Homebrewed Christianity

Ryan Burge, a political scientist and assistant professor at Eastern Illinois University, dives into the intriguing data on religious trends in America. He discusses the decline of traditional denominations and the explosive rise of non-denominational Christianity, fueled by growing distrust in institutional religion. Burge shares insights about megachurches and the evolving dynamics of American faith, including the importance of community in the shift towards individualized spirituality. The conversation is lively, combining serious insights with humor and engaging analysis.

In this episode, I am joined by evolutionary biologist and curatorial scientist Dr. Lance Grande. Lance shares insights from his extensive career examining the dynamics and changes in evolution, culminating in his exhaustive 600-page book, The Evolution of Religion: A History of Related Traditions. The discussion delves into the application of modern evolutionary theory to the study of organized religion, the impact of religion on human culture, and the challenges and future of religion in an interconnected world. Given the unique and expansive thesis of the book, I was thrilled when Lance agreed to walk us through it with slides at the beginning of our recording session. Don't miss the video version on YouTube to see all of Lance's slides.Lance Grande is the Negaunee Distinguished Service Curator Emeritus of the Field Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Chicago. He specializes in evolutionary systematics, paleontology, and biology and is deeply interested in the interdisciplinary applications of the scientific method and philosophy. His many books include Curators: Behind the Scenes of Natural History Museums (2017) and The Lost World of Fossil Lake: Snapshots from Deep Time (2013).Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 20253 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic CrossanJoin us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here._____________________Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.comFollow 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 Craig Boyd, a philosophy and humanities professor, and Nick Polk, a Tolkien expert, as they dive into the virtuous world of Tolkien. They explore Gandalf's compassionate leadership and wisdom, connecting his journey to biblical figures like Moses. The discussions illuminate the themes of hope, the importance of purposeful relationships, and the dynamics of friendship and sacrifice found in Middle-earth. Prepare to be inspired by how these timeless narratives apply to our own lives and nurture our communal bonds!

Gerardo Marti, a sociology professor at Davidson College, dives into the complexities of modern spirituality and the ongoing meaning crisis. He examines how rapid social changes challenge personal identity formation and the evolution of religious beliefs. They explore the intertwining of religion and politics, the rise of new spiritual identities, and the struggles within modern communities. With humor and depth, they discuss the impact of disenchantment and algorithms on society, revealing the quest for transcendence in an increasingly secular world.

Explore America's shifting spiritual landscape, where traditional religion faces decline. Discover how the MAGA movement embodies a new civil religion rooted in self-creation and positive thinking. Unpack the tension between authentic community connections and commodification as seen through Trump's persona. Delve into the psychological dynamics of MAGA's authoritarian traits and its yearning for a mythic past. Gain insights into innovative theological education aimed at fostering transformative leadership in today’s polarized society.

John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is a leading historical Jesus scholar and bestselling author. He reflects on his Irish Catholic heritage and its influence on his theological inquiry. The conversation dives into collaborative eschatology, underscoring human responsibility in justice. Crossan also addresses mythicist arguments about Jesus’ historicity and shares insights on creating an accurate Jesus film. He highlights the intersection of Paul's vision and modern science, teasing his future participation in Theology Beer Camp.

Philip Goff, a philosophy professor at Durham University and author of "Why? The Purpose of the Universe", dives deep into the meaning of life, challenging conventional Christianity. He explores panpsychism and the universe's fine-tuning, confronting the problem of evil while advocating for a more accessible religion. The conversation navigates how modern belief systems clash with the crisis of meaning in contemporary society. Goff encourages openness in faith discussions and redefines the role of consciousness and divine action in our understanding of existence.

Aaron Simmons, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Furman University and creator of ‘Philosophy in the Wild,’ dives into the complexities of democracy. He discusses the challenges of sustaining democratic engagement amidst political polarization. The conversation highlights the tensions between equality and justice, critiques the two-party system, and advocates for embracing conflict in dialogue. Simmons also explores anarchism as a form of democratic practice and emphasizes the need for genuine political engagement and understanding across differing perspectives.

Ruben Rosario Rodriguez, the Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University, delves into the intersection of the Reformed tradition and liberation theology. He shares his journey shaped by Puerto Rican colonial history and addresses systemic racism and the modern political landscape's effects on faith. Topics include how theology can drive social justice initiatives, the dual nature of technology in faith communities, and the autobiographical elements of liberation theology, urging active participation in movements for justice.

Explore how digital platforms have transformed human experience into a modern form of colonialism. The discussion highlights the troubling power dynamics and data extraction regimes controlled by tech giants. There's a focus on the commodification of social interactions, urging listeners to confront algorithm-driven engagement. The need for grassroots resistance and community-owned platforms is emphasized, alongside a call for critical reflection on reclaiming digital spaces and encouraging human-centered values in technology.