Homebrewed Christianity Podcast

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 Tr

Dr. Willemien Otten is the Dorothy Grant Maclear Professor of Theology and the History of Christianity at the University of Chicago Divinity School. In this conversation we discuss: How Dr Otten became a medievalist What is missed by skipping church history between Augustine, Aquinas, to Luther What Augustine gets right about sex and bodies How it took to the 12th century before Priests were really celibate The role of scripture in Medieval culture The origin of the doctrine of Creation out of Nothing How the revival of Bonaventure and the Franciscan tradition is generating a more lively account of nature How theology changes when the doctrine of nature is more than the canvas of salvation history Why Dr. Otten finds the Barthian rejection of natural theology unconvincing The role of nature for theological reflection in a secular age The problem of Protestantism doctrine of stewardship How to talk about books you havent read and become a strategic non-reader

The good doctor Daniel Kirk joined me for some live QnA as we spread the word about our upcoming OPEN ONLINE CLASS – Romans: A Guide to the Most Misused, Problematic, & Prooftexted Letter in the Bible. Venture into the depth and richness of Paul’s letter to the Romans in this dynamic five-session online course. Guided by the acclaimed biblical scholar Dr. J. R. Daniel Kirk, participants will be introduced to the central themes, historical background, and transformative messages of this pivotal New Testament text. Having published two books on Romans, Kirk will bring clarity and fresh perspectives to one of the most foundational Christian writings.   Embark on this transformative journey to navigate the profound truths of Paul’s magnum opus. Whether you’re a seasoned theologian, a faith seeker, or simply someone intrigued by the origins of Christian thought, this course promises insightful revelations and a deeper connection to the heart of Romans.   You can get more info and sign-up here. As always, this

I am THRILLED to have two remarkable philosophers join me to unpack philosophical deconstruction and how it can help reframe the ongoing process of deconstruction. Bruce Benson and Aaron Simmons are both accomplished postmodern philosophers, with a bunch of books on my bookshelf. This episode was even better than my high expectations! After you listen, I hope you feel the lure to come hang out with all three of us at Theology Beer Camp this October. Dr. Bruce Benson teaches Philosophy of Religions and Continental Philosophy at the University of Nottingham, as well as being Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the University of Vienna, as part of the project ‘Revenge of the Sacred: Phenomenology and the Ends of Christianity in Europe.’ Prior to that, Bruce was Senior Research Fellow at the University of St Andrews. Over the years, he has taught and engaged in research at Loyola Marymount University, Wheaton College, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, and Union Theological Seminary (NYC). He also serves as the

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 t

A Bible scholar and a theologian answer a bunch of really important questions while having some fun. Pete Enns joined me live on the HBC YouTube channel (that you should follow) to tackle some fun nerdy questions. If this experience isn't painful and you think it would be fun to hangout with us, then join us in person at Theology Beer Camp October 19-21! Peter Enns (Ph.D., Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of biblical studies at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He has written numerous books, including The Bible Tells Me So, The Sin of Certainty, and How the Bible Actually Works. Follow the podcast, drop a review, or become a member of the HBC Community. Previous Podcasts with Pete Enns God, Jesus, & Whatever Pete Enns & Tony Jones Love Baseball Pete Enns & the God-Pod Party Adaptive Christianity & the God of the Bible Don’t Sin. Doubt and Listen to Pete For The Bible Tells Me So The Evolution of Adam   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/

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 is associate professor of religious studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the author of Contesting Conversion: Genealogy, Circumcision, and Identity in Ancient Judaism and Christianity (awarded the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise), Paul and the Gentile Problem, and Jesus and the Forces of Death. Soon he will release a new book, A Jewish Paul: The Messiah’s Herald to the Gentiles. Matt wants you to troll him on twitter Follow the podcast, drop a review, or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer help us think ethically about Christian Nationalism? What is the task for a public theologian given the rise of fascist religion? In this conversation, my co-host Dr. Jeff Pugh and I are joined by Dr. Lori Brandt Hale to discuss her work on Bonhoeffer and its application to the political moment. This was one of the live stream sessions from the online class Bonhoeffer and the Future of Faith. To access Dr. Hale and all the other contributors amazing lectures head over here. These live streams were inspired by the contributors address, their reading selection from Bonhoeffer, and class member questions. Lori Brandt Hale is professor and chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. She is the Vice President of the International Bonhoeffer Society  English Language Section and a Westar Institute Scholar. Brandt Hale is co-editor of and contributor to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theology, and Political Resistance (June 2020

How does the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer help us think ethically about the climate crisis? What is the shape of theology in the Anthropocene? In this conversation my co-host Dr. Jeff Pugh and I are joined by Dr. Dianne Rayson to discuss her work on Bonhoeffer and ecology. This was one of the live stream sessions from the online class Bonhoeffer and the Future of Faith. To access Dr. Rayson’s and all the other contributor’s amazing lectures head over here. These live streams were inspired by the contributor’s lecture, thier reading selection from Bonhoeffer, and class member questions. Di Rayson is Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji and is an ecotheologian and Bonhoeffer scholar, having published widely. Her first book was Bonhoeffer and Climate Change: Theology and Ethics for the Anthropocene. Di is co-convenor of the upcoming XIV International Bonhoeffer Congress in Sydney, Australia in January 2024. Prior to becoming a theologian she had an extensive

I am thrilled to have my friend and Barthian Travis McMaken back on the podcast. This time we are joined by his co-editor for the Karl Barth volume in the Classics of Western Spirituality volume, Ash Cocksworth. I really enjoyed this volume of one of my favorite series, and I hope this conversation communicates what a stellar job they did putting it together. The selections were excellent, their introductory comments are clarifying, and this conversation is fun and lively for all your theology nerds. PLUS we let you know that Travis will return to Theology Beer Camp this year! About the book… For Karl Barth, all dogmatic work is spiritual. Thus, like Aquinas and other renowned theologians, Barth did not write an independent spiritual theology, but integrated spirituality into his dogmatic work. Nevertheless, specific texts within Barth’s corpus are dedicated to spiritual matters and they form the basis of the material in this volume. The selections draw widely from Barth’s commentary on Romans, Church Dogmat

Adam Clark is back on the podcast! Adam is not only a dear friend, a brilliant theologian who taught two previous HBC classes on Black Theology and the legacy of James Cone, but Adam is the first theologian we are announcing for Theology Beer Camp 2023!! In this episode, we will hear Adam reflect on his recent pilgrimage to Ghana, the origin of Black Theology, the relationship of contemplation and liberation, and the struggle of those trying to stay Christian when the church testifies against it. Dr. Adam Clark is Associate Professor of Theology at Xavier University. He is committed to the idea that theological education in the twenty-first century must function as a counter-story. One that equips us to read against the grain of the dominant culture and inspires one to live into the Ignatian dictum of going forth “to set the world on fire. To this end, Dr. Clark is intentional about pedagogical practices that raise critical consciousness by going beneath surface meanings, unmasking conventional wisdoms and

This podcast was recorded LIVE at Petty Thieves Brewing Co in Charlotte, North Carolina. We were celebrating the release of Leah Robinson’s new book Bad Theology: Oppression in the Name of God. Obviously Leah would need to be there, but we were also joined by nerdy friends of the podcast, Sarah Lane Ritchie and Ben Boswell. Dr. Leah Robinson is Associate Professor of Religion at Pfieffer University. You should also check out her brand new podcast and Theology on the Rocks and follow her on twitter. Here’s my endorsement for this awesome new book: “What do the leaders of the KKK, Jonestown, apartheid South Africa, & the Massachusetts Bay Colony have in common? A Christian theology they lived out. It may be ugly, repulsive, and vile, but it was theology nonetheless. In this timely and poignant new book, Leah Robinson refuses to set aside these oppressive visions of God as theological exceptions. They must be addressed! As a practical theologian, she reminds us that all theology, the good and the bad, the op

What happens when a progressive Christian historian and theologian talk about all the things you aren’t supposed to discuss at dinner? When Diana and I get together each month we call it ‘Ruining Dinner. ‘ What happens when right before your scheduled live stream Donald Trump is indicted on seven counts related to the documents case with violations of the Espionage Act? Well this episode is the answer. Diana and I love doing these each month with our community members. If you want to join our regular online hangs head over to Diana’s substack community the Cottage or the Hombrewed Community. Previous Episodes with Diana & Tripp American Saints in a Cynical Age Ruining Dinner… and Date Nights Welcome to the Post-Christian Century Ruining Christmas Dinner Ruining Election Night Dinner The Over-Rated Genie God Bad Blood, Civil War, and other Soothing Topics Shall the Fundies (Keep) Winning?, Abortion, and Black Holes Theology and Spirituality in a Time of Rupture White Evangelical Theopoli

The dominant Religion & Science conversation in America is deeply shaped by American Christianity. In his new book Dr. Cootsona invites us beyond a Christian-centric perspective. What he reveals is a much more lively conversation that is enhanced by a deep religious pluralism. I was pumped to talk to him about it! Greg Cootsona is a speaker and writer in science and faith, emerging adults, C. S. Lewis, and Christian life and thought. He teaches in religion, humanities, philosophy, and sociology at California State University, Chico and co-directs Science for the Church. Here’s the book.   Here’s Greg’s personal webpage: https://www.gregcootsona.com.  Greg’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregCootsona Here’s the landing page on Science for Church’s website, which also has a way to sign up for the excellent weekly newsletter. Here’s the IG account: https://www.instagram.com/scienceforthechurch/ Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn

When one of your heroes writes a book to share the wisdom they have collected in life and you have a podcast… this episode happens. Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor for its first seven years. His newest book is Excellent Advice for Living, a book of 450 modern proverbs for good living. He is co-chair of The Long Now Foundation, a membership organization that champions long-term thinking and acting as a good ancestor to future generations. And he is founder of the popular Cool Tools website, which has been reviewing tools daily for 20 years. From 1984-1990 Kelly was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review, a subscriber-supported journal of unorthodox conceptual news. He co-founded the ongoing Hackers’ Conference, and was involved with the launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985. Other books by Kelly include 1) The Inevitable, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, 2) Out of Control,

John Dominic Crossan returns to the podcast to discuss the connection between human evolution and Christian resurrection. It was a blast! In the conversation, we mention some Doms books, including The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Churchs Conservative Icon,God and Empire: Jesus Against Rome, Then and Now and How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian: Is God Violent? An Exploration from Genesis to Revelation. John Dominic Crossan is an Irish-American biblical scholar with two-year post-doctoral diplomas in exegesis from Romes Pontifical Biblical Institute and in archeology from Jerusalems Biblique. He has been a mendicant friar and a catholic priest, a Co-Chair of the Jesus Seminar, and a President of the Society of Biblical Literature. His focus, whether scholarly or popular, in books, videos, or lectures, is on the historical Jesus as the norm and criterion for the entire Christian Bible. His reconstructed Jesus incarnates nonviolent resistance to the Romanization of his Jewis

Ryan is back with some fresh graphs and data for us to unpack. It was a bunch of fun, and the takes got spicer throughout. Since he’s got a new edition of The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going coming out, we decided it would be fun to have a teach-in and spend three hours digging into the most up-to-date research. With his precise and accessible descriptions, backed up by a multitude of charts and graphs, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the nones and their impact on American society. Plus, we will have a bunch of fun. Info and Join up HERE.   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 a Year in Religion (in Graphs) Ev

This is one special episode! I had the privilege of talking to Hugh Howey, the author behind the new post-apocalyptic show Silo on Apple TV+. It was one wonderful conversation about a fantastic new series. I can’t exaggerate how much I enjoyed Silo. The first two episodes are now available for your streaming pleasure. Who is Hugh Howey? Hugh Howey is a literary explorer, venturing into the uncharted territories of science fiction and dystopian fiction with the same curiosity and fearlessness as a space-faring adventurer. When he’s not busy crafting intricate and gripping tales of survival and rebellion, you can find him sipping on a cup of coffee and dreaming up new worlds to conquer. Hugh is the New York Times bestselling author of WOOL, SAND, BEACON 23, MACHINE LEARNING, and HALF WAY HOME. The SILO drama series, based on Hugh Howey’s trilogy, premiered on Apple TV+ in May 2023. A series based on BEACON 23 will release in 2023 on AMC. Hugh is attached as Executive Producer on both of these projects, an

Andrew 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 Churches and the Crisis of Decline Acceleration, Resonance, & the Counting Crows Ministry in a Secular Age Christopraxis with Andy Root Faith Formation in