Homebrewed Christianity

Ryan Eller, the master storyteller and executive director at Define American, dives into crucial conversations about immigration, politics, and faith. He shares his journey from a Baptist minister in Appalachia to a prominent activist, highlighting the intersection of personal beliefs and social activism. Ryan discusses the radical roots of his faith, tackles misconceptions about immigrants, and calls out the hypocrisy within conservative Christianity. He underscores the urgent need for inclusivity in faith-focused communities while revealing how storytelling can drive social change.

Will Rose, a mega nerd and Lutheran minister, dives into an exciting bash of theology and geek culture. He discusses his church's grant promoting healthy dialogues between religion and science. The conversation delves into why we often understand comics better than scripture and explores Will's creation of the "God Loves Geeks" book club. The second half passionately reviews the latest Star Wars films, highlighting how these narratives shape our spiritual lives. Will even shares anecdotes about officiating a cosplay wedding and the transformative power of storytelling.

Andrew Root, an Associate Professor at Luther Seminary, dives into the challenges of faith formation in today's secular age. He unpacks the origins of American youth ministry, discussing the church's fixation on youthfulness. Andrew highlights Charles Taylor’s 'Age of Authenticity,' exploring its implications for personal identity and spiritual connection. The conversation touches on secularism's effect on beliefs, the desire for divine recognition, and the need for genuine community in youth ministry to foster authentic faith experiences.

Christian Piatt, a member of Homebrewed CultureCast, joins Amy and Tripp to explore a fresh approach to scripture during Lent. They invite listeners to engage with biblical texts as a community, tackling misconceptions and promoting inclusivity. The conversation humorously delves into their film ‘The Road to Edmond’ and critiques patriarchal narratives in the Bible, emphasizing women’s overlooked stories. They encourage open dialogue about faith and culture while celebrating a decade of their podcasting journey.

David Trotter, the producer of a buddy road trip comedy, shares his insights on the creation of 'The Road to Edmond,' which humorously tackles faith and sexuality. He recounts hilarious road trip anecdotes with his filmmaking crew, reflecting on the unpredictable journey of faith. The conversation digs into the challenges of inclusivity in the church and emphasizes the need for authentic dialogues. Ultimately, Trotter encourages community involvement in the project and highlights the power of film in fostering conversations about belief.

In this conversation, Amy Brown Hughes, an assistant professor of theology, and Lynn Cohick, a New Testament professor, explore the often-overlooked contributions of women in the early church. They dive into the legacy of figures like Thecla and Monica, discussing the misconceptions surrounding their roles. The duo also reflects on the impact of martyr narratives on modern discipleship and the necessity of addressing uncomfortable historical truths while honoring the tradition. Their insights aim to empower women in the church today.

Bill Leonard, an esteemed author on church history, dives into his passion for understanding the past and its intersection with faith. He discusses the politics of defining history, particularly within the church, and reflects on the complexities of growing up Baptist amid the Civil Rights Movement. Leonard confronts the lingering impacts of white supremacy, the 'lost cause' mythology surrounding Confederate monuments, and the challenge of fostering diversity without overshadowing marginalized voices. His insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of faith communities today.

In this conversation, John Swinton, Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen and founder of the Centre for the Study of Spirituality, Health and Disability, dives into the intersections of disability and theology. He shares insights from his book, discussing how disability challenges our notions of humanity and vocation. The talk includes the role of time in nurturing genuine friendships and discipleship. Swinton also explores the emotional connections in dementia and the importance of inclusion within church communities.

Join Will Rose, a theologian who explores the significance of cosplay and comic books, and Daniel Pugh, who delves into the virgin birth and incarnation, as they unpack thought-provoking themes. They discuss how Advent functions as a time of hopeful anticipation and the revolutionary implications of Mary's story. The conversation takes an interesting turn, connecting the veneration of ancient narratives with modern pop culture, including unexpected ties to the latest Star Wars film. It's a delightful blend of theology and entertainment!

Rev. Sarah Heath, a Canadian-Mississippian minister and host of Sonderlust The Podcast, shares her multifaceted journey with Tripp. They dive into the challenges of dating as a minister while managing personal relationships. Sarah opens up about her mom's battle with cancer during seminary, highlighting how crises shape faith. The duo also humorously navigates the complexities of belief systems and the importance of connection during grief. Plus, they reflect on creating a balance between ministry and personal life, revealing insights that resonate deeply.