Homebrewed Christianity

For this deeply philosophical conversation, I am joined by Norman Wirzba as we discuss his new book Love's Braided Dance and explore the concept of hope in our modern crisis-filled world. Wirzba explains that many young people view hope with suspicion, often because modern culture promotes shallow optimism over genuine hope. He argues that true hope isn't passive waiting but active participation i...

In this session, biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan explores his proposal to reconstruct Easter, focusing on Paul's understanding of "the mystery of God." Crossan argues that this mystery refers to how God allowed Jesus, as Messiah, to be executed by Roman civilization to reveal its inherent injustice, while simultaneously vindicating Jesus through resurrection to reveal the justice of creation...

In this episode, I am joined by Mark Vernon to discuss the relationship between spirituality, science, and meaning in the modern world. Mark explores how our conception of religion has narrowed to focus primarily on doctrines and morals rather than experiential dimensions, which is a relatively recent development in human history. Vernon describes how human spiritual intelligence evolved not merel...

In this session, biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan examines the fundamental conflict between two competing visions in the ancient world: divine deliverance and human resistance. He contrasts the positions of two self-identified Pharisees - Paul and Josephus - revealing how Josephus portrayed Rome's imperial power as divinely ordained while Paul offered a radical alternative vision. Most provoc...

In this thought-provoking episode, I am joined by theologian and philosopher Kevin Hart to discuss the nature of contemplation in both religious and secular contexts. Hart traces the historical origins of contemplation from ancient Rome and Greece through Christian traditions, distinguishing it from meditation and contrasting it with our modern culture of fascination. He draws on phenomenology, pa...

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Novenson returns to the podcast after his move from the University of Edinburgh to Princeton Theological Seminary. We discuss his new book "Paul and Judaism at the End of History," which develops a radical reframing of how we understand the Apostle Paul: not as someone who rejected Judaism for Christianity, but as a Jewish thinker who believed that history had already...

In this session, biblical scholar Dominic Crossan examines the fundamental conflict between two visions of peace in the ancient world. He contrasts Augustus' Res Gestae (carved imperial boasts of achievements) with Paul's letters, revealing how Rome established "peace through victory" while Paul offered an alternative vision based on justice and non-violence. Crossan traces this tension back to Ge...

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. In it, I explore the tension between contemplation and fascination in the digital age, particularly regarding smartphone use. Inspired by my son's school essay on phone-free schools, I took up a Lenten social media fast. Learning how deeply our digital habits have affected our capacity for genuine connection has been revelatory. In...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ulises Mejias, Professor of Communication Studies and Director of the Institute for Global Engagement at the State University of New York. WE explore the concept of data colonialism, examining how modern technology companies extract and exploit personal data in ways that parallel historical colonialism. The conversation delves into how these practices impact educat...

In this episode, I am joined by renowned biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan for an exploration of the relationship between Paul and Luke in early Christian texts. Crossan provocatively challenges traditional understandings by arguing that Luke-Acts presents a deliberately modified version of Paul's mission to make Christianity more palatable to Roman authorities. Through detailed textual analys...

In this episode, Tripp hosts New Testament scholar Matthew Thiessen to discuss his book on The Jewish Paul and explore a fresh understanding of Paul's letters within their proper Jewish context. Conversation Highlights: Paul's Jewish Identity: Matthew explains how we should understand Paul not as someone who left Judaism for Christianity, but as a Jew who maintained his Jewish identity while belie...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Kurt Gray, a psychologist specializing in the nature of outrage and its impact on culture. Our conversation centers around his new book Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. We explore the psychological foundations of our polarized culture. Dr. Gray, currently transitioning from UNC Chapel Hill to Ohio State, shares in...

In the inaugural live stream of the class Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World, John Dominic Crossan joins me to dig into the radical historical Paul. Crosson argues for the importance of understanding Paul within the context of the historical Jesus, despite Paul's often radical and misunderstood teachings. We explore topics like Paul's controversial stance on gender and slaver...

In this episode, I am joined by political scientist Ryan Burge for an engaging conversation about his fascinating data on religious decline and the rise of the 'Nones' and non-denominational Christianity. We discuss the implications of denominational decline, growing distrust in institutional religion, and the explosive growth of non-denominational churches. This episode features in-depth analysis...

In this episode, I am joined by evolutionary biologist and curatorial scientist Dr. Lance Grande. Lance shares insights from his extensive career examining the dynamics and changes in evolution, culminating in his exhaustive 600-page book, The Evolution of Religion: A History of Related Traditions. The discussion delves into the application of modern evolutionary theory to the study of organized r...

Join us for a special episode recorded live at Theology Beer Camp, as we head to Middle Earth with our resident Tolkien Head, Nick Polk and renowned Tolkien scholar Craig Boyd. Boyd opens the session with a deep look at the life of Gandalf and the nature of virtue in Tolkien's world, followed by a compelling conversation on how these themes apply to our lives. The conversation is rich with insight...

In this episode, we welcome back the sociologist of religion, Gerardo Marti, to explore modern culture's dynamic and complex spiritual crisis. Inspired by a vivid dream where Gerardo, Tripp, and a host of famous dead sociologists spent a week on the beach discussing religion, secularization, and the meaning crisis. The conversation delves into the multifaceted influences shaping our religious and...

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. The essay explores the evolving spiritual landscape of America, noting the decline of traditional religious institutions and the rise of new forms of meaning-making. Here, I examine how Donald Trump and the MAGA movement reflect a unique manifestation of a new civil religion, combining aspects of self-creation, positive thinking, a...

Legendary New Testament scholar John Dominic Crossan joined me in answering a bunch of different questions from the Homebrewed Community, and it was some serious nerdy fun! The conversation covers Dom's Irish Catholic heritage, his views on the historical Jesus, the impact of Roman imperialism on Jesus' ministry, the concept of collaborative eschatology, and a response to mythicist arguments regar...

In this episode, philosopher Philip Goff returns to the podcast to discuss a variety of stimulating topics, including the meaning of life as heretical Christianity, the concept of panpsychism, and how these ideas often spark debates and opinions on all sides. The conversation delves into the fine-tuning of the universe, the problem of evil, the evolution of spiritual beliefs, and the burgeoning in...

In this episode, philosopher Aaron Simmons returns for an intriguing discussion on the complexities of sustaining democracy. The conversation spans various philosophical insights from thinkers such as Robert Talese, Chantal Mouffe, and Simon Critchley. We explore tensions between political equality and justice, the paradox of democracy, and the necessity of engaging agonistically with adversaries....

In the episode,  Ruben Rosario Rodriguez joins the podcast to discuss his unique blend of the reformed tradition and liberation theology, from his personal backstory rooted in the history of American colonialism in Puerto Rico to his deep dive into the theological influence of luminaries like Calvin and Tillich, Ruben shares how his vocation as a theologian was shaped. He addresses critical issues...

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. The essay explores how digital platforms have transformed human experience into a new form of colonialism. It discusses the historical evolution of the internet from a decentralized space to one controlled by tech giants, and highlights the data extraction, surveillance, and algorithmic governance that dominate modern digital space...

In this episode, I am joined by philosopher, filmmaker, and longtime friend Dr. Jeremy Fackenthal as we dive into the intricate philosophy of Walter Benjamin. We explore memory, history, suffering, and the weak messianic power that empowers us to redeem the past through remembrance. We also touch on the implications of Benjamin's thought for understanding the revolutionary potential in our present...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Matthew Segall to explore the 'meaning crisis' in Western culture. The conversation covers historical forces and cultural transformations, responses to the crisis, the return of religious interest, and the insights of the process-relational framework. We touch on issues such as the role of the market, individualism, disenchantment, and the importance of a compel...