Alright friends this week I have a special treat for you... Emogelicals is a show I record once a month with my good buddy Jed over at Church and Other Drugs. Typically this is released for Patrons only, but this week you get a sneak peek into what you are missing out on. Enjoy! JOIN MY PATREON: Click HERE to join. <3 *Special thanks to Marty, Josh, and Dan! Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So we're LIVE at the Common Market in Charlotte, drinking craft beverages and fielding questions from the Speaking to a Modern World conference, which means we're ping-ponging between topics faster than your algorithm-addled attention span. Josh starts us off playing voice of the people, then we trade him for Leah Robinson, who's delightfully willing to interrupt me when I get too deep in the philosophical weeds. We tackle everything from what the hell "modernity" actually means (hint: it's not just Protestants arguing about beliefs), to why religion emerged before language as a solution to mammalian cooperation problems, to how process theology offers a different way through deconstruction than Nietzsche's lonely child-making. Tom and I explain why we think classical theism's omnipotent God is actually less helpful than you'd think, we get into the weeds on sacrificial language and atonement theory, and Leah keeps us honest about whether all our philosophical specificity is just academic masturbation or actually useful for people trying to figure out how to live. Plus we discover that getting kicked out of the Nazarenes gives you mixed feelings but doesn't automatically make you drink beer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rethinking Comics kicks off with a deep dive into the emotional rollercoaster of Ice Cream Man issue #5, aptly titled "Ballad of a Falling Man." Right off the bat, the hosts, Josh and Joshua, explore the heavy themes of suicide, existentialism, and the complexity of human relationships, all wrapped in the chilling narrative of a man plummeting from a corporate skyscraper. As they dissect the juxtaposition between the protagonist's reflective descent and the obliviousness of those trapped in their mundane office lives, they shine a light on the often-ignored reality of mental health and the weight of our choices. With a blend of insightful commentary and personal anecdotes, they invite listeners to ponder what it means to live authentically in the face of mortality. This episode serves as a sneak peek into a special series, (Re)thinking Comics, enticing fans to join both the (Re)thinking Faith Patreon community and to become an official member Systematic Geekology for deeper, exclusive content that promises to challenge and engage comic lovers and theology nerds alike. Rethinking Comics kicks off with a fascinating discussion about Ice Cream Man #5, where the hosts dive into the existential themes woven into this horror comic. Joshua Noel and Josh Patterson explore the complex characters that confront life, death, and the meaning behind their choices, particularly focusing on the character Bill, who jumps from a corporate building contemplating his life and the relationships he’s left behind. The juxtaposition between Bill's last moments and Veronica's frantic quest for survival serves as a poignant reminder of the weight of our choices and how we live our lives. With humor and heart, the hosts engage in a deep conversation about the implications of suicide, mental health, and how our lives are intertwined with those we love, even after they are gone. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, the choices they make, and the legacy they leave behind, making it a compelling and thought-provoking listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week I was excited to be rejoined by Brian McLaren for a very fun conversation about his new book, "The Last Voyage". This new book is wonderful and I genuinely couldn't put it down. McLaren tackles themes of climate change, economic crisis, political crisis, interpersonal relationships, Religion and Science, and what it means to be human. I loved talking with Brian as always and can't wait for the next book in this series. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Last Voyage (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025: Come nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in July I had the privilege of attending ORTCon. Each night of the conference I hosted a live podcast. Here is the final conversation I had with Tim Miller about his very fun, and very helpful book, "The Silence of the Lamb: Exploring the Hiddenness of Christ and God". We talk about the problem of Divine Hiddenness, explore ways the tradition has tried to answer the problem, and then engage Hiddenness from a Process perspective. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Silence of the Lamb: Exploring the Hiddenness of Christ and God (Book) 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* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I was joined by my friend Dr. Chad Bahl to discuss his recently defended doctoral thesis, "The Death of Supernaturalism: The Case for Process Naturalism". We all know belief in God is at an all time low and classical theism has become incredulous to many. Addressing such issues as the problem of evil, divine hiddenness, conflicts with science, and biblicism Bahl offers a compelling case for bailing on supernaturalism and embracing Process Naturalism. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Center for Faith and Feeling THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025: Come hand with Chad and I at Theology Beer Camp! Get your tickets HERE. *Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in July I had the privilege of attending ORTCon. Each night of the conference I hosted a live podcast. Here is a wonderful conversation I had with Tracy Tucker about his deeply helpful book, "Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision". We discuss how poor we are as a society at talking about and dealing with death. We look into bad theology that hurts our understanding of death and look into an Open and Relational vision that aids the discussion. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Can We Talk About Death? An open and Relational Vision (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025: Come nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE. *Special thanks to Josh, Marty, and Dan. Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I was joined by Shannon Kerns, for a wonderful conversation about his book, "No One Taught Me How to Be A Man: What a Trans Man's Experience Reveals About Masculinity". We explore the complexities of masculinity, the crisis many men face today, and the importance of emotional health and community. Shannon shares insights from his own experiences discussing the need for men to unlearn toxic behaviors, embrace their identities, and build healthier relationships. The conversation also touches on the role of feminism, the dangers of toxic masculinity, and the importance of collaboration in creating a more inclusive society. Enjoy! RESOURCES: No One Taught Me How to Be A Man: What a Trans Man's Experience Reveals About Masculinity (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025: It's time to nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickers HERE! *Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in July I had the privilege of attending ORTCon. Each night of the conference I hosted a live podcast. Here is a conversation I had with Deanna Young about her book "Unblaming God: Interpreting the Old Testament Through the Lens of Jesus". I was also joined by Joshua Noel from the Whole Church Podcast to help me cohost this episode. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Unblaming God (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025: Come nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE. *Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I am joined by my friend Jon Paul Sydnor to talk about his fantastic book, "The Great Open Dance: A Progressive Christian Theology". Jon Paul is a progressive Christian theologian and we explore themes of progressive Christianity, the Social Trinity, Agapic non-duality, and the importance of joy in faith. We discuss the intersection of different faith traditions, the role of community, and the complexities of theodicy. Sydnor emphasizes the need for a relational understanding of God and the significance of embracing both faith and doubt in one's spiritual journey. The conversation also highlights the feminine aspect of the divine through the figure of Sophia and concludes with a call for progressive Christians to feel confident in their faith and its alignment with social justice. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Great Open Dance: A Progressive Christian Theology (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025: It's time to nerd out with your geek out! Come hang with me at Theology Beer Camp 2025! Get your tickets HERE. *Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, and Dan Koch. Love you guys! <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices