Pub Theology LIVE

We discuss our favorite things to enjoy off the grill or smoker on a holiday weekend, whereby Ogun learns about pork butt. We also discuss the fusion of patriotism and Christianity, the comfort or terror one received as a child from the concept that "God sees all," and whether there is an unbridgeable abyss or chasm between ourselves and other people or other creatures. Tune in to our summer send-off episode!

We discuss the metaphor of the "tricycle of faith": Scripture, tradition, and personal experience. Which of these three wheels is most important to you? Does it matter which of these serves as the front wheel, thereby steering the whole operation? Ogun and Bryan press this metaphor as far as it will go, until the wheels nearly come off. Tune in as we suggest other metaphors as well. We also discuss pickle ball and whether getting high can augment one's religious experience.

Episode 317: We Need Better by Pub Theology

Bryan and Ogun discuss a dairy farm run on Hindu principles: does their approach of free-range, non-violent farming approaches actually make the milk taste better and of higher quality? We discuss that, plus the death and funeral of Pope Francis, the role of doubt, and Pascal's wager.

Our Holy Week episode! Bryan and Ogun are back to discuss everything from Palm Sunday to Easter: why did the people move so quickly from cheering Jesus on Sunday to calling for his execution on Friday? Was Judas a necessary cog in the plan for Jesus to die on the cross? If so, shouldn't he also be revered as a sacrifice? We also discuss Holy Week in Spain, where observances include grand processions and are much more public, as well as Holy Saturday, and what we can learn from this time of silence, absence and unknowing. Finally, we discuss the phone-less setting of the Masters, and the power of being present at such an event.

Can you successfully pretend that any day is a Friday or Saturday? Shannon, Ogun and Bryan discuss whether time is just a construct, and what it means that "for the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." We also discuss how to manage worry in these challenging times.

Shannon, Ogun and Bryan discuss which three apps on our phones we couldn't do without. A tough exercise! We also discuss whether Ash Wednesday is a counter-cultural observance. And given that Ramadan and Lent overlap a bit this year - what can Muslims and Christians learn from each other's practices? What prevents this from happening?

Derrick Weston joins Ogun and Bryan to discuss what is making us happy lately, how a gratitude practice can create resilience in these times, and what helping or not helping the vulnerable says about our spirituality. Also on the show: Ogun continues his alcohol-free stretch, Derrick gets his Instagram hacked, and Bryan finally wins at Mario Kart.

In light of the kayaker swallowed by a whale, Bryan, Ogun and Shannon discuss their own scary moments on or in the water. We also discuss the spiritual concept of water, the power of mantras, common sense, and testing God.

Bryan and Ogun discuss our current news consumption, how we feel about the state of the nation, and how some folks are just "insulated with privilege." We also discuss cuts to certain programs like Lutheran Services, and whether, amid the chaos and disappearing funding, there is an opportunity for the church. Also, what would happen if we started to look at the world from a different angle?

This week we discuss what should be included if God were to again come down and write something in stone. Would people listen? Would they even agree on what it said? We also discuss hopes and fears around the incoming administration, why we are quick to quote MLK but slow to follow what he said, and much more! Grab a warm beverage and tune in!

Ogun, Shannon and Bryan discuss our favorite winter activities. Hint: they are not outdoor activities. We also discuss the wildfires in California and whether they could be seen or experienced as a test of faith. We also ponder whether love or hate creates a stronger bonding mechanism.

Bryan, Shannon and Ogun are back with their first episode of the year! We talk about new practices or ways of being we'd like to lean into in the year ahead. We also discuss Epiphany, and whether this date on the church calendar deserves more attention. Also, why isn't there more religious diversity in the US Congress?

In our final episode of the year, Shannon, Bryan and Ogun discuss the holidays, Holy Spirit-led theology, love of neighbor, and human-supremacist theology. We also each attempt to describe our theology in five words, once we understand the question. Tune in!

Can Ogun's Christmas tree survive a gust of wind? Ogun, Shannon and Bryan discuss Christmas trees, Black Friday, Advent and the incarnation. We also discuss having an AI device pray on your behalf - is this truly prayer?

The holidays are around the corner, so we discuss tips for having a conversation around the Thanksgiving table with differing viewpoints. If Uncle Frank insists on contributing inflammatory comments, what do you do? When should you engage, when should you not engage? We also discuss how knowledge can reduce fear, and how justice happens. Tune in! It's our pre-stuffing conversation!

And Then Came Wednesday: Ogun joins the show from the stormy Caribbean, and he and Bryan discuss life after the election results. We share how we are doing, what happened, and how to go forward. Actually we mostly just commiserate, and discuss why Trump is no King David. We also address the problem of misinformation and information silos, and whether it is possible to communicate with someone who lives in an entirely manufactured reality. Grab a beverage and tune in!

On this election-day episode, Bryan and Shannon are day-drinking, and are yet preciously unaware of the disaster still to unfold. Tune in as we discuss our voting experiences, whether the Bible encourages people to vote, and imagining leaders who are brave, calm, and open toward others. We can dream, right? Tune in, and grab whatever beverage(s) are necessary.

Derrick Weston joins Shannon and Bryan for our Halloween episode. Did people really used to pray for neighbors' deceased loved ones in exchange for food? Do kids in Iowa tell jokes, recite poems or dance for candy? And why are there so many phrases that sound biblical but aren't actually in the Bible? Finally, does God have a specific plan for each person? Tune in! Tricks and treats abound.

It's our 300th Episode! This week we discuss experiencing fall and October, whether an earlier discovery of coffee would have impacted the formation of major world religions, and what it is like leaving one's denomination or religious tradition. We also talk about how to deal with information overload. Also, Ogun has discovered Early Grey tea.

We discuss various American folk sayings as well as a saying from the Talmud: what wisdom is contained in such sayings that persist in a given culture? We also explore the Mayan creation story: what did such stories convey to the culture they arose in? What can they teach us today? We also discuss the recent severe weather, and the role of clergy in confronting misinformation in the church.

We discuss the human propensity for nostalgia: why do we so often assume it was better "back then"? We also discuss going beyond the idea of nations, borders and ideologies, and whether it really is that simple. We also look at Oklahoma's pursuit of Bibles in schools—what could go wrong?—and reflect on October 7 one year later.

While Shannon enjoys an espresso martini, we discuss lifestyle Scriptures, Birkenstock theology, and who has the corner on fundamentalism. We also discuss the differences between God and humans, as well as the concerning Seven Mountain Mandate fantasized about by Christian nationalists. We kick off with this: what's the least important thing that's most important to you?

Episode 296: Never a Good Time to be a Woman While Ogun is on his colonoscopy prep day, we discuss how we'd prove we're from the future if we went back 1,000 years into the past. Shannon worries it would not go well for her, or for women generally. We also discuss doing greater things than Jesus, consequences vs intentions, and whether it is possible to perform an immoral act purely upon yourself. Tune in! Ogun believes it will all come out in the end.

You know when you have all the pieces to make a great sandwich, but there's no mayo? You get upset. Ogun says it's not about the mayo. Shannon says it IS about the mayo. What do you think? We are back with our first episode of the fall! We discuss controlling our emotions, being yourself, and gratuitous displays of generosity. Tune in!

Shannon and Ogun are joined by guest host Cameron Highsmith and friends live at the Wild Goose Festival in Asheville, North Carolina! Together they discuss routine, the nature of Scripture, and the limits of language. You don't want to miss this engaging, crowd-sourced episode!

Shannon, Ogun and Bryan discuss the controversial remarks by Kansas City Kicker Harrison Butker at a recent college commencement ceremony. Are his remarks about women understandable given the context? Are they indefensible? What is the worldview that creates and supports such a perspective? We also look at the troubling text in 1 Timothy 2 which calls for women to be silent in the church. How are we to understand such a text today? Can one disagree with a text like this while still holding to a high view of Scripture? We discuss all of this, plus whether the church has a problem with authority. Tune in! It's our last episode of the spring.

Bryan, Shannon and Ogun discuss the life and times of an AI Priest named Father Justin. How and why did things go wrong? Will there be future such attempts at integrating artificial intelligence with religion and spirituality? We also discuss the question of meeting a man or a bear in the woods, and whether pluralism is at risk in the US and beyond.

This week Bryan and Ogun discuss the news of the move toward full inclusion of LGBTQ+ folks in the United Methodist Church: was it worth losing thousands of churches to finally arrive at this place? We also discuss media coverage of the campus protests, the slowness of justice, and co-opting praise songs.

Shannon is back! We discuss the current college protests and whether teaching competition in education leads to war. We also discuss Russell Brand's baptism and conversion to Christianity, which he says will allow him to "leave the past behind." Can you ever truly leave the past behind? We also discuss the idea of Christian pluralism and the plan of trying out various religions to make sure your bases are covered.

Bryan and Ogun discuss the challenge of finding work/life balance, especially when it comes to making time for one's spiritual life. A church in the UK is attempting short, 15-minute "micro services" to help people fit worship into their busy lives. We discuss whether this is an appropriate concession to our busy world, or caving to modern pressures. What is gained or lost in such a short gathering? We also discuss our modern addiction to plastic, and whether change might be on the horizon. Also, Ogun tries out his new Japanese whisky, with entertaining results.

Ogun shares about the green monkey infestation on the island of Barbados, and we wonder whether we humans are the monkeys when it comes to planet Earth. In light of Earth Day, we discuss environmental challenges, whether AI will wipe us out to solve climate change, and what we are worried about most. We also discuss tax day, and whether taxes should be as low as possible, or whether we should be glad to pay for taxes in order to have a strong and stable society. Plus how film and movies are or are not like church.

It's our Eclipse Episode! Shannon and Bryan share their eclipse experiences in Maryland and Michigan. We also reflect on religious views on the eclipse event, and what kind of meaning might be ascribed to such a celestial happening. We also discuss a new documentary which posits that Jesus was not just a vegetarian, he was the "OG animal activist." Shannon has thoughts. Tune in for some engaging lunar and zoological takes!

Should Judas have held out for more money? In our pre-Holy Week episode we discuss whether people are more interested in being affirmed in their current beliefs than discovering the truth, and the problematic theological view known as supersessionism. Plus: was Saint Patrick a hero or something more sinister, considering how he treated folks who practiced the old ways of paganism? Also, we share our favorite candy bars.

We discuss the role of animal chaplain, where someone will do pastoral care and funerals for those who lose a beloved dog, cat or goat. Is this a role the church needs to put more emphasis on? We discuss. We also compare Ramadan and Lent, talk about the Bible vs the Word of God, the emergent church, and whether cabbage is the new bacon. Plus: favorite Oscar moments. Check it out! It's the latest episode of PTLive.

Shannon and Bryan discuss whether God appoints people to leadership positions at certain moments in history; cough—Donald Trump; we also discuss how good the church really is at forgiveness and extending grace, and whether trying to have faith over fear is a good thing. Also, we celebrate all things March, and discuss what space there is or should be in the church for wisdom and insights from other world religions. Yay March!

Are you someone who creates a life plan? Or do you just take it one day at a time? We discuss that, as well as the Apostle Paul's chastisement of church members who are arguing and grumbling. When is complaining OK, and when is it a sign of a deeper issue? We also discuss the first of Martin Luther's 95 Theses, and the troubling rise of Christian nationalism. Also, just who are those folks Shannon wishes she could condemn to hell? Tune in to find out!

Karl Marx said, “Philosophers seek to understand the world; the point, however, is to change it.” We discuss whether our tendency is to research, analyze and understand before making a decision, or if we are quicker to just act. And is there a difference between men and women on this? We also discuss our communication styles, as Ogun claims immediately to be passive-aggressive, as well as whether all the biblical commandments are necessary if they can all be summed up by "Love your neighbor as yourself." Another great discussion brewing—tune in!

It's our Post-Super Bowl, Lent-Kickoff episode! We talk the halftime show, commercials, and in particular the Jesus "He Gets Us" ads. Are they a bait and switch? We also discuss Lent and Ash Wednesday, and Bryan learns that purgatory is no longer official Catholic doctrine. We also discuss heaven and hell in light of Bryan's colonoscopy experience. Lots of fun and banter as always, along with some theological exploration. Tune in!

Shannon is back! We discuss whether society is moving further away from religion as it progresses, how our views of God have changed over the years, and what a 'religionless Christianity' might look like. Plus, Bryan doesn't know how to do voicemail, and is fasting before his first colonoscopy experience. What will they discover, in the end? Lots of fun and theological insight as always!

A town in Ohio is suing a pastor for providing shelter for the unhoused. The town's name is Bryan, OH. Bryan and Ogun discuss the reasons the city may have for doing this, and why local businesses would be better off siding with the church than with the city. We also discuss the sins of our ancestors, and our shifting social media usage. Plus, Bryan breaks down how he has gotten off the mat after that devastating Lions loss in the NFC Championship. Plus, Ogun met Nikki Hayley??!

Bryan and Shannon, sans Ogun, discuss the attempt by scientists to create social robots who can care for people experiencing dementia, among others. Can robots truly be social? We also discuss the concept of loneliness, whether it is always or ever voluntary, and differentiate solitude from being lonely. Also: did creation happen because was God lonely? Then finally, we discuss the cryptic notion of the "keys of the kingdom." What is that binding and loosing business all about, anyway?

While Shannon enjoys a German beer called "Hell," we discuss being over the moon and lunar trivia. We also consider the law of reciprocity, and whether being generous with others tends to come back around? Finally, the conversation moves to deconstruction and whether Martin Luther King Jr's idea of nonviolence is realistic in a world at war. We might need more of that German beer to tackle this!

What is the longest you've gone without food or water? The Bible says Moses went forty days and forty nights without either. We discuss that as well as the spiritual practice of fasting. And: could AI help us in our everyday lives, and should a public school religion teacher should be able to proselytize his students? Finally, yes, Bryan is obnoxiously elated about his football team.

Rev. Dr. Melissa Allison joins Shannon and Ogun to discuss Christmas carols, Christmas theology, purity culture and the pagan celebration of Yule. Why has the obsession with sexual purity persisted in some forms of Christianity, a faith that celebrates an unwed teenage mother? Tune in for this special holiday episode!

If someone said to you, "We need to keep Christ in Christmas" - how would you respond? We discuss that, plus a Pew survey that finds 7 in 10 Americans describe themselves as spiritual, while 10% say they are 'religious but not spiritual.' What does that mean? We also discuss the limits of free speech in the case of three university presidents, as Bryan and Ogun catch Shannon up on the news.

Ogun breaks out the rum as Derrick Weston joins the show to talk about the idea of a cloud of witnesses as referenced in Scripture, and whether that applies to folks living or dead. Is it creepy or encouraging to imagine there are folks looking on? We also discuss the concept of hope and whether it is something that can inspire us to or deter us from taking action in the world. We also get into workplace Christmas trees, Christian privilege and more!

A lively episode this week as we talk about armed church members, rules and TikTok Jesus! Should churches have an active shooter response plan? Should that plan involve guns? Would you follow a TikTok Jesus for inspiration and potential blessings? And are people more important than rules? We discuss it all over beverages. Tune in!

Notably in the Gospel records, there are several times where Jesus admonishes his disciples saying, "Are you still so dull?" What do you imagine would prompt Jesus to say that to his followers today? We discuss that, plus imagination, the usefulness of thumbs, and Diwali.

Shannon reveals that in her house growing up, there were basically three books: an encyclopedia set, War and Peace, and Bo Knows. Nietzsche says "Fear someone who has only one book." We discuss the idea of reading widely, of being told not to read certain books, and whether the idea of a 'biblical worldview' has merit. Plus: can we just not have to decide what's for dinner anymore??

Recording on Halloween, Bryan tries on a few different masks as we discuss favorite scary movies, ghosts, dealing with criticism, and the journey. Plus Ogun has one more show to tell us about, and we decide all problems can be solved with a high enough ABV.