Tillich Today

In this episode the ground of being gang continues exploring revelation and reason within the context of Tillich's systematic theology. They discuss the nature of revelation, its phenomenological aspects, the tensions that arise in understanding it, and the personal experiences that shape one's understanding of the divine. Ultimately, they reflect on the purpose of revelation and its implications for contemporary issues, including artificial intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest edition of "Reading with Paulus," the Ground of Being Gang continues making their way through Paul Tillich's Systematic Theology. This week they tackle "Reason and Revelation." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That's right, Nathan and Taylor managed to actually finish the introduction to the Systematic Theology, with only a small handful of side tangents about philosophy, theology, and religion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a much needed summer break, we're back with the soft relaunch of Tillich Today. In this week's episode, we discuss the evolution of the podcast and begin the first of many deep dives into Paul Tillich's systematic theology trilogy. This includes a nice back and forth on the complexities of Tillich's thought, a look into his basic critiques of religious fundamentalism, and the distinction between theology and philosophy. We also discuss how Tillich's ideas challenge traditional notions of God and ultimate concern, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts beyond a strictly Christian framework. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Judeo-Christian" morality is a concept that's frequently thrown around in contemporary western culture. The problem? It doesn't really exist. That's why I asked friend of the show, Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, to return to Tillich Today to discuss Jewish Ethics, the Hebrew Bible, and the myth of Judeo-Christian values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we are joined by Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, founding director of Sinai and Synapses, a non profit that aims to create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry through classes, lectures, seminars, and fellowship opportunities. We discuss the benefits of constructive disagreement, the distinctions between religious, philosophical, and scientific methodologies, and the parameters of contemporary Zionism. You can learn more about Rabbi Mitelman's work at https://sinaiandsynapses.org/ or by following them on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I welcome Dr. Thomas J. Oord to the podcast to discuss process philosophy, relational theology, and his defense of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Christian spaces. As someone who is comfortable identifying as an atheist and still has a lot of resentment towards her conservative Baptist upbringing, Oord's approach to theology and his emphasis on building relationships as a key feature of his ministry was a breathe of fresh aid. To learn more about his work and browse his books, see http://thomasjayoord.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As many of you may already know, I also run an educational YouTube channel called BYTE-GEIST. As a special bonus episode this week, I'm uploading one of my recent video essays. Monsters, especially when it comes to horror films, are never just monsters. Sure, they’re human creations, but what they reflect is anything but simple fantasy. Horror, as a genre, has always acted as an unsettling mirror to society’s deepest fears and insecurities. The shit that keeps us awake at night and makes our hearts skip a beat, all personified as imaginary beasts of every shape and size. Few films capture this dynamic as powerfully as F.W. Murnau’s 1922 masterpiece, Nosferatu. It’s not just a cheap vampire movie—it’s a haunting window into the spiritual and cultural anxieties of the German landscape immediately following World War I. So….what happens when a society collectively stares into the abyss? Let’s find out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tillich Today has returned after a long hiatus! Our first episode features Dr. James McLachlan, a professor at Western Carolina University who specializes in theology and philosophy of religion. We talk about French existentialism, literature, and how well Robert Pattison puts on an Appalachian accent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Will and I geek out on theology, philosophy, and one of our favorite superheroes: Daredevil! Enjoy our conversation on the life and times of Matt Murdock and be sure to check out Will over at the Systematic Geekology podcast! Aside from being a certified geek, Will is also a life long Lutheran and a full time minister. The price drop for using the TILLICHTODAY promo code at theology beer camp has increased to $50 off of your ticket! For more information, check out the link below: https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I am cross-posting a popular episode featured on my other podcast, Byte-Geist, to Tillich Today. In this episode of Byte-Geist, I dive into the fiery depths of one of Christianity's most enduring and controversial concepts: Hell. Together, let's challenge the traditional depictions of eternal damnation through a lively discussion with Dr. Rodney Duke, a biblical scholar and distinguished professor at Appalachian State University. Known for his insightful scholarship and engaging teaching style, Dr. Duke has just the right expertise to help us explore what the New Testament really says about Hell and how these interpretations have evolved over time. We review the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts that have shaped Christian understandings of the afterlife. Don't forget to get your Theology Beer Camp tickets! Using the promo code TILLICHTODAY at check out will get you $25 off of your purchase! For more on Dr. Duke's work, see the following links and be sure to check out his online devotionals. Devotional Blog: ⁠https://dukesdevotional.blogspot.com/⁠ Scholarly Work: Rodney Duke, "Eternal Torment or Destruction? Interpreting Final Judgment Texts" Evangelical Quarterly 88.3 (2016/17) 237-58. ⁠https://brill.com/view/journals/evqu/... Rodney Duke, “The Idiom of ‘Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth’ in the Gospels: A Funerary Formula,” Perspectives in Religious Studies 47.3 (2020) 283-98. ⁠ • Rodney Duke–Eternal Torment or Destru... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Tillich Today is joined by theology podcast extraordinaire, Dr. Tripp Fuller. We chat about process philosophy, our introductions to the work of Paul Tillich, and the most efficient way to smoke a cigar. This conversation was a blast and I hope you enjoy! If you live under a rock and aren't yet familiar with Homebrewed Christianity, check out Tripp's page here: https://trippfuller.com/podcasts/ and be sure to use the promo code TILLICHTODAY for a discount on your ticket to Theology Beer Camp this October! For more info on Beer Camp, click here: https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the relationship between art, religion, and culture? How are existential questions addressed in each? Can offensive street art be spiritually deep? In this video, I explore these issues through the existentialist lens of German-American scholar Paul Tillich, covering his ideas about "God" and culture, digging into a bit of art history, and explaining why even video games, Instagram memes, and graffiti constitute meaningful ways of engaging with the most important aspects of human existence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a much needed Easter break, Tillich Today is back with Dr. Nimi Wariboko, scholar, professor, and all around smart cookie. We discuss Tillich's thought in the context of contemporary economics, Pentecostal theology, and moral philosophy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I'm joined by Tolkien Heads sensation Nick Polk. Together we'll explore the Lord of the Rings, the theology of Tolkien, Tillich, Process Theology, and much, much more. Those interested in middle earth, fantasy, and philosophy won't want to miss my conversation with Nick, whose an ace when it comes to talking Tolkien. If you enjoy my podcasting antic and the music featured in each episode, check out the Instagram page! The intro to this week's episode is a LOTR inspired guitar piece arranged and composed by myself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tillich is well known for embracing a school of thought known as Neoplatonism, creatively pairing its ancient insights with his Existential worldview. Plotinus, popularly known as the first Neoplatonism, had a tremendous impact on Tillichian theology, particularly Tillich's understanding of God as the Ground of Being. Today, let's briefly examine some of his main his ideas to get a better sense of why Tillich may have found such inspiration in Plotinian philosophy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does one coherently speak about the ineffable? Was Paul Tillich a religious naturalist? This week, I talk with the ever stupendous Jeff Speaks about metaphysics, apophaticism, the complexities of naturalist theology, and how to best characterize Tillich's theological lens. This is an especially relevant episode for any one who, like Jeff and myself, thirsts for a philosophically informed spiritual framework but rejects supernaturalism. Jeff Speaks is a PhD Candidate at Boston University School of Theology studying theology, philosophy, and ethics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Tillich was a well known admirer of Nietzsche's philosophy. Reading Tillich with a close eye, the immense influence of good old Freddie on his own thought becomes crystal clear. Legend even has it that he carried a copy of at least one of Nietzsche's texts with him on the frontlines of the first world war. This week I am joined by Caroline Wall, a Boston University PhD student studying Nietzschean Ethics. With her help, let's take a dee dive into one of Tillich's foundational philosophical influences. This is the first in one of many episodes where we will be focusing on one of Tillich's major philosophical or theological influences and breaking down their ideas into bite sized pieces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are we so afraid of facing death? What's it like to regularly see death and dying as an aspect of your work? Is there a better way to die? In this week's episode, I talk with Nathan Patti, a BU School of Theology graduate and chaplain resident at Yale New Haven Hospital. We discuss Tillich, drug addiction, chaplaincy, and what it means to be "called." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is feminist theology? Can applying this lens enhance the way we understand theological categories like sin and grace? And how do we preserve the wisdom of ancient religious and intellectual traditions without ignoring problematic views concerning race and gender? Find out in my interview with the phenomenal Dr. Rachel Sophia Baard, an extraordinary guest who offers a fresh and much needed perspective on Tillichian theology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices