Homebrewed Christianity

In this episode, Dr. David Congdon joins me to discuss Rudolf Bultmann and his Advent preaching. He is infamous for his “demythologizing” approach to scripture, which seeks to uncover the true meaning behind the biblical narratives. Bultmann’s Advent sermons strip away sentimentalism, presenting the Incarnation as a call to authentic existence. We’ll consider how his approach can help us understand Christmas as more than a story, but as a profound encounter with God’s call in our own lives.You can WATCH the conversation on YouTubeDavid Congdon is an author, speaker, and scholar working in the area of theology and culture. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he completed a B.A. in English at Wheaton College, acquired an M.Div. and Ph.D. in theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, and have since worked in the publishing industry as an academic acquisitions editor.Previous Podcast Episodes with David Who Is a True Christian?: Contesting Religious Identity in American Culture Dialectical Theology Bultmann’s Mission of Demythologizing _____________________This DECEMBER, we will be exploring the 'Theologians of Crisis' in our online Advent class - Breaking into the Broken World. Join us to learn about Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rudolph Bultmann as we explore their thoughts and timely reflections in their Advent/Christmas sermons.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

Join Dr. John Thatamanil, a Professor of Theology & World Religions, as he dives into the intricate philosophy of Paul Tillich. They explore Tillich's insights on God's relationship with history and incarnation, delving into existential despair, divine grace, and the complexities of time. The discussion illuminates the connections between culture and religion, advocating for a forward-thinking approach to justice and spirituality. Discover how these ideas resonate with contemporary faith in challenging times.

Dr. Reggie Williams, an associate professor of Black theology and Bonhoeffer expert, joins Dr. Jeffrey Pugh for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological evolution influenced by the Harlem Renaissance, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of his critiques in today’s sociopolitical climate. Topics include the role of Black church traditions in social justice movements, the ethical challenges faced by faith leaders, and the importance of personal narratives in confronting systemic injustices, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Dr. Andrew Root, a theologian specializing in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's legacy, discusses Bonhoeffer's profound Advent sermons and their relevance today. He explores Bonhoeffer’s experiences in major cities and his responses to ideological crises. The conversation highlights Christ’s presence in the marginalized and the significance of community over institutional religion. Root reflects on the tension between hope and despair in anxious waiting, emphasizing personal connections and humility as revolutionary forces that transform faith and ethics.

Travis McMaken, the Butler Bible Endowed Professor of Religion, dives into the thought-provoking theology of Karl Barth, the original crisis theologian. They explore Barth's reaction to World War I and the evolution of his ideas on incarnation and revelation. Discussing the relevance of Barth's insights for contemporary challenges, they tackle the interplay of faith and power, critiques of cultural captivity, and the transformative essence of the gospel. The conversation highlights how the incarnation remains significant for believers today, underscoring a deep, ongoing relationship with God.

Catherine Keller, a leading voice in process theology, joins Kristy Whaley, an expert in Christian literature, and Ilia Delio, a theologian focused on science and religion. They dive deep into the perplexities surrounding the language of God and propose a theopoetic approach. The conversation navigates how personal experiences shape perceptions of God and the importance of a relational understanding of the divine. They explore the transformative power of community, the relevance of personal wounds, and the impact of technology on faith, all while challenging traditional theological views.

In this conversation, Simon Critchley, a philosopher at the New School for Social Research and author of "Mysticism," discusses his deep dive into the world of mysticism and its relevance today. He reflects on figures like Meister Eckhart and Julian of Norwich, exploring transformative spiritual experiences amidst modernity's alienation. The talk delves into personal engagement with mysticism, the role of prayer, and how mystical texts can reshape our understanding of faith. Critchley's insights provide a fresh perspective on spirituality in our contemporary world.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Eleanor McLaughlin, a Tutor in Theology at Ripon College Cuddesdon and author of 'Unconscious Christianity in Bonhoeffer’s Late Theology', dives deep into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's groundbreaking ideas. She explores the concept of 'unconscious Christianity' and its implications for today's ethics. Eleanor shares Bonhoeffer's relevance in the face of modern societal challenges and discusses his view of faith beyond labels. The conversation also touches on Bonhoeffer's unique perspective on reconciliation and the impact of his family on his theological journey.

 In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Andrew Root. We discuss Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his time in the experimental underground seminary at Finkenwalde. This community became a site for him to enact his broader theological and ethical intuitions in community. We unpack the significance of Bonhoeffer's relational theology, the establishment of illegal seminaries, Bonhoeffer's radical commitment to living out the gospel in dire times, and his enduring legacy. The conversation also touches on Bonhoeffer’s formation of deep friendships, notably with Eberhard Bethge, and the practical implications of his ideas for contemporary theological education and church life.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 HEREDr. Root is joining me this DECEMBER for our open online class exploring the 'Theologians of Crisis' - Breaking into the Broken World. Join us to learn about Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rudolph Bultmann as we explore their thoughts and timely reflections in their Advent/Christmas sermons.Want to learn more about Bonhoeffer? Join our open online companion class, The Rise of Bonhoeffer, and get access to full interviews from the Bonhoeffer scholars, participate in deep-dive sessions with Tripp and Jeff, unpack curated readings from Bonhoeffer, send in your questions, and join the online community of fellow Bonhoeffer learners. The class is donation-based, including 0. You can get more info here.WATCH the conversation here on YouTubeAndrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture, and younger generations. Some of his most recent books are The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018). Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies.Previous Visits with Andy Root Resonance in an Accelerated Age Secular Mysticism & Identity Politics the Church after Innovation Churches and the Crisis of Decline Acceleration, Resonance, & the Counting Crows Ministry in a Secular Age Christopraxis with Andy Root Faith Formation in a Secular Age the Promise of Despair _____________________This DECEMBER, we will be exploring the 'Theologians of Crisis' in our online Advent class - Breaking into the Broken World. Join us to learn about Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rudolph Bultmann as we explore their thoughts and timely reflections in their Advent/Christmas sermons.Join my Substack - Process This!Join our class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought.Go with me to Berlin to spend a week in Bonhoeffer's House!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

Join theologian Joshua Mauldin, Associate Director at Princeton’s Center of Theological Inquiry, as he explores the profound insights of Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They discuss how these thinkers confronted the crises of democracy and the rise of Nazism, drawing startling parallels to today’s challenges. The conversation delves into the ethical complexities of modernity, the necessity of tolerance, and the importance of community engagement in navigating societal dilemmas. A must-listen for anyone intrigued by theology and modern political thought!