scholars, Dr. Rolf Jacobson joins me to discuss the character of God in the first 11 chapters of Genesis and how the stories of Creation and the crisis of sin give a narrative account of the human predicament before a loving God.If you enjoy the conversation, go grab the entire series now and join our upcoming live Q&A sessions where we walk through the entire Biblical story, asking the question of God. PS, it is donation-based, including 0, :)WATCH THE CONVERSATION HERE ON YOUTUBEDr. Rolf A. Jacobson is the Professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary.Known for his humor and faithful biblical interpretation, Jacobson is an in-demand preacher and teacher. With Craig Koester, he developed and supports the Narrative Lectionary. He enjoys collaborating with other teachers and pastors. His collaborative projects include The Book of Psalms (NICOT; with Beth Tanner and Nancy deClaissé-Walford), Invitation to the Psalms (with Karl Jacobson), Crazy Talk: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Theological Terms (with five fellow Luther Seminary graduates), and Crazy Book: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Biblical Terms(with Hans Wiersma and Karl Jacobson). He is also the author of The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the Old Testament: Israel’s In-Your-Face, Holy God. His scholarly interests include the Psalms, prophets, biblical theology, biblical narrative, and preaching the Old Testament.His voice can be heard on two weekly preaching podcasts, “Sermon Brainwave” and “The Narrative Lectionary,” as well as singing the high lonesome with a Lutheran bluegrass band, “The Fleshpots of Egypt.”A childhood cancer survivor, he is a double, above-the-knee amputee who generally wears a bicycle and a smile. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his beloved wife Amy, their children Ingrid and Gunnar, and a cat who thinks he is a dog. He is a loyal friend, a lifelong sufferer of Minnesota sports, and a committed board-game geekThe God of the Bible (an Open Online Class)Are you ready to unravel the enigmas of the divine? Or perhaps, just revel in the glorious complexity that is the God of the Bible? Join Dr. Rolf Jacobson and Dr. Tripp Fuller for an online class that's sarcastically (or is it?) titled, "The God of the Bible: An Absolutely Clear and Final Guide to Ultimate Mystery." Because if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that the nature, character, and vision of the God of the Bible are anything but simple!This class will take you on an unforgettable journey through the Biblical narrative, from Creation to Consummation. Our mission? To present the nature, character, and vision of the God of the Bible. Our method? Overcoming the hesitations of (post)modern, critical scholarship to highlight the aesthetic power of the divine as revealed in scripture.ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS: You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Replays are available on the Class Resource Page.Previous Episodes with Dr. Jacobson Five Offensive Things… you learn in Seminary The Five Most Offensive Bible Things… you Learn in Seminary Israel’s In-Your-Face, Holy God Join my Substack - Process This!Join our upcoming class - THE GOD OF THE BIBLE: An Absolutely Clear and Final Guide to Ultimate Mystery ;)Come to THEOLOGY BEER CAMP. 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

John Caputo, a distinguished philosopher and founder of weak theology, engages in a riveting discussion about the intertwining of artificial intelligence and theology. He explores how AI reshapes our understanding of existence, drawing on concepts from thinkers like Heidegger. The conversation delves into the mystical aspects of technology, reflecting on the ethical implications and the essence of human connections in a digital age. Caputo also highlights the fragility of our existence and the need for compassion as we navigate advancements in AI.

Dr. Anne Foerst, an AI pioneer, computer scientist, and theologian, invites listeners to navigate the intriguing intersection of artificial intelligence and theology. She delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and personhood, shedding light on the complexities of defining life-like intelligence. Foerst connects ancient narratives like the Golem's story to modern AI challenges, emphasizing the emotional ties humans form with robots. She urges a thoughtful approach to technology's impact on relationships and faith, promoting authentic connections in an increasingly digital world.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Michael Morelli, an expert on Jacques Ellul and Assistant Professor of Theology & Ethics, dives deep into the ethical quagmire of modern technology. He critiques how technology has become a contemporary idol, demanding sacrifices from society. The conversation also explores the dark dynamics of power and its link to innovation, examining warfare and propaganda's role in shaping our realities. With an emphasis on critical reflection, Morelli connects the implications of technology to faith, identity, and modern life.

Tim Clement-Jones, a prominent figure in the UK House of Lords advocating for AI regulation, dives into the nuanced interplay between humanity and artificial intelligence. He discusses the critical need for robust regulations and international collaboration to mitigate biases and existential risks posed by AI technologies. The conversation highlights the duality of AI as both a potential master and servant, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and government intervention. Tim also addresses building public trust in technology and advocating for innovation amidst regulatory advancements.

David, the tech-guru behind Homebrewed Christianity, shares exciting updates on the future of the platform after 16 years of growth. They unveil the new Theology Class, making online theological education more accessible, allowing users to learn at their own pace. David also discusses the importance of community support in sustaining resources and teases upcoming projects, including a film on inclusion in Christianity and a captivating audio documentary about Bonhoeffer's life in Nazi Germany. Tune in for a glimpse into a transformative era in theological exploration!

Brian Zahnd, a renowned theologian and poet, discusses his new book, *The Wood Between Worlds*. He dives into theopoetics of the cross and how *The Lord of the Rings* serves as a profound metaphor for faith. Zahnd critiques the links between nationalism and Christianity, advocating for a church rooted in spiritual identity over political affiliation. He also creatively imagines an eschatological music festival for Easter, blending humor and personal stories that highlight the transformative power of art in faith.

Join Noreen Herzfeld, a professor of science and religion, as she dives into the fascinating intersection of AI, ethics, and theology. They explore the often-overlooked relational aspects of human existence amidst advancing technology. The discussion raises critical ethical dilemmas in caregiving and military contexts shaped by AI. Herzfeld also highlights the substantial environmental costs of AI and the Vatican's stance on ecological sustainability. A thought-provoking conversation that emphasizes the need for religious wisdom in navigating our tech-driven future.