Dissident Orthodoxy

A fantastic podcast that does the necessary work of bringing progressive theology out of the academy and into the public sphere, addressing difficult and important topics with leading scholars and activists in ways that engage everyday folks.

"Public Theologians” is a terrific podcast by Casey Hobbs. Earlier in the first year of the podcast Casey had a dialogue with a cohost, but Jerran moved on and Casey has developed the show into a roughly weekly deep-dive interview with theologians, researchers, pastoral leaders, and activists about a wide range of urgent topics: from racism, to prisoners' rights, to Evangelical sexual culture, to the end of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan (full disclosure: I was recently interviewed by him on the latter topic). And much more! While not limited to examination of Evangelical views and practices, the podcast has a particular strength in casting a critical eye at ways that Evangelical Christians have lost their way when viewed in light of the whole Gospel. Casey and his guest challenge listeners to consider what it really means to follow Christ in the 21st century. Would He really be policing what a married couple do in the bedroom, or would He be found at a BLM protest? Listen to inform your own answers to this question.

I had a great time speaking to Casey for a show a couple months ago. It’s still relatively rare to have a space for people on the Christian left to have a space to work out theology beyond academia, particularly with a podcast host who’s as interested in listening as in speaking. The confessional and generational diversity of guests on the show is particularly special. Check it out!

Casey, Jerran, and the guests do a good job of breaking down complex social and religious issues, making them easy to understand for a layperson. The topics are substantive, but the pace and good-natured approach of the discussions make it easy to stay engaged. This podcast rightfully acknowledges the interconnectedness of religion and politics, and invites people to join in a dialog that is so often avoided.