Theology Lab: Courage & Curiosity for Everyday Faith

Scott Rice

Theology Lab is a podcast that supports courage and curiosity for everyday faith. We focus on connecting questions of faith with approachable conversations in theology, interpreting the Bible (Scripture), life in the church. It's a podcast, with different offerings (series, like Beyond Simple Answers), that explores a working theological vision (key beliefs) for folks who consider themselves as curious, as asking questions about their faith (e.g., deconstruction, evangelicalism and post-evangelicalism), and looking for helpful ways forward. In our Beyond Simple Answers podcast (a Theology Lab series), we explore a theological vision for faith, in the form conversations, that responds to simple answers to important questions that often fall short -- and what different responses to questions can look like. Episodes on Theology Lab consist of conversational interviews with a range of guests, from public figures like David Brooks and Russell Moore, to biblical scholars, church leaders, theologians, and more. Theology Lab values an approach to faith that is open to questions and comfortable with nuance. It's a place for those who see themselves as theologically curious. How can we be both grounded while pursuing a vibrant, expansive kind of faith? Theology Lab is offered by Highrock church. These discussions (available here and on YouTube as free resources) focus on important issues of our time – past topics include the state of American evangelicalism, God and money, interpreting Scripture, and theology through the lens of different cultural and ethnic experiences (Black theology, Asian American theology), evil (theodicy), and more. Our website is www.theologylab.org, and you can Scott for more info: theologylab@highrock.org https://www.instagram.com/theologylab1/ https://twitter.com/Theology_Lab

  1. Where is God in Death and Dying? - Beyond Simple Answers Q&A

    6d ago

    Where is God in Death and Dying? - Beyond Simple Answers Q&A

    The thumbnail title of this episode is inspired by theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer's claim, only a suffering God can help. In this Q&A episode of Theology Lab's Beyond Simple Answers, Scott Rice, Greg Fung, and Kristin T. Lee explore some of the deepest questions in Christian theology: Can protest be a faithful form of prayer? Why does it matter that Christ suffers with us? And can Christianity truly explain evil and suffering? Drawing from the Bible, the book of Job, the Psalms, liberation theology, process theology, and personal stories of grief and loss, this conversation wrestles honestly with the problem of evil, the goodness of God, and the meaning of suffering. The discussion explores whether lament, anger, and even protest toward God can be authentic expressions of faith. Kristin T. Lee reflects on protest prayer, grief, racial trauma, and the role of lament in Christian spirituality, drawing on authors like Cole Arthur Riley and Tasha Jun. Greg Fung discusses process theology, divine power, and why the presence of God in suffering raises difficult questions about evil and theodicy. Scott Rice explores what it means for Jesus Christ to suffer with humanity and what hope Christians can hold onto in the face of pain, death, injustice, and unanswered questions. This episode also dives into: The problem of evil and suffering Protest theology and liberation theology Faith and doubt Theodicy and God’s goodness Jesus’ suffering and the cross Prayer, lament, and grief Heaven, hell, forgiveness, and judgment Can Christians question God? Why suffering challenges faith If you’ve ever struggled with suffering, questioned God, or wondered whether Christianity has satisfying answers to evil, this conversation is for you. #Christianity #Theology #ProblemOfEvil #Jesus #Prayer #Theodicy #LiberationTheology #ProcessTheology #Bible #God #ChristianPodcast www.theologylab.org https://colearthurriley.com/writing/project-one-64g3t https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63009311-tell-me-the-dream-again

    21 min
  2. Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 5) - The Bible, Or: Do You Ever Argue With God?

    Apr 28

    Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 5) - The Bible, Or: Do You Ever Argue With God?

    YouTube/Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/-t6ZGuFwMi8 In this Beyond Simple Answers episode Scott, Greg, and Kristin explore the Bible, suffering, creation, and the problem of evil in passages like Philippians 2, the book of Job, Lamentations, and the stories of Hagar and Gethsemane. Returning to previous discussions, they look back at Process and Liberation theology's themes of justice and noncoercive love, as well aa prayer. Why does Job accept God's response? How do believers hold together anger and faith? It's a human conversation, animated by a desire to believe, that looks at suffering, divine power, and faith -- and the many complexities that arise in between in these topics. Beyond Simple Answers episodes are part of Theology Lab. We aim at seeking out a theological vision when simple answers fall aren't enough. And the conversations are geared towards anyone who might be amidst processes like deconstruction and reconstruction of faith, or who just wants curiosity and thinking to play a more important part of your faith life. Thanks for giving some of your time to engage this. We really do appreciate that and hope it might be helpful in some way. 📚 Check out Kristin's new book! We Mend With Gold www.theologylab.org Music Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE 00:00 Introduction 01:15: Power Via Weakness? Philippians 2 06:30 Job! 11:05 Does God play 'the God card'? 15:00 Jesus prays in anguish, the cross

    18 min
  3. Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 4) - Evaluating Five Theologies of Evil

    Apr 14

    Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 4) - Evaluating Five Theologies of Evil

    In this thought-provoking episode, Scott, Greg, and Kristin dive deep into one of the most enduring questions in Christian theology: the problem of evil. Through an engaging and honest conversation, they explore four major theological frameworks—protest theodicy, process theology, person-making theodicy, and liberation theology—and reflect on how each shapes faith, doubt, and lived experience. Kristin shares why protest theodicy resonates so personally, framing faith as an ongoing, honest dialogue with God marked by lament, questioning, and deep trust. Scott and Greg affirm its biblical roots while wrestling with the emotional and spiritual weight of living in constant protest. The conversation then shifts to process theology, where Greg highlights its intellectual appeal and its reimagining of God’s power as persuasive rather than coercive. Together, the hosts discuss how this model brings clarity—but also raises difficult questions about divine intervention, suffering, and certainty. Next, they tackle person-making theodicy, debating whether suffering can truly be understood as a pathway to growth. While acknowledging its limited scope in addressing extreme evil, the group considers whether it still offers insight into everyday struggles and spiritual formation. Finally, the episode closes with a passionate discussion on liberation theology, a perspective Kristin champions for its call to action. Emphasizing God’s solidarity with the oppressed, this model invites believers to actively participate in confronting injustice and suffering in the world. Throughout the episode, Scott, Greg, and Kristin balance theology with real-life implications—asking not just what we believe, but how we live in light of suffering, injustice, and faith. If you’re searching for a deeper understanding of Christian responses to suffering, faith and doubt, or theological perspectives on evil, this episode offers a rich, honest, and nuanced exploration. 📚 Check out Kristin's new book! We Mend With Gold www.theologylab.org Music Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE

    20 min
5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Theology Lab is a podcast that supports courage and curiosity for everyday faith. We focus on connecting questions of faith with approachable conversations in theology, interpreting the Bible (Scripture), life in the church. It's a podcast, with different offerings (series, like Beyond Simple Answers), that explores a working theological vision (key beliefs) for folks who consider themselves as curious, as asking questions about their faith (e.g., deconstruction, evangelicalism and post-evangelicalism), and looking for helpful ways forward. In our Beyond Simple Answers podcast (a Theology Lab series), we explore a theological vision for faith, in the form conversations, that responds to simple answers to important questions that often fall short -- and what different responses to questions can look like. Episodes on Theology Lab consist of conversational interviews with a range of guests, from public figures like David Brooks and Russell Moore, to biblical scholars, church leaders, theologians, and more. Theology Lab values an approach to faith that is open to questions and comfortable with nuance. It's a place for those who see themselves as theologically curious. How can we be both grounded while pursuing a vibrant, expansive kind of faith? Theology Lab is offered by Highrock church. These discussions (available here and on YouTube as free resources) focus on important issues of our time – past topics include the state of American evangelicalism, God and money, interpreting Scripture, and theology through the lens of different cultural and ethnic experiences (Black theology, Asian American theology), evil (theodicy), and more. Our website is www.theologylab.org, and you can Scott for more info: theologylab@highrock.org https://www.instagram.com/theologylab1/ https://twitter.com/Theology_Lab

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