Pub Theology Live

We talk "Holy Envy"—how we can not only learn from other faith traditions and people of no faith, but appreciate, admire, and even envy some of the beautiful traditions and practices they espouse. Also, Bryan threatens to leap off tall buildings in a single bound.

We talk about what happened in New Zealand and the intersection of Islamophobia, guns, fear, and white supremacy. We also discuss finding common ground across religious traditions, and how Christians and people of other faiths can support Muslims around the world.

Is signing the Bible appropriate? Why or why not? What makes the Bible different from other books, if anything? And if even the devil quotes the Bible, what value does quoting the Bible hold? Tune in to all this and more on Episode 123!

We discuss Lent, and how it kicks off with a gluttonous celebration right before launching into a sobering reminder of our mortality. We get into the beauty and opportunity that the season of Lent provides.

Today we'll talk about feminine aspects of God: where and how are they present in scripture, and why are they so often hidden? We'll also talk about the divine feminine as a consciousness or energy found within human beings. We're joined by Patricia Reilly, who has been inspiring women for over 25 years. Her iconic books, poems, and trainings have traveled around the world.

On this episode we talk about sex: what messages did you receive about sex as you were growing up? How was sex talked about in your family, by adults around you, in your church? Why do churches tend to elevate 'sexual sin' above other kinds of sins? Is the term 'sexual sin' outdated? How can we do better as humans and especially in the church on this powerful yet often avoided topic of sex?
 Carissa Buursma joins us to discuss!

Have you ever been told, "Don't think about it too hard, just believe!" Does belief require turning off our brains? Does knowledge come by faith, or vice versa? Jason Chesnut joins us to discuss the tension between faith, belief and knowledge on this week's episode. Tune in!

Today we talk about the Polar Vortex: is it fair to say human sin is partly to blame? Are human actions precipitating the increasing number of severe weather events happening around the globe? If so, what is the antidote? Is this a spiritual pursuit? How are churches and other faith communities addressing this issue? We're joined by Derrick Weston to discuss!

What do our dreams have to tell us? Is it our unconscious letting us know something we are unaware of? Are dreams merely random neural firings? Do they foretell anything? We'll share some of our own dreams and nightmares, as well as discuss the role of dreams in the Bible, and whether or not God still speaks through dreams. Tune in!

We discuss some of the words of Martin Luther King Jr and how they apply today. We ask whether we've learned the lessons he was trying to teach us. We also delve into the recent situation involving Catholic school kids wearing MAGA hats engaging a Native American. Were we too quick to rush to judgment? Was it correct to be outraged? Where is the instant outrage cycle taking us? We discuss!

We talk social media: how has it impacted the way we live, relationships, communication, etc. When does social media usage become an addiction, and if you step away, do you suffer from a fear of missing out? We discuss!

Why are humans so susceptible to addictions? Are churches or religious institutions helpful in guiding people to find a healthy way to manage or be freed from addictions? Is there such a thing as a "positive addiction"? We discuss!

It's our Christmas episode! We discuss our favorite Christmas movies, traditions and more, plus what does it mean to say that God became human? We wrestle with the notion of incarnation, and also whether or not it is appropriate for pastors to ruin Christmas.

In the post show of Episode 112 on the Apostles' Creed, Bryan and Ogun stick around and finish their beverages, talking sin and forgiveness, music, and more!

We discuss the Apostles’ Creed, which has been given some attention following the funeral of George H. W. Bush, in which our current President refused to join the gathered congregation in saying or reading it. We’ll review it line by line and give our thoughts on this central creed of the Christian faith.

 Back with us on the show to discuss the matter is Keisha McKenzie.

We discuss the complicated issue of legacy. With the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, lots of kind words are being shared about the sort of man and leader he was. Why is it that we tend to only praise leaders when they die? Is it inappropriate to mention questionable things they were part of? How does this apply to spiritual leaders or the founders of religious movements? Plus, should you be able to legally change your age if you feel younger? We discuss!

What is the purpose of borders? What gives nations the right to determine who can enter, and when and where? Aren't all humans citizens of Planet Earth? We'll also discuss Hebrews 13:2's injunction to show hospitality to strangers, as we may in fact be entertaining angels without realizing it. What are the moral and ethical grounds for showing hospitality and who should we offer it to? We discuss!

What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism? Can you be critical of your country and still be patriotic? Is nationalism always wrong? And is your favorite Marvel character? Guest Hugh Hollowell joins us and we discuss!

In these contentious times, is finding common ground a way to move beyond political division? How does common ground differ from compromise, or “meeting in the middle”? Also, what is the best Halloween candy, and do people who love candy corn also love hoppy beer? We discuss!

Is God male or female? Both? Other? Today we discuss the shifting landscape of gender identity, what science can tell us and how people of faith are responding. This is particularly pertinent as the Trump administration aims to narrowly redefine gender as a biological, immutable condition determined at birth. Tune in!