Christianity
**Homebrewed Christianity**

Our goal is to bring the wisdom of the academy’s ivory tower into your earbuds. Think of each episode as an audiological ingredient for your to brew your own faith. Most episodes center around an interview with a different scholar, theologian, or philosopher.

Latest Episodes:

Gerardo Marti: Sociology & the Crisis of Meaning Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome back the sociologist of religion, Gerardo Marti, to explore modern culture's dynamic and complex spiritual crisis. Inspired by a vivid dream where Gerardo, Tripp, and a host of famous dead sociologists spent a week on the beach discussing religion, secularization, and the meaning crisis. The conversation delves into the multifaceted influences shaping our religious and spiritual landscapes. Topics include the historical evolutions of religious movements, the role of modernity in creating meaning crises, the impact of disenchantment and exclusive humanism, and the intersections of masculinity and identity in contemporary times. Whether discussing the procedural intricacies of revivalism, the transformative power of community found in choirs, or the overwhelming drive for control in modern structures, Tripp and Gerardo have fun nerding out. This engaging discussion doesn't shy away from the difficult questions and offers insightful reflections on how we navigate meaning in an ever-changing world.

You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube

Dr. Gerardo Marti is a professor of Sociology at Davidson in North Carolina. His research centers around race, ethnicity, religion, identity, inequality, and social change. Through his research, he works to uncover the dynamics of contemporary issues like diversity, religious innovation, and political power.

Gerardo's Previous Visits to the Podcast

Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025

3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.

Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.

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Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

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Manifesting America: MAGA & the New Civil Religion Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. The essay explores the evolving spiritual landscape of America, noting the decline of traditional religious institutions and the rise of new forms of meaning-making. Here, I examine how Donald Trump and the MAGA movement reflect a unique manifestation of a new civil religion, combining aspects of self-creation, positive thinking, and atavism. Historical context traces the roots of self-creation from Martin Luther's reforms through the Enlightenment and the rise of consumer capitalism. I highlight how Trump's persona and the MAGA movement resonate with American cultural consciousness, focusing on self-promotion, community, and opposition. It also explores the psychological and sociopolitical implications of this movement, the erosion of community, and the yearning for a mythological past, providing insights into the appeal and dangers of this modern spiritual-political fusion.

I hope you enjoy it and consider supporting my work by joining 80k+ other people on Process This. If you want to read or watch the essay, you will find it here on SubStack.

Resources:

(Book) Self-Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians, Tara Isabella Burton

(Book) The Expulsion of the Other: Society, Perception and Communication Today, Byung-Chul Han

(Lecture) Self-Creation, Tara Isabella Burton

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

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Ask JC Anything with John Dominic Crossan Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Legendary New Testament scholar John Dominic Crossan joined me in answering a bunch of different questions from the Homebrewed Community, and it was some serious nerdy fun! The conversation covers Dom's Irish Catholic heritage, his views on the historical Jesus, the impact of Roman imperialism on Jesus' ministry, the concept of collaborative eschatology, and a response to mythicist arguments regarding the historicity of Jesus. Additionally, Crossan provides insights into creating a historically accurate Jesus film, the role of archaeological discoveries in understanding the New Testament, and his reflections on the Jesus seminar. The episode wraps up with exciting future plans, including Crossan's participation in Theology Beer Camp, where he will explore the intersection of Paul's vision of the cosmos and modern scientific understanding. Don't miss this enlightening session filled with rich historical context and profound theological reflections.

You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube

John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Historical Jesus, How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, God and Empire, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, The Greatest Prayer, The Last Week, and The Power of Parable. He lives in Minneola, Florida.

Previous Podcast Episodes with Dom & Tripp

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

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Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN.

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Philip Goff: Finding Faith and Cosmic Purpose Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, philosopher Philip Goff returns to the podcast to discuss a variety of stimulating topics, including the meaning of life as heretical Christianity, the concept of panpsychism, and how these ideas often spark debates and opinions on all sides. The conversation delves into the fine-tuning of the universe, the problem of evil, the evolution of spiritual beliefs, and the burgeoning interest in making religion more accessible and comprehensible to liberals. Throughout the episode, they explore deep philosophical questions, the role of religious fictionalism, the significance of consciousness and free will in understanding cosmic purpose, and the nuances of maintaining faith in uncertain times. Filled with unique insights and intellectual rigor, this episode offers an enriching exploration of spirituality, philosophy, and how they interconnect in daily life.

You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube

Philip Goff is a philosophy professor at Durham University, UK. His most recent book is Why? The Purpose of the Universe. For an introduction to panpsychism, check out Galileo's Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness. Philip recently moved to SubStack so check it out here.

Check out Goff's previous visit to the podcast: From Panpsychism to Religious Fictionalism

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

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Aaron Simmons: The Paradox of Democracy & What Comes Next Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, philosopher Aaron Simmons returns for an intriguing discussion on the complexities of sustaining democracy. The conversation spans various philosophical insights from thinkers such as Robert Talese, Chantal Mouffe, and Simon Critchley. We explore tensions between political equality and justice, the paradox of democracy, and the necessity of engaging agonistically with adversaries. Aaron also shares his experiences teaching Radical Political Theory, addressing the intricacies of class tensions, bad faith discourse, and the compelling ethical demands that challenge contemporary democratic practices.

You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube

Dr. Simmons is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Furman University. You can follow his Substack ‘Philosophy in the Wild.‘

Previous Episodes with Aaron

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

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Ruben Rosario Rodriguez: Theology, Liberation, & The Reformed Tradition Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In the episode, Ruben Rosario Rodriguez joins the podcast to discuss his unique blend of the reformed tradition and liberation theology, from his personal backstory rooted in the history of American colonialism in Puerto Rico to his deep dive into the theological influence of luminaries like Calvin and Tillich, Ruben shares how his vocation as a theologian was shaped. He addresses critical issues like the role of liberation theology in socio-political contexts, systemic racism, and the modern political landscape's impact on faith communities. This compelling discussion also delves into practical wisdom, the importance of community in theological work, and the pressing issues facing the American church today.

You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube

Dr.Ruben Rosario Rodriguez is the Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. His books include Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology, Theological Fragments, Dogmatics after Babel: Beyond the Theologies of Word and Culture, and the edited volume T&T Clark Handbook of Political Theology. An ordained minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

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The New Colonialism: Power, Data, and the Transformation of Human Experience Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. The essay explores how digital platforms have transformed human experience into a new form of colonialism. It discusses the historical evolution of the internet from a decentralized space to one controlled by tech giants, and highlights the data extraction, surveillance, and algorithmic governance that dominate modern digital spaces. By drawing parallels to historical colonialism, the essay outlines the systematic ways in which platforms explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate alternative ways of being social. It also examines the rise of a new digital aristocracy in Silicon Valley and the erosion of personal autonomy. Finally, it explores emerging forms of resistance and reimagination, emphasizing the need for digital wisdom, community-owned platforms, and new forms of digital literacy to reclaim human autonomy and genuine connection.

I hope you enjoy it and consider supporting my work by joining 80k+ other people on Process This. You can read the entire essay HERE.

Related Resources

PODCAST -The Tech Takeover: Reimagining Connection in a Digital World on TNT where Tripp gets Bo's input on this essay
BOOK - Data Grab: The New Colonialism of Big Tech and How to Fight Back by Ulises A. Mejias & Nick Couldry
BOOK - The Space of the World: Can Human Solidarity Survive Social Media and What If It Can't? By Nick Couldry
LECTURE - AI and the Tragedy of the Commons: a decolonial perspective with Ulises A. Mejias
LECTURE - The Corporatization of Social Space by Nick Couldry

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

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Jeremy Fackenthal: History & the Messianic in Walter Benjamin Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by philosopher, filmmaker, and longtime friend Dr. Jeremy Fackenthal as we dive into the intricate philosophy of Walter Benjamin. We explore memory, history, suffering, and the weak messianic power that empowers us to redeem the past through remembrance. We also touch on the implications of Benjamin's thought for understanding the revolutionary potential in our present moment. Tune in for a nerdy, stimulating conversation that bridges theology and philosophy, grounded in historical materialism and some fun memories from our PhD days.

You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube.

Jeremy Fackenthal is a philosopher, non-profit director, and filmmaker living in San Diego, CA. He holds a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and Theology from Claremont Graduate University. He was previously director for Toward Ecological Civilization. He has shot and edited a number of films, including Spitting Fire, a short documentary produced in conjunction with ARC and a grant through Yale Divinity School. Jeremy researches and writes in the areas of process thought, theopoetics, and critical theory. He co-edited Theopoetic Folds: Philosophizing Multifariousness and Whitehead and Continental Philosophy in the Twenty-First Century: Dislocations and is currently beginning a documentary film on the relevance of Walter Benjamin for the 21st century.

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

Lexington Theological Seminary is the sponsor for this Episode.

Lexington Theological Seminary is a pioneer in online theological education. Both the Doctoral and Masters programs are designed with the flexibility and contextual focus needed for the working student. You can learn more by heading here.

Here are a few episodes with a couple of their Profs

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Matthew Segall: the Meaning Crisis in Process Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Matthew Segall to explore the 'meaning crisis' in Western culture. The conversation covers historical forces and cultural transformations, responses to the crisis, the return of religious interest, and the insights of the process-relational framework. We touch on issues such as the role of the market, individualism, disenchantment, and the importance of a compelling cosmology. Along the way, they discuss the transformative potential of Christ's story, pluralism, and the need for a renewed cultural life. This episode promises a thoughtful and nerdy discussion that blends philosophical depth with practical implications for our shared future.

You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube

Dr. Segall is a transdisciplinary researcher and teacher who applies process philosophy to various natural and social sciences, including consciousness. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA.

Make sure you check out SubStack Footnotes to Plato, his YouTube channel and recent book.

Previous Podcasts with Matt

A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan

This episode is sponsored by the Upper Room’s Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions

As this new year unfolds with all its challenges and opportunities, are you longing for daily spiritual renewal with God? A daily practice to ground yourselves in God’s presence and nurture a resilient spirit for the work ahead?

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Experience the spiritual renewal you’ve been looking for this year with The Upper Room Disciplines … and join thousands of others “praying the lectionary” and meeting God anew each day.

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Ryan Burge: Trust, Religion and a functioning democracy Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Burge returns with some new graphs about religion and entertaining asides. We end up exploring a multitude of topics, from interpreting statistical data on religious trust and the rise of non-denominationalism, to delving into the complexities of the meaning crisis. This episode is filled with personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and offbeat discussions on cigars, beer sacks, and the perils of government interventions. All while providing valuable insights into the changing landscape of American religion and politics.

*** If you want access to the entire 2-hour conversation and invites to join us live in the future, all you have to do is become a member of either (or both) of our SubStacks — Graphs on Religion & Process This. ***

Ryan P. Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University. Author of numerous journal articles, he is the co-founder of and a frequent contributor to Religion in Public, a forum for scholars of religion and politics to make their work accessible to a general audience. Burge is a pastor in the American Baptist Church.

Previous Visits from Ryan Burge

This episode is sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary

A calling is about who you are. Where you’re going in life. You may be in college. You may be halfway through a career. But you know, deep inside your heart, you want something different. To prepare for the future, you want to invest your time and energy to expand your knowledge. With people who listen to you…yet challenge you. People from different countries and backgrounds. A place with globally recognized connections. There is a place for you at Union Presbyterian Seminary. You’ll find your own path—with online, hybrid, or residential platforms. You’ll find generous financial aid. With thousands of graduates all over the world, you’ll build lifelong networks…a community that supports you and equips you. Be a leader of gospel-inspired transformative change in pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. It’s your call. Respond with UPSem. To learn more, visit upsem.edu or email admissions@upsem.edu

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