Category Archives: Philosophy

Is God a Person?

Guest post by Richard Rohr:

To get a proper divine conversation started and going, we all have to think of God as a “person” somehow. Otherwise there is no reciprocity, mutuality, give and take, no ONE to love, no “I and Thou”. Humans only know how to relate to other persons initially. But if you stay there too long, you pay a big price… Continue reading

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Pub Theology Recap January 5

Great night at the pub last night. Nine of us grabbed a pint and settled in for a good discussion, huddled around the table as if seeking respite from the snow drifts just outside.

A. showed up, who promptly styled himself ‘kinda the local guru.’ Then quickly thought better of it and shifted to ‘kinda the local guy.’ He’d been reading up on the history of Islam and… Continue reading

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On a Child-Like Faith

When I was little, there were many magical moments. One such moment happened when I entered the living room and found presents under the Christmas tree. Call it Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, or whatever you want – but it was mysterious, and I was in. Continue reading

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Pub Theology Recap May 19

An interesting night last week. If I remember right, I can’t remember what we discussed. So no recap, just the sheets:

Topics:

1. ‘The meal table is the birthplace of culture.’
How are we shaped by our eating practices?

2. “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
What do you think? Continue reading

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Pub Theology Recap May 12

So… a good night at the pub last Thursday. So intense it took me a week to attempt to relive it. A nice group – some friends from in town, some friends from out of town, some other friends…

The topics, shorthand, were setup as follows: man vs. wild, soul vs. body, and interpretation vs. facts. Continue reading

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“No, Donny, these men are nihilists.”

This Saturday, according to one group of Christian fundamentalists, is it. Jesus is coming. Time to close the bank accounts. Clear the calendar. Withdraw from society. Wear a sandwich board that says, “The end is near.” Continue reading

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Pub Theology Recap May 5

TRAVERSE CITY – A high-energy night at the pub, highlighted by good conversation about the death of Osama bin Laden, an excellent selection of beers, and all covered extensively by the paparazzi, who got wind of our topic. Also, the monkeys escaped their confinement. Continue reading

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Pub Theology Recap April 28

It was a light but enjoyable evening of Pub Theology last night. The art, on the other hand, was once again ominous and imposing.

The hyped-up “Duel of the Deities”, or whose God was ‘bigger and better’, was instantly over when I pulled out my article. Who could argue with a headline like that? :) Continue reading

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Pub Theology Recap April 21

Surrounded by some new art, and still hovering in purgatory, about fifteen of us gathered at the Pub during Holy Week, or more precisely, on Maundy Thursday.

What exactly is Maundy Thursday?

Great question – but we weren’t there to answer that. Continue reading

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Is God Dead?

This weekend our inclination is to move right to Sunday, with its spring flowers, chocolates, and promise of new life. On Friday we might pause to reflect a moment on the cruel reality of death, but by Saturday our sights are already set on the morrow, preparing our Sunday best, hiding eggs, planning to attend a celebratory service. Continue reading

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