Homebrewed Christianity

Brian McLaren, an influential author, is joined by Micky ScottBey Jones, a social justice advocate, and Daneen Akers, an expert in parenting and faith. They dive into the challenges of parenting in a changing spiritual landscape, exploring how to nurture children's understanding of love, justice, and peace. Micky shares her journey as a nonviolent practitioner, while Brian discusses his new children's book. They emphasize the importance of open conversations about faith and inclusivity, urging parents to create supportive environments for their children.

In this delightful conversation, 11-year-old Elgin shares his passion for National Geographic's MARS show, showing off a surprising depth of knowledge at such a young age. He and his dad discuss the dynamics of colonizing the red planet, sparking intriguing questions about cooperation and competition among astronauts. They also touch on childhood shows like 'Wild Kratts' and share amusing anecdotes from film projects. Their engaging banter balances humor with fascinating insights into humanity's future in space.

Brian McLaren, a thought leader in social justice, and Gareth Higgins, a passionate writer and advocate, dive into the importance of storytelling for fostering connection and empathy. They discuss their children's book, 'Cory and the Seventh Story,' emphasizing how narratives can reshape our perspectives on race and privilege. They advocate for transitioning from fear to understanding through diverse stories and highlight the transformative power of community and love in overcoming societal challenges. Together, they inspire listeners to embrace new narratives for a brighter future.

Michael Frost, an acclaimed missiologist and a leading voice in the missional church movement, dives into his latest book, exploring how embracing the unconventional can transform faith. He shares his journey from traditional church leadership to a more communal and authentic practice of faith. The discussion highlights the importance of cultivating meaningful community, addressing how fear and laziness can stifle spiritual growth, and advocates for a holistic approach that intertwines evangelism with social justice.

Craig Detweiler, a scholar and president of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, dives into the profound influence of selfies in our image-saturated world. He explores how digital self-representation can reflect divine creation rather than mere narcissism. The conversation touches on the struggle for self-identity among youth shaped by social media and the theological implications of self-expression. Detweiler also shares insights from films like 'Her' and their commentary on humanity, reminding us of the importance of connection amid digital challenges.

In this enlightening discussion, Rupert Sheldrake, a noted biologist and author, challenges conventional science with his ideas on consciousness and spiritual practices. He critiques scientific materialism and proposes a connection between science and spirituality, exploring themes like parapsychology and psychedelics. Sheldrake revisits evolution, advocating for a broader understanding beyond neo-Darwinism. He also shares insights on the revival of pilgrimage and the transformative power of rituals in modern spirituality.

Ilia Delio, a passionate communicator at the intersection of religion, science, and the evolving universe, shares her transformative journey from molecular biology to theology. She delves into the role of mystery in faith, the integration of AI with spirituality, and the urgent need to reconcile ecological crises with divine teachings. Delio discusses evolving narratives in Christianity through a modern cosmic lens, urging a compassionate, ethical approach to technology and ecology. Her insights challenge listeners to rethink their spiritual connections amid contemporary scientific advancements.

Deacon Luke Allison, a thought-provoking deacon, engages in a lively discussion about the complexities of discipleship within progressive Christianity. He explores why this topic makes many progressive Christians uneasy. Luke delves into the historical baggage of discipleship tied to evangelism and colonialism and highlights the need for authentic connections in faith communities. The conversation also examines how Jesus’ teachings resonate in today's pluralistic world and encourages a fresh perspective on embracing brokenness and marginalization.

Ryan Newson, a theology professor, Seth Clark, a talented homebrewer, and Alicia Myers, a New Testament scholar, dive into fascinating discussions about Baptist identity and the evolving roles of women in the church. They tackle eyebrow-raising topics like biblical interpretations of motherhood, the surprising history of angels’ antics, and the impact of hyper-sexualized culture on spirituality. With a blend of humor and scholarly insight, the trio encourages a reexamination of faith, identity, and community within a modern context.

Gregory Alan Thornbury, a prominent scholar and author, dives into the revolutionary impact of Larry Norman, the Father of Christian Rock. Thornbury shares his personal journey with Norman's music, highlighting how it challenged societal issues and evangelical norms. They discuss Norman's confrontational artistry and his themes of reconciliation and compassion. The conversation also touches on the relationships between musicians, the complexities of faith in art, and the enduring legacy of Norman’s work on both his fans and the broader culture.