Homebrewed Christianity Podcast

In this episode, Travis McMacken joins the fun as we explore the life and theology of Karl Barth, the original crisis theologian. In this insightful conversation, we dive into Barth's theological perspective, his reaction to World War I, and his thoughts on the incarnation and revelation. The discussion covers how Barth's theology evolved, his views on the role of the church in times of crisis, and the contemporary relevance of his ideas. 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. WATCH the conversation on YouTube W. Travis McMaken, PhD, is the Butler Bible Endowed Professor of Religion and Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. He is a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). McMaken’s writing engage

What do we talk about when we talk about God? There are so many problems with the inherited concept, language, and vision of God, that ‘god’ might just need a time out. You would be surprised how familiar theologians are with ‘god’ problems! One cluster of constructive responses to the predicament of divine discourse is theopoetics. If you ever wondered what would happen if 600 people got to nerd out in person with a bunch of craft beverages and sat down to hear three outstanding theologians tackle this problem, then you were likely at Theology Beer Camp. There, I was joined by Catherine Keller, Kristy Whaley, and Ilia Delio to wrestle with the language we use about ‘god’ and the theopoetic turn in theology. If you want to get info, updates, and access to pre-sale tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2025, you can sign up here. Kristy Whaley is faculty at St. Petersburg College, where she teaches both religion and humanities. Her interdisciplinary interests are primarily centered on Christian theology and literatur

In this episode, I got to talk with Simon Critchley about his new book Mysticism. We delve into Critchley's journey towards exploring mysticism, his reflections on modernity, and his discussions on key figures like William James, Julian of Norwich, and Meister Eckhart. We also discuss the importance of reading and understanding mystical texts, the role of prayer, and how modernity has impacted our perception of faith and spirituality. His engagement with mysticism beyond the confessional boundaries in which it so often emerges makes the topic and the book a timely reflection for our contemporary spiritual crisis. Simon Critchley has written over twenty books, including studies of Greek tragedy, David Bowie, football, suicide, Shakespeare, how philosophers die, and a novella. He is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York and a Director of the Onassis Foundation. As co-editor of The Stone at the New York Times, Critchley showed that philosophy plays a vital role

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Eleanor McLaughlin, author of Unconscious Christianity and Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Late Theology. We discuss Bonhoeffer's influence on modern theology, the concept of unconscious Christianity, Bonhoeffer's changing views, and the relevance of his work today. Eleanor shares her journey into Bonhoeffer studies, the challenges of interpreting his work, and her insights into his lesser-known fiction and poetry. The conversation also touches on topics like the theology of the cross, religionless Christianity, and Bonhoeffer's ethical commitments in facing the challenges of his time. 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 HERE Join 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 t

 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 HERE Dr. 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 B

In this episode, I am joined by theologian, ethicist, and Associate Director of the Center of Theological Inquiry at Princeton, Dr. Joshua Mauldin. We delve into Joshua's recent work examining Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, not just as theologians but as critics of modernity. The conversation covers how these figures reflected on the crises of democracy during their time, the rise of Nazism, and World War II, while drawing parallels to today's societal challenges. We also explore the nuances of political and ethical thought in a modern context, stressing the importance of tolerance and critical reflective engagement. This is an insightful episode for theology nerds and those interested in modern political and ethical thought. Dr. Mauldin is the author of Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Modern Politics, also available in audio at a significantly cheaper price. For more audio fun with Johsua, check out the Theology Matters podcast from the Center of Theological Inquiry.  You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube h

In this episode, we bring you a deep and reflective conversation from Theology Beer Camp focusing on the interlocking crises of democracy and religion in America. The panel took place on the Theology Nerd stage and was moderated by previous podcast guest, Aaron Stauffer from Wendland-Cook Program in Religion & Justice  at Vanderbilt University and features esteemed scholars Robert C. Jones, Diana Butler Bass, and Gary Dorrien. They explore various dimensions of liberal democracy, social democracy, and the historical and present impacts of religion and race on American politics. The discussion delves into personal histories, the influence of the black social gospel, and practical steps for communities and churches to combat current socio-political challenges, particularly emphasizing community organizing and educational initiatives. If you want to get info, updates, and access to pre-sale tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2025 you can signup here. For information on Wendland-Cook's Solidarity Circles, a program t

In this episode, I am joined by writer and director Todd Komarnicki to discuss his upcoming movie, Bonhoeffer. Komarnicki discusses the grueling yet rewarding process of adapting the complicated and meaningful life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to the big screen. We delve into Todd's relationship with Bonhoeffer and how Dietrich's story, faith, and historical context create unique cinematic challenges when telling his story in film. In the conversation, Todd addresses the controversy surrounding the film and the legacy of Bonhoeffer, rejecting Metaxas' influence and insisting that Bonhoeffer's witness serves as a challenge to Christian nationalism then and now. Komarnicki shares his thoughts on the importance of integrity, his creative process, and the deeply personal connections that bring the film to life. I was proud I managed to get through the entire conversation without asking about the four main food groups at the North Pole:) WATCH the conversation here on YouTube Todd Komarnicki is a prolific writer and pro

Philosopher Dr. Aaron Simmons & ethicist Dr. Kevin Carnahan join me for a powerful and enlightening conversation. These two friends and scholars attempt to process the recent election results through the lens of philosophy, theology, and ethics. Addressing complex societal anxieties, they helped me delve into themes of burnout, cross-tribal dialogue, the reality of human suffering, and the necessity of compassion. Despite the challenging topics, the conversation maintains a hopeful tone, encouraging listeners to lead with empathy and resilience during turbulent times. You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube here. Dr. Simmons is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Furman University. You can follow his Substack 'Philosophy in the Wild.' Dr. Carnahan is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Central Methodist University, former editor of the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, and president of The Niebuhr Society. You can follow him on Tic-Tok. Previous Related Episodes with Kevin and Aaron Kevi

In this thought-provoking episode, I am joined by Dr. David Congdon to discuss his new book tackling the complex question of what defines a true Christian. The conversation delves into the historical and theological nuances of defining Christianity through various lenses such as doctrine, culture, and politics. Congdon critiques modern and orthodox notions of Christianity while proposing a new framework he calls 'polydoxy', informed by intellectual autonomy and religious self-determination. The discussion also explores how traditional ideas about orthodoxy and heterodoxy might evolve in a contemporary context, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-relevant debate about religious identity and authority. WATCH the conversation here on YouTube David 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 sinc

In this episode, Tripp sits down with returning guest Paul Capetz, a historical theologian and Methodist minister, to discuss his new compelling book on the Reformation's relationship to scripture. They delve into the evolution and the different trajectories of scriptural interpretation from Martin Luther and John Calvin, through modern theologians like Karl Barth and Rudolf Bultmann. Capetz shares personal anecdotes about his journey in the church and discusses the critical need for Protestantism to reorient itself around the gospel, while making space for modern questions and criticisms. This conversation navigates through historical theology, scripture's authority, and the vital challenge of reclaiming an authentically Protestant understanding of faith in today's context. WATCH the conversation on YouTube Paul E. Capetz is professor of historical theology emeritus at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and is currently minister at Christ Church by the Sea in Newport Beach, Californ

So many of us have been challenged and shaped by the witness and work of Gustavo Gutiérrez, the Father of Liberation Theology. Few theologians have shaped theology in the 20th century and beyond as much as Gutiérrez, so I asked my friend Dr. Joerg Rieger to join me in reflecting on his life. Joerg is not just a fellow scholar of liberation but was blessed to work and interact with Gustavo personally. In our conversation, we introduce some of his most important theological contributions and let Joerg share some stories to give us a window into his powerful personality. Learn more about Solidarity Circles here. You can WATCH the video on YouTube Joerg Rieger is Distinguished Professor of Theology and the Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair of Wesleyan Studies. He is also the founding director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice. For more than two decades, he has worked to bring together theology and the struggles for justice and liberation that mark our age. His work addresses the relation of theolog

In this episode, I am joined by Kester Brewin, my partner, for the first Process This series on Artificial Intelligence. Here we wrap-up our series of interviews as we delve into the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence on theology, ethics, law, and society. Reflecting on our conversations with interdisciplinary experts, we focus on the philosophical and ethical implications of AI, from Taylor Swift's stance on AI misuse to the potential dangers of deep fake technology on social media platforms. Topics include AI's challenges to human individuality, freedom, and personhood, illustrated by references to TikTok, historical events, and Weber's theory of disenchantment. The episode explores the balancing act between technological advancements and ethical considerations, highlighting both optimistic and pessimistic views on AI's role in problem-solving and its societal impact. Through examples from Tolkien, transhumanism, and educational practices, the discussion underscores the need for responsible regu

On this episode, I am joined by Logan Isaac, a veteran, theologian, and ethicist, to discuss the intricate relationship between the church and veterans. This conversation delves into the trauma and moral harm veterans bring into faith communities, the stereotypes faced by soldiers, and the responsibility of the church in addressing these issues. Logan shares his personal journey from artilleryman to conscientious objector, offering deep insights into the ethical complexities, the role of humility, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for veterans. Explore the narrative of spiritual and political empowerment, the impact of stereotypes, and the historical context of veterans' involvement in social movements. Don't miss this enriching dialogue, which also highlights some upcoming opportunities to connect at Theology Beer Camp aimed at fostering support and understanding for veterans and their families. Logan Issac served six years in the Army as a forward observer assigned to the 82nd Airborne and 25

This episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer explores Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experiences after returning to Germany. Transformed by his time in New York City, he visits the theologian who first awakened the conscience of the German church to the rising totalitarian idolatry - Karl Barth. The episode tracks his burgeoning role in the German church struggle from his initial involvement in the ecumenical movement, his time as a youth minister to the working class of Berlin, and his entrance into the academic classroom. After Hitler is sworn in as Chancellor and the rapid Nazification of Germany begins, Bonhoeffer comes to see the deep discipleship needed to resist the spreading German Christian Faith Movement. As Germany falls deeper into chaos, Bonhoeffer navigates the shifting political landscape, establishing international connections that later prove crucial during his resistance against the Nazi regime. Follow the Rise of Bonhoeffer podcast here. Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer's House in Berli

I am thrilled about this episode in the ongoing Process This series on Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, my series co-host and author of God-Like: A 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters, Kester Brewin, is joined by Rachel Adams, the founder and CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance. They discuss her work in AI governance, particularly concerning Africa and the global south. Adams explains the need for AI policies that consider justice, sustainability, and cultural relevance, and highlights AI's unique challenges and opportunities on the African continent. She discusses the African Union's continental strategy on AI, disparities in technological advancement, and the risks AI poses to global inequality. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations and potential geopolitical impacts of AI, as well as Adams' upcoming book titled 'The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality. Watch the conversation on YouTube _____________________ Join my Subs

In this episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer, we journey with Dietrich to New York City for a year as a Postdoctoral post at Union Theological Seminary. This school year in New York radically changed him, but the spark that lit his theological imagination was outside the classroom. When he arrived in NYC, he brought an overtly intellectual faith he had used to justify a nationalist and militaristic faith. Through his encounter with the Harlem Renaissance, Abyssinian Baptist Church, and a road trip through the South, along with power friendships with people like Frank Fisher and Jean Lasserre, his vision of just what a disciple was called to be was transformed. This German who came contemplating the possibility of killing for blood and soil came to see himself anew as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus called his followers to bear a cross and not build one, to love their enemies and not kill them, and to practice solidarity with the suffering and exploited and not race, creed, or nation. Bonhoeffer came to discover that

I am thrilled to share my conversation with the renowned sociologist Hartmut Rosa. It was a unique and thought-provoking dialogue delving into the intricacies of modernity, control, and resonance. Rosa touches on various elements, from the role of resonance in a fulfilling life to the necessity of a common good in society, providing an insightful exploration into contemporary socio-political and spiritual issues.  This conversation took place at Princeton Theological Seminary as part of The Church, The Pastor, And Resonance In An Accelerated Age event. The team at The Center for Barth Studies did a fantastic job hosting the event, I am grateful for all the energy they put into it. Hartmut Rosa is professor of sociology at the Institute of Sociology at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena and director of the Max Weber Center for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies at the University of Erfurt, Germany. He has worked with the New School for Social Research in New York and the universities of Augsburg, Duis

In this episode, Ilia Delio returns to discuss Teilhard de Chardin's philosophy and its relevance to current technological advancements, specifically artificial intelligence. We explore Teilhard's integration of science, religion, and evolution, highlighting his concept of 'withinness' and 'withoutness' and his vision of a future marked by greater complexity and consciousness. The discussion delves into Teilhard's anticipation of technology's role in human evolution, the need for a cosmic perspective in understanding AI, and the potential for technology to enhance human love and compassion. The conversation also touches on Teilhard's notion of the 'noosphere,' the mystical elements of human existence, and the imperative to envision and co-create a future that fosters planetary unity and the greater good. 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

Join Dr. Jeffrey Pugh & Dr. Tripp Fuller as they delve into the complex life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The story flashes forward to a powerful juxtaposition: on February 1, 1933, two days after Hitler became Chancellor, both men addressed Germany. Hitler promised to restore national pride, while Bonhoeffer warned against creating an idol out of a leader. How did Bonhoeffer come to see the Nazi threat while so many others didn't? This episode begins the story by turning to his early life, his burgeoning critiques of National Socialism, and how his family, education, and travels deeply influenced his evolving theology. Discover how Bonhoeffer's early liberal theological perspectives, grappling with German nationalism, eventually led him to challenge authoritarianism and develop a profound ethical and theological stance against the Nazi regime. Follow the Rise of Bonhoeffer podcast here. Want to learn more about Bonhoeffer? Join our open online companion class, The Rise of Bonhoeffer, and get access to full interv