Homebrewed Christianity Podcast

In this session, biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan examines the fundamental conflict between two competing visions in the ancient world: divine deliverance and human resistance. He contrasts the positions of two self-identified Pharisees - Paul and Josephus - revealing how Josephus portrayed Rome's imperial power as divinely ordained while Paul offered a radical alternative vision. Most provocatively, Crossan uncovers evidence of organized nonviolent resistance movements in first-century Judaism that predated Jesus and Paul, suggesting these movements connected Pharisaic beliefs about the resurrection with nonviolent opposition to empire. This historical context illuminates Jesus' command to "love your enemies" as a form of nonviolent resistance, challenging us to consider whether humanity must embrace Paul's radical vision of justice over empire to become a sustainable species. Through archaeological and textual evidence, Crossan demonstrates how these competing worldviews physically manifested in the a

In this thought-provoking episode, I am joined by theologian and philosopher Kevin Hart to discuss the nature of contemplation in both religious and secular contexts. Hart traces the historical origins of contemplation from ancient Rome and Greece through Christian traditions, distinguishing it from meditation and contrasting it with our modern culture of fascination. He draws on phenomenology, particularly Husserl's work, to explain how contemplation offers a way to move beyond the limiting "natural attitude" to experience reality more fully. Hart discusses how poetry, particularly that of Gerard Manley Hopkins, exemplifies contemplative engagement with the world, and explores how Jesus' parables invite a shift from worldly preoccupations to an intimate relationship with God. Throughout the conversation, Hart warns about the dangers of our technology-driven "culture of fascination" that traps our attention and leads to emptiness, while offering practical guidance on contemplative reading through practices li

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Novenson returns to the podcast after his move from the University of Edinburgh to Princeton Theological Seminary. We discuss his new book "Paul and Judaism at the End of History," which develops a radical reframing of how we understand the Apostle Paul: not as someone who rejected Judaism for Christianity, but as a Jewish thinker who believed that history had already ended with the resurrection of Jesus. We unpack into Paul's unique eschatological vision, his understanding of the resurrection, and how modern theological traditions often misread Paul by projecting their own frameworks onto his writings. Themes Discussed Paul's Jewish Context: The conversation highlights how Paul remained deeply Jewish throughout his life, challenging the common notion that he rejected Judaism for Christianity. The End of History: Novenson argues that Paul genuinely believed history had ended with Christ's resurrection, making his theology fundamentally eschatological rather than focused on ato

In this session, biblical scholar Dominic Crossan examines the fundamental conflict between two visions of peace in the ancient world. He contrasts Augustus' Res Gestae (carved imperial boasts of achievements) with Paul's letters, revealing how Rome established "peace through victory" while Paul offered an alternative vision based on justice and non-violence. Crossan traces this tension back to Genesis, where human civilization begins with Cain's fratricide and escalates through generations of violence, contrasting sharply with the divine vision of creation centered on Sabbath justice. Through archaeological evidence from Galatian sites where Paul traveled, Crossan demonstrates how these competing worldviews physically manifested in the landscape, ultimately challenging us to consider whether humanity's inherent tendency toward escalating violence makes us a sustainable species or whether we must embrace Paul's alternative vision of peace through justice. To access all 5 of Crossan's lectures, submit questio

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. In it, I explore the tension between contemplation and fascination in the digital age, particularly regarding smartphone use. Inspired by my son's school essay on phone-free schools, I took up a Lenten social media fast. Learning how deeply our digital habits have affected our capacity for genuine connection has been revelatory. Inspired by recent conversations with philosophers Kevin Hart and Norman Wirzba, I develop a distinction between contemplation and fascination. Through their attention-fragmenting design, smartphones ultimately create hollow connections that diminish our ability to be present with others and ourselves. Rather than advocating for complete technological rejection, I think about intentionally cultivating contemplative practices as a counterbalance to digital habituation, suggesting that creating space for more profound attention may be essential to human freedom in our increasingly digitized world. I hope you enjoy it an

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ulises Mejias, Professor of Communication Studies and Director of the Institute for Global Engagement at the State University of New York. WE explore the concept of data colonialism, examining how modern technology companies extract and exploit personal data in ways that parallel historical colonialism. The conversation delves into how these practices impact education, immigration policy, and what resistance might look like in our digital age. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Here are the two editorials Ulises and I discuss The Core of Gen-AI is Incompatible with Academic Integrity Big Tech is powering Trump’s immigration crackdown Ulises Mejias is Professor of Communication Studies and Director of the Institute for Global Engagement at the State University of New York. Originally from Mexico City, his scholarship examines the relationship between technology, power, and colonialism. He is co-author with Nick Couldry of The Cost of Connection: How Data Colonizes

In this episode, I am joined by renowned biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan for an exploration of the relationship between Paul and Luke in early Christian texts. Crossan provocatively challenges traditional understandings by arguing that Luke-Acts presents a deliberately modified version of Paul's mission to make Christianity more palatable to Roman authorities. Through detailed textual analysis, Crossan reveals how Luke downplays Paul's apostleship, reimagines his conversion, and strategically portrays Jews as hostile while depicting Romans as receptive. The discussion weaves through complex topics, including the Jerusalem Council, Paul's missionary strategy targeting "God worshipers," and the broader political implications of religious accommodation to the empire. With his characteristic blend of historical insight and contemporary relevance, Crossan ultimately suggests these ancient dynamics remain instructive today, as the merging of religion and politics continues to threaten not just democracy but "

In this episode, Tripp hosts New Testament scholar Matthew Thiessen to discuss his book on The Jewish Paul and explore a fresh understanding of Paul's letters within their proper Jewish context. Conversation Highlights: Paul's Jewish Identity: Matthew explains how we should understand Paul not as someone who left Judaism for Christianity, but as a Jew who maintained his Jewish identity while believing Jesus was the Messiah. The Law and Gentiles: The conversation explores the complex debates in early Christianity about how the Jewish law applied to Gentile believers, with Paul arguing that while the law remained important for Jews, certain aspects (like circumcision) were not required for Gentiles. Paul's Pharisaic Background: Matthew discusses how Paul's identity as a Pharisee shapes his understanding of the resurrection and how Jesus being raised from the dead modified but didn't abandon his pharisaic worldview. Resurrection Theology: The discussion examines how Paul's understanding of Jesus's resur

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Kurt Gray, a psychologist specializing in the nature of outrage and its impact on culture. Our conversation centers around his new book Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. We explore the psychological foundations of our polarized culture. Dr. Gray, currently transitioning from UNC Chapel Hill to Ohio State, shares insights from his research on how perceptions of harm drive moral judgments across the political spectrum. The conversation delves into how humans evolved more as prey than predators, explaining our heightened sensitivity to threats and tendency toward outrage in modern contexts. Dr. Gray challenges popular theories about moral foundations, arguing that both liberals and conservatives care about similar values but perceive vulnerability differently across four domains: the environment, marginalized groups, authority figures, and religious symbols. We unpack practical approaches to navigating political and moral divi

In the inaugural live stream of the class Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World, John Dominic Crossan joins me to dig into the radical historical Paul. Crosson argues for the importance of understanding Paul within the context of the historical Jesus, despite Paul's often radical and misunderstood teachings. We explore topics like Paul's controversial stance on gender and slavery, backed by textual analysis, and the influence of his letters within early Christian communities. The session also discusses the story of Thecla as an archetype of Paul's radical vision and how these narratives have been reshaped to fit different sociopolitical contexts. Questions from participants help flesh out the complexities around Paul's portrayal in the New Testament and subsequent interpretations. To access all 5 of Crossan's lectures, submit questions, and join future live streams, head here to join the class. John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremo

In this episode, I am joined by political scientist Ryan Burge for an engaging conversation about his fascinating data on religious decline and the rise of the 'Nones' and non-denominational Christianity. We discuss the implications of denominational decline, growing distrust in institutional religion, and the explosive growth of non-denominational churches. This episode features in-depth analysis, intriguing graphs, lively discussions, and insights from prominent social philosophers.   *** If you want access to the entire 2-hour conversation and invites to join us live in the future, all you have to do is become a member of either (or both) of our SubStacks — Graphs on Religion & Process This. *** Ryan P. Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University. Authorof 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 p

In this episode, I am joined by evolutionary biologist and curatorial scientist Dr. Lance Grande. Lance shares insights from his extensive career examining the dynamics and changes in evolution, culminating in his exhaustive 600-page book, The Evolution of Religion: A History of Related Traditions. The discussion delves into the application of modern evolutionary theory to the study of organized religion, the impact of religion on human culture, and the challenges and future of religion in an interconnected world. Given the unique and expansive thesis of the book, I was thrilled when Lance agreed to walk us through it with slides at the beginning of our recording session. Don't miss the video version on YouTube to see all of Lance's slides. Lance Grande is the Negaunee Distinguished Service Curator Emeritus of the Field Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Chicago. He specializes in evolutionary systematics, paleontology, and biology and is deeply interested in the interdisciplinary applications of the s

Join us for a special episode recorded live at Theology Beer Camp, as we head to Middle Earth with our resident Tolkien Head, Nick Polk and renowned Tolkien scholar Craig Boyd. Boyd opens the session with a deep look at the life of Gandalf and the nature of virtue in Tolkien's world, followed by a compelling conversation on how these themes apply to our lives. The conversation is rich with insights on Gandalf's wisdom, his compassionate leadership, and the deep connections between Tolkien’s characters and biblical figures like Moses. They discuss the amplification of one’s inherent abilities through symbols like Gandalf's ring and explore the deeply intertwined themes of home, adventure, and the ultimate good. The session concludes with emotional reflections and a heartfelt toast celebrating the power of friendship and hope. Get ready to be inspired and perhaps consider joining Theology Beer Camp in St. Paul, Minnesota from October 16-18. Enjoy the journey! Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18,

In this episode, we welcome back the sociologist of religion, Gerardo Marti, to explore modern culture's dynamic and complex spiritual crisis. Inspired by a vivid dream where Gerardo, Tripp, and a host of famous dead sociologists spent a week on the beach discussing religion, secularization, and the meaning crisis. The conversation delves into the multifaceted influences shaping our religious and spiritual landscapes. Topics include the historical evolutions of religious movements, the role of modernity in creating meaning crises, the impact of disenchantment and exclusive humanism, and the intersections of masculinity and identity in contemporary times. Whether discussing the procedural intricacies of revivalism, the transformative power of community found in choirs, or the overwhelming drive for control in modern structures, Tripp and Gerardo have fun nerding out. This engaging discussion doesn't shy away from the difficult questions and offers insightful reflections on how we navigate meaning in an ever-ch

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. The essay explores the evolving spiritual landscape of America, noting the decline of traditional religious institutions and the rise of new forms of meaning-making. Here, I examine how Donald Trump and the MAGA movement reflect a unique manifestation of a new civil religion, combining aspects of self-creation, positive thinking, and atavism. Historical context traces the roots of self-creation from Martin Luther's reforms through the Enlightenment and the rise of consumer capitalism. I highlight how Trump's persona and the MAGA movement resonate with American cultural consciousness, focusing on self-promotion, community, and opposition. It also explores the psychological and sociopolitical implications of this movement, the erosion of community, and the yearning for a mythological past, providing insights into the appeal and dangers of this modern spiritual-political fusion. I hope you enjoy it and consider supporting my work by joining 80k+

Legendary New Testament scholar John Dominic Crossan joined me in answering a bunch of different questions from the Homebrewed Community, and it was some serious nerdy fun! The conversation covers Dom's Irish Catholic heritage, his views on the historical Jesus, the impact of Roman imperialism on Jesus' ministry, the concept of collaborative eschatology, and a response to mythicist arguments regarding the historicity of Jesus. Additionally, Crossan provides insights into creating a historically accurate Jesus film, the role of archaeological discoveries in understanding the New Testament, and his reflections on the Jesus seminar. The episode wraps up with exciting future plans, including Crossan's participation in Theology Beer Camp, where he will explore the intersection of Paul's vision of the cosmos and modern scientific understanding. Don't miss this enlightening session filled with rich historical context and profound theological reflections. You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube John Dominic Crossa

In this episode, philosopher Philip Goff returns to the podcast to discuss a variety of stimulating topics, including the meaning of life as heretical Christianity, the concept of panpsychism, and how these ideas often spark debates and opinions on all sides. The conversation delves into the fine-tuning of the universe, the problem of evil, the evolution of spiritual beliefs, and the burgeoning interest in making religion more accessible and comprehensible to liberals. Throughout the episode, they explore deep philosophical questions, the role of religious fictionalism, the significance of consciousness and free will in understanding cosmic purpose, and the nuances of maintaining faith in uncertain times. Filled with unique insights and intellectual rigor, this episode offers an enriching exploration of spirituality, philosophy, and how they interconnect in daily life. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Philip Goff is a philosophy professor at Durham University, UK. His most recent book is Why? The Pur

In this episode, philosopher Aaron Simmons returns for an intriguing discussion on the complexities of sustaining democracy. The conversation spans various philosophical insights from thinkers such as Robert Talese, Chantal Mouffe, and Simon Critchley. We explore tensions between political equality and justice, the paradox of democracy, and the necessity of engaging agonistically with adversaries. Aaron also shares his experiences teaching Radical Political Theory, addressing the intricacies of class tensions, bad faith discourse, and the compelling ethical demands that challenge contemporary democratic practices. You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube Dr. Simmons is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Furman University. You can follow his Substack ‘Philosophy in the Wild.‘  Previous Episodes with Aaron A Philosopher & Ethicist Process This Election The Courage to Be 15 w/ Elgin Fuller & Aaron Simmons Aaron Simmons: Camping with Kierkegaard Faith After Deconstruction Philosophy & the Experience o

In the episode,  Ruben Rosario Rodriguez joins the podcast to discuss his unique blend of the reformed tradition and liberation theology, from his personal backstory rooted in the history of American colonialism in Puerto Rico to his deep dive into the theological influence of luminaries like Calvin and Tillich, Ruben shares how his vocation as a theologian was shaped. He addresses critical issues like the role of liberation theology in socio-political contexts, systemic racism, and the modern political landscape's impact on faith communities. This compelling discussion also delves into practical wisdom, the importance of community in theological work, and the pressing issues facing the American church today. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Dr.Ruben Rosario Rodriguez is the Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. His books include Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology, Theological Fragments, D

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. The essay explores how digital platforms have transformed human experience into a new form of colonialism. It discusses the historical evolution of the internet from a decentralized space to one controlled by tech giants, and highlights the data extraction, surveillance, and algorithmic governance that dominate modern digital spaces. By drawing parallels to historical colonialism, the essay outlines the systematic ways in which platforms explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate alternative ways of being social. It also examines the rise of a new digital aristocracy in Silicon Valley and the erosion of personal autonomy. Finally, it explores emerging forms of resistance and reimagination, emphasizing the need for digital wisdom, community-owned platforms, and new forms of digital literacy to reclaim human autonomy and genuine connection. I hope you enjoy it and consider supporting my work by joining 80k+ other people on Process This. You can r