What's up Theology Nerds! Today's episode goes all over the place - from Easter rituals to mandatory Bible readings, with plenty of religious baggage unpacked along the way.

Bo starts us off with his discomfort over some potentially mandatory Bible reading legislation in Idaho (which I kept confusing with Iowa - my bad, flyover state friends). This leads to a fascinating discussion about religious literacy versus using religion as a tool of conformity and exclusion in education systems.

We share some personal stories - including my "Resurrection Smoke-a-thon" Easter tradition with themed cigars and smoked meats (because nothing says "resurrection" like brisket and tobacco), and Bo's frustration with having the EXACT SAME conversation with locals every week as a Methodist minister in a community where only 4-6% of people would ever consider attending his church.

The loneliness epidemic gets real as Bo talks about eating Easter dinner alone and the challenge of building meaningful relationships when you know the denomination will move you in 5 years. We unpack how late-stage capitalism is shredding our social fabric, delaying home ownership and family formation, which historically provided entry points to community.

In true TNT fashion, we tangent into:

For our next episode, we're bringing back the topic we skipped today: "Does Liberal Theology Have a Future?" Also, we want YOU to send us audio recordings making the case for which Bible verses should be mandatory reading if schools start requiring it. The more interesting your take, the more likely we'll feature it! CLICK HERE TO SEND A MESSAGE

Don't forget - Theology Beer Camp is coming up! Get your tickets at theologybeercamp.com. For our Christology series, check out ManyFacesOfChrist.com .

Until next time, keep thinking deeply and drinking good beer!

You can WATCH the conversation on YOUTUBE

ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today

The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"

Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.

Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.

As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!

_____________________

Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN.

This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com

Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices