Rethinking Faith

This week I have something a little bit different for you... Recently I was invited to present at the "Speaking to A Modern World" Conference in Charlotte North Carolina. I was tasked with giving a talk putting Open and Relational Theology in conversation with some of the biggest critiques of theism offered by Atheists today. In my presentation, I critique the god of Classical Theism and take the side of the Atheists. I then offer Radical Theology followed by Anathesim as two possible steps back toward a healthy Theism. I conclude by offering a Process-Relational image of God that I find both compelling and deeply meaningful. Finally we wrap things up with a Q&A. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

JoshuaGPatterson.com

*A special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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This week I am joined by Theologian and Ethicist Brandon Ambrosino to talk about his new book, "Is it God's Will? Making Sense of Tragedy, Luck, and Hope in a World Gone Wrong". Together we explore deep theological topics, including the nature of God, the significance of hope, and the role of love in understanding faith. We look at the metaphor of the basement in theology, and the importance of Theopoetics. The conversation also critiques traditional views of God, particularly the Omni God, and examines the implications of the cross and resurrection in light of suffering and justice. Throughout, we emphasize the need for practical applications of theology in addressing societal issues and generating flourishing for all. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

Is it God's Will? (Book)

*Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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This week I was joined by my friend the Rev. Dr. Shaleen Kenrick for a fun and insightful conversation about her work around her Neuro-Relational Integration Model. Dr. Kendrick's wrote a fantastic dissertation titled, "Neuro-Relational Spirituality: Salvation as Experiential Wholeness-Making Through the Integration of Mind-Body-Spirit". I have heard her present on this model multiple times and I finally had the opportunity to bring her on the podcast!  

She explores the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation and the impact of authoritarian images of God on our neurobiology. Through storytelling and healing, Dr. Kendrick provides insights into human evolution and the process of integrating our experiences to create new abilities and navigate the complexities of modern life. We explore the intersection of faith, neuroscience, and personal transformation and discuss the importance of rethinking traditional God stories, the process of deconstruction and reconstruction of faith, and the need for context-responsive neuro-theological models. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

ShaleenKendrick.Com

*Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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This week, Swami Padmanabha joins the podcast to share his spiritual journey and his insights into the nature of love, spirituality, and the divine. Swami has a new book out titled "Evolution in Divine Love: The Eternal Becoming of God, Soul, and Matter", that we used as our jumping-off point for the conversation. He discusses the concept of Bhakti, the yoga of love, and emphasizes the importance of understanding love as a profound and intentional act. The dialogue explores the evolving nature of God, the interplay between personal and impersonal aspects of the divine, and the significance of seeing potential in ourselves and others. Swami Padmanabha also addresses the relationship between science and faith, advocating for ongoing conversations that bridge these realms. The discussion culminates in practical ways to embody these ideas in daily life, emphasizing the importance of listening and being present. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

SwamiPadmanabha.com

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025:

Come nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE.

*Special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch. Love you guys! <3*

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This week on the podcast, Dr. Aaron Simmons returns for yet another fun and nerdy conversation. Aaron takes us on a deep dive into phenomenology, exploring its implications for consciousness, intentionality, and the human experience. We discuss the historical context of phenomenology, its connection to hermeneutics, and its relevance in contemporary philosophical and political discourse. The conversation also touches on the importance of perspective and the shared nature of human experience, emphasizing how phenomenology can inform our understanding of the world and our interactions within it. We also delve into the complexities of phenomenology, exploring themes such as givenness, love, beauty, justice, and the intersection of theology and philosophy. We discuss the nature of experience and its implications for theism and atheism, emphasizing the importance of humility and hospitality in understanding diverse perspectives. Finally this conversation highlights the challenges of cognitive ambiguity and the need for rigorous inquiry into what we take for granted in our beliefs and communities. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

JAaronSimmons.Com

The New Phenomenology: A Philosophical Introduction (Book)

Camping With Kierkegaard (Book)

Philosophy For Where We Find Ourselves

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025:

There's still time... You Know You Want To Nerd Out With Your Geek Out! Get Your Ticket(s) HERE.

*Special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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This week I was joined by my friend the Pediatrician and Theologian Dr. Chris Hanson to talk about his new book, "Open and Relational Parenting: Loving Parents Reflecting a Loving God". We take a deep dive into Open and Relational Theology and the insights it has into our parenting techniques. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

Open and Relational Parenting (Book)

OpenAndRelationalParenting.Com

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025:

Nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE.

*Special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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This week I am happy to share a conversation that was recorded live at UNION Craft Brewing in Baltimore Maryland. My friend Nia Chiaramonte returned to the podcast to talk about her new book, "I Hardly Knew Me: Following Love, Faith, and Skittles to a Transgender Awakening". We take a deep dive into Nia's story of discovering who she is as a transgender woman. Nia interweaves her experiences of faith, friendship, and family as she invites us deep into her own story offering up a beautiful place of courage, love, and belonging. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

I Hardly Knew Me: Following Love, Faith, and Skittles to a Transgender Awakening (Book)

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025:

Camp is only one month away! Get your tickets HERE and come hang out!

*Special thanks to UNION Craft Brewing, Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. <3*

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This week I would like to share a recent conversation I got to have on a different podcast called "The Unraveler". The host, Alan Bondar had me on for a conversation he titled "Does Process Theology Save Christianity?". We had a great conversation that was a lot of fun for both of us. I offered up both Process Theism and Radical Theism as viable options for conceiving of the Divine. Did I do a good job? Not sure... let me know! Enjoy.

RESOURCES:

The Unraveler Podcast

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025:

Come nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE.

*Special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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This week my good friend Dan Koch joins the show once again for a conversation I was a bit nervous about... my growing disillusionment with pop-deconstruction and Progressive Christianity. I specifically wanted to talk to Dan about this because he is always careful with his language and also does a good job not buying into the ideology of either side of the aisle. We have an honest chat and it turns out we share a lot of the same concerns. Let us know what you think! Enjoy.

RESOURCES:

You Have Permission Podcast

Dan's Psychology Work

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025:

Nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE.

*Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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This week I sat down with my first ever Brother and Sister duo for a wonderful conversation. Billie and Paul Hoard joined me to discuss their fantastic new book, "Eucontamination: Disgust Theology and the Christian Life". It turns out the psychology of disgust impacts our lives in many ways, including out theology! Eucontamination is a word Billie & Paul coined that posits goodness can spread and transform situations, countering the logic of disgust. We also discuss Christian Nationalism, Purity Culture, the nature of Truth, Identity formation, Shame, Love, and Queer joy. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

Eucontaminaiton: Disgust Theology and the Christian Life (Book)

On Bullshit (Book)

I Am America by Shay Diamond (Official Lyric Video)

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025:

It's time to nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE.

*Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3

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