Theology Nerd Throwdown

What a fun convo! Bo and I were joined by Rev. Dr. Chaz Snider, a Moravian Minister and Radical Theologian for some nerdy goodness. We started with something that's been keeping me up at night: the dangerous decoupling of Jewish identity from Israeli identity in certain conservative circles, and how this might unleash a kind of naked antisemitism we haven't seen in over a century. From there, we d...

Well folks, we started off talking about Bucky's (the truck stop that doesn't allow trucks - make it make sense), but then things got real when I shared about this secret squirrel meeting I went to about combating white Christian nationalism in Idaho. Bo and I went deep on religious pluralism, why evangelicals suddenly love Mormons when they run for president, and how my Muslim friend made me a be...

Wow, this episode was a wild ride! Bo and I kicked things off recapping the absolute magic that was Theology Beer Camp in St. Paul - seriously, the energy this year was different, more connected, more like a family reunion of podcast nerds day-drinking and talking theology. Then we dove into what really gets my blood boiling: this whole restorationist fantasy that we can just skip over 2,000 years...

We opened up the Zoom room and let listeners bring whatever questions they wanted, which turned into one of those sprawling conversations that goes from Karl Popper's tolerance paradox to the unique trauma of rapture theology to whether algae-filled church toilets are connected to the hot water line. Josh Patterson kicked us off asking about progressive intolerance, which led Bo to brilliantly dis...

Bo and I dive deep into a controversial AP article about Christian conservatives declaring empathy a vice - yeah, you heard that right. We unpack how figures like Ali Beth Stuckey and Joe Rigney are arguing that empathy has become a "cudgel for the left," leading Christians to affirm sin and support destructive policies. But here's where it gets interesting: Bo thinks this whole anti-empathy movem...

So we're LIVE at the Common Market in Charlotte, drinking craft beverages and fielding questions from the Speaking to a Modern World conference, which means we're ping-ponging between topics faster than your algorithm-addled attention span. Josh starts us off playing voice of the people, then we trade him for Leah Robinson, who's delightfully willing to interrupt me when I get too deep in the phil...

Bo and I dove deep into onto-theology after he texted me wanting to explore its "upside" - which led to a sprawling conversation about everything from James Dobson's recent death and its impact on evangelical parenting, to Taylor Swift's engagement, to my chickens interrupting the show. We unpacked how onto-theology (the problematic conflation of Being itself with a supreme being) actually offers...

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Tom Oord, who's in the middle of writing what might be the first ever systematic theology with "love" right there in the title. We dove deep into how systematic theology actually works - you know, the difference between someone like Wayne Grudem who treats the Bible like a collection of proof texts versus Paul Tillich who's doing this whole apolo...

Wow, what a wild ride this turned out to be! Bo and I got into the religious landscape after I shared this crazy sticky note revelation I had at the cigar lounge - connecting Jeffrey Epstein conspiracies and Palestine through the lens of basic human decency and institutional trust. We ended up unpacking everything from why young people are abandoning religion (spoiler: it's not just youthful rebel...

What's up Theology Nerds! We're back from vacation and home renovations with a special Bible bonanza episode that's equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking. Bo and I are tackling the issue of mandatory Bible reading in schools by collecting suggestions from listeners about which verses should be read if we're going down this road. We got calls from Finland to Britain with everything from Jesus...

What's up theology nerds! When we lost the legendary Walter Brueggemann, I knew we had to do a proper tribute to one of the most influential biblical scholars of our time. I'm joined by Bo and Rolf Jacobson from Luther Seminary for a deep dive into Walter's life and work - this is the guy who somehow managed to have both mega-nerd street cred in the academy AND pastors across the country whose pre...

Bo comes back from an epic 22-year tradition canoe trip in the Adirondacks - complete with black flies, hypothermia, and some serious Type 2 fun - and drops maybe his most intense opening riff ever. We're talking democracy, pornography, evangelicalism, the economy, and a whole bunch of other stuff that doesn't mean what it used to mean anymore. Bo's got this theory about "floating signifiers" - ba...

What's up Theology Nerds! This week on TNT, Bo and I kick things off with the breaking news about the new American Pope from Chicago (perfect timing for a Bear's Super Bowl win?) before diving into a deep theological conversation about the future of liberal Christianity. Following last week's rather pessimistic outlook, we explore more hopeful possibilities for revitalizing liberal theology. We di...

What's up, Theology Nerds! In this episode, Bo and I tackle the existential question: "Does Liberal Christianity Have a Future?" Spoiler alert: Bo doesn't think it does, and his explanation involves both elevators and human eardrums! We dive into the fascinating history and predicaments of liberal theology, exploring why churches with endowed organs might be spiritually starving. I share five theo...

What's up Theology Nerds! Today's episode goes all over the place - from Easter rituals to mandatory Bible readings, with plenty of religious baggage unpacked along the way. Bo starts us off with his discomfort over some potentially mandatory Bible reading legislation in Idaho (which I kept confusing with Iowa - my bad, flyover state friends). This leads to a fascinating discussion about religious...

In this episode, we were joined by surprise guest Josh Patterson from the Rethinking Faith Podcast, who subjects Bo to his signature "20 Questions" game. The conversation ranges from lighthearted to profound as Bo considers which biblical book he would eliminate, which religious figure would make the worst associate pastor, and why he remains a Christian despite doubts. The discussion weaves throu...

Tripp and Bo dive into a fascinating theological discussion about Daniel 10 and its interpretation in this episode of the Theology Nerd Throwdown. Bo, who is preaching through Daniel, seeks Tripp's insights on how progressive Christians can approach the text's three-tiered cosmology featuring territorial spirits and angelic battles. They explore various ways to understand ancient worldviews withou...

In this episode, the BoDaddy shares about his co-passion projects in his local community and the struggle to act as a community of faith in our increasingly tribal time. Then they discuss the nature of contemplation versus fascination, sparked by reflections from Tripp's son's school essay and interviews with scholars Kevin Hart and Norman Wirzba. They reflect on the impact of smartphones on our a...

What exactly is MAGA? In this episode, we dive deep into the movement, not just as a political force, but as a new kind of civil religion. We'll explore the history of self-creation, from Martin Luther to the age of Trump, and how this uniquely American idea shapes the MAGA movement. We'll also unpack the complex relationship between online communities and real connection, the allure of nostalgia,...

Bo texted Tripp about preaching through the book of Daniel and some ideas he has about resilience and resistance he wants to discuss. He also has a preterist theory about biblical prophecy. Tripp assumes this is something his church and education experience failed to tell him about. What resulted was a lively discussion on the book of Daniel, exploring its layers of prophetic texts, historical con...

In this episode, Tripp & Bo dive deep into the concept of digital colonialism and how tech giants are reshaping human interaction and power dynamics. They explore how data is extracted, processed, and monetized, creating a new colonial class and transforming social relations. Through a critical lens, they discuss the implications for individual autonomy, the erosion of social trust, and potential...

On this episode of the Theology Nerd Throwdown, Tripp & Bo dive into a vibrant discussion on the evolving cultural and political landscape. Bo shares his experiences and insights after moving to Idaho, reflecting on conservative backlash and modern conservatism. The duo explores the complexities of liberalism's critics, the fragmentation of society, and the role of community and virtue in an indiv...

Bo wants to talk about the incarnation and God's love of flesh. Tripp wants street tacos. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube This Advent season, join us for a unique four-week online class that dives deep into the Advent and Christmas sermons of some of the 20th century’s most provocative theologians: Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Tillich, and Rudolf Bultmann. Known collectively as...

Bo doesn't understand the growing attraction of traditional religion. He wants to talk about it. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube This Advent season, join us for a unique four-week online class that dives deep into the Advent and Christmas sermons of some of the 20th century’s most provocative theologians: Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Tillich, and Rudolf Bultmann. Known collectiv...

Tripp is wrapping up a giant project on Bonhoeffer & wants to tell Bo about the nature of resistance in his work. Bo said, "Be quiet! I want to be surprised." You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube This Advent season, join us for a unique four-week online class that dives deep into the Advent and Christmas sermons of some of the 20th century’s most provocative theologians: Karl Barth, Dietrich...