Pub Theology Live

Does it matter who we pray to, as long as we're praying? A Brazilian grandmother prayed to a figurine of Elrond of Lord of the Rings for years thinking it was Saint Anthony. Does the direction of our prayers matter, or is just praying enough? What about those who don't pray or don't believe in God? Should churches cultivate a message that makes sense without God? Plus, what was the best Super Bowl commercial? We discuss it all! It's Episode 79 of Pub Theology Live!

Can technology save us? On this week's episode we discuss the general impact of technology on religion and faith: meditation apps, religion websites, tweeting in church, spiritual online meetups, Youtube preachers, etc. What have you found that augments your own faith or spiritual practice? What challenges does technology present in connecting with the divine? We discuss!

Do you have a high tolerance for mistakes? How do you respond to mistakes? Do we give a wider latitude to pastors and presidents for making mistakes? Plus, does what happens in Cuba stays in Cuba? Bryan, Shannon and Ogun discuss in this week's engaging episode of Pub Theology Live!

How do you respond in a crisis? Is this a result of your personality or something you have learned? Can you change this? Where is God in a crisis? Shannon and Ogun diagnose Bryan's need to blame and try to pin an enneagram number on him. Tune in! It's Episode 76. [end music: Lee Rosevere, "Credit Roll."]

When a church says, "All Are Welcome" do you believe it? What does being a 'welcoming church' really mean? Bryan, Shannon and Ogun discuss on Shannon's first official episode as new co-host! Plus, favorite chores and New Year's intentions. Tune in, it's Episode 75!

What is Christmas all about? Can there be joy in the season without the religious meaning? Was Jesus born as the exception or the example? Should we take the birth narratives literally? We're joined by Chris French and Tina Simmons to discuss. You don't want to miss our holiday episode of Pub Theology Live!

We answer your questions! Bryan and Ogun deliberate on some interesting topics: Jesus on gay marriage, baking cakes as free speech, whether it's OK to have sex before marriage, healing spiritual wounds, heaven and hell, and more! Tune in for a really interesting conversation on a range of topics!

Ogun and Bryan discuss whether the church as institution is able to be prophetic, or if it tends to 'play it safe' on issues of justice and catches up later to what is happening in society at large. We also catch up on the holiday and discuss whether we are innately kind and compassionate. Tune in! It's Episode 72.

Ahead of Thanksgiving we talk surviving the holidays, how to engage (or disengage) with family, whether or not politics and religion should be broached, and how to have a meaningful conversation with someone with whom you strongly disagree. Rev. Shannon Meacham joins us for this important conversation!

Can differing views co-exist in church? Or is it better when there is a straightforward and expected perspective or theological viewpoint? Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss! Also, you're going to want to tune in to the end for a surprise announcement. It's Episode 70!

Does government get in the way of loving your neighbor? Should our neighbors have the freedom to have any and all the weapons they desire? How do we move beyond our inclination toward violence? What if gun control isn't the answer? We discuss all of this and more, with Rev. Kevin Bradley, a "Spiritual Libertarian." Tune in for an engaging conversation!

Our Halloween episode! We discuss the history and pagan roots of this confection-laden celebration, whether that impacts its observance today, and what spiritual and religious dimensions are present. Also, we dig into the realm of spiritual warfare, Satan, and demonic spirits. Greatly exaggerated, very real, or something else? Plus, stay tuned to the end for a little costume controversy. It's Episode 68!

With all the Harvey Weinstein news, and the #MeToo that’s been trending around sexual assault and harrassment, we’ve decided to ask, "Does the Bible encourage misogyny?" Some say that the objectification of women goes all the way back to Genesis. If so, what are the ramifications of the Bible’s patriarchal underpinnings? We discuss! [please note, this episode contains explicit language]

October 31, 2017 marks 500 years since Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on a church door in Germany, helping kickstart the Reformation. Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss: were Martin Luther's critiques of the Catholic Church valid? Was his reading of Paul accurate? Do the theological battle-lines of that era still have weight today? Do people still care? Should they? Tune in! It's Episode 66.

Bryan, Tina and Ogun discuss the mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas: when will we move from 'thoughts and prayers' to meaningful action? What should such action look like, if any? Is there a way to reduce such senseless violence in this nation? Is it fair to call this nation's obsession with guns a form of idolatry, or even addiction? We discuss! It's Episode 65.

Protests, politics and patriotism: we discuss the chaos around NFL protests, Presidential Tweets, and what it all means. We add in our two cents to the conversation and probe what it means to be patriotic and whether patriotism can be enforced. Can both sides of this debate actually hear each other? A legitimate question. We discuss! It's Episode 64 of Pub Theology Live!

What exactly is peace? Is it a state of mind? A level of consciousness? A state of outward calm? Harmonious relationships between human beings? A gift from God? We discuss! Also, do people have a choice in how they approach God and Scripture, or anything else? It gets a little feisty on our peace episode. Give it a listen! It's Episode 63 of Pub Theology Live!

In a heated argument, Tina and Ogun wonder whether doing good is ultimately motivated by selfish interests. Bryan attempts to referee. We also discuss the difference between being smart and being wise: is there a moral component to this? Are these two things innate or learned? And, The Gospel According to Trump: inappropriate, hilarious, or mean? Tune in! It's Episode 62 of Pub Theology Live!

Bryan, Tina and Ogun are back! They discuss the Nashville Statement, which says, among other things: "We affirm that God has designed marriage to be a covenantal, sexual, procreative, lifelong union of one man and one woman." Helpful, harmful, or heinous? We discuss. Plus Joel Osteen and Hurricane Harvey. Tune in!

Bryan, Tina and Ogun are back for a midsummer's episode! A few technical difficulties aside, it was great to have a chance to check in and chat some theology. Tune in as we discuss Abraham Joshua Heschel's assertion that people of faith are called to be "reminders of God." Plus listen for a new offer for our listeners!