Homebrewed Christianity

In this episode, I am joined by chief mycelium enthusiast and advocate, Merlin Sheldrake. We recorded in person at the Center for Process Studies’ 50th Anniversary event in Claremont, CA. Come dive beneath the forest floor as we venture into the intricate and mesmerizing realm of fungi. Dr. Merlin Sheldrake, renowned biologist and author of the critically acclaimed book “Entangled Life,” pulls back the curtain on the hidden networks that underpin our ecosystems, nourish our trees, and have the potential to reshape our understanding of the world around us. Not only that, but we unpack the ways his research has inspired a larger process-relational vision. Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist, writer, and speaker with a background in plant sciences, microbiology, ecology, and the history and philosophy of science. He received a Ph.D. in tropical ecology from Cambridge University for his work on underground fungal networks in tropical forests in Panama, where he was a predoctoral research fellow of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. He is a research associate of the Vrije University Amsterdam, works with the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), and sits on the advisory board of the Fungi Foundation. Merlin's research ranges from fungal biology, to the history of Amazonian ethnobotany, to the relationship between sound and form in resonant systems. A keen brewer and fermenter, he is fascinated by the relationships that arise between humans and more-than-human organisms. He is a musician and performs on the piano and accordion. In the conversation, we discuss… Merlins intellectual origin story How did studying the history of science reveal unexamined metaphysical prejudice within the sciences How nothing but scientific explanations and blinds us to a deep account of experience Why the bifurcation of nature isnt helpful for science or the humanities The many invisible lives of plants, fungi, & soil The moment Merlin found the need for a process style metaphysic Panpsychism! How growing up a Sheldrake shaped his religious and spiritual outlook Why Godsplainers are the worst;) Dont kill the questions! Spiritual experiments in truth You may remember when Merlin’s Dad, Rubert Sheldrake, was on the podcast. You can listen to it here: From the Science Delusion to Psychedelic Religion. Follow the podcast, drop a review, or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Willemien Otten, professor of theology and history of Christianity, discusses the importance of studying the period between Augustine and Aquinas, the evolution of celibacy practices in the Middle Ages, the shifting understanding of creation and nature in the medieval church, the relationship between Barth and Schleiermacher in the context of natural theology, and the role of tradition in contemporary theological reflection.

Daniel Kirk and the host discuss the upcoming online class on Romans. They delve into biblical authority, Jesus' adoption, and post-penal atonement. Kirk's expertise and insights promise a transformative journey through Paul's magnum opus.

Philosophers Bruce Benson and Aaron Simmons explore philosophical deconstruction and its role in faith transition. They discuss topics such as Godamer, queerness, tradition, prejudice, analytic vs continental philosophy of religion, belief vs faith in Christianity, technical deconstruction and faith deconstruction, engaging in conversations, and playing in a band together.

What a fun conversation! Ilia Delio and Bruce Epperly joined me for an in-person conversation at ORTCON23. Since Ilia wrote a book on Bonaventure and Bruce is in the middle of writing one, it was the perfect time to get to know the 13th Century philosopher, theologian, and Saint. Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, DC, and American theologian specializing in science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics, and neuroscience and the import of these for theology. Ilia currently holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University and is the author of twenty books, including Care for Creation (coauthored with Keith Warner and Pamela Woods) which won two Catholic Press Book Awards in 2009, first place for social concerns and second place in spirituality. Her book The Emergent Christ won a third-place Catholic Press Book Award in 2011 for the area of Science and Religion. Her recent books include The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution and the Power of Love (Orbis, 2013), which received the 2014 Silver Nautilus Book Award and a third-place Catholic Press Association Award for Faith and Science. Ilia holds two honorary doctorates, one from St. Francis University in 2015 and one from Sacred Heart University in 2020. Ilias previous visit to the podcast: Catching a Cosmic Faith the Entangled God of My Heart Bruce Epperly has served as a congregational pastor and university chaplain, university and seminary professor and administrator, and is a prolific author and lectionary commentator.  With over forty years joining pulpit and classroom, Bruce recently retired from congregational ministry after serving eight years as Senior Pastor of South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Centerville, MA . He has relocated from Cape Cod to the Washington DC suburbs to be closer to his family. He continues to teach as Adjunct Faculty at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. Ordained in the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he is the author of more than sixty books in theology, spirituality, healing and wholeness, scripture, and clergy wellbeing, including Follow the podcast, drop a review, or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bible scholar Pete Enns and theologian Tripp Fuller tackle questions about force ghosts in Star Wars, the concept of a biblical Jesus, pre-human religion, and the value of other religious texts. They also discuss theology beer camp, the afterlife, and the development of religion before major world religions. An entertaining and insightful podcast episode!

Earlier this week I spent three days in Springfiled, MO preparing and planning Theology Beer Camp. I was joined by Tim Whitaker from the New Evangelicals, as we visited a number of the breweries and food trucks bringing the goods to camp and spent some time with the amazing team at The Venues, our hosting congregation. Â Right before we headed back home, Tim and Bren (our local coordinator) recorded this short episode where we share more details about the event, what to expect, and a few suprising new details! Follow the podcast, drop a review, or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Matthew Thiessen, expert in religious studies, discusses Jesus, Judaism, and purity systems, challenging misconceptions and interpreting healing miracles. He unravels the theological significance of Jesus as a force of life over death, emphasizing his power over impurity and holiness. The conversation offers fresh perspectives on understanding religious texts and explores the upcoming 'theology beer camp' event.

Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, an expert in the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and its application to the political moment, joins the hosts to discuss Christian Nationalism. They explore Bonhoeffer's thoughts on Christian nationalism and how he believed genuine faith should be prioritized over religious obligations. They also delve into the importance of interpreting the world from the perspective of those who suffer and seeking justice through communal support and righteous action.

Dr. Dianne Rayson, an expert in Bonhoeffer and ecology, joins the hosts to discuss the connection between Bonhoeffer's work and the climate crisis, theology in the Anthropocene, and the concept of the human creature and creation. They also explore the intersection of religion and science, ethical responsibility, and the role of the church in addressing environmental challenges. Don't miss this insightful conversation!