Homebrewed Christianity

Ted Peters, Lutheran theologian and astrotheology pioneer, explores theology at the edge of space science. He recounts UFO-influenced childhood roots and coins astrotheology. Conversation jumps from valuing microbial life on Europa to deep incarnation and whether Christ’s flesh ties redemption to the cosmos. Practical questions include hospitality for unexpected contact, ethical Mars colonization, and bridging ufologists with astrobiologists.

John Dominic Crossan, renowned historical Jesus scholar and professor emeritus, guides a lively Q&A. He explores Galilee’s economic upheaval, why Jesus used parables to invite participation, and how baptism, table fellowship, and political power shaped early movements. He contrasts apocalyptic waiting with collaborative action and teases provocative rereadings of Gospel stories.

A meditation on power, tracing claims that strength alone should govern society back through Roman empire logic and white supremacy. It contrasts inverted Christian symbols with the missing crucified one and critiques both authoritarian and progressive impulses. The piece points toward Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a beloved community as an alternative way of understanding power.

John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus and leading historical Jesus scholar, joins a lively Lent class Q&A. He riffs on imagining God’s State of the Union, coins as ancient mass media, parables as nonviolent persuasion, Josephus’ political warnings, and how embodied resistance and symbolic signs reveal imperial power. Short, sharp reflections that mix history, politics, and theology.

Andrew Davis, a process philosopher studying Whiteheadian thought and astrobiology, joins to rethink extraterrestrial life. He introduces exo-axiology and argues life, mind, and value may be woven into the cosmos. They discuss convergent evolution, the Fermi paradox, possible forms of intelligence, UAPs, and why advanced civilizations might evolve ethically rather than hostilely.

Tad DeLay, philosopher and religion scholar, offers a fiery psychoanalytic and political-theory take on white evangelicalism. He links repression, theological cover stories, and ideological formation. He argues Trumpism crystallizes this dynamic and challenges listeners to confront collective moral compromise.

Grace Ji-Sun Kim, theologian and editor, provides framing and questions. Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and preacher, recalls organizing, sermons, and global work. They discuss theology breaking out of the bubble. Short, vivid stories hit on piety versus prophetic power, the origins of “I Am Somebody” and “Keep Hope Alive,” movement history, coalition building, and early LGBTQ inclusion.

Dr. Elaine Howard Ecklund, a sociologist who studies science and religion, challenges the idea of inherent conflict between the two. She shares surprising research about religious scientists, varied forms of atheism, and “spiritual entrepreneurs.” The conversation explores shared values like doubt and humility, what went wrong during COVID, and practical ways faith communities can welcome science-minded people.

Justin Lin, film director of Fast & Furious fame who also makes character-driven indie films, discusses directing Last Days about John Chau. He talks about humanizing extreme missionary zeal, crafting composite characters and a father-son core, using action and sound to convey faith, and balancing indie risks with mainstream support. The conversation explores theological urgency, outsider perspectives, and why the story compels empathy.

A deep dive into Varoufakis’s claim that capitalism has morphed into techno-feudalism and what that means for freedom. Discussion of cloud capital’s algorithms that curate desires and platforms acting as digital fiefdoms. Examination of surveillance labor, unpaid value extraction, and gig economy precarity. Explores alternatives like workplace democracy, a reclaimed digital commons, and collective action.