Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

Rethinking Faith

(Re)thinking Faith

A theological journey of becoming. Deconstruction/Reconstruction. Evolution of faith.

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September 16 · 58 min
What is Christian Social Ethics? Exploring Social Ethics and Broad-Based Solidarity Activism - With Dr. Aaron Stauffer
Dr. Aaron Stauffer — theologian, Presbyterian clergy, and author of Listening to the Spirit: Radical Social Gospel, Sacred Value, and Broad-Based Community Organizing — joins Josh to unpack what the Social Gospel actually is, why it became a slur in some corners of American Christianity, and how sacred values (not just political issues) build the kind of relational power that outlasts a news cycle. The conversation moves through Christian social ethics, the difference between relational and unilateral power, worker cooperatives, and a candid take on why progressive Christian influencer culture is failing the movements it claims to serve. Grounded in decades of interfaith and labor organizing, this episode is a wonderful introduction to thinking theologically about power, democracy, and community. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Organizing Visions: Social Ethics and Broad-Based Solidarity Activism Listening to the Spirit: The Radical Social Gospel, Sacred Value, and Broad-based Community Organizing THEOLOGY BEER CAMP ONLINE TICKETS: Get your online tickets for Theology Beer Camp 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
September 9 · 1 hr 8 min
Can God Save Us? Black Theology, Open Relational Faith, and the Search for Justice - With Rev. Jill Elizabeth
What happens when the God of "God Can't" meets the God of the Black church's "God Is Able"? This week I sat down with my friend, the Reverend Jill Elizabeth — public theologian, ordained Curian Network board member, and self-described "barbershop theologian". Together we dig into the real friction between Black church theology and open and relational/process thought, the prosperity-gospel undercurrents nobody wants to name, and why a God who could stop injustice but chooses not to is a harder sell than it sounds. Along the way: a decade-long practice of lament over police violence in Phoenix, the theology of the barbershop as sacred space, storytelling as the doorway to empathy, and why building the kingdom of God always costs us something. This is a conversation about bridges — between traditions, between suffering and hope, and between the ideas we argue about and the bodies those ideas actually affect. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Curian Network Systematic Geekology Podcast THEOLOGY BEER CAMP ONLINE: Get your online tickets today! YAY TICKETS *Special thanks to Josh, Marty, and Dan! Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 21 · 1 hr 12 min
In Search of a Radical God - With John D. Caputo
This week, John D. Caputo returns to talk about his new book, A Radical God: Theopoetics, Phenomenology, and the Future of Religion. Religion has been incredibly busy making itself unbelievable, and the question isn't whether we can save it from its critics, or whether we can save it from itself, but if religion is even worth saving at all. Caputo's answer is theopoetics, what he calls "religion's last stand". It's not that God exceeds our language so we resort to poetry; it's that the poetic imagination is where God comes from in the first place. We get into what's left of God after you suspend both belief and disbelief, whether you can actually pray to a God like that, and why any of this should matter to the person still showing up on Sunday morning. Enjoy! RESOURCES: A Radical God: Theopoetics, Phenomenology, and the Future of Religion THEOLOGY BEER CAMP: Tickets are running out! It's not too late... grab yours today! TICKETS *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
August 10 · 1 hr 2 min
Christ and Empire - With Joerg Rieger
This week I was joined by Dr. Joerg Rieger to discuss his book "Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times" and his upcoming class with Homebred Christianity & Dr. Tripp Fuller, "The Christ Empire Couldn't Keep". Empire shapes more of your life than you think - your theology, your politics, your algorithms, even your emotions. Dr. Rieger reveals why the real battle is not just against obvious hard power, but against the softer, more invisible forms of control that shape what we believe is normal. Together we unpack the 2,000-year story behind Christ and Empire, from Paul and the early Jesus movement to Nicaea, medieval theology, liberal Protestantism, and the present moment. Along the way, discuss how Christianity has never existed outside empire - and why that makes the question of power unavoidable. Rieger also challenges easy progressive answers. Simply rejecting violence is not enough, and simply handing Christianity over to empire is not an option either. The deeper invitation is to reclaim the radical edge of the tradition, reread the old symbols in a new way, and build communities that actually embody a different future. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Christ Empire Couldn't Keep (Free 6 Week Class) Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times (Book) Other Books by Joerg Religion and Justice Solidarity Circles THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Come hang out with Dr. Rieger and me at Theology Beer Camp! 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
July 25 · 1 hr 39 min
The Warrior & the Poet: Seeking Thin Places - With Jeff Mount
Most of us have been taught that strength means suppressing emotion, staying stoic, and keeping our true selves hidden. But what if the real power lies in embracing your full humanity—your fears, wounds, and passions? Jeff Mount, a former Krav Maga instructor turned contemplative coach, shares how he navigates the tension between being a commanding physical presence and a poetic, vulnerable soul. He reveals how pilgrimage, both literal and metaphorical, becomes a sacred pathway to healing, wisdom, and belonging. In this episode, you'll discover how stories from Celtic saints to modern trauma give us a universal language of connection. Jeff explores the significance of embracing paradox—how being a "warrior poet" is not a contradiction but a vital expression of what it means to be fully human. We break down the profound healing power of witnessing suffering—your own and others’—and how self-compassion is the ultimate act of courage. Jeff shares stories from his journeys across Scotland and Newfoundland, illustrating how sacred travel becomes a mirror for self-awareness, belonging, and resilience. You'll learn practical frameworks for integrating contemplative practices into a high-performance life, the importance of embracing mystery over certainty, and why storytelling is a form of sacred medicine. Whether you're a leader, a creative, or someone seeking authentic connection, this episode offers insights to cultivate strength without strengthlessness, vulnerability without vulnerability abuse, and a deep sense of belonging in a fragmented world. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Seeking Thin Places (Book) JeffMountCoaching Myth and the Warrior Poet (Substack) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Tickets are almost gone! Don't miss out and 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
July 20 · 57 min
The Emogelicals Get Existential
If you didn't know... The Emogelicals is a crossover show I do with my good buddy Jed over at "Church and Other Drugs". It is a Patreon exclusive monthly show that is a lot of fun! Here is our July episode free for you on the main feed! If you enjoy my work or find it valuable, would you mind supporting me over on Patreon? If you can't support financially, no worries!!! Would you be willing to rate and review the show? Thanks in advance <3 Join the Patreon for $5/month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 18 · 1 hr 45 min
You Don't Need A Calling... You Need A Community - With Damon Garcia
Most people think finding your "calling" is the key to a fulfilling life — but Damon Garcia's provocative new book flips that idea on its head. Instead of chasing some elusive purpose, he argues you are already enough as you are. In this mind-shifting conversation, Damon shares how embracing mortality, rejecting toxic spiritual messages, and rediscovering community can free you from the burdens of needing to be someone else. You'll discover why the idea of a "divine plan" might be more harmful than helpful, and how the systems of oppression—like capitalism and colonialism—are connected to our misconceptions about purpose. Damon explores the history of Satan as a symbol of empire, showing how systemic injustice is rooted in the stories we tell about power, gods, and rebellion. He challenges us to see the divine in everyday moments—through art, play, and community—rather than in some far-off ideal or future reward. Enjoy! RESOURCES: You Don't Need a Calling (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026 Tickets are selling FAST and are almost gone... Don't miss out on your chance to nerd out with your geek out! Snag your ticket(s) today! CLICK 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
June 18 · 2 hr 7 min
The Intro to Levinas You Didn't Know You Need - With Aaron Simmons
This week, Dr. Aaron Simmons joins me once again and dives deep into Emmanuel Levinas’s groundbreaking philosophy, revealing how ethics begins before ontology, before even our freedom itself, through the powerful concept of infinite responsibility to the other. Aaron helps us decipher a philosophical masterpiece that redefines how we see responsibility, ethics, and hope in a world full of overwhelming demands. If you’ve ever felt the weight of moral obligation or wondered how to act amidst chaos, this episode offers a transformative perspective you didn't know you needed. Join us for a compelling conversation that will reshape your understanding of ethics, community, and hope. Whether you’re familiar with Levinas or just starting your journey into existential philosophy, this episode opens new avenues for living responsibly and compassionately. RESOURCES: Aarons Website Aarons YouTube Aarons SubStack THEOLOGY BEER CAMP: Snag your ticket(s) HERE. Join my Patreon for 10% off your ticket price! *A special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch! Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 10 · 1 hr 3 min
Is Death the Most Important Fact About You? - With Todd May
This week I was joined by philosopher Todd May, advisor to The Good Place. Discover why embracing mortality enriches life, how immortality might erode meaning, and why love thrives on vulnerability. Explore the ethics of human extinction, divine compassion, and the myth of eternal life. Perfect for thinkers and skeptics, this episode challenges assumptions and invites you to find meaning within our finite existence. Hit play and (re)think what it means to live well in a fragile world. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Death: The Art of Living A Fragile Life: Accepting Our Vulnerability Should We Go Extinct? A Philosophical Dilemma For Our Unbearable Times A Significant Life: Human Meaning in a Silent Universe Gilles Deleuze: An Introduction THEOLOGY BEER CAMP: Snag your ticket(s) HERE! *A special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 21 · 2 hr 8 min
The Intro to Existentialism You Didn't Know You Need - With Taylor Thomas
This week, my good friend Dr. Taylor Thomas returns to the podcast. We decided to have a very honest conversation about meaninglessness and the weight of existence. It’s easy to feel lost in today’s world, but there’s power in acknowledging our struggles. Dr. Thomas brings his unique perspective, drawing from theology and philosophy, to explore how we can find purpose amidst the chaos. From Kierkegaard to Nietzsche... from Sartre to Camus, what do the existentialists have to teach us today about our ethics and political engagements in a world on fire? Enjoy! THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Get your ticket(s) and come hang out at camp! TICKETS *Special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 15 · 1 hr 35 min
The Universal, Incorporeal Spirit of Love - With Thomas Jay Oord
This week I was happy to have my good friend and friend of the podcast Dr. Thomas Jay Oord join me once again. Tom recently released volume 1 of his Systematic Theology of Love. We take a deep dive into the volume and get kind of nerdy doing it... Enjoy! RESOURCES: A Systematic Theology of Love: Volume 1 - God and Creation ORTCon 26 THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Time to nerd out with your geek out! Get your ticket(s) HERE. *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
May 6 · 1 hr 9 min
The Edge of Space-Time - With Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
This week, I had the privilege of hanging out with Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein! In this conversation, Chanda shares her journey into physics, the intersection of science and gender studies, the queerness of the universe, and the importance of metaphor and storytelling in understanding complex scientific concepts. She discusses her books, the role of curiosity, and how physics can be a tool for liberation and democratic engagement. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, & Dreams Deffered THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Get your tickets for camp 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
May 2 · 34 min
Condemned to Becoming: Toward an Existentialist Process-Relational Theology
This is an audio essay originally published on my Substack. This essay explores the possibility of joining the Existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre and the Process Philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. The essay imagines a theology that embraces radical freedom, divine persuasion, and cosmic creativity. It offers a fresh perspective on God, human self-determination, and the nature of authentic existence. Enjoy! (Re)thinking Faith Substack: Subscribe to my Substack HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 30 · 1 hr 19 min
Conversion Therapy And Other Bad Ideas - With Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez
This week I had the privilege of being joined by Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez to discuss his forthcoming book, "Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Quee Story of Faith & Belonging". I was also joined by a special co-host for this conversation, Dr. Learh Robinson. Tim shares his powerful journey through conversion therapy, his experiences within the church, and his path to self-acceptance and healing. The conversation explores the harm caused by conversion practices, the importance of community, and the hope for a more inclusive church. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Tim's Book: Conversion Therapy Dropout Church Clarity Exodus International Closure Announcement Trevor Project Research on Conversion Therapy Tim's Book Tour Info THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Come hang out at my favorite event of the year! 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
April 15 · 2 hr 30 min
Experiments in Mystical Atheism - With Brook Ziporyn
Most modern debates about faith overlook a profound reality: the divine might be better understood as a dynamic process rather than a static entity. In this mind-expanding conversation, Dr. Brook Ziporyn reveals how mystical atheism, rooted in Chinese philosophy and critical reinterpretations of traditional concepts, offers a transformative lens for spirituality beyond the limits of classical theism. If you're questioning the nature of God, purpose, and meaning—whether religious or secular—this episode challenges the assumptions that keep us trapped in dichotomies of finite and infinite, purpose and purposelessness. Join host Josh Patterson as he untangles the philosophical web connecting Spinoza, Nietzsche, Bataille, and Taoist thought, exploring how their ideas unlock new ways to perceive divinity without needing a personal, intentional God. You'll discover how this perspective emphasizes the fluid, oceanic interconnectedness of all things—where every moment, object, and experience is part of a vast, non-dichotomous flow. We break down the core concepts like the oceanic unity, the critique of purpose, and the role of mystical experience in dissolving rigid categories, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive spirituality.This episode is perfect for skeptics craving depth, seekers longing for a meaningful connection, and thinkers willing to challenge the very foundations of faith and atheism alike. If you're tired of binary thinking—either believing in a traditional God or rejecting all notions of the divine—you'll walk away with a new vocabulary: from the oceanic to the omnicentric—tools to reimagine the sacred as a fluid, generative process embracing ambiguity and multiplicity. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Brook Ziporyn Experiments in Mystical Atheism (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Time to nerd out with your geek out! Get your ticket(s) HERE. *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
April 8 · 56 min
Non-Shitty Ways to Read the Bible - With Jennifer Garcia Bashaw & Aaron Higashi
In this episode of the Rethinking Faith Podcast, host Josh Patterson engages with Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Bashaw and Dr. Aaron Higashi about their co-authored book, 'Serving Up Scripture: How to Interpret the Bible for Yourself and Others.' The conversation explores the importance of understanding biblical interpretation through various lenses, including the cooking metaphor, the significance of context, and the role of biases. They discuss the multi-vocality of the Bible, the authority it holds, and the necessity of recognizing different genres within scripture. The episode emphasizes the need for responsible interpretation and the value of engaging with scripture in a way that respects its complexity and richness. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Serving Up Scripture (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Time to nerd out with your geek out! Snag your ticket(s) 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
March 25 · 1 hr 9 min
Multi/Race/Less/Ness: A Process Philosophy of Race - With Jon Ivan Gill
This week I was joined by Dr. Jon Ivan Gill to discuss his latest book, "MultiRaceLessNess: A Process Philosophy". What might a Process Philosophy of Race look like? While it has become widely accepted that race is a social construct, Gill argues that this insight doesn't go far enough. If race isn't "real" in any essential sense, why do we continue to organize our selves, and our world around it? Jon pushes the conversation looking into the possibility of abolishing the category of race all together. Together we wrestle with the philosophical, theological, and ethical implications of us a proposal. What would it actually mean to dissolve race as a category of human identity? Would doing so heal or erase? Liberate or disorient? Is it even possible to end racism without first letting go of the category of race itself? Without offering easy answers, this conversation invites listeners into a bold and necessary interrogation of the categories we have inherited and challenges us to imagine what might lie on the other side of them. Enjoy! RESOURCES: SevenIvan.com (Jon's Website) MultiRaceLessNess: A Process Philosophy (Book) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP: Come nerd out with your geek out! Get your ticket(s) HERE. *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
March 20 · 32 min
Unanswered: Prayer as Screaming Into the Abyss
This is another audio essay that can be found on my Substack. Recently I had an idea… a very Emogelical idea. What if I attempted to read “Unanswered” by Suicide Silence as a Radical Prayer? Don’t get me wrong, I’m under no impression that Mitch Lucker intended the kind of reading that I offer. However, the crazy thing about language and texts and meaning is that they often do something to you that the author never intended… So what happens when “Unanswered” is filtered through the Radical Theology lens of Jack Caputo with the help of Nietzsche, Camus, and Kierkegaard? You get a Radical prayer that is deeply honest, and deeply human. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Subscribe to my Substack HERE! It's FREE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 18 · 1 hr 13 min
Love Thy Stranger - With Dr. Bart Ehrman
This week I had the honor of being joined by Dr. bart Ehrman for an engaging conversation about his latest book, "Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West". We ask the question of altruism... is true altruism even possible? Next we take a look at the Moral Philosophy and Ethics of the Greek and Roman world prior to Jesus coming on the scene. We then compare and contrast the teachings of Jesus with the world that he came from. As it turns out, he had some pretty radical ideas. Unfortunately, shortly after the death of Jesus, the early Christians abandoned the teachings of Jesus and returned to the more commonly heald views the Greek and Roman world at the time. Despite this, Jesus and his teachings still had a major positive impact on the West as we know it today! Enjoy. RESOURCES: Love They Stranger (Book) The Bart Ehrman Blog BartEhrman.Com THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: 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
March 11 · 50 min
Your Matter Matters - With Will Rose
This week my good friend Will Rose joined me to discuss the intersection of faith and science through the lens of Will's new podcast, 'Your Matter Matters.' We explore themes of curiosity, the importance of community dialogue, and the ongoing questions surrounding faith and science. The conversation highlights the significance of asking questions, the role of wonder in faith, and the insights gained from various discussions on evolution, cosmology, and the future of faith in a scientific world. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Your Matter Matters (Podcast) THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026: Time to nerd out with your geek out! Get your tickets HERE. *Special thanks to Josh Gilbert, Marty Fredrick, & Dan Koch. Love you guys <3* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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