What is up, Theology Nerds! I am pumped to share this absolute BANGER of a keynote John Thatamanil dropped at Theology Beer Camp 2024 in Denver. I mean, it's not every day 600 beer drinkers give a standing ovation to a constructive philosophical theologian. But when John started unpacking the future of religious pluralism, people literally jumped out of their seats!
Thatamanil asked a spicy question: "How does it feel to be a problem?" — because apparently, that's what happens when Christians look at religious diversity not as a gift but as something to be "solved." And then he rocked the room with a theological bomb, insisting that the only multiple religious belonging Jesus explicitly opposed was trying to serve both God and... wait for it... MONEY.
John moved us with his personal story. An Immigrant kid from India, discovers Hinduism through his Christian Sunday school (plot twist!), ends up studying with a Hindu guru who asks him, "Aren't you Christians supposed to see Christ in everyone? So why not me?" I mean, COME ON. That’s next level theological jiu-jitsu.
But here's the kicker - when John asked the room who was engaged in multiple religious participation, like 70% of hands went up! We're not just theology nerds anymore, we're MULTI-FAITH theology nerds! And yes, that includes the person doing yoga upstairs and Eucharist downstairs (don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about).
This is exactly the kind of mind-blowing, paradigm-shifting, beer-worthy theological convo that happens at Theology Beer Camp. Where else are you gonna find 600 people getting absolutely HYPED about Advaita Vedanta at 10 am? Where else will someone tell you that your capitalism is more problematic than your Buddhism?
If you missed this, you missed John describing how we're increasingly spiritually fluid and Jesus is probably cool with it as long as we're not worshipping our 401k. The Campers were here for it. The standing ovation was legendary. And this is just ONE session from TBC 2024.
Don't miss out on this theological party in 2025 - St. Paul, Minnesota, October 16-18. Because apparently, we're not just drinking beer and talking about God anymore. We're drinking beer, talking about ALL the gods, and getting standing ovations for it.
This is the future of theology, friends. And it's delicious.
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Early Bird Price Expires TODAY!
Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to “nerd out” on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities.
Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more!
EARLY BIRD TICKETS available until May 15th - Get tickets here. We will sell out!
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Moving beyond traditional Western theological frameworks, we'll explore feminist interpretations, global perspectives, and innovative approaches to understanding the Spirit in today's world. Whether you've felt the Spirit was missing from your faith journey or are simply curious to deepen your understanding, this class creates space for thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, and spiritual growth.
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