Pub Theology LIVE

We discuss communication, language and God: are we getting better at communicating or worse in this social media age? If words sometimes fall short, what does that mean when considering sacred texts? Can you communicate with God beyond language? Also, we discuss Abraham and the three visitors.

We discuss the keys to a good Pub Theology session, plus address the question of cults: what is a cult, and how is it different from any other religious organization or church?

We are joined by guest Candradasa, a Buddhist priest who helps us sort out whether someone can be a Buddhist Christian or a Christian Buddhist. What are the similarities between Buddhism and Christianity? What are the tensions or conflicts? Can someone be both? Also, if someone shot a gun in space, what would happen?

Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss the holiday that is Valentine's Day, and consider this definition of love: “Love is the absolute affirmation of another’s meaning.” We also discuss making big changes in life, and what prompts or gets in the way of such changes. We take a cue from Thomas Merton on the spiritual life as being a matter of keeping awake. And Frank gets involved.

Bryan and Tina welcome Ogun back from his hiatus in the Caribbean. We discuss the our favorite parts of the Super Bowl and "the Gospel according to Lady Gaga" of empowerment, grace, and self-acceptance. That, plus John Shelby Spong's take on true religion: “True religion is not about possessing the truth. No religion does that. It is rather an invitation into a journey that leads one toward the my...

Can we save the world with kindness? We discuss with David Hayward, the Naked Pastor. We also explore whether Jesus was a refugee, and how people of faith should be responding to what appears to be a ban directed toward Muslim refugees and immigrants.

Bryan and Tina welcome Dr. Keisha E McKenzie, program director at Believe Out Loud, to the show. We discuss events of the past weekend, including the religiosity of the Inauguration ceremony and the passion of the women's march on Saturday. We explore how Christians are reacting in different ways to both events and why.

Bryan and Tina welcome pastor Casey Banks to the show, a United Methodist pastor starting a new faith community in Vancouver, WA and recent graduate of Duke Divinity School. She is passionate about creating safe spaces to explore Christian community and spirituality. We chat about what such safe spaces might look like and why they’re needed.

Brian McLaren joins Bryan and Ogun to discuss themes from his latest book: The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World's Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to be Christian. Tune in for some theological insights, spiritual wisdom, and even a few laughs over some craft beer.

Bryan, Tina and Ogun are back for 2017, and discuss their resolutions and embarrassing moments, plus some conversation around separation and the potential failure of collective memory. If you want to contribute to the conversation, you can do that in one of three ways: 1) Twitter: Follow @PubTheology and with #PTLive. 2) Facebook: Comment at Facebook.com/PubTheology. 3) New for 2017: You can call...

Bryan, Tina and Ogun exchange Christmas gifts on the show, try to sort out the Star Wars universe, and discuss the spiritual power of coffee and of surrender.

Bryan, Tina and Ogun keep the Christmas deconstruction going, starting with the [shhh...!] Santa myth. The Jesus story is not far behind. Grab a pint and tune in! Listeners have a chance to win free beer from Craft Beer Cellar, and clerical clothing from Casual Priest.

Ogun, Tina and guest Shannon Meacham break down some Christmas music theology and some Christmas myths. No topic is off-limits! Also, should churches hold services on Christmas Day when it falls on a Sunday?

Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss how to navigate potentially challenging conversations around the table during the holidays. Plus some of our favorite Thanksgiving foods and more!

Bryan, Tina and guest Derrick Weston discuss events of the past week, what a bumper sticker would say to sum it all up, whether "God is on the throne" is a useful statement, and whether safety pins make a difference.

Bryan, Tina and Ogun are joined by guest Rev. Carol Howard Merritt. We discuss Halloween, celebration in the church, hymnals vs rockin' bands, and missions. Plus Tina tells us about that time she met Jesus.

Bryan, Tina, and Ogun discuss clergy fashion, plus St. Francis' reported statement of: "Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words." How does one preach the gospel without words? What role does one's life play in this process? We also discuss self-compassion and being absorbed into an ideology.

Bryan, Tina, and Ogun discuss Bob Dylan: the man, the music, the legend, and recent recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature. We take our theological conversational cues from some Dylan lyrics - sure to be a good time.

Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss how to find sanity during this crazy election season. We ponder what role can churches and communities of faith play in elevating the level of discussion? We also discuss whether we are more worried or optimistic about the future, and the Buddhist notion of non-action.

Bryan and Tina are joined by guest host Jack Ricchuito, who help us explore the power of questions. How do questions help us learn new things about ourselves? How do they penetrate fossilized assumptions? Can questions save us?

Bryan, Ogun and guest host Rev. Shannon Meacham discuss the inherent challenges in change, why it causes growth and why it might be difficult for others when someone close to them changes. Plus some musings on peanut butter and beer.

Is God like the wind? Can a minister be an atheist? Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss.

Bryan and Ogun talk about the anxiety and peace that is found in religion and in spiritual practice. What is inherent to religion that can lead to anxiety? If your faith makes you more anxious, are you doing it wrong? We also talk about self-care and the need for clergy especially to take time for renewal. And finally we hit on nationalism and all the hubbub happening around standing, sitting or k...

Ogun and Bryan, plus guest host Derrick Weston, discuss whether we believe in fate or destiny. We also ask: Does your faith or theological system support a type of “fate”? What about biology? Is our future hardwired into us genetically?

Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss Colin Kaepernick's protest: was it meaningful, did he miss the point, or was he right on the money? Also, how to balance contemplation and action. Plus Ogun drinks a stout.