Pub Theology Live

Do guns make us safer? Are they a symbol of strength and safety, or an icon of fear? We discuss the idea of gundamentalism, and what it might take to curb the onslaught of gun violence in this country. We also discuss the Ascension of Jesus, Pentecost, and more. It's our summer kick-off episode!

Ogun and Bryan discuss the Buffalo shooting and the underlying white supremacy and racism that motivated this horrific event. We explore ways to take action to educate, address and ultimately eradicate such ideologies. We also ask whether the Bible is helpful in addressing racism.

On this week’s episode, we welcome Shannon back from Scotland and discuss the big happenings while she was gone, most notably the pending challenge to Roe v. Wade. Why is the US uniquely fixated on this issue, and what does it really mean to be pro-life? We discuss all of that and more!

We discuss current threats to the planet, the role of faith communities in creation care, and various ways of viewing the resurrection. And you don't want to miss: we kick off the show sharing the dumbest ways we've been injured. Tune in! It's our post-Easter episode.

In our Holy Week episode, we ask why foot washing hasn't caught on, despite Jesus' explicit call to wash one another's feet. We also explore the figure of Judas, whether he is unfairly maligned, and how he might be a reflection of ourselves. Finally, we share what meaning(s) we you attach to Jesus death and to his resurrection. And surprising no one, Bryan says black jelly beans are the best Easter candy.

Bryan walks into a conversation between Derrick and Shannon about Palm Sunday and whether Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was triumphant. We also ask what people will be nostalgic for in forty years and consider the founding of Islam. Tune in! It's our pre-Holy Week show. And yes, Bryan’s audio improves after a rough start.

We react to the Will Smith - Chris Rock altercation at the Oscars. Who is to blame? Who wins and who loses? Plus, time travel vs teleportation, and how to have difficult conversations well.

We discuss bad life decisions, controlling the Scriptures, and spirituality at the doctor’s office. Plus, how do you bridge the gap from intention to action?

Is it possible to be too positive? What is the difference between negative thoughts and negative feelings? We discuss, and also explore compassion fatigue, when it feels hard to care anymore. Finally, are we in control of anything, and what might youth ministry look like going forward? It’s a jam-packed hour of good conversation. Bonus: what famous movie have Ogun and Bryan never seen?

This week we discuss Jesus in the desert and whether he could have made a good sandwich out of those stones or turned them into a cold beverage. We also discuss whether we would submit ourselves to an artificial utopia or ride in autonomous vehicles. And will some strong political statements by Ukrainian religious leaders make a difference?

On our "welcome to Lent" episode, we wonder whether asking anyone to give something up for Lent is redundant given the last couple of years. Also, Shannon learns what a pączki is, and we discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

On this episode, fittingly recorded on 2-22-22, Ogun, Shannon and Bryan reflect back on favorite Winter Olympic events, the influence of religion, the power of hope, bad campaign slogans, plus a few rabbit trails, including a dead rabbit. Tune in! It's our Super Twosday episode.

Layton joins the show and we discuss the validity of Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl highlights, religious litmus tests, and whether there is a contrast or deep connection between the cross and the lynching tree.

It is Black History Month, and we discuss evangelicalism and abolition, equality, white Jesus, and how the Nazis used US slavery and segregation practices as their model for how to separate people.

Would you take spiritual instruction from a robo pastor? Do we spend too much time online? Is it time to scrap online services? Bryan, Shannon and Ogun discuss all of the above in this latest episode of Pub Theology Live!

What does the reality of things like earthquakes and pandemics say about God? This week Bryan, Ogun and Shannon discuss the problem of evil, the role of citizenship in discipleship, and the passing of Thich Nhat Hanh. Also, Wordle!

Ogun is back, and rejoins Shannon and Bryan to reflect on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr, including some lesser known tidbits. We discuss the courage it took for him to stand for his convictions and ultimately what it cost him. How far are you willing to go for what you believe in?

Bob Saget encouraged us to choose to be happy. Sidney Poitier inspired us to become better. Amy Piatt joins Bryan and Shannon for a fantastic conversation as we reflect on these two and their words, as well as what meaning can be found in the baptism of Jesus. Tune in! It’s Episode 215 of PTLive!

What is the most meaningful part of Christmas for you? Bryan, Ogun and Shannon share their thoughts, make merry, and explore what it means for God to be born in us. Enjoy our Christmas week episode!

When lost, are you an “ask for directions” or “just keep going” kind of person? Is the type of middle class life portrayed on the Simpsons still possible today? And what kind of Christmas present would Jesus ask Santa for? Derrick Weston joins Bryan and Shannon to discuss!