Best Pub Theology LIVE Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 302: An Existential Day 53:50

18h ago53:50

53:50

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) ar…

1
Episode 301: Are You Gonna Eat That? 1:03:37

3d ago1:03:37

1:03:37

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…

1
Episode 300: The Weight of a Soul 58:12

13d ago58:12

58:12

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.…

1
Episode 299: Dazzling but Arrogant 54:36

12d ago54:36

54:36

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 i…

1
Episode 298: The Hill Jesus Died On 58:25

22d ago58:25

58:25

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.…

1
Episode 297: Lifestyle Scriptures 1:07:38

27d ago1:07:38

1:07:38

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…

1
Episode 296: Never a Good Time to be a Woman 56:00

1M ago56:00

56:00

Episode 296: Never a Good Time to be a WomanWhile 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 possibl…

1
Episode 295: It's All About the Mayo 58:36

2M ago58:36

58:36

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!…

1
Episode 294: Live at the Wild Goose Festival! 50:27

3M ago50:27

50:27

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!By Pub Theology

1
Episode 293: Harrison Butker's World 1:04:14

5M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

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 ca…

1
Episode 292: What Would Justin Do? 51:43

6M ago51:43

51:43

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…

1
Episode 291: Flabbergasted 1:12:43

6M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

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.…

1
Episode 290: Covering Your Bases 1:02:56

6M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

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 o…

1
Episode 289: Punchy Jesus 57:44

6M ago57:44

57:44

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 pressure…

1
Episode 288: Be Fruitful and Multiply 1:11:28

7M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

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 shoul…

1
Episode 287: The Eclipse Episode 44:03

7M ago44:03

44:03

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."…

1
Episode 286: The Price of Betrayal [Adjusted for Inflation] 1:02:29

7M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

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 pr…

1
Episode 285: All God's Creatures... And All That 1:08:20

8M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

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: favor…

1
Episode 284: God Ordains It [When It's What I Want] 54:26

8M ago54:26

54:26

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 …

1
Episode 283: Hell, Where Art Thou? 1:07:23

9M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

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 n…

1
Episode 282: What Karl Marx Meant To Say 56:46

9M ago56:46

56:46

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 immedia…

1
Episode 281: We are the New Boomers 1:12:17

9M ago1:12:17

1:12:17

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.…

1
Episode 280: We Don't Need Jesus 58:37

9M ago58:37

58:37

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 o…

1
Episode 279: Do Better, Bryan 1:02:54

9M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

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, Brya…

1
Episode 278: And Then Came Robots! 54:32

9M ago54:32

54:32

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 lo…

1
Episode 277: Hell is Delicious 1:00:51

10M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

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 mig…

1
Episode 276: You Could Die! 1:04:56

10M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

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 obnoxio…

1
Episode 275: Christmas - A Holy [Shit] Moment 59:02

10M ago59:02

59:02

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!…

1
Episode 274: Religious but not Spiritual 1:03:40

11M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

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 B…

1
Episode 273: A Literal Cloud of Witnesses 1:06:47

11M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

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 fr…

1
Episode 272: TikTok Jesus 58:30

11M ago58:30

58:30

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!…

1
Episode 271: Are You Still So Dull? 1:00:51

12M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

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.By Pub Theology

1
Episode 270: Fear Someone Who Has Only One Book 1:03:19

12M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

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…

1
Episode 269: A Lot Can Be Solved Depending on the ABV 1:00:17

1y ago1:00:17

1:00:17

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.By Pub Theology

1
Episode 268: Dogs and Butter 1:04:00

1y ago1:04:00

1:04:00

This week we discuss celebrating Halloween as an adult, what humans can learn from dogs in the realm of love and joy, and whether God loves us each uniquely. We also solve the Middle East peace crisis with two simple things: Dogs and butter! Tune in! It's the latest rendition of Pub Theology Live.By Pub Theology

1
Episode 267: The Just Kitchen 58:49

1y ago58:49

58:49

Shannon and Bryan are joined by special guests Derrick Weston and Anna Woofenden! We discuss their new book: The Just Kitchen: Invitations to Sustainability, Cooking, Connection, and Celebration. Show highlights: seeing the kitchen as a sacred space, discovering that small acts can make a real difference, sharing our favorite dishes to make, and oh…

1
Episode 266: Too Deep for Words 1:11:39

1y ago1:11:39

1:11:39

We discuss useless inventions, prayer and the possibility of AI becoming truly conscious. What does it mean to say that the Spirit helps us pray in a language "beyond words"? Does artificial intelligence truly understand language, or is it just reading symbols and responding quickly through lightning fast computations in a way that appears to be un…

1
Episode 265: Brace Yourself 56:29

1y ago56:29

56:29

We are back! Shannon, Ogun and Bryan discuss confidence, and why it seems so easy to lack it, and how one might gain it. We also discuss Yom Kippur and the power of communal religious practice, as well as the rise of religious rituals at Burning Man. Plus, our favorite breakfast cereals. Brace yourself!…

1
Episode 264: Community and Belonging - LIVE at the Wild Goose Festival 54:08

1+ y ago54:08

54:08

Recorded LIVE at the Wild Goose Festival! Ogun and Shannon are joined by Rev. Anna Golladay to discuss the human experience of belonging and community and why the church struggles with both. They also discuss how packing for a trip may reflect on one’s emotional baggage and inner life, and much more! You don’t want to miss this special episode reco…

1
Episode 263: Your Life Sucks, Kid 57:26

1+ y ago57:26

57:26

In the age of mega-churches and wow worship services, is ordinary church still OK? If you had to choose for your child to have a long, but dull life or a short, but hugely impactful life, which would you choose? What do transportation and travel have to do with spirituality? And finally, if one has the Bible, does that minimize the need for other s…

1
Episode 262: An Unlocking of the Heart 43:19

1+ y ago43:19

43:19

What happened on that first Pentecost? Was the Holy Spirit truly available in a new way, or was it more like a shift in perception? Shannon and Bryan discuss this important date on the Christian calendar, plus principles of Hinduism and why humans prefer sounds that come from their left. Tune in!By Pub Theology

1
Episode 261: Off the Map 1:02:04

1+ y ago1:02:04

1:02:04

We discuss times we’ve been stuck or gone off the map. In this context, we discuss the Ascension of Jesus and the call for his followers to go “to the ends of the earth.” Before modern maps, where did they assume this meant? We also discuss whether belief in God is a prerequisite (or hindrance!) to moral behavior.…

1
Episode 260: Humanity, Despite Humanity 59:38

1+ y ago59:38

59:38

Is humanity progressing or moving backward? One writer contends that ‘human progress, the myth of the modern age, is increasingly in doubt.’ Ogun counters that, stating that he believes in humanity, despite what’s often seen on the news. We also discuss May as National Masturbation Month, and how to seek a more sex-positive dialogue, especially in …

1
Episode 259 - Throw Your Little Things 1:09:55

1+ y ago1:09:55

1:09:55

This week Shannon and Ogun mock Bryan’s sport of disc golf as ‘not a real sport.’ We also discuss parents acting badly at kids sporting events, the solitude of being human and how love intersects with that, plus - what gives you goosebumps? We discuss!By Pub Theology

1
Episode 258: Atheist Street Pirates 58:40

1+ y ago58:40

58:40

Shannon is back! She joins Ogun and Bryan to discuss what they would put on a billboard if someone gave them one for free, along with that one song from Switchfoot. We also chat about atheist street pirates who are keeping us safe from religious propaganda, and whether aging can or should be reversed. Tune in!…

1
Episode 257: The Tin Rule 1:00:24

1+ y ago1:00:24

1:00:24

On this week's episode, Bryan and Ogun discuss the Golden Rule and whether it is the highest relational ethic that exists. Hint: it's not. Tune in to discuss how to treat others better than golden, how to have good conversations, and what weird things houseguests have done.By Pub Theology

1
Episode 256: Hold My Gay Beer Can 1:01:03

1+ y ago1:01:03

1:01:03

This week we discuss how churches can be more welcoming to folks who only attend on days like Easter, provisions in professional soccer to allow Muslim players to break their fast mid-game, and the chaos happening in Tennessee. Tune in!By Pub Theology

1
Episode 255: The Sound of Inevitability 1:05:23

1+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

This episode we explore the NT scholarship that suggests Mary Magdalene may have been written out of a chapter in the Bible. We also heatedly discuss whether the technological evolution of humanity will render faith superfluous and mystery obsolete, all while Ogun updates us on his fasting for Ramadan, Bryan explains why there are chickens in his o…

1
Episode 254: Jesus is Coming on Wednesday 1:03:22

1+ y ago1:03:22

1:03:22

This week Shannon, Ogun and Bryan play two truths and a lie. Can they stump each other? They also discuss transcendent moments and where and how those seem to happen, plus personal spiritual practices and turning the other cheek. Bring your own beverage and tune in for some good conversation over a pint!…

1
Episode 253: Blowing White Smoke 1:08:00

1+ y ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Ogun finds a rare beverage in Morocco while Bryan explodes another past-due beer. Shannon joins us to discuss: Is the Pope willing (and able) to bring real change to the Catholic church on issues like same-sex marriage and clergy celibacy? Why has the idea of being ‘woke’ become such a political lightning rod? Does evil truly exist in the world, ap…

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