I daresay that most North American Christians have never seriously discussed theology in any environment that was not ultimately controlled by some religious authority church, Sunday school, Christian school, Christian camp, etc. But we all tend to congregate with like-minded people, dismissing those who disagree with us as ignorant or morally deficient. Pub Theology is a call to all of us, not just Christians, to put down our biases and have an honest, respectful discussion over beer.
Sep 29, Adriane Devries rated it really liked it Shelves: Finally, Bryan Berghoef, evangelical Christian pastor and beer connoisseur, gives us in written form what so many of us secretly desire: In Pub Theology, he describes the formation of a club so unique as to be both hated and feared in his community, a club in which the only requirement is humble curiosity and the willingness to discus things of God and faith.
Invited are Islamists, Buddhists, Athiests, Christians, and learners of all pe Finally, Bryan Berghoef, evangelical Christian pastor and beer connoisseur, gives us in written form what so many of us secretly desire: Invited are Islamists, Buddhists, Athiests, Christians, and learners of all persuasions who would like to discuss key topics that form the basis of religion, in a setting that provides the consumption of good IPAs and Extra Special Darks.
It makes perfect sense, really. The availability of alcohol both precludes the arrival of Bible-toting ranters who need to dominate the conversation; and the presence of alcohol in the veins ensures conversation flows with less inhibition than such a subject generally engenders. Opponents of such an idea express outrage that a Christian pastor would not only meet in such a pagan setting, but also that he would not even subtly direct the conversation to a three-point sermon on salvation through the blood of Jesus at the end of each meeting. Quite the contrary, he provides merely the questions to get conversation going, allowing all parties to share openly their opinions and experiences, and if a Bible-thumper starts filibustering, the conversation is politely re-directed to a new topic.
Christians who feel the need to believe the right things will no doubt cringe when reading much of this book, but to them he would say, No Fear! The very strength of our faith, and yes, even the faiths of others who are different, is his ultimate goal.
Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation, and God by Bryan Berghoef
Do you dare do it yourself? Maybe a Pub Theology setting is just the challenge your faith has been needing. Nov 19, Matt Willis-Goode rated it it was amazing.
While I was an undergrad Religious Studies major at a state university, I had some of the best interfaith conversations of my life Our regular group consisted of an atheist, a Wiccan, a Catholic, and a Methodist me. There were others from the department who would join us at times.
This group was informal, formed quite organically, and was the setting of some of the most rewarding theological and philosophical conversations I ever had. I went to seminary. Although I continued having theological and philosophical conversations at the bar, they were mostly with other Christians.
Now I am a pastor, and my conversations have become even more limited. Bryan Berghoef has both invited and challenged me to return to the bar and to the transformational conversations that happen when we gather with folks that are different from us. Bryan's honesty about his own journey and the risk of denominational disapproval should be an encouragement to all pastors who feel that they are hiding part of themselves in order to fit within the system. Bryan stepped out in faith, not to do something new and cool, but instead to authentically express the ways that God was calling him to be in community and conversation with others.
Deep conversations in pubs have existed as long as pubs have. When people are in a comfortable setting with good beer they feel free to let their guard down and be vulnerable with each other. That vulnerability opens up deep spaces where deep transformation can happen. Make no mistake, Bryan has not written a whimsical proposal about how much fun it would be to talk about God over a beer. Bryan turns to minds like Jack Caputo and Peter Rollins two of my inspirations , and presents their ideas in an approachable manner without watering them down.
This book is a very pleasant read that has deep and complex flavors for the more discerning palate.
About the Author
Perhaps this is coincidence, or perhaps it is the author's intention to have his book evoke the feeling of drinking a great beer. Sep 08, Paul Alcorn added it. Glad for the encouragement to get up and walk out the door and into the world. Oct 31, Mark Taylor rated it it was amazing. This book has come at just the right time for me. This is something I've been thinking of doing and the approach seems to be just what I want to do.
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A very helpful guide and a philosophy that is very close to mine. I'm gong to do this. Great book on a burgeoning movement that is creating safe, inviting spaces for conversations about life, faith, and doubt. Come join the talk. Mar 26, Eric rated it did not like it. This book was less a how-to than a call for conservative evangelicals to compromise their beliefs and lean toward pluralism.
The few pointers on the how-to were nice, but overall the book was neither orthodox nor good. Mar 26, Chad Schuitema rated it it was amazing. An excellent entry into a world of God that is bigger than our little box. And from it, I started my own pub theology talks. The author is a great guy and communicated with me personally. I can't recommend this book highly enough - even if you don't like beer.
May 04, Richard rated it really liked it. I so appreciated the comment about a certain preaching professor. I had the same experience. Feb 20, John rated it it was amazing. Just read this book for a second time, in prep for beginning a Pub Theology group in Toronto. Good things happen when the pastor and some friends go to the bar.
Jun 18, Matthew rated it really liked it Shelves: It would be nice if something like this existed 'round this way. Oct 17, Caroline rated it did not like it. Great cover and concept, but would've been a better article than book. Horribly written and repetitive. Jul 24, Pat rated it it was amazing. Excellent book; thought provoking: And I'm proud to say I know the author-: Carrie Rodgers rated it really liked it Feb 17, Lori rated it really liked it Jan 05, Aaron Dove rated it it was amazing Dec 03, Michelle rated it really liked it Sep 12, A faith that will have a seat at the table in the important religious conversations our world is having.
So what are you waiting for? Pull up a chair and join the conversation! With his conversationally written and accessible reportage, he has also created something close to a manual for those who want to initiate a pub theology circle or simply find and join one. Bryan Berghoef captures something of the relaxed and relational dynamic that makes these discussions so pleasurable, while at the same time wrestling with serious theological questions.
So pull up a chair, order your favorite drink, and settle in with this delightful and stimulating book. Franke, author of "Manifold Witness: Bryan Berghoef invites us to pull up a chair and dares us to converse about what matters. This engrossing and transformative story about how to live an open Christian life will save, stir, and strengthen the faith of many.
He and his wife are currently starting a new faith community in Washington, DC. Kindle Edition , pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Pub Theology , please sign up. Lists with This Book.
Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation, and God
This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Finally, Bryan Berghoef, evangelical Christian pastor and beer connoisseur, gives us in written form what so many of us secretly desire: In Pub Theology, he describes the formation of a club so unique as to be both hated and feared in his community, a club in which the only requirement is humble curiosity and the willingness to discus things of God and faith. Invited are Islamists, Buddhists, Athiests, Christians, and learners of all pe Finally, Bryan Berghoef, evangelical Christian pastor and beer connoisseur, gives us in written form what so many of us secretly desire: Invited are Islamists, Buddhists, Athiests, Christians, and learners of all persuasions who would like to discuss key topics that form the basis of religion, in a setting that provides the consumption of good IPAs and Extra Special Darks.
It makes perfect sense, really. The availability of alcohol both precludes the arrival of Bible-toting ranters who need to dominate the conversation; and the presence of alcohol in the veins ensures conversation flows with less inhibition than such a subject generally engenders. Opponents of such an idea express outrage that a Christian pastor would not only meet in such a pagan setting, but also that he would not even subtly direct the conversation to a three-point sermon on salvation through the blood of Jesus at the end of each meeting.
Quite the contrary, he provides merely the questions to get conversation going, allowing all parties to share openly their opinions and experiences, and if a Bible-thumper starts filibustering, the conversation is politely re-directed to a new topic. Christians who feel the need to believe the right things will no doubt cringe when reading much of this book, but to them he would say, No Fear! The very strength of our faith, and yes, even the faiths of others who are different, is his ultimate goal. Do you dare do it yourself?
Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation, and God | The Banner
Maybe a Pub Theology setting is just the challenge your faith has been needing. Oct 11, Mark Copley rated it really liked it. Great book on a burgeoning movement that is creating safe, inviting spaces for conversations about life, faith, and doubt. Come join the talk. I so appreciated the comment about a certain preaching professor. I had the same experience. It would be nice if something like this existed 'round this way. Carrie Rodgers rated it really liked it Feb 17, Lori rated it really liked it Jan 05, Michelle rated it really liked it Sep 12, Nancy rated it really liked it Apr 11, Peter rated it really liked it Feb 12, Mark rated it really liked it Jul 30, Trevan rated it really liked it Dec 20, John Casteel rated it really liked it Apr 11,