Pub Theology Live

This week we discuss pets, Powerball, total depravity, and "being who God made you to be." Maybe it's all just absurd. Or as Ogun and Bryan say it: obzerd. Tune in! It's the latest episode of Pub Theology Live.

On our election week episode, we discuss how we are dealing with election anxiety, how voting could be thought of as a sacred act, and to what level churches and preachers should feel comfortable getting political. Finally, and most importantly, we ask: when is the right time to start listening to Christmas music? It's the latest episode of Pub Theology Live!

We often wonder how we can bridge the gap between the divisions in this country, particularly on the brink of yet another contentious election. Is finding common ground a way to bring people together? Or is that notion overrated? We discuss that, plus whether ghosts are real, what gives us hope, and the nature of belief.

In advance of Halloween and All Saints Day, we take a look at some ancient practices of Samhain, including dining with the dead, and share our favorite Halloween candy. We also discuss whether God has a plan and why some folks seem to develop a persecution complex.

This week we discuss whether beards are a sign of biblical masculinity (short answer: No, also, what is biblical masculinity?), we dissect how Romans 8:31 can be used both positively and negatively, and whether citing "religious discrimination" is valid in a work setting involving reading books to children that promote same-sex relationships. Plus: which game show would you want to be on? We break it down in this latest episode of PT Live!

This week we are joined by pastor and podcaster Mariah Martin! We discuss whether church is necessary to have a full and meaningful spiritual journey, what caused us to change our minds on an important issue, whether events are neutral, and honoring and celebrating our ancestors. Tune in! You don't want to miss this latest edition of Pub Theology Live.

Did you know there are dragons in the Bible? Shannon seemed a little caught off guard. We discuss the meaning and imagery of dragons in various religious traditions, why October is a great month, whether a sin against the Holy Spirit is truly unforgivable, and why sometimes you just have to [insert eye roll here].

What is the difference between teaching children the faith and indoctrinating them? Derrick Weston joins the show to discuss that, plus which food best represents our personality, how to talk about suffering, and why it's time to retire Columbus Day as a national holiday.

WE ARE BACK! On this week's episode we ask: Is the second half of life simply about winding down and preparing for the end? Or is there more? We also discuss why Shannon hates chores, and how churches stepped up to help immigrants who were shipped out of state by a disgruntled politician. Tune in, it's the latest episode of Pub Theology Live!

Do guns make us safer? Are they a symbol of strength and safety, or an icon of fear? We discuss the idea of gundamentalism, and what it might take to curb the onslaught of gun violence in this country. We also discuss the Ascension of Jesus, Pentecost, and more. It's our summer kick-off episode!

Ogun and Bryan discuss the Buffalo shooting and the underlying white supremacy and racism that motivated this horrific event. We explore ways to take action to educate, address and ultimately eradicate such ideologies. We also ask whether the Bible is helpful in addressing racism.

On this week’s episode, we welcome Shannon back from Scotland and discuss the big happenings while she was gone, most notably the pending challenge to Roe v. Wade. Why is the US uniquely fixated on this issue, and what does it really mean to be pro-life? We discuss all of that and more!

We discuss current threats to the planet, the role of faith communities in creation care, and various ways of viewing the resurrection. And you don't want to miss: we kick off the show sharing the dumbest ways we've been injured. Tune in! It's our post-Easter episode.

In our Holy Week episode, we ask why foot washing hasn't caught on, despite Jesus' explicit call to wash one another's feet. We also explore the figure of Judas, whether he is unfairly maligned, and how he might be a reflection of ourselves. Finally, we share what meaning(s) we you attach to Jesus death and to his resurrection. And surprising no one, Bryan says black jelly beans are the best Easter candy.

Bryan walks into a conversation between Derrick and Shannon about Palm Sunday and whether Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was triumphant. We also ask what people will be nostalgic for in forty years and consider the founding of Islam. Tune in! It's our pre-Holy Week show. And yes, Bryan’s audio improves after a rough start.

We react to the Will Smith - Chris Rock altercation at the Oscars. Who is to blame? Who wins and who loses? Plus, time travel vs teleportation, and how to have difficult conversations well.

We discuss bad life decisions, controlling the Scriptures, and spirituality at the doctor’s office. Plus, how do you bridge the gap from intention to action?

Is it possible to be too positive? What is the difference between negative thoughts and negative feelings? We discuss, and also explore compassion fatigue, when it feels hard to care anymore. Finally, are we in control of anything, and what might youth ministry look like going forward? It’s a jam-packed hour of good conversation. Bonus: what famous movie have Ogun and Bryan never seen?

This week we discuss Jesus in the desert and whether he could have made a good sandwich out of those stones or turned them into a cold beverage. We also discuss whether we would submit ourselves to an artificial utopia or ride in autonomous vehicles. And will some strong political statements by Ukrainian religious leaders make a difference?

On our "welcome to Lent" episode, we wonder whether asking anyone to give something up for Lent is redundant given the last couple of years. Also, Shannon learns what a pączki is, and we discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine.