Homebrewed Christianity

In this episode, I am joined by one of my favorite scholars in the public square, Robert Wright, the editor of the Nonzero Newsletter. This is a captivating discussion about artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the future of humanity. We explore Wright's extensive work, including 'Nonzero,' 'The Evolution of God,' and 'Why Buddhism is True,' while delving into the intersections of science, religion, and philosophy. Discover the implications of AI for humanity, the critical role of international cooperation in technology governance, and the moral and spiritual dimensions needed to navigate rapid technological changes. The conversation also addresses the complexities of sentience, cognitive empathy, and the evolutionary drives in AI, with insights from philosophers like Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead.

Robert Wright is president of The Nonzero Foundation. He is the author, most recently, of Why Buddhism Is True. His previous book, The Evolution of God (2009), was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His other books include The Moral Animal, Nonzero, and Three Scientists and Their Gods. He has written for Time, Slate, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The New Republic, The New York Times Magazine, Foreign Policy, and the op-ed pages of The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Financial Times. In 2009 Foreign Policy magazine named him as one of the top 100 global thinkers. He has taught courses in philosophy and religion at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania. He is Visiting Professor of Science and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and is editor-in-chief of the websites Bloggingheads.tv and MeaningofLife.tv.

WATCH the conversation on YouTube

Previous Episodes with Robert Wright

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I am so excited to share this conversation with two of the people behind the film entitled Sing, Sing. If you have seen it, you know how powerful the movie is, and if you haven’t — GO SEE IT! You will not be disappointed. (Check the trailer.)

The film is based on a true story, weaving through the lives of incarcerated men involved in a theater group. The narrative is enriched by the presence of some of the actual characters and a creative team who spent time teaching their own acting classes in prison. The film weaves themes of humanity, hope, transformation, and friendship into a narrative that challenges cultural labels associated with incarceration. The movie left a lasting impact, underscoring the power of community and the dignity inherent in every individual.

My friend and filmmaker Sarey Conception was also moved by the film and joined me to talk with the director, Greg Kwedar, and actor, Sean San Jose, for the podcast. She was moved by their intention and dedication to storytelling, which resonated deeply with her as a fellow filmmaker. It's a daunting task to create a film, especially within the complex landscape of the business side of cinema. Yet, Greg and Sean describe a unique approach to filmmaking, fostering a culture of light and storytelling in which the process of making the film matches the heart of its story.

"Sing Sing" is more than a film; it's a testament to the power of community, equality, and the human spirit. By challenging traditional narratives and fostering a genuinely supportive environment, the filmmakers have created something truly special. We both loved the film and our conversation with Sean and Greg. We hope you'll take the time to experience "Sing Sing" and appreciate the depth it brings to the discussion about art, justice, and humanity.

WATCH the conversation on YouTube.

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In this episode, I am joined by Gary Dorrien, the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, to discuss his autobiography, notable contributions to social ethics, and the liberal theological tradition. The conversation addresses the evolution of liberal Protestantism, the intellectual and cultural challenges it faces, and the lasting impact of theologians like Schleiermacher, Bonhoeffer, and Niebuhr. Key themes include the intersection of theology and politics, the tension between tradition and modern criticism, and the importance of grounding theology within the church.

If you enjoy this conversation, come hang out with Dr. Dorrien at Theology Beer Camp in Denver this October!

Gary Dorrien is Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University. He is also the author of Anglican Identities: Logos Idealism, Imperial Whiteness, Commonweal Ecumenism, Social Ethics in the Making: Interpreting an American Tradition, American Democratic Socialism and In a Post-Hegelian Spirit: Philosophical Theology as Idealistic Discontent. You won’t want to miss his upcoming theological memoir Over from Union Road My Christian-Left-Intellectual Life.

WATCH the conversation here on YouTube

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In this episode, we are joined by social ethicist Dr. Aaron Stauffer to guide us through the intersection of theology and community organizing. Aaron, a coordinator for the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion & Justice and author of Listening to the Spirit, explores the intertwining of theology, activism, and justice. Discover how faith has historically inspired activism and can energize current movements. The dialogue delves into sacred values, community organizing, and the transformation of religious and political landscapes. Topics include bipartisan politics, military spending, foreign policy, and the role of unions like the UAW. Reflect on the impact of historical social movements, the military-industrial complex, and theological perspectives on democracy and class solidarity. Learn about upcoming events like Theology Beer Camp and the concept of Solidarity Circles to build supportive networks of change-makers. This episode is a compelling blend of faith, practical efforts for social change, and community values.

Aaron Stauffer is the Director of Online Learning and Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He earned his PhD in social ethics at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York and has organized with the Industrial Areas Foundation in San Antonio, Texas and Religions for Peace. His work has appeared in Tikkun, Sojourners, The Other Journal, Political Theology, and CrossCurrents, as well as other scholarly and popular publications.

Solidarity Circles are built to meet this need. These are virtual peer-networks for faith leaders, organizers, clergy, and members of the community who realize that the solidarity economy is essential for the flourishing of life and our faith communities. Solidarity circles are one way the Wendland-Cook Program is seeking to revitalize and build the church and Christian theology in positive ways. We believe that this work is deeply connected to the mission and vocation of Christian churches. Broadly understood, the cooperative and solidarity economy are ways of addressing longstanding economic inequalities within our society, including white supremacy and gender and sex inequities.

Watch the conversation on YouTube

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Dr. Ryan Burge is back to unpack closing the church he pastors and put it in the changing context of institutional religion in America. This is a candid discussion on the personal and societal impacts of church closures in America, illustrated by Ryan's own experience of closing his long-term church. The conversation explores theological diversity, the digital evolution of faith awareness, and the shifting landscape of religiosity in America. With anecdotes about conference speaking, humorous takes on 90s Christian rock, and reflections on pop culture influences like South Park, this episode is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Perfect for anyone grappling with similar challenges or curious about the state of American Christianity.

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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

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The Bible is anything but clear when it comes to God. Within the text, God is not a consistent and defined character, and after thousands of years of debate and interpretation, God is no less a mystery today. In this episode, one of my favorite Biblical scholars, Dr. Rolf Jacobson joins me to discuss the character of God in the first 11 chapters of Genesis and how the stories of Creation and the crisis of sin give a narrative account of the human predicament before a loving God.

If you enjoy the conversation, go grab the entire series now and join our upcoming live Q&A sessions where we walk through the entire Biblical story, asking the question of God. PS, it is donation-based, including 0, :)

WATCH THE CONVERSATION HERE ON YOUTUBE

Dr. Rolf A. Jacobson is the Professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary.

Known for his humor and faithful biblical interpretation, Jacobson is an in-demand preacher and teacher. With Craig Koester, he developed and supports the Narrative Lectionary. He enjoys collaborating with other teachers and pastors. His collaborative projects include The Book of Psalms (NICOT; with Beth Tanner and Nancy deClaissé-Walford), Invitation to the Psalms (with Karl Jacobson), Crazy Talk: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Theological Terms (with five fellow Luther Seminary graduates), and Crazy Book: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Biblical Terms(with Hans Wiersma and Karl Jacobson). He is also the author of The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the Old Testament: Israel’s In-Your-Face, Holy God. His scholarly interests include the Psalms, prophets, biblical theology, biblical narrative, and preaching the Old Testament.

His voice can be heard on two weekly preaching podcasts, “Sermon Brainwave” and “The Narrative Lectionary,” as well as singing the high lonesome with a Lutheran bluegrass band, “The Fleshpots of Egypt.”

A childhood cancer survivor, he is a double, above-the-knee amputee who generally wears a bicycle and a smile. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his beloved wife Amy, their children Ingrid and Gunnar, and a cat who thinks he is a dog. He is a loyal friend, a lifelong sufferer of Minnesota sports, and a committed board-game geek

Are you ready to unravel the enigmas of the divine? Or perhaps, just revel in the glorious complexity that is the God of the Bible? Join Dr. Rolf Jacobson and Dr. Tripp Fuller for an online class that's sarcastically (or is it?) titled, "The God of the Bible: An Absolutely Clear and Final Guide to Ultimate Mystery." Because if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that the nature, character, and vision of the God of the Bible are anything but simple!

This class will take you on an unforgettable journey through the Biblical narrative, from Creation to Consummation. Our mission? To present the nature, character, and vision of the God of the Bible. Our method? Overcoming the hesitations of (post)modern, critical scholarship to highlight the aesthetic power of the divine as revealed in scripture.

ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS: You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Replays are available on the Class Resource Page.

Previous Episodes with Dr. Jacobson

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I am thrilled about this episode in the ongoing Process This series on Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, my series co-host and author of God-Like: A 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters, Kester Brewin, is joined by philosopher John Caputo. The conversation occurred at the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, and theology. They explore the mystical and philosophical implications of AI, reflecting on humanity's relationship with technology and the future of AI in reshaping our understanding of existence. They also touch on key figures such as Heidegger and Derrida, addressing both the potential and peril of technological advancements. Whether you're a theology nerd or a curious mind, this interdisciplinary dialogue promises an enlightening exploration into AI and the human future.

John David Caputo (born October 26, 1940) is an American philosopher who is the Thomas J. Watson Professor of Religion Emeritus at Syracuse University and the David R. Cook Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Villanova University. Caputo is a major figure associated with postmodern Christianity and continental philosophy of religion, as well as the founder of the theological movement known as weak theology. Much of Caputo’s work focuses on hermeneutics, phenomenology, deconstruction and theology.

Watch the conversation on YouTube here.

Previous Episodes with Jack

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In this edition of the Process This: Artificial Intelligence series we are joined by AI pioneer, computer scientist, and theologian Dr. Anne Foerst. Anne offers a deep dive into the fascinating intersection of AI and theology, urging us to consider the profound ethical, social, and theological questions as we march into an increasingly AI-driven future. As a member of MIT’s earliest explorations of embodied AI, she brings a unique perspective to a conversation increasingly shaped by the emergence of large language models of AI. 

Dr. Anne Foerst is a Professor and chair of Computer Science at St. Bonaventure University. She teaches Computers and Society, Cybersecurity Ethics, and other interdisciplinary courses. She is also the director of the individualized major program at SBU. Her research focuses on the theological implications of Artificial Intelligence and the personhood of robots. Previously, she has worked as a research scientist at the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and was also affiliated with the Center for the Studies of Values in Public Life of Harvard Divinity School. While in the artificial intelligence lab at MIT, she served as theological advisor for the Cog and Kismet projects, two attempts to develop embodied, autonomous social robots that resemble human infants in their ability to learn and develop more mature intelligence levels.

Check out her book God in the Machine: What Robots teach us about God and Humanity.

Watch the conversation here on YouTube

In the conversation, we discuss...

Join my Substack - Process This!

Join our upcoming class - THE GOD OF THE BIBLE: An Absolutely Clear and Final Guide to Ultimate Mystery ;)

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On this episode, I am joined by a leading Jacques Ellul scholar, Dr. Michael Morreli, as we unpack his reflections on technology, idolatry, modernity, and Christian Anarchism. If you enjoy the conversation, check out his book  Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio.

Michael Morelli is Assistant Professor of Theology & Ethics and Program Manager, Life-Long Learning at Northwest Seminary & College (a founding member of ACTS Seminaries, and affiliate of Trinity Western University). He holds a PhD in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, is the author of Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio: A Nascent Theological Tradition (2021), and editor of Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and Word: A New Essay by Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements (2023). He publishes and presents on a variety of topics within the fields of theology, morality, culture, politics, and technology. He has also worked in local church ministry and continues to serve the church in a lay capacity.

Follow Michael’s work on Twitter: @mchlmorelli

On this episode, I am joined by a leading Jacques Ellul scholar, Dr. Michael Morreli, as we unpack his reflections on technology, idolatry, modernity, and Christian Anarchism. If you enjoy the conversation, check out his book  Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio.

Michael Morelli is Assistant Professor of Theology & Ethics and Program Manager, Life-Long Learning at Northwest Seminary & College (a founding member of ACTS Seminaries, and affiliate of Trinity Western University). He holds a PhD in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, is the author of Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio: A Nascent Theological Tradition (2021), and editor of Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and Word: A New Essay by Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements (2023). He publishes and presents on a variety of topics within the fields of theology, morality, culture, politics, and technology. He has also worked in local church ministry and continues to serve the church in a lay capacity.

Follow Michael’s work on Twitter: @mchlmorelli

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Dr. Morelli
• 04:31 Michael Morelli's Academic Journey
• 14:03 Jacques Ellul's Background and Influences
• 19:25 Understanding Technique and Its Implications
• 32:28 The Idol of Technology and Its Consequences
• 37:09 Power Dynamics and Non-Power in Modernity
• 46:54 The Dark Side of Innovation
• 47:12 War and Technology: A Chilling Connection
• 48:04 Propaganda and Political Power
• 51:29 The Seduction of Technology
• 54:39 The Role of Idols in Modern Society
• 57:42 The Ethics of War and Political Decisions
• 01:00:38 The Future of Technology and Society
• 01:14:16 Christian Anarchism and Local Governance
• 01:22:47 Hope and Despair in Modern Times
• 01:36:26 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

WATCH THE CONVERSATION HERE

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