Two Pastors in a Pub

What is Christianity? What is it all about? Does it change the way someone lives? What is at the heart of the Christianity? And is it even true? When someone says they are a Christian - what does that mean? And don't lots of Christians do bad things - so what is the value of their religion? Matt & Tom are joined by the good people of Chipping Sodbury in the Old Bank Pub for a fascinating...

What's the point? What's the point of life? Why are we here? Is there any meaning, or are we just a cosmic accident? Matt has ditched Tom and Karen and headed for a sunny cafe to meet special guest Deano.  Dean asks the "What's the Point?" question - and offers 3 possible answers. He also tells his journey of discovery  - and how he was 'guided' around a rainy to...

Is Jesus a progressive liberal or a responsible conservative? Is he woke, or is he anti-woke? Matt, Tom & Karen wade in the 'Culture Wars' in this latest episode.  Does Jesus stand with the marginalised? Which side of the culture wars would he be on? Does he stand for law & order? Is he  Questions of race, gender, poverty, politics - all are here. Accompanied as always by some we...

Have you ever experienced a miracle? Have you ever heard of a miracle? Is there any evidence to support the idea that miracles happen? Is it just coincidence or wish fulfilment on the part of gullible believers?  If there is a God, why does he need to do miracles?  Join Tom, Matt & Karen as they explore this question, tell some amazing stories and 'enjoy' another round of weird drink...

Why Do Christians Sing to the Wall? Wherever you go, Christians seem to be singing. They sing on their own, they sing in groups, they sing at the wall. Why? What's with all the singing? Are they just deluded, singing to a God who isn't there? Is it just trying to convince themselves that it really is true? Does the devil have the best tunes? Tom, Matt & Karen are back in the Plough I...

In light of events in the Middle East, Tom, Matt & Karen wrestle with a current and curious question. We know why Israel is in the news, but why do Christians talk about it so much? Why do some Christians support the state of Israel enthusiastically? Why is Christianity so full of Jewish things? Join our team in the pub, with some weird drinks, to explore this controversial subject.

In front of a lively but friendly crowd at the Star Inn our team of Karen, Tom & Matt wrestle with the question of the meaning of science and faith. Because of the growth of science, does this mean faith is pushed out? Is it reasonable to have faith in God and have a scientific worldview?  Plus questions from the audience - this was a fun evening and a very interesting listen.  Please rate us...

Tom, Karen & Matt are back in the pub (well, sort of) with some weird drinks - to ask what may seem to be an obvious question. Isn't it obvious that Christianity is a religion, along with the other big religions in the world? So why ask the question? So, what is a religion in the first place? Are there things about Christianity that make it different to other religions, faiths or philosop...

Are humans alone in the universe? Is there life on other planets? Did God create humans as unique? Do we share the universe? Has there been contact between aliens and humans? Are ETs found in the bible? All this and more is explored by Matt, Tom & Karen in the 'pub' with some weird drinks. Looking at science, popular culture, personal experiences and the Bible - this will be an inter...

Religion is full of rules, right? Do this, don't do that. Being 'spiritual' has become increasingly popular in the Western world - and being religious has greatly decreased. Can you be spiritual without being religious? Isn't it better to focus on the things of the spiritual world and less on rules, dogma and religious organisations like the church? Tom, Karen & Matt are ba...

Possessions, money, houses, cars, hobbies, clothes - what should we do with it all? Is it good to collect for ourselves and our families? Or should I sell everything except the essentials for the sake of the poor and the planet? Surely Jesus wasn't interested in money and stuff? He didn't own a house or a horse - so shouldn't we follow in his footsteps? Inspired by a listener's...

Is the culture we live in good for us? Is it evil and corrupt? Is it creative and life-giving? Music, films, books, TV, games, ideas, conversations, art, sport.... all of this makes up our culture. How should we approach it? Does God have any interest in culture? Is culture now better than culture in the past - or is the opposite true?  Tom Wharin, Matt Frost & Karen Simson are back in the Plo...

Do spirits exist? Is it possible to be influenced or controlled by them? Are films like The Exorcist or Ghostbusters based on truth? Is it all just out-of-date fantastical thinking and rational modern people shouldn't even be thinking about these things? What about the stories from Jesus' life that describe him delivering people from evil spirits? Tom, Matt & Karen are back in The Pl...

Why might God be interested in who I marry? Isn't love the only thing that matters? Why does the bible talk about sex and marriage? Does it need to be a man & a woman? Tom Wharin, Matt Frost & Karen Simson are back in a new pub to explore this fascinating and controversial subject. Talking about science, sociology, the bible and relationships Tom & Matt walk through this conversat...

Is it right for someone with strong religious views to hold public office in a modern society? Will they just try to impose their views on others? Should everyone in politics have neutral views? Would it be better if all those in power were atheists? Tom, Matt & Karen are back - in a new pub - to consider this question. Inspired by recent stories in the news they wrestle with the "mucky b...

There are many good reasons for being an atheist. What are they? Do they make sense? And what to believers do with these reasons? Do they just ignore them? Are there good reasons for believing in God? With the help of atheist friends, Tom Wharin & Matt Frost have compiled a list of reasons - and explore some of them with the help of Karen Simson. Back in the pub again, tasting some more weird...

Recorded live in front of an enthusiastic audience in the Star Inn our two pastors Tom & Matt and their host Karen wrestle with the question "Is the UK (or any nation) a Christian country?". Is there such a thing as a Christian country? What is one? Is the UK Christian? Was it ever? What about other countries?  Live discussion from Tom, Matt & Karen followed by questions from the...

One of the Two Pastors in a Pub podcast's listeners described the internet at a "horrible machine with a mind of its own". Is this true? Is the internet evil? Is it controlling the world and allowing forces that want wrong to prevail to change the world? Or is it something that is benefitting many of us, bringing people together and even blessed by God? Matt, Karen & Tom are bac...

Catholic, Baptist, Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Episcopalian....... There are a lot of churches. Are they really saying and believing the same things about God? Which is the right one? Are they all wrong? It's confusing to people who are new to church, and for those who have been around for a while. The fact that churches argue with one a...

Should I love my country? Is it good to be proud of my country? What if I want to defend it? Is it OK to hate the country next door? And what about my football team, surely it's OK to support them? What do you think? What does Jesus think? Tom, Matt & Karen are back in the pub exploring this. Inspired by the forthcoming World Cup (football/soccer) they wrestle with the love of country and...

The Sexual Revolution promised freedom. Freedom from old constraints, freedom for men and women, freedom to enjoy. Has it delivered? Are we free? Are we more fulfilled? Karen and Matt are joined by guest Andy Bannister (from Solas) to explore the benefits and costs of the sexual revolution. They ask whether the picture that God paints of our identities and our sexuality works in practice. Join the...

Muslims & Christians have many things in common. They both speak of one God, who made the world and offers eternal life - but are there differences between what they believe and does it matter? Surely it's all the same God in the end. Matt Frost & Karen Simson are joined by a new pastor (Tom is away for 2 months) - Andy Banister. They are also in a new pub with some even weirder drink...

White lies. Not dark lies. Just small ones that make my life easier. Surely these are OK? Don't they just help the world get along? Aren't there some people in the Bible who tell lies? What's the problem? Tom, Matt & Karen are back in the pub - with their weird drinks - to explore this issue. Is it obvious, or is it a bit more subtle?  Join them as they tell the truth - or do th...

Monogamy. Staying with the same partner. Married for life. What's so great about it? Relationships are hard, so why stick with one that's not great? Go and find someone that makes you happier. Our two pastors, Tom & Matt are back in the pub, along with their guide Karen. A lively discussion about why God seems keen on monogamy. Wrestling with the realities of life and relationships -...

Tom, Matt & Karen are in the pub (fully clothed) but are asking questions about God's attitude to our unclothed bodies. Is nakedness a problem? Should we hide our bodies, or get them on display?  Inspired by a curious incident in Tom's home town, which prompted the question in his mind "Am I just a prude?". So, button up for a fascinating ride through nudity, sex, modesty a...