Homebrewed Christianity

Diana Butler Bass, an author and scholar on American religion, joins Pastor Joel Webbon, a proponent of traditional patriarchy. They dive into the alarming rise of Christian nationalism and its implications for democracy, particularly regarding women’s rights. The conversation reveals the importance of truth and kindness in political discourse, pushing for active listening and compassion even in disagreement. They also highlight the need to foster inclusive relationships amid a climate of cultural antagonism, emphasizing the role of theology in these discussions.

In this enlightening conversation, Tom Oord, a philosophical theologian known for championing LGBTQ+ inclusion, discusses his recent heresy trial in the Church of the Nazarene. He shares the personal and professional sacrifices he faced while advocating for radical love and inclusion. Oord reflects on the challenges of navigating faith communities with differing views on sexuality, emphasizing the need for empathy. He also introduces educational initiatives about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, illustrating the intersection of faith, activism, and community healing.

In this episode, I am joined by one of my favorite scholars in the public square, Robert Wright, the editor of the Nonzero Newsletter. This is a captivating discussion about artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the future of humanity. We explore Wright's extensive work, including 'Nonzero,' 'The Evolution of God,' and 'Why Buddhism is True,' while delving into the intersections of science, religion, and philosophy. Discover the implications of AI for humanity, the critical role of international cooperation in technology governance, and the moral and spiritual dimensions needed to navigate rapid technological changes. The conversation also addresses the complexities of sentience, cognitive empathy, and the evolutionary drives in AI, with insights from philosophers like Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead.Robert Wright is president of The Nonzero Foundation. He is the author, most recently, of Why Buddhism Is True. His previous book, The Evolution of God (2009), was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His other books include The Moral Animal, Nonzero, and Three Scientists and Their Gods. He has written for Time, Slate, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The New Republic, The New York Times Magazine, Foreign Policy, and the op-ed pages of The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Financial Times. In 2009 Foreign Policy magazine named him as one of the top 100 global thinkers. He has taught courses in philosophy and religion at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania. He is Visiting Professor of Science and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and is editor-in-chief of the websites Bloggingheads.tv and MeaningofLife.tv.WATCH the conversation on YouTubePrevious Episodes with Robert Wright From Mindful Resistance to the New Agnosticism The Evolution of 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

I am so excited to share this conversation with two of the people behind the film entitled Sing, Sing. If you have seen it, you know how powerful the movie is, and if you haven’t — GO SEE IT! You will not be disappointed. (Check the trailer.)The film is based on a true story, weaving through the lives of incarcerated men involved in a theater group. The narrative is enriched by the presence of some of the actual characters and a creative team who spent time teaching their own acting classes in prison. The film weaves themes of humanity, hope, transformation, and friendship into a narrative that challenges cultural labels associated with incarceration. The movie left a lasting impact, underscoring the power of community and the dignity inherent in every individual.My friend and filmmaker Sarey Conception was also moved by the film and joined me to talk with the director, Greg Kwedar, and actor, Sean San Jose, for the podcast. She was moved by their intention and dedication to storytelling, which resonated deeply with her as a fellow filmmaker. It's a daunting task to create a film, especially within the complex landscape of the business side of cinema. Yet, Greg and Sean describe a unique approach to filmmaking, fostering a culture of light and storytelling in which the process of making the film matches the heart of its story."Sing Sing" is more than a film; it's a testament to the power of community, equality, and the human spirit. By challenging traditional narratives and fostering a genuinely supportive environment, the filmmakers have created something truly special. We both loved the film and our conversation with Sean and Greg. We hope you'll take the time to experience "Sing Sing" and appreciate the depth it brings to the discussion about art, justice, and humanity.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

In this episode, I am joined by Gary Dorrien, the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, to discuss his autobiography, notable contributions to social ethics, and the liberal theological tradition. The conversation addresses the evolution of liberal Protestantism, the intellectual and cultural challenges it faces, and the lasting impact of theologians like Schleiermacher, Bonhoeffer, and Niebuhr. Key themes include the intersection of theology and politics, the tension between tradition and modern criticism, and the importance of grounding theology within the church.If you enjoy this conversation, come hang out with Dr. Dorrien at Theology Beer Camp in Denver this October!Gary Dorrien is Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University. He is also the author of Anglican Identities: Logos Idealism, Imperial Whiteness, Commonweal Ecumenism, Social Ethics in the Making: Interpreting an American Tradition, American Democratic Socialism and In a Post-Hegelian Spirit: Philosophical Theology as Idealistic Discontent. You won’t want to miss his upcoming theological memoir Over from Union Road My Christian-Left-Intellectual Life.WATCH the conversation here 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

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.