Pub Theology LIVE Pub Theology

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.

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 of trying out various religions to make sure your bases are covered.

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 pressures. What is gained or lost in such a short gathering? We also discuss our modern addiction to plastic, and whether change might be on the horizon. Also, Ogun tries out his new Japanese whisky, with entertaining results.

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 should be as low as possible, or whether we should be glad to pay for taxes in order to have a strong and stable society. Plus how film and movies are or are not like church.

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." Shannon has thoughts. Tune in for some engaging lunar and zoological takes!

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 practiced the old ways of paganism? Also, we share our favorite candy bars.