Pub Theology Live

Our Halloween episode! We discuss the history and pagan roots of this confection-laden celebration, whether that impacts its observance today, and what spiritual and religious dimensions are present. Also, we dig into the realm of spiritual warfare, Satan, and demonic spirits. Greatly exaggerated, very real, or something else? Plus, stay tuned to the end for a little costume controversy. It's Episode 68!

With all the Harvey Weinstein news, and the #MeToo that’s been trending around sexual assault and harrassment, we’ve decided to ask, "Does the Bible encourage misogyny?" Some say that the objectification of women goes all the way back to Genesis. If so, what are the ramifications of the Bible’s patriarchal underpinnings? We discuss! [please note, this episode contains explicit language]

October 31, 2017 marks 500 years since Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on a church door in Germany, helping kickstart the Reformation. Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss: were Martin Luther's critiques of the Catholic Church valid? Was his reading of Paul accurate? Do the theological battle-lines of that era still have weight today? Do people still care? Should they? Tune in! It's Episode 66.

Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss the mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas: when will we move from 'thoughts and prayers' to meaningful action? What should such action look like, if any? Is there a way to reduce such senseless violence in this nation? Is it fair to call this nation's obsession with guns a form of idolatry, or even addiction? We discuss! It's Episode 65.

Protests, politics and patriotism: we discuss the chaos around NFL protests, Presidential Tweets, and what it all means. We add in our two cents to the conversation and probe what it means to be patriotic and whether patriotism can be enforced. Can both sides of this debate actually hear each other? A legitimate question. We discuss! It's Episode 64 of Pub Theology Live!

What exactly is peace? Is it a state of mind? A level of consciousness? A state of outward calm? Harmonious relationships between human beings? A gift from God? We discuss! Also, do people have a choice in how they approach God and Scripture, or anything else? It gets a little feisty on our peace episode. Give it a listen! It's Episode 63 of Pub Theology Live!

In a heated argument, Tina and Ogun wonder whether doing good is ultimately motivated by selfish interests. Bryan attempts to referee. We also discuss the difference between being smart and being wise: is there a moral component to this? Are these two things innate or learned? And, The Gospel According to Trump: inappropriate, hilarious, or mean? Tune in! It's Episode 62 of Pub Theology Live!

Bryan, Tina and Ogun are back! They discuss the Nashville Statement, which says, among other things: "We affirm that God has designed marriage to be a covenantal, sexual, procreative, lifelong union of one man and one woman." Helpful, harmful, or heinous? We discuss. Plus Joel Osteen and Hurricane Harvey. Tune in!

Bryan, Tina and Ogun are back for a midsummer's episode! A few technical difficulties aside, it was great to have a chance to check in and chat some theology. Tune in as we discuss Abraham Joshua Heschel's assertion that people of faith are called to be "reminders of God." Plus listen for a new offer for our listeners!

Recorded live at the 2017 Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC. Josh Rockett, Brian McLaren, Michael Camp, Christy Berghoef and Bryan Berghoef - and the live audience - discuss the question: "Church: Is It Worth It Anymore?" Tune in to this fun and probing conversation about the church!

In this episode, we tackle the difficult topics of hypocrisy and abortion, in one issue! We must be crazy. Can one be pro-choice and a Christian? Can you be a Democrat and pro-life? We hit on some of the challenges this issue presents to all folks, and especially people of faith. Also, are all human hypocrites, or is that just reserved especially for church-goers? We discuss! Tune in to Episode 58.

[WARNING: Sexual topics addressed.] It's here! The extra sexy episode - we discuss sex, body image, relationships - all the good stuff. Why is there so much shame around sex in the church? Does abstinence before marriage lead to a happier marriage? Does it set up false expectations and/or incompatibility? How do we create space to talk about these things? How do we educate our children? And is there space in the church for those wrestling with relationships or pursuing or recovering from divorce?

We discuss ways that we enhance our humanity: through wearing glasses, medicine, drugs, steroids, technology and other means. Where we should we draw the line on being able to enhance our humanity? Are there limits? Relatedly, are our machines a part of us in ways we can't imagine doing without? Is a smart phone, for example, an essential extension of who we are? Also, would you chat with a replica of yourself? Would you want your family to?

We discuss how we go about consuming digital media and how we monitor our social media presence and sharing. How much is too much? Are there rules we follow or would encourage others to observe? Also, if we had less privacy, would people behave better? And in the post-show: what are the political boundaries for pastors and churches? We discuss!

Where do you find hope these days? How do you get along with people who are quite different from you? Has Christianity misplaced its emphasis on belief? Is Bryan's beard getting too long? We discuss it all, on Episode 54!

We discuss the implications of referring to Earth as our Mother: does this relate to how we mistreat her body? What can we learn from traditions that practice deep respect toward plants, animals and nature? How do language and theological traditions impact the way we engage with the planet? Can the physical also be spiritual? And if God the Father and Mother Nature had a divorce - who gets custody of Jesus? It's a wild and enlightening conversation with guest host Rev. Shannon Meacham. It's Episode 53 of Pub Theology Live!

We discuss "this whole being resurrected thing" with guest Emma Donohew. Are there multiple ways to understand what happened to Jesus? How do we negotiate traditions that arise elsewhere, such as in another religious tradition, but have found their way into ours? Plus education and its impact on one's religious experience and commitments. Plus, you've heard of Easter egg hunts, how about a beer hunt? Yes, please.

Why do people seem so intent on hurting each other? Why does the church seem like a place this happens often? We discuss spiritual wounds with author Carol Howard Merritt, and poet and guest Tony Plocido stops in as well—it's Episode 51 of Pub Theology Live!

On this auspicious episode we discuss names and their meaning, and what the significance is of various names we ascribe to God. Is God beyond names? Are there many gods? One God? Is God within us? Out there? Everywhere? Nowhere? Tune in to catch some hilarity and honest conversation on life and faith.

We discuss the Prosperity Gospel: is it God's will for each person of faith to be financially prosperous and physically well? Is it possible to practice abundance consciousness without buying into prosperity promises? What role does gratitude play? What does a successful life look like? We discuss it all on this insightful and engaging episode of Pub Theology Live! #ptlive