A Christian Plea For Divisive Times

Preface: While Brew Theology is an interfaith alliance of autonomous communities with no statement of faith, I, Ryan Miller, write these words as one that identifies as a Christian. Perhaps, these words can be applicable to you whatever religion or spirituality you ascribe to as well!

Where should we stand during these divisive times?

As a Christian, the life and teachings of Jesus is the focus for daily living. He transforms the polarizing questions of our time—like whether to stand with Israel or Palestine, Trump or Kamala, left or right —just as he did in the 1st century. Jesus stood within the heart of all humankind, and his message was one of nonviolence, peace, and compassion for everyone, regardless of their religion, tribe, political affiliation, sexuality, gender, or nationality. The earliest followers of Jesus, after all, came alongside people from all walks of life—Jew, Gentile, slave, free, male, female, the poor, the wealthy, the marginalized, and the “in-crowd”—believing in a kingdom-family of shalom for all nations.

As followers of Jesus, we – Christians – must choose a different path, that road less traveled, if you will. Jesus' Way is rooted in peace, not in payback or violence. It is about turning swords into plowshares, loving our enemies, and showing mercy over retribution. The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on this radical 3rd Way as we close out the year. The 1st Century followers of The Way anticipated the coming of a peaceful kingdom; this vision still calls us to a posture of repentance—turning from the ways of the conventional world (hate speech, name calling, toxic echo chambers, violence, anxiety-ridden rhetoric, etc.), and back toward affectionate friendship, virtuousness, restraint, delight, forbearance, fidelity, benevolence, gentleness, and tangible good will.

Whether someone is on the far-right, a left-wing progressive, or somewhere in between, it is hard to find any context where Jesus advocated for violence. His message was clear: those who live by the sword will die by the sword. "Put away your swords," he said, pointing his followers toward peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Make no mistake; this is a literal, bloody interpretive understanding of sword, but we need to take this truth to our modern speech as well! Our tongues are swords, and these weapons are on full force all over social media these days!

As we put away our “swords,” it is imperative to meditate on the light moving into the darkest time of the year; doing so, we must also acknowledge the bitterness of life. These are days and nights to reflect on the past year's suffering—whether it’s personal loss, death, depression, natural disasters, or global tragedies like the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This is a time to remember both the bitter and the sweet, just as life continually brings both. We must sit in this pain before we stand. As we do this, let’s ask the question, “How have I become bitter? Before we start pointing the fingers to blame others for creating this bitterness, let’s be bold and humble enough to seek out what we can do to transcend the bitterness for the betterment of mind, body, soul, and collective harmony?

Jesus' people are called to unveil the kingdom of heaven every day—a kingdom that is within our midst. It’s already at hand! In doing so, we are to join in God’s work of healing and liberation, lifting those who are broken and despised. Today, and tomorrow, we hope for the best in the coming year, but we also recognize the reality of bitterness. We acknowledge the adversaries, enemies, and people we need to forgive and love.

So, where do we – collectively – stand?

We must stand with humanity—with the broken and the oppressed and move toward loving and blessing our enemies and adversaries. We stand with the people in Israel, and in Palestine, the MAGA people and liberals in our midst, and beyond. We stand for peace, nonviolence, and reconciliation, grounded in Jesus' radical teachings. Either Christians follow Jesus' Way, or they follow the harsh ways of the bitter world. The world follows a path of division, exclusion, and destruction. But Jesus' Way is one of compassion, mercy, and healing.

We carry onward and cultivate the muscles of joy in the fiber of our being to anticipate a kingdom of shalom on earth—the healing and ingathering of all nations – a world where swords are turned into plowshares and love triumphs over hate.

Let’s stand together, rooted in sacred humanity. Let’s stand with God's entire family: the armor of love, joy, and peace on earth as it is in heaven.

 - Ryan Miller

Just Breathe

Just Breathe

So, let me ask you something: when was the last time you really—I mean really—took a breath? Not just a sigh after a long day or a breath to calm down. But a full, body-opening breath that reminds you that, in this moment, you're alive, connected, and part of something much bigger. Yeah, that breath!

I know you are reading, but I’d love for you to do a simple and intentionally mindful exercise. Pause. Sit, and take one of those deep breaths, in through your nose. Let that breath fill your belly. Hold it. Feel that life pulsing. Now, slowly let it go. And extend that exhale because that’s where the calming activation kicks IN!

Ahhh.

Feels good, right? But it's not just about feeling good. This breath? It’s E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G1 It's all sacred.

You know, this reminds me of a moment I had not too long ago. I was rushing through my day, juggling a million daddy-daughter things, house issues (because I always think our house is literally going to fall apart due to middle aged anxiety, which is probably something more deeply rooted in my subconscious that will eventually come out of my shadow self, but I digress...), and I could feel that tension building—the kind of stress that creeps up and suddenly you're in fight-or-flight-or-freeze mode without even realizing it. I was on my way to meet someone for lunch, running late on MillerTime (as usual), and it felt like everything in that odd moment was just spiraling out of control. I was in my head, and I couldn’t get out. You ever have one of those days? We all do!

So, I got to my destination and before I even stepped out of the car, I just sat there for a second. Something withing me told me to stop. I closed my eyes, felt my feet on the floor, and just took a deep breath—one of those deep, slow breaths where you can feel your whole-body release. And I did for about a minute or so, slowly counting the breaths… In that moment, it was like everything reset. The tension in my shoulders, my racing mind, even that tightness in my chest—I let it all go with those sacred breaths.

And I remember thinking, "This is it. This is life, right here. This is what it's all about." It was one of those rare moments when I felt connected to something bigger than myself. I realize I have been holding my breath a lot—not just physically, but in most of my life. Always rushing, always pushing, the brain is always spinning and churning, but never pausing to breathe in the moment. That breath changed everything for me in those few seconds. I’ve been obsessed with the breath for a couple years now, and I think it’s a game-changer!

This breath. It’s everything. It's sacred. It’s the נִשְׁמַ֣ת חַיִּ֑ים—the "Breath of Life"—and it’s right there in the Hebrew creation poem: Nishmat Hayyim. It’s what makes us more than just a collection of cells, more than the sum of our parts. It’s the נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּֽה, the Nephesh Hayya, the living being, sentient self. This breath—it connects us to the beginning of time, to the Divine, to one another. The ancient people knew it thousands of years ago, and science is only reinforcing what we’ve always known.

Pause again.

Take another deep breath with me. Breathe in through your nose, slowly, deeply, filling your lungs, expanding your belly. Breathe in the נִשְׁמַת חַיִּים (Nishmat Hayyim), the "Breath of Life," and breathe out the tension, the clutter, the distractions, the noise. This is the divine exchange happening with each breath, an invitation to embrace the full life, right here, in this moment.

Now, let’s jump over to water because water IS LIFE, and water is precious and sacred, and it’s always where all the creation stories begin. Water—ah, water—is the ancient symbol of life and spirit across so many traditions. Water quenches, flows, transforms. Think of the balance in the practice of QiGong, how Chi - our life force in Chinese tradition - flows like a river, endlessly adapting, restoring harmony. Breath, water, spirit—each of these flows through us, keeping us alive, connecting us to one another, and to something far greater than ourselves.

And speaking of water, let’s add the counter element of FIRE to the mix while we’re at it! There's a clever and super relevant wordplay in Hebrew I just have to share with you. The Hebrew word for "heaven" is שָׁמַיִם (shamayim). (Side note: “Heaven” in Hebrew is not referring a place you go after you die; it’s referencing the reign of Shalom, peace on earth! If you break it down, אֵשׁ (esh) means "fire" and מַיִם (mayim) means "water." The ancient Rabbis said it was like someone took fire and water, ran into the center of the room, and they united into one word: Heaven! 🤯

Think about that for a moment—two forces that seem so contradictory, yet they come together to make heaven! Fire and water, opposites, but together they form the very essence of balance, of possibility. That’s the very nature of heaven, isn’t it? It’s not some distant place—it’s right here in our day-to-day breathing, when opposites meet, when balance is struck, when we breathe in and let life, in all its complexity, unite within us. (P.S. channel this image tomorrow when our country is divided over 2 candidates!)

Speaking of moments—take another breath with me. This time, as you breathe in, imagine the Divine or Eternal Collective Consciousness or Universal Compassion (whatever you want to call it!) breathing right along with you, inside you, filling you with that spark of life!

Ready? Inhale… small hold…

Now, release that loooooong exhale…

Feel that divine energy flow through you; inhale the universe and let it settle deep into your soul!

Now, let's talk a bit about balance, about harmony—because it’s all connected, right? The East has long known this. Daoism speaks of living in harmony with the Tao, the Way. QiGong practices that gentle flow, that balance between movement and stillness, raging fire and calming water. That’s the Daoist way. (And if you are into the Big Lebowski, “The Dude” abides this way too!) In our chaotic world where we are constantly on the go, putting out fires, it seems like an impossible dream. But what if it wasn’t? What if it’s as simple as returning to our breath?

You see, to breathe is to participate in that balance. It’s that divine rhythm pulsing through everything. Even Jewish sages taught that breath connects us directly to the sacred. They associated breathing with the Divine presence and the name of God, the letters Yod, He, Waw, Heh…. The two syllables correspond to the intake and outtake of a single breath. The Rabbis think that every breath we take, we are speaking the name of God. And I just love that practical concept!

Rabbi and philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the great thinkers and interfaith social activists of the 20thCentury, and one of my favorite thinkers, got it! He said, “Our task is to cleanse, to illumine, to repair.” To cleanse, like every exhale letting go of our junk. To illumine, like that moment of clarity in meditation. And to repair—to engage in the ancient practice of Tikkun Olam, the repairing of the world. And let me tell you, our world could use some serious repairing right about now!

But we can’t fix the world if we’re running on empty. You know what I mean? We must pause. We have to breathe. I think that’s why breath shows up so much in our traditions. The נִשְׁמַ֣ת חַיִּים  - the breathe of life – these breaths are reminders to slow down, to remember that we are alive, that we are connected.

Alright, do you want to do something fun here? You are going to need to stand up.

We’re going to flow through a little breathing exercise inspired by QiGong, and it’s super simple. Close your eyes – after you read this, of course – if you want.

Just feel your body, standing tall, grounded.

Now, slowly, raise your arms up, palms up, over your head as you breathe in deeply. Imagine you’re gathering in all the good, all the divine energy. Now, slowly, let your arms gently float down, palms down from your head, down your chest as you exhale, releasing anything that doesn’t serve you. Breathe in... breathe out. Again, breathe in life… and let go of all the weight you’ve been carrying.

As your hands come down, feel lighter? I hope so. It’s that chi flowing through you. It’s that divine connection, that balance.

And here’s the beautiful part: whether you call it נִשְׁמַ֣ת חַיִּים, or AUM, or breathe, it’s all inside of you. It’s that breath that connects us all, that joins us in this sacred dance of life. When we live in that awareness—when we stop and actually breathe—we start to see things differently. We start to live with intention, with compassion, with kindness. We start to – as Heschel declares – to cleans, to repair the world starting with our own bodies.

Another breath? Yes? Alright. Breathe in slowly. Hold… feel that connection to everything, to everyone. Now a looooong release. Ahhh. That’s peace. That’s chi. That’s life!

Now, as you go about your day, I want to invite you to carry this awareness with you. Every breath you take can be a moment of grace, a reminder that life, intermixed with fire and water, flows through you—sacred, eternal, and deeply connected to every other being.

The next time you’re stressed, or facing conflict, pause. Find the balance. Breathe in that celestial breath. Let it fill you with peace. And then breathe out compassion, or love, or understanding. This breath is your tool—it’s your gateway to presence, to clarity, to a life lived in harmony with yourself and the world around you. So, may your breaths be full. May your actions be kind. Every breath is an invitation to life, to love, to repairing the world. You’ve just got to take it in.

Prost to that, my friends. Peace to all.

Namaste. And Amen.

 by Ryan Miller

Joy & Sukkot!

Need some joy?

In the sacred cycle of the year, there’s a holiday that resonates deeply with joy. It’s called Sukkot—yes, Sukkot—a name that might sound unfamiliar to some, but the spirit behind it is universal. Sukkot means “booths” or “tents” and points to a profound spiritual practice of gratitude, community, and joy. Whether you come from a Christian, Jewish, or secular background—or anywhere in between—the themes of this holiday echo across humanity. (Sukkot is a 7-day celebration, culminating the fall Jewish holidays ending Oct. 23, 2024.)

The essence of Sukkot, also known as the "Season of Our Joy" (z’man simchateinu), is a communal reminder to pause and celebrate life, even amidst uncertainty. Ancient wisdom tells us that joy isn’t just about fleeting happiness; it’s something deeper. It’s the realization that even in life’s temporary shelters—our metaphoric “tents”—there’s meaning, shelter, and hope.

Sukkot originates from the Jewish tradition, yet its lessons are expansive. It’s about journeying through life with an awareness of the Divine, the earth’s gifts, and the connections between us all.

Imagine this: Sukkot was a week-long, joy-filled festival in Jerusalem, a spiritual extravaganza that transcended differences, welcoming people from every walk of life. Ancient rabbis said you hadn’t experienced real joy until you had witnessed this celebration. The roots of this festival, found in the Bible (Leviticus 23), invite everyone to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the blessings of life.

So, what does this ancient festival offer us today?

Here are a few ways that Sukkot’s wisdom can be embraced by anyone, no matter where you’re coming from:

1. A Reminder of Our Shared Journey: Sukkot invites us to remember the journeys we all take, both literal and spiritual. It’s a celebration of shelter and protection, whether seen as Divine presence, community care, or the Earth itself providing for us. We’ve all known times of wandering or transition, and Sukkot helps us remember that we are never alone in these times.

2. Living Simply and With Gratitude: The practice of living in temporary structures, like the sukkah (tent), reminds us that life itself is fragile and temporary, but also beautiful in its simplicity. It’s a time to step outside the walls of routine and reflect on what truly matters—love, connection, and shared experience. This can resonate deeply with those who value mindfulness or environmental consciousness.

3. Honoring the Earth’s Abundance: Sukkot is a harvest festival, a time to acknowledge the cycles of nature and the gifts we receive from the earth. Whether or not you’re a farmer, we all depend on the planet’s resources. Sukkot encourages us to offer thanks for the food, water, and sun that sustain us—gifts that too often go unnoticed.

4. The Power of Water and Light: In many faiths, water symbolizes life, cleansing, and renewal. Sukkot includes rituals that connect people to the life-giving power of water, just as some faiths see light as a symbol of wisdom, compassion, and divine guidance. These metaphors invite us to consider how we can bring light to others and be a source of refreshment and renewal.

5. Inclusive Community: At the heart of Sukkot is radical inclusivity. In ancient times, people were commanded to rejoice with their families, friends, servants, strangers, and even those who might typically be marginalized. This call to inclusion reminds us of the strength found in diversity. Today, we can use this time to reach out to neighbors, build bridges, and strengthen our communities.

6. Choosing Joy in a Cynical World: Joy isn’t always easy to find, especially when the world feels heavy. Yet Sukkot challenges us to focus on gratitude and choose joy, even when it feels countercultural. Imagine what would happen if, for one week, we all made an effort to focus on joy, connection, and what’s good in the world. It could transform our outlook—and ripple out to those around us.

7. A Shared Future: Sukkot also points us to a shared vision of a better world, where all people are gathered together in peace. Whatever your spiritual background, Sukkot calls us to imagine and work toward a world where justice, compassion, and joy are the common language of humanity.

How can you celebrate Sukkot?

You don’t have to build a tent or follow specific rituals to embrace the spirit of Sukkot. Here are some simple ways to bring more joy and connection into your life:

• Get outside! Whether it’s a picnic, a walk under the stars, or a meal in your backyard, take time to appreciate nature’s beauty.

• Be present with your loved ones. Invite family, friends, or neighbors over for a meal. Share stories, express gratitude, and reflect on what brings you joy.

• Engage in acts of kindness. Reach out to someone who might be feeling isolated or stressed. Bring them into your circle of joy, even if it’s just through a phone call or a small gesture.

• Choose gratitude. Take a moment each day to acknowledge what you’re thankful for. Even in difficult times, there’s always something to appreciate.

Sukkot is a season of joy, rooted in the tradition of ancient wisdom but open to all. Whether you’re celebrating with a full tent or just a joyful heart, may this season remind you of the beauty of life’s journey, the power of community, and the deep wellspring of joy that lives within each of us.

• by Ryan Miller

A Little Info About Laudato Si'

In the next few weeks we’ll have an episode about Laudato Si with Dr. Celeste Rossmiller. Here are some links to related information about Laudato Si’ and the global climate movement.

The Encyclical - Laudato Si’

The Letter Film

The Laudato Si’ Movement

More Than A Label

More Than A Label

by Ryan Miller

We often ask one another, "Who are you?" with a big “WHAT?” in mind referencing our religion, political affiliation, sports team loyalties, geographic location, etc.

Are you liberal or conservative?

Theistic or Atheistic?

Protestant or Catholic?

Black or White?

Egalitarian or Complimentarian?

Straight or LGBTQ+?

Republican or Democrat?

Capitalist or Socialist?

East Coast or West Coast?

Spurs or Lakers fan? (This one has truly taught me to transcend and include!)

Labels are words we use to define our tribal affiliations. We use them to categorize, and we use them to compare/ contrast & better understand the "other"...Yet, sadly, labels can often be harmful as people are often misunderstood due to their "label" (I.E. I (Ryan) have really good friends that are “Calvinist”). We fail to see a person's genuine context in the western world due to labels (without the full story). I grew up Southern Baptist, & was licensed as an SBC pastor 23 years ago. Now, I drink "Big Bad Baptist" Imperial Stouts. When I tell people I'm an evolving Anabapti-Metho-Jew-Costal with some processy and liberation theology leanings that enjoys interfaith community there is a large, complex, unfolding story; there are many stories behind that long label. Yet, I am more than my label, and so are you!

Brew Theology is an alliance of communities filled with Christians, nonChristians & other faith expressions; we gather in radically raw and open communities across the country on a regular basis. Everyone is affirmed in his or her preferred “label” of choice. To be more specific, theologically speaking, we’re a community of Atheists, Agnostics, Secular Humanists, Buddhists, Process & Open theologians, Catholics and Pagans; we have those that would label themselves the following: an iconoclast, "ex"-Catholics, Calvinists, 7th Day Adventists, Church of Christ, Eastern Orthodox, Spiritualists, Evangelicals, Reformed Baptists, progressive post and exEvangelicals, along with Gnostics, Christian Anarchist Vegans and more. Some are comfortable in their faith traditions while others are confused, but okay with that place of confusion. Our brew theologians range from their 20's & 30's, to middle aged & seniors; we bring in male & female, straight and LGBTQ+, and even some non-white dudes... Yet again, as awesome as it is to be amongst such a diverse & eclectic group, we are more than those limiting labels.

We fail to see a person's genuineness because we don’t sit down long enough to hear their full story. I dream of a world where we break down these labels. So, I encourage you, wherever you live and however you do community, spend the time to do that hard work of listening and asking good questions. Start with a friend or two… give on another 15 minutes (I bet you go much longer!) each to unpack your theological/ religious/ spiritual story. Each person can either answer the follow up questions (I’ve provided some, below… maybe even draw a life- timeline if that helps) as a guide to get going…. Everyone in the group can choose to ask the person on the “hot seat” a specific question – not to mention follow up questions regarding someone’s “label(s)”. Spend some time in silence, crafting through these questions in order to have some direction. Be cool. Drink a beer/ coffee or high quality H20, have fun with this, and be gracious toward one another… that is important!

Questions

1.) What WAS your given label – or the label that others gave you – growing up? Who gave you the “Essentials” of your faith/ spirituality?

2.) Have you gone through seasons of change, evolution and a shedding or a deconstructing of past labels? What is the one thing that started your unraveling?

Talk about those experiences, thoughts, etc. …

3.) Did you ever feel stranded in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight while unraveling? What was that like, processing that part of your journey?

4.) What are the formative life experiences, people, books, art, etc. that have shaped your current theological/ philosophical/ sociological, etc. “label?”

5.) What is the BEST part of your faith or nonfaith “label” that is worth talking about? Why? What is the WORST…? Why?

6.) What are you currently exploring today in your theological world, and what kind of a label do you see yourself having in 5 years down the road?

The Shadow Sign

WHO ARE YOU?  WHY ARE YOU HERE? These are the deep, soul questions we crave, and yet are scared to death of in the very same breath.

Let’s enter a familiar social space, grab a drink, mingle, and right away after shaking a few hands, some new person asks you, “So, what do you do?”

It’s a normal practice, but it’s ultimately the question about measuring up. It’s the masking question as we all have personas, the ones doing the asking, and the ones answering the question.  It’s our attempt at “thin slicing,” so we can immediately make a snap judgment on whether this person is worth our time or not, or if we need to act a certain way, put on a different persona, or hide that part of our deepest self. There are basic rules of social engagement as conventional wisdom suggests; this question begins that process.

How many social gatherings do we hear people go on and on about how awesome they are at their job?

And how awful their boss and/ or coworkers are at their job?

Oh! You’re a lawyer! What kind of law do you practice?

So, you’re a teacher. What do you teach?  

You’re a physician? What kind of medicine do you practice?

Social posturing suggests, don’t just tell me what you do, prove to us how great you are as you unleash your public awesomeness!

Yes! It’s really a bad opening question, but it’s the world we live in!

I’ve now reached a season of life where I like to mess with people when they ask me that question (I want to see where we can take this conversation, and/or relationship!). “Hey man. What do you do?” I eagerly get asked with a firm handshake (with its own gritty mask!), I respond, “I’m a trophy husband!”

I wait for it… crickets or an awkward giggle.

My favorite reply that gets a good laugh is, “I used to get paid to be a really good, professional Christian, and now I don’t get paid to be a heretic!”

The religious leaders during the time of Jesus did the same thing as we do. Humans really haven’t changed that much.

“Show us a sign!” they demand!

Convince us! We need a demonstration that you are the real deal, Teacher! If you are the Messiah, the leader of a new world order, wouldn’t you want to prove yourself? Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t use conventional wisdom! He is the Ultimate Crapmaster of 1st Century PR! Jesus is continually shying away from popularity and tells people to be quiet after he heals them or feeds them. He gets sick of the social masking drama.

Which is your Pharisee Team?

What’s your favorite law in the Torah?  

Give us a sign, Rabbi!  

The ego loves “The Sign,” but it’s a perpetual cycle… give them some food today; they’ll be starving tomorrow. Heal the sick, and more people will be sick in the weeks ahead. It really doesn’t matter how many “signs” the crowds see; life comes and goes, and there’s always a new “guy,” or a new “flavor of the month, a new social “issue” or a new “magic trick” that grabs the attention of the masses. More posturing. More projecting. More masking.

If Jesus lived today, he would drive most church leaders crazy! Jesus would flunk leadership development 101. The Orange Conference, or any other large church conferences across the US would not invite this ridiculous sage back to speak. 

Luke’s Gospel records these words, “As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation” (11:29a).

Brilliant! 

Just when he’s getting popular, cultivating that critical mass, Jesus drops the “wicked” card on their butts like a mic drop at a sold-out Taylor Swift show. And Luke seems to give his readers the PG version, as we see within the same scene in Matthew’s Gospel that Jesus calls the crowd a “wicked and adulterous” generation (16:4). Wow! 

Hey Ryan. Give us a sign that you’re a good dad! 

Ok. Let me first start off by telling you all that you are all crappy, toxic parents!

Jesus continues speaking to the “wicked” generation stating, “It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation” (11:29b-30).

When most people in the 1st Century Jewish world thought of “wicked” they immediately thought of 3 groups of people: 

1.) Romans

2.) Samaritans

3.) Herodians 

During this period, Herod added many features, otherwise seen as exclusive barriers that kept certain people out of areas of temple worship. One of which was the Gentile court. Another one was the court for women. In fact, if a Gentile crossed into the Jewish court, he/ she could be killed! There’s a reason why Jesus came in with a whip and trashed the money changer’s tables as God’s house was intended to be a place for all sinners and saints, including the gentiles, eunuchs, and all the single ladies! 

Jesus infuriated these religio-business politicians because his “kingdom” message was messing with their system. And now, when more people are engaging his ministry, he calls them, “wicked.” 

Jesus calls out the elite, religious leaders who hold the keys to power. These men ask for a “sign” to debunk this Messiah guru who is talking crazy talk.  

Jesus mentions Jonah! 

Why?

I recently read Jonah again. It’s a short, four-chapter book that is multilayered. Jonah is a mini-Deuteronomy, referencing the entire Torah narrative, and it’s packed with depth, irony, obedience, repentance, and according to Jesus, it is a radical message of reorienting the whole, dark system.

Jonah was sent to preach a message of damnation to Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria around 8th Century B.C., (“against it”) because of “it’s wickedness” (1:2).

The hero, Jonah, bolted the other direction. 

I would too. Yes, you would as well!  

The Assyrians were known for brutal warfare tactics with superb armies, psychological tactics and incredible engineers who built massive ramparts to attack any town that stood in their way. They impaled corpses and placed heads on stakes, skinned their enemies, tore out their tongues, dashed their enemy’s heads (even children) against the streets, and made their opponents grind the bones of their dead ancestors. Their shocking invasion left a profound imprint upon every man, woman and child who stared in the face of this great empire. This sadistic-minded empire with its kings who were likened to gods conquering lions was beyond a force to be reckoned with during the time of Jonah.  

They WERE the FORCE… and Nineveh, a city filled with gold and silver, the largest city in the world during its time, was the Death Star!

Jonah didn’t feel brave like Luke Skywalker. As the story goes, the disobedient prophet gets caught in a storm out at sea and is thrown into the water and swallowed by a large fish!  

3 days… 3 nights… in the depths of the sea inside the belly of the big fish!

It’s important to stop and talk about the Sea. Bodies of water flood the Hebrew text for a reason. Even today, there is still a bit of superstition and real fear about the waters. The sea or any large body of water is a vivid picture of chaos to any ancient Jewish person. And this reality sends all kinds of Genesis 1 “creation” story sirens flashing bright inside the Hebraic-minded reader. In the beginning, according to Genesis, Spirit – “ruach” – the wind of God – hovers over the abyss, the depths, the chaotic waters!

The abyss, the belly of the fish, the dark hell on earth is THE new social place where Jonah and Israel and the rest of us begin to ask these shadow land questions, “Who am I?”, and “Why am I here?!” 

When we read the story, it states that Jonah, “called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me.” (2:2-3)

This is not lost on the ancient reader. 

Sheol is the realm of the dead; the deep is the abyss. The frightening waves pass over Jonah! Again, this is a powerful reference to Spirit hovering over the chaotic waters! Something new is happening! This isn’t creation out of nothing; this is creation out of chaos! 

Jonah comes to grips with not only life and death, but he starts to come to grips with the abysmal, shadow places of his own psyche.

Much like Jonah, our shadow side can be the very thing that we are running from, yet it's essential to confront that shadow if we want to experience true transformation. We must acknowledge and come to terms with the parts of ourselves that we don't like or don't want to see. The parts that we don’t want others to see! Because the shadow self is all interconnected. This is where we see our tendencies toward projection, creating bad ass heroes and horrid villains. This is where we meet the inner demons that love to scapegoat the world around us. This is where we find the voices that tell us, “You aren’t good enough. You aren’t smart enough. You aren’t __________!” Or, “They suck! They are to blame! They are the bad guys!” Yet, in all the terror, anxiety, and sadness, this is where we begin the process toward freedom and wholeness. 

Jonah spends 3 days and 3 nights in the deep, the abyss of Sheol!

The story continues, Jonah prays, and BURP….the fish vomits! Seaweed and an acidic bleached dude emerge from the abyss! 

This time, Jonah went to Nineveh and preached to those “heathens.”

However, in a twist of irony and divine comedic genius, the “wicked” and “adulterous” nation believed in the God of the Hebrews, put on sackcloth (their not-so-comfortable, fasting clothes) AND, they CHANGED (for a bit, at least.)! God also changes God’s own mind and did some repenting; God had a change of direction. God didn’t bring about the judgment we all thought was coming after all. The God of the Jewish nation is compassionate, gracious, and merciful to a city that deserved a smackety-smack, smack down!  

And now… Jonah was understandably ticked off! Like us today, and like the Jewish crowds of the 1st Century, Jonah needed a common enemy. Having an enemy (or adversary) distracts us from having to do our inner shadow work.

The story is left with the angry prophet sulking, wishing he was dead and the Lord reminding Jonah that God cares about the “un-chosen” and “wicked” nation because God is their Creator too. 

Ugh!!! 

Jonah’s story is about transformation. It’s not just about his crazy journey; it’s about all of us. The cumbersome journey to Nineveh teaches us about our truest, deepest, and darkest self. Getting stuck in the belly of the fish is only the beginning… the monster that lurks within us is much more terrifying than the ones in the water or the ones in our extended families, our office spaces, the monsters in DC, the ones in “those” neighborhoods, the monsters with those voting tendencies that wear those hats, or the bullies in those playgrounds.

With all this mind, let’s go back to Jesus … What he says next has got to be the most foolish thing a Rabbi seeking messianic expectations can say in the 1st Century!

The Rabbi goes politically nuts on them saying, “The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here” (32). 

This kind of talk gets you executed! 

Jesus is essentially replying, do you want a sign? Well, I’m going to die to the entire system that needs a sign to give it legitimacy. I’m going to be buried to a system that gives you all your glory. I’m going to identify with all that is broken and lost and in shambles and exploited to expose the whole thing for what it really is, and what’s important. I’m taking all of us into the shadows!

Hopelessness, futility, pain, loss, death… that’s the abysmal sign of Jonah in the belly of the fish!

Embrace it. Face it. Own it. Mourn it.

You find your truest self in the pit.

You enter the dark shadows.  

Jesus invites us into a Way of knowing and living, death and resurrection.

I turned 45 last year. I’m learning to accept that growing number in a new kind of way. I’ve had moments where I am still learning to mourn the person I thought I was supposed to be, the person I was raised to be, the Christian I was supposed to be, the leader of a particular tribe I was supposed to lead, the faith and theological beliefs that were supposed to sustain me, and move me forward. As I continue to move deeper into this 2nd half of life, I’m becoming more aware that I need to fully take a deep dive into the abyss with others around me and do the collective shadow work needed for this next chapter. It's scary. It’s vulnerable. It’s horribly frightening.

Looking back… when I turned 40, I was out to prove to myself that I was still strong. So, I began strength conditioning, and I was the strongest I’d ever been in my life. Then, one morning, I woke up with a sharp pain that went down my lower back, straight down my butt and calf, and rattled into my ankle bone. I would fall out of bed and crawl up my basement stairs. Then, we got some unfortunate health news, and my wife and I started a shocking conversation to those around us. We made the hard decision to leave Denver. Not long after, Covid hit. We moved to Waco in the summer of 2020. We left our beloved Mile High home and dear friends. I found myself more irritable, yelling at my two small children over insignificant things. I noticed we were surrounded by certain signs in our neighbor’s yards that made me want to throw up, and that somehow made me angrier. I met more people that made me roll my eyes more when it came to basic science. I projected more and blamed more of my misery on “those people” in the world.

My light slowly faded.

My joy sucked dry.

I was out of shape, lonely, and my soul felt empty. It was as this point where I had my first panic attack, and I really thought I was dying…those that know, know! I had to find myself. Again. But this time it was different. I had to ask myself harder questions. I had to learn to grieve. I had to see the world from a different posture. Feeling totally out of control, I cried out like Jonah, and that vulnerable cry has taught me that I can still cry out, and that’s an ongoing part of the chaotic journey of life at 45.

There is a losing of oneself that is hard to stomach when you find yourself inside the belly of the beast. But the only way forward is downward. Friends, it is not the facing of the Shadow that causes us to suffer consciously; it is the avoidance of the Shadow that causes us to experience so much grief. And the more we avoid diving into our shadows, the more anger and fear and fury and projection piles up on our unconscious self, spilling out into our day-to-day lives! We become the worst versions of ourselves, and it shows! 

Fast forward approximately 150 years after Jonah successfully or unsuccessfully (however you want to look at it) prophesied to Nineveh. Remember, Jonah came in hoping that the LORD would unleash some Old Testament fury on those “godforsaken” jackasses!

Can I get the “lightning bolt” feature, God? How ‘bout that sinkhole action?

But that “wicked,” vengeful desire didn’t happen… there was no real change.

They lived! 

The Assyrians went back to their old ways of doing things and eventually decimated the Northern Kingdom of Israel. They carried away captives in chains, dragging them with rings in their noses. God’s chosen people became a laughingstock in the hands of the Assyrian empire. The Assyrian invasions of the Northern kingdom were ruthless to say the least. This was one of the most traumatic times for the children of Israel. 

The bottom line for the 1st Century readers of the Gospel text: The Jewish people HATED ASSYRIANS. And Rome fused with the Herodians and Sadducees to become the NEW Assyria!

But Jesus declares, “the men of Nineveh” will be the judges of this 1st Century generation.

Jesus directly slams the Sadducees and their political reign, the priests; men who were supposed to be leading the children of Israel in the path of peace but were sadly leading them down an unjust road just as bad as Rome and guiltier than Nineveh!

Jesus allows the new Nineveh to kill him! 

Jesus, the new Jonah, dove into the bloody belly of chaos for the sake of a chaotic world that would make a mockery of the cross.

Jesus's kingdom movement of ridiculous love is tiresome, and it’s seemingly foolish and reckless grace for all people under the sun. This is God’s new kingdom message, a new family. Jesus uses the Jonah story as a reminder. Nobody is outside the walls of the family. It’s not about elitism, national superiority, and religious prestige. This new Way is never about warring against the evils of the troublesome, pagan nations or people groups that different from our own.

We must begin to transcend the continuous canceling from the left and the right, and take the radical narrow, ridiculous and beautiful Way!

I have a tattoo that often reminds me to answer the questions, who are you? And why are you here? It’s the Hebrew word, SHALOM, inked on my left arm. This is a reminder of God’s outlandish peace, the goal for creation. But if I’m being real, I don’t always want peace. Often, I wish certain “other” people were swallowed by a big, bad fish, or damned to hell. It would be easier if we didn’t have to deal with “them,” right? When I see this tattoo, and I look at the one we profess – Jesus – and his Way, I’m reminded of a paradoxical truth bomb.  

I am Jonah, and I am also someone’s Nineveh.  

Ultimately, like Jonah, it’s about how I view my “Nineveh” and perhaps, I am the one who needs changing because Nineveh is everywhere and within everyone. 

Keep turning directions when you think you’ve arrived; there’s always a new Ninevah! Because while we are all Jonah, Jonah must realize in the depths of the sea that he too is…

Nineveh!

The sign we really need begins in the belly of a fish!

Who are you?

Why are you here? 

We are Jonah. And we are Nineveh.

In that vein, we should: 

Stop pretending.

Stop suppressing and repressing.

Stop scapegoating.

Stop playing church.

Stop seeking power.

Stop keeping score.

Stop denying the shadows. 

If we want to find ourselves, we must enter our own loss and deadness. Our anxieties. Our depression. Our own unworthiness. That’s where we find the sign of Jonah. The sign… it’s in the cross, and within the grave. That’s when we learn to embrace all of life, in its beauty and filth, and the mosaic of people on that side or this side, and no side! It’s in the shadow where this transformation begins.

We will continually have people in social settings looking for “signs,” sizing us up, and asking, “What do you do?” as we have been conditioned to cultivate this art of masking to keep up with the personas, per se. I don’t suggest you tell them you are in the belly of a fish doing shadow work. I mean, I guess you can… if it’s the right person. But if you’re willing to dive deeper with other people around you in your other social circles, there’s freedom in finding our whole self.

Who are you?

And why are you here?

By addressing your shadow, and better integrating that world, you save yourself, and thus, the entire world. My hope is that we find ourselves prompted to ask the profound questions that will echo further into our collective bones and lead us all to a deeper dive into genuine, vulnerable transformation.

Dive in!

• Ryan Miller

Support and Solidarity During a Pandemic

These are difficult, but not unprecedented, times we’re living in. The centering of violence against Black people is something we’ve faced before. All of us have witnessed moments of this unveiling whether through Rodney King, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, or George Floyd to name a few. 

As this week has progressed I have heard people ask, what can I do? What should I do? What will be helpful? So, I reached out to a couple of friends who do the work of regularly standing in solidarity with others and asked for their advice. Thank you to Andy and Piper for doing this.

Consider this guide a 101. It will get you going in the right direction. The most important thing is that you start to move. If we stand still and just keep asking the same questions, the answer won’t change. If we start to read, think, and investigate, change can emerge.

This will be some of the hardest work you’ve ever done. As you find answers, your thoughts may change in other areas as well. That’s to be expected. Keep going.

This list may feel overwhelming and that’s normal. Following are several pages of links, book recommendations, and ways to take action. Work hard and bring someone along with you. The work is easier together.

Stay For The Community!

Come for the brew and theology; stay for the community!

This is my new saying because it’s the truth. I love a good brew, and if there’s a quality theological conversation while sipping on said brew, life is golden! Still, I can have an excellent IPA and nerd out on some robust theology, but if there’s no genuine community in the midst, I’m out after a couple of beers!

In nearly 5 years of doing and building this ever-evolving pub gig in the city of Denver and seeing it expand across the country, I’ve come to some pretty simple realizations.

• First, people love to gather. Period.

• Second, communities value authenticity.

• Third, gathered tribes that are being real desire affirmation in the core of their humanity.

In summation, humans dig the connection that takes place when communities don’t bullshit, and are valued regardless of their ideas or beliefs.

When the following aren’t being met, we either pretend and repress what we really believe (out of fear of being kicked out of a certain tribe if it doesn’t match up with a particular tribe) and/or we double down and tow the party line with branded allegiance. The former is not healthy as the repression will poorly manifest in other ways, and the latter creates an (unhealthy) echo chamber of uniformity.

Here’s what I love about Brew Theology.

We love digging into nerdy theological, philosophical, political, socio-economic and spiritual discussions on everything under the sun while sipping on the nectar of the gods. It’s a flight of brew, indeed, and the topics are all out there for good brewin’… And when we do this difficult yet needed task on a weekly basis, everyone has a voice around all of the tables. There’s no top-down creedal agreement; our oneness is created in our eclectic differences.

So, if you want to taste and see that this authentic communal expression is very good, I encourage you to look around your community and see who can help be a part of a movement of love, acceptance and grace in midst of our chaotic, ever-increasing polarized world. Do your world a favor.
Grab a pint.
Tackle theology.
And stick around for some badass community!

Peace,

Ryan

Are All Welcome?

Hey Brew Theology friends,

Are all truly welcome?

You will often hear us - Brew Theology - say that we affirm all people from all walks of life across the religious and spiritual spectrum. You’ll hear us say that everyone is welcome at the table.

But is that really true?

The real answer is Yes AND No!

Every now and then a situation comes up within the context of a robust topic when we have to really lean in and ask ourselves these honest, tough questions. What do we truly value and what are we trying to accomplish when we gather in what we believe are genuinely open, interfaith communities cultivating healthy, meaningful and eclectic dialogue?

Yes. We value humanity, to say the least. We value brewing theology across the spectrum, to learn, understand & respect people with differing theological beliefs. Our Denver community has tackled every single major world religion & a plethora (yes, a plethora) of particulars such as (& not limited to) evangelicalism, process theology, immigration, psychoanalysis, shamanism, Jewish mysticism, etc., In that posture, all religious beliefs & opinions are honored in our gatherings. They are honored because we honor humanity. 

Still, nobody gets the last word; we can continue to be passionate about our own particular ideals and ideas in this interesting pluralistic age. That’s the odd yet critical paradox moving forward as a community. You can honor someone and their beliefs without believing someone else’s beliefs to be true. 

We boast cultivating a brave space where everything is on the table and all ideas are up for discussion. If you find yourself in disagreement with someone at your table or with a particular speaker, that difference is quite normal. You are human. The vast richness of our spaces comes alive when we rub shoulders with that strange yet beautiful variance! If we all agree with every single person in the room and align ourselves with every single speaker we have in our midst, we would be a really boring group. Unity, not uniformity is our goal within interfaith community.

In that critical vein, we do stress that all participants respect our speakers and the people around any given table. I often tell people that there is a fine line between a soapbox and being passionate. We will let the occasional soapbox slide at times (there’s grace), but we will not tolerate toxic and belligerent bullying. The moderators in our communities have every right to call this out when someone crosses that disturbing line. And if this ugliness continues, you are simply not welcome at our Brew Theology gatherings.

This is true community, friends. When we have the courage to call out this toxicity and make sure we are creating respectful spaces for all people to learn and to grow with one another, we are building healthy, meaningful & eclectic community as dialogue (not one’s badgering monologue) is our true key to peace!

So, are all welcome?

Yes & No!

Much peace,

Ryan

Who. We. Really. Are.

I’ve (Ryan) got it all wrong.

It’s okay to admit when you don’t quite get it right. When someone regularly asks me, “What’s Brew Theology?” I respond with the common saying, “We exist to Brew Theology and create healthy, meaningful and eclectic dialogue in pub communities.” That statement has been on social media, our BT website, and I’ll even introduce the Denver gatherings with this line all of the time.

“What’s wrong with that statement?” one may ask.

Well, “to Brew Theology” is definitely correct, but perhaps we have the second part backward.

We DO create healthy, meaningful and eclectic dialogue, but that’s not why we exist; that’s simply what we DO. It's like the difference between BEING & DOING! They are connected, but unique.

We are ultimately creating interfaith communities across the country. The BEING part is the community aspect. 

And how are we doing that?

We create these communities through healthy, meaningful and eclectic dialogue in pubs.

It may seem minor and first glance, yet I believe there’s a critical distinction.

So, from now on when someone asks me, “What’s this brew theology thing all about?” it’s important to get the words right.

It’s been a ton of fun being a part of what I believe is a movement of radical love transcending tribal boundaries, bringing people of all faith walks and inter-religious ideologies to the table in order to experience nontraditional, meaningful community. Brew Theology is not just a theoretical idea, and it’s not solely people who share ideas; it’s a very real community of incredibly interesting people wrestling with imperative issues that matter in the real world. We find common ground, and we also disagree on many topics. At the end of the day, in all of our nerdy particulars, we understand we share the same air, soil and sun. We are learning how to be better humans together…  We’ve been able to cultivate and witness our Denver community evolve and take shape over the past three years as a shining example that is hopefully making the world a bit brighter, one conversation (& brew) at a time.

Community.

It’s pretty important gang.

“We exist to Brew Theology and create interfaith communities through healthy, meaningful and eclectic dialogue in pubs.”

When Church Stops Working - Part 3

We ended Part 2 of this series, When Church Stops Working, with these words:

Wherever we see the good news of lives being made whole….

That. 

Is.

Church.

This means we have to have much bigger eyes, some creativity, an expansive consciousness, a heart that beats and breaks for the universe, and an ability to ask the ongoing question, “Who is being left out of this beautiful thing called life?”

Jesus didn’t come to earth to create another religion. He came to wake people up! We have to transcend our views of orthodoxy, get beyond Christianity as the best thing since sliced bread, and reengage the world with tangible shalom written all over our complex hearts! We get to partner with what spirit is doing within us, around us and in others to unveil life to the fullness: light, hope and healing to the nations. That’s good news!

Can I get an old school, Amen?

When I say, “church,” what comes to mind now that you’ve been trying to process a new way to live?

Okay, let’s get practical. 

I’ve got friends who plant seeds in local, urban gardens and cultivate a harvest of veggies that are given away outside coffee shops, breweries and local parks! 

I know people who organize peaceful protests in the city and mobilize the crowds toward social justice on behalf of people of color.

I have a friend who brings people downtown to feed the homeless every day. 

One of my buddies organizes online communities through diverse, theological topics, bringing people together to chat over fantastically critical topics.

I’ve got friends who sing hymns in bars with pints of beer held high!

Speaking of pubs, the interfaith/ inter-religious/nonreligious communities that engage in meaningful dialogue every week across the nation via Brew Theology is another excellent example of damn, good news!

Whether it’s bringing neighbors together for dinner, creating opportunities for communities to extend themselves on behalf of the poor or volunteering with friends at the local school, it is time we allow ourselves the freedom to say that spirit is moving in all kinds of fun ways; no institution or religion has the sole keys to these movements of love. 

We all have something to give regardless of our religious heritage, whether it’s our time, food, skills and/or conversations. As the saying goes, “build a longer table, not a higher fence.”

Sadly, the “church” has been notoriously known for the latter, which is why people are looking for love and belonging in other places. So, let’s have grace around the table! 

Let’s eat.

Let’s drink.

Let’s remember the critical words from the apostle Paul, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 

These powerful words should infiltrate the souls of humanity. The dream is to be one humanity! That, my friends, is a beautiful dream. In all of our particularities: race, gender, sex, religion, etc…. we are one!

Let’s end with some of my favorite and inspiring words from Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh:

We have different roots, traditions, and ways of seeing, but we share the common qualities of love, understanding and acceptance… the most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When we are mindful, touching deeply the present moment, we can see and listen deeply.” 

I’d love to hear from you! What kinds of fringy, good news LIFE is happening in your city, town, neighborhood? What ideas do you have moving forward?

When Church Stops Working - Part 2

People simply aren’t going to “church” anymore. This isn’t shocking; it’s become the Sunday-Funday norm. Notice I said “church” (more on that later). If you scan cities across the nation on a Sunday morning, you’ll observe a massive exodus fleeing the pews, scattering in hundreds of directions: coffee houses, parks, back yard brunches, the mountains, downtown marches, lakes, beaches, and of course, couches! 

As I stated in Part 1 (Read HERE), "they (church leaders) are literally rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic." Professional pastors are fatigued, racking their brains wondering where they can find the next, relevant model to bring people back in the church doors.

I posed the haunting and perhaps frustrating questions, what if they don’t come back, and “they” (whomever “they” are) find other things in their weekly rhythm that bring them joy, hope, peace and goodness?

Before I dive into that question in more depth, let’s go back to the question, “Who/ What/ When/ Where/ Why/ How is church?”

Did you think about it?

Let's do a tad nerd session, and then get to the basics…

Ekklesia!

That’s the Greek word used in the New Testament for church. It refers to an “assembly,” but when you break it down and look at the ancient beginnings of this spiritually fringe movement, it’s much, much deeper.

Ek = "from/ out of" 

Kaleo = "to call"

Essentially, it’s the “ones called out”

This is an organic assembly, not a static group of people stuck in a building on Sunday morning doing a routine service. The earliest Christians were people who were moved by spirit and lived a life of good news (that’s actually where we get the word, “evangelical,” a word that has sadly been culturally hijacked beyond comprehension!). These earliest followers of Jesus were Jews who saw an expansive view of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. 

While they continued to meet in the Temple courts and practice their covenantal religion of Judaism, they saw that spirit was on the move, calling them back to their Abraham roots: a blessing to all nations – Gentiles! 

Breaking bread was an act of intimacy. The earliest followers of Jesus extended their table to all people regardless of tribe, the status of one’s foreskin and dietary restrictions. 

All were welcome… all were accepted… all were loved! 

Compassion, mercy, extravagant love and healing were at the heart of this organic movement of radical good news, liberation and oneness. This kingdom was about KINship! 

Everyone was filled with AWE and WONDER!

People were actually deeply moved to be a part of this thing called, “church.” 

It’s time we reexamine what this “good news” of “ekklesia” means today in a world that is more polarized than ever before – a western world that is no longer interested in “church,” but way more interested in other activities that bring joy!

It’s time we expand our understanding of church and are awakened to what spirit is doing in our midst today! This will be really hard for many people because change is just freakin' hard as hell! 

It's time we ask a different set of questions that radically move beyond the 4 walls of just "church."

So...

Where do you experience the divine, and/ or that which you perceive to be pure, good and holy; where do you go that awakens your soul, and gives you genuine rest?

What group(s) of people do you see doing good work in your city?

If you have children, whom do you want influencing your kid’s life?

Where do you find acceptance?

What kinds of conversations are shaping the world toward real progress?

Where are the walls of hostility, oppression and tribalism knocked down?

What's happening in your neighborhood?

Who needs some TLC?

Go there… 

Go to those places and be with those people. 

Taste and see that it is good! 

Wherever we see the good news of lives being made whole….

That. 

Is.

Church.

When Church Stops Working - Part 1

I (Ryan) grew up in church. Well, everyone did in the Republic of Texas. As a young adult, I continued this exercise working at local churches. 

Church has just been something deeply embedded in the fabric of my being from birth. Yet, I’ve always struggled with church on a number of levels. Whether it was not being able to sit still as a child, falling asleep as a teenager, and/or being completely bored out of my mind at all ages, I’ve often wondered about this “box” called “church.” 

Don’t get me wrong…

I see the value of the institutional church. As a pastor, I’ve been involved in countless programs and gatherings and mission trips, etc. that have impacted countless people. I know people have a beef with the harsh, religious aspects of the institutional church, and we all have heard stories of the damage that has been done under the banner of God. Yet, in all of its complexities, twists, turns and interesting disciplines throughout the centuries, the church has been an active force of tremendous influence across the globe. 

Today, in it’s western decline, the church has been in dire need of loud wake-up calls! The pews continue to thin, and the larger mega-church stadiums are simply transfer growth stats. When you actually look at where the western church is today compared to where it was many moons ago, people just aren’t that interested anymore. Whether that’s due to the information age, technology, irrelevance, hypocrisy, or a host of other reasons that have been entertained in other circles, the masses aren’t walking through the church doors.

As the saying goes, they are literally rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Church leaders have exhausted themselves trying to figure out how to manufacture that “magic pill” that will bring people back to church!

But what if they don’t come back, and “they” (whomever “they” are) find other things in their weekly rhythm that bring them joy, hope, peace and goodness?

And what if, over time, church leaders wake up to the reality that paradigm shifts are actually real; new movements are being birthed, and there is still a way to move forward?

Yes! The masses are still highly spiritual, indeed! There’s an itch. “Church,” the way it’s been presented to the masses may not be the “answer,” and I realize this is a tough pill to swallow. However, human beings are on the hunt, continually looking for wonder and awe, adventure and zest! 

Maybe it’s time to redefine church yet again… 

Before we do that, let me ask the following questions:

What is church?

Where is church?

Who is church?

When is church?

How is church?

Why is church?

I’ll be back… (To Be Continued)

Processing #metoo - A Podcast Episode and its Resources

Two weeks ago, we met at Grandma's House Brewery and talked about #metoo. It was a challenging topic, but one that we knew we needed to meet about and try to cover. Needless to say, there was no way to cover everything. But we gave it a shot. 

As a result of that evening, Janel has recorded a podcast to also cover some of the material. This is definitely not everything we did, nor is it a comprehensive episode. But I hope that it opens up the topic and creates room for healthy listening and dialogue.

This podcast is probably PG13, in that there are a few stories about things women have experienced.

I want to thank several people for their contributions. Dr. Christy Sim is a domestic violence expert who helped with the resources and layout of the evening. Dr. Kara Lyons-Pardue is a professor of NT who helped me with liturgical resources. Lyndia Radice is an experienced Social Worker who also helped make sure this discussion was helpful and healthy.

I also want to thank Ryan Miller for reflecting on his own experiences in the church around this topic. And, my husband for talking with our group about HR policies. As always, thank you to Dan for being the best podmaster ever!

Following are a list of resources referenced in the podcast or used in our discussion. If you would like to host your own discussion please reach out and let us know.

If you were triggered in any way and need someone to talk to, please reach out to Janel or Ryan. Or you can reach out to these other agencies or Dr. Sim.

The National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1−800−799−7233
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 or chat

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Please know: We know that this does not just happen to women. There are stories in our group from people on all sides having been abused and mistreated. We do not dismiss or diminish those stories. But in this context, we did focus on women. 

From Buzzfeed: 32 Everyday Things Women Do That Men Don’t Have To Worry About
This is a powerful read. It is real. It is something that probably any woman in your life will tell you is true. Please take some time to think about these daily thoughts for women.

A Note to Men:
"Women are not asking men to give up their manhood in order to support women leaders. Rather, they are asking for men to bring their whole selves to work so that they can show up, contribute, listen, and collaborate.
 
Women don't want men to feel bad about being men. That's not the point. It's not just about teaching men not to be sexist and oblivious. Yes, all men have more to learn on this topic. And, yes, women want men to be respectful. But they are not asking men to be passive and silent. "
From http://onthemarc.org/blogs/22/519#.Wi4CIkpKvIU

Reflection Questions on the Podcast:
1. What were you taught early on about how to treat people of the opposite/different gender?
2. Do you still believe those things?
3. Where have you changed your views?
*In our group discussion, it was pointed out that emotions are also taught with these things. The emotion wheel may be helpful here for additional reflection.

On Male/Female Bias - From A Transgendered Perspective
You can learn more about Paula Stone Williams here. Her Tedx Talk from Denver is not live yet. 

Shankar Vedantam - Unconscious Gender Bias

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Power and Control Wheel
Many times the abuse that we are seeing right now has less to do with gender and more to do with power and control, which is expressed along gender lines. These actions can happen to anyone from anyone. And they are abusive. 
*If you are in an abusive relationship and need help, please reach out to someone you trust. Call the abuse hotline or seek the help of counselor.

Emotions Wheel
Emotions are tough. Especially when we might not know how to name them all or be able to distinguish how they feel. This can happen for lots of reasons depending on family upbringing, early abuse, or religious upbringing. Be aware of and being able to name our emotions can help us in all areas of life.

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Here is the poem we closed the night with: V'ahavta by Aurora Levins Morales

Other Poems that friends offered:

It is not just the interior of these walls,
It is our own inner beings You [are renewing]...
We are Your temple not made with hands. 
We are Your body.
If every wall should crumble, and every church decay, 
We are You habitation…
We bless You for this place…
[but] take us “outside the camp,” Lord,
Outside holiness, 
Out to where soldiers gamble, 
And thieves curse, 
And nations clash
At the cross-roads of the world…
George McLeod adapted by John Philip Newell

Video Submission: "Word Choice"

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Other Resources and Links:
What Decent Men Can Do in Response to #MeToo
The Myth of the Male Bumbler
What We Can Do to End Sexual Harassment at Work
EEOC on Harassment
EEOC on Sexual Harassment
The Balance - Examples of Sexual and Non-Sexual Harassment
 

All Are NOT Welcome!

I (Ryan) often use the common phrase, “All Are Welcome!”

The idealist self desires for this mantra to be true in all contexts because I truly do care about people. However, it’s just not true.

All are NOT welcome.

While Brew Theology exists to brew theology and create healthy, meaningful and eclectic dialogue in pub communities, if we are truly honest with what is best for people and building healthy community, we cannot unequivocally declare that all are welcome when we enthusiastically brew theology at the brewpubs.

Why?

Well, the same reason why NOT all people are welcome in one’s home. You wouldn’t invite someone into your home that you knew would toxically abuse you and your family. That’s just practical wisdom. And if you did invite someone in your home, giving then the benefit of the doubt, you wouldn't tolerate any and all actions. That would be foolish.

Yes! You may desire to be open-minded and have friends and acquaintances with a variety of beliefs and opinions; we applaud those efforts as we boast in doing the same each week in Denver when our community gathers for rich and profound interfaith/ interreligious conversation. Everything is on the table for discussion, and we find ourselves in vast disagreement with wild differences. Still, we extend courtesy by listening well, are respectful of one another, and we actually do this pluralistic thing pretty damn well. I’m proud of our people! It’s not easy, but it’s critical to sit across from people who think differently from one another.

And in that humane value, we hold true to being respectful of all human beings – female, male, gay, straight, transgender, brown, black white, skinny, fat, drinkers, abstainers, liberals, conservatives, independents, all religious observers, atheists, agnostics, the disabled, and any other category of person.

Therefore, if someone walks into out gatherings spaces and verbally abuses someone, they are not welcome. If someone feels threatened, they are not welcome at the table. If someone’s humanity is being degraded, we’ll call the bully an Uber and show him or her the pub door.

Diversity is real.

Pluralism is a legit value.

And freedom of speech is a real thing.

Yet, tolerance for oppressive behaviors and hateful speech is simply not productive and horribly unhealthy. As we build generously brave communities, we aren’t looking for uniformity; we are seeking unity with the posture of grace and a willingness to see one another with worth, beauty and goodness! 

The Fruit?

Brew Theology brings different worlds together; these worlds collide in an intentionally beautiful posture of respect, openness and grace.

This practiced value of open, tangible pluralistic dialogue would’ve felt foreign to many religious kids growing up with an agenda to convert someone over to their “superior” side of perceived truth. These colliding worlds are still very odd amongst many religious folk that are looking to "win" someone over to their team. Due to this norm from many people’s dutiful heritage, when guests visit our gatherings in the Denver community they desperately want to know, “Can I, in all seriousness, be genuinely honest here?”

This is a question newcomers have in the back of their mind, and we’ve sincerely heard people voice this question on several occasions.

So many people are suspicious with the important question lingering in their soul, “Where’s the bait and switch?”

I (Ryan) remember a friend of mine who now contributes to our gatherings by writing content and coming on some podcasts, asking me the 1st time we met, “What are you really doing here? Is this just one of those emerging thingies where you are going to start a worship service and try to convert everyone to Jesus?”

“Is there a secret agenda?”

“C’mon! Really, Ryan?”

My answer is a bold, resounding and heartfelt, “No!”

And for some people this answer is unsettling because many of us have come from a tradition that is so bait-and-switch agenda driven that if what we are doing isn’t leading someone to Jesus (or one's version of Jesus), we wonder if it’s worthwhile. That’s the worldview, the subconscious, and the embedded truth that many have yet to fully deconstruct.

Ultimately, Janel & I want to see these kinds of rich and deep, conversational communities that we experience in Denver pop up across this country because real, beating-heart-people across the faith spectrum profoundly NEED it today. Yet, I still hear from people who think I’m running an evangelistic ministry. Sure, it’s “good news” (if you wanna look at those words in their truest rootedness), but not an ounce of it is conventionally churchy and there is no proselytizing – no bait and switch game here. I had an hour-long conversation with someone who finally asked, “Okay. So, respectful dialogue is great and all, Ryan, but what’s the point? Is the goal to just let people BE and not have an agenda of leading them to Christ?” Another person asked, “Where is Jesus in the conversation?”  I had another ministry leader ask me, “So, where’s the fruit in all of this?”

#Facepalm

Don’t give me the fruit business, man! Those questions are foundationally missing the entire point and it may take a few high ABV barrel aged beers to finish those tough conversations.

But if you wanna get all fruity (and I’m not talking about the new fruit beer craze), how ‘bout the fruit is the fact that hardly anybody really does THIS open, interfaith dialogue community thing well in our polarized country, and we ARE doing it… I wanna scream, “The fruit is IN the conversation!”  The conversations create deeper and more honest community for the common good! Can I get an Amen? Although, if I used the word, “fruit” with our BT people, they may start throwing fruit at me.

I’ve said this before, but sometimes it is critical we say the same message time and again before it really begins to sink in… There are many churches with incredible and gracious people across America (And I sincerely mean this because I do have hope and love for the church, and I believe many churches are doing incredible things in the world...) that have massive budgets, killer buildings, top-notched staff and great marketing that says, “All Are Welcome” (Yes! I do believe many of them actually DO Welcome all people with loving, open arms!), yet so many “Spiritual” yet dechurched people are not buying that “welcome” sign anymore. Sadly, it’s been overused and abused. Countless people who have left the church are looking to find belonging, but a place much different from previous places that promised “safe” belonging. And they aren’t looking to find a “one-size-fits-all" model of religious goods. Beloved yet disenfranchised human beings are looking for brave and beautiful places to work out their shit, and get real with other people that are going to allow them to be real in all of their weirdness, mess, crazy ideas and interesting journeys. Unhappy yet sacred humans who are trying to find the spiritual spark in new places are looking to be loved no matter where they stand across the theological, political, economic, racial, sexual and gender spectrum. Let's give people the opportunity to freakin' breathe!

I’ll say it again… The FRUIT is IN the conversation. Let’s collide and #BrewTheology with true openness, and a generous posture to learn and grow from everyone.

Brew Theology Is Like A Flight

How many of you like beer?

Not Bud Lite or Miller Lite… Damn my last name. Why couldn’t I (Ryan) have the last name Stone or Avery?

And even though I’m a Miller, I am a bit spoiled. I live in the craft beer capital of the US of A with 5 breweries in walking distance to my house alone. Don’t hate me. Come visit. For those of you who have sophisticated hop palates and go on quests to find some sweet, maltilicious craft beverages, you are probably like me and when you visit a new brewery - you grab a flight. You start off with a solid lager, or possibly an amber or Wit beer. Then, you move on to a porter, followed by a stout. Next, you get cranking to the hops and each flight must boast a West Coast IPA. Although, I’ve recently become a fan of the east coast transplants with the big juicy, hazy, unfiltered hop bomb. (Who’s thirsty?) As you keep sipping the brews, if a brewery has learned the craft of the world of sours, this consumption is a must! Lastly, you end with the High ABV whiskey barrel aged ale for dessert. Those bad boys deserve an AMEN! So, you clearly and unashamedly take a bomber or crowler home with you.

We all have preferences, but a beer nerd still drinks the gauntlet because it IS the right thing to do; plus, a solid porter may really surprise you (even if it’s not a drink that typically gets you stoked on a highway to beer heaven). I’m more of a hophead, but I also don’t mess around with quality sours and pretty much anything whiskey barrel aged with an ABV of 10% and up. Still, while I’m not getting crazy over the next Belgian Wit or Bohemian Amber Ale, I absolutely respect them. And you may not like west coast IPA’s (cough – Janel – cough), but if you are into beer, you still sip the dank of the gods and give a respectful shout out to the craft. Why? Because we all know that a brewer, who put in his sweat, and sometimes blood and tears, handcrafts each beautiful batch of beer; not to mention the obvious – everyone… every single one of us has a distinctive palate.

Palates are like people. We’re all over the place. I’ve become quite the fan of this hopped up pluralistic, diverse world to be quite honest!

Every single week our Brew Theology community in Denver meets at a local brewery to brew theology. That’s why we exist. We create healthy, meaningful and eclectic dialogue in pub communities. It works. And as someone who has been doing ministry since 1998 in a variety of contexts, I will say that what we’re doing now is the most freeing and complexly rich ministry I’ve ever tapped in nearly 20 years.

Why?

Because like a flight of beer, I get to sit with people who are Buddhist, Hindu, Jew, Atheist, Agnostic, Agnostic-Christian, Spiritual, Open and relational-Process theology oriented, Evangelical, Post Evangelical, Calvinist, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Ex-Mormon, Ex-Jehovah’s Witness, Vegan, Anarchist, Capitalist, and so on… some of our people attend conventional worship gatherings at a local church, and others haven’t been to a church in decades.

The pub has now become the sanctuary of all-encompassing beauty with genuinely WIDE open doors.

The beer mug is the chalice.

And the conversations are the sermon.

I know that I’m an IPA guy, but I’m always going to be sitting next to a Porter or a summer lager. Hell, there may be some people who still put a lime in their beer. And if it’s 90-100 degrees, I kind of don’t blame them, especially if they live in the South!

All voices are affirmed in these gatherings. Of course, we do have guidelines that remind everyone, “Don’t be a jerk, an a**, or a d*<$!”  You pick the best adjective that fits your people.

At the end of the day,

People.

Do.

Matter. 

I get to sit across the table with friends that have different beliefs, traditions and ways of living. We aim not to attack or even debate; rather, we aim to understand the vast flight of people with palates ranging from stouts to sours, hopped up on conservatism or left as malty Marxism.

To end with a profound word from Thich Nhat Hanh that fully speaks to what we are seeing in our Brew Theology communities is as follows: “We have different roots, traditions and ways of seeing, but we share the common qualities of love, understanding and acceptance. … The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When we are mindful, touching deeply the present moment, we can see and listen deeply.”

It’s time, my friends, to listen deeply. And this is what happens when you go a brewery and you order a flight. You are fully present in that flight. If the brewer is standing behind the counter, you aren’t going to say, “EWWW. Disgusting!” No. Even if you aren’t a fan of their brown ale, you are still going to be respectful and hopefully ask good, sincere questions about the beer that is in front of you. And listen. There’s a story behind the beer. You’re going to choose to be PRESENT! You may offer feedback if asked, and the same is true in our brew theology gatherings. You can still have an opinion. You can still be passionate. You may get your feelings hurt, but not intentionally. These communities are about genuine sincerity around the pub tables.

Brew Theology isn’t just a “safe” place where we can listen deeply, though. It IS a courageously brave space where the “other” across the table is valued and we are truly present. #HopHeadsUnite. And this is something worth prosting over, my brewin’ badass friends.

 Cheers.

Dialogue: A Key To Peace

Buddhist leader Thich Naht Hanh speaks of DIALOGUE being a key to peace in his book, “Living Buddha. Living Christ” while making the following statement:

“Different religious traditions can engage in dialogue with one another in a true spirit of ecumenism. Dialogue can be fruitful and enriching if both sides are truly open. If they really believe that there are valuable elements in each other’s tradition and that they can learn from one another, they will also rediscover many valuable aspects of their own tradition through such an encounter. Peace will be a beautiful flower blooming on this field of practice.”

We do NOT do dialogue well at all in our western world. Americans royally suck at having a meaningful conversation across differences. Screw peace and blooming flowers. We’ve created a nasty bed of thorns. And we really can’t blame the right or the left (as if scapegoating ever worked toward progress).

This process starts with looking in the mirror. The western world has been conditioned to behave in such a way that if someone believes in a different deity or interprets a religious passage in a differing light, we absolutely freak out. We have become polarizing, black and white, binary thinkers, and it’s affected our ability to connect with other humans. But what would happen if we simply sat down, took a deep breath and listened without feeling so damn threatened? Our identity must not be susceptible to the fears of pluralism and seemingly strange nuances within a particular religion whether it’s streams of Christianity or flavors of Atheism. We must slowly appreciate the other as a fully loved and accepted human, a person who shares this same planet and breathes in the same precious air.

In addition, Thich Naht Hanh makes the following statement about appreciating the other:

“We have to appreciate that truth can be received from outside of – not only within – our own group. If we do not believe that, entering into dialogue would be a waste of time. If we think we monopolize the truth and we still organize a dialogue, it is not authentic. We have to believe that by engaging in dialogue with the other person, we have the possibility of making a change within ourselves, that we become deeper. Dialogue is not a means for assimilation in the sense that one side expands and incorporates the other into its “self.” Dialogue must be practiced on the basis of “non-self.” We have to allow what is good, beautiful, and meaningful in the other’s tradition to transform us.”

I absolutely love the fact that I (Ryan) rarely write the content anymore for our Denver Brew Theology gatherings. I did for the first year, but soon realized that there were other gifted and intelligent and simply diversified views out there… and guess what? It worked! I get super excited when we bring in speakers who have content that I’m clueless about… I’m fully open, and it’s a beautiful thing! I thoroughly enjoy it when my friend, Liz, who is a Buddhist, writes content on Buddhism because I get to learn from her. I am opened to being transformed and my Christianity doesn’t feel threatened by it. Quite the opposite: It’s amazingly liberating!

People across the western world visit pubs and coffee houses in droves. And fluid conversation always happens in a bar or a coffee house. That being said, I have had multiple people tell me that the kind of honest and raw conversations being held at these venues are lacking substance and intentional focus for many individuals. Sure, there’s a lot of prosting going on (and maybe other things. Wink. Wink.). What happens in pubs is a lot of good-times fun, but there’s something missing. On the other hand, there is another kind of prosting going on in religious circles, but it often lacks diversity. And it is often one tribe doing its own echo-chamber, self-gratifying service without any attention or priority toward the “other.” These venues often lack the rawness, honesty and diverse vulnerability that are typically offered in a pub or a coffee house.

Brew Theology brings both worlds together. With fierce loyalty amongst friends and strangers across open tables, we passionately PROST with beers held high and crazy, diversified hearts in one prosting-accord. We have tapped into the secret that Thich Naht Hanh calls a key to true peace: Dialogue!

To Fix. To Abandon. Or...? Part 2

To Fix.

To Abandon.

As spelled out in the previous blog, these two actions are what’s driving the masses and simultaneously destroying people in the western world. It is obviously our go-to, and it’s become our life sentence in a polarizing time. I provided 4 examples from 4 participants in previous pub gatherings that do not fit the mold of the average Denver pub theologian; they fit the mold of the average western world posture, though. Remember, we – Brew Theology – don’t roll like that… and I believe we are truly onto something of genuine merit within a world looking for hope, belonging, change and goodness.

So, where does this leave us?

Well, what motivates people to feel the need to fix others and abandon either the conversation or another person/ group altogether?

Fear.

Fear has been one of the greatest motivators since the dawn of civilization, and we can still see fear work itself into business, politics, religion, families, etc. Yet, it doesn’t provide anything worthy of praise, and it only makes us feel more depressed at the end of the day. Fear drives us, and it simultaneously cripples us.

So, in order to “fix” the problem of people feeling the need to fix one another, we need to abandon fear. Once we abandon fear, we will be okay with sitting in a room with people from different walks of life. We live in the age of pluralism and it’s not going away. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Buddhists, etc. are all around us. The best way to make the world and your community a better place is to get rid of this deep-seated raging fear, and rather be motivated by compassion, love, beauty and one’s truest presence.

Rather than saying, “That’s stupid. You’re wrong. I can’t deal with this anymore” why not say, “Hmmmm. Help me understand where you are coming from! Why do you think this way?” We need to stop feeling threatened by another ideology and belief system that is vastly different from the one we carry; we must lean in and be present – not in order to “fix” the other, but to understand the “other.” And once we are present, and our lives are filled with compassion, we will begin to see humans again. Scapegoating will cease once we recognize it and call it out. It’s critical we start seeing one another as real humans with beating hearts (Note: This doesn’t mean we don’t call out abuse and oppression as I wrote about in Part 1).

We are all connected.

We share the same soil.

We breathe the same air.

We carry the same substance.

And while someone may choose to worship in a place different from you, and someone else chooses to do other things with their time and reject organized religion all together, it is best to start seeing some light within the eyes of the “other” in order to live side-by-side in the days ahead.

Who knows?

We may actually learn something from someone who holds another belief about the divine (or lack thereof). We may be inclined to give the next generation a shot of not isolating children in a bubble, but giving them the opportunity to experience the world with fresh eyes and child-eyes wonder.

Just ask your children about the differences that we fight over when it comes to religion. They simply won’t get it. They’ll only get it when they see us love and embrace the human who lives across the street, and they’ll also see it when we exclude and hurt others as well.

The pub is all about having open arms, open minds and a willingness to choose presence in the face of difference. We don’t have a shared intellectual-belief system. We have shared values, though. This is what makes it work, and it is good work I feel will help move us forward as a greater society.

Start with self.

Don’t convert.

DO compassion.

Don’t abandon.

DO abide.

Abide in the spaces that seem unnatural, and transcend the awkwardness by allowing the self to sit in it. It’s not so bad. Like I said, you may find something new, and you may find appreciation and mutual respect.

It starts within…

As the writer of 1 John in the New Testament reminds us, “Perfect loves drives out fear.”

Peace,

Ryan

To Fix. To Abandon. Or...?

To Fix.

To Abandon.

These two actions are what’s driving the masses and simultaneously destroying people. It’s our go-to, and it’s our life sentence, which is sadly killing us softy each and every day.

We don’t roll like that at Brew Theology, and I do believe it is one of the main reasons why we’ve been able to not only sustain a great Denver community filled with vastly different kinds of interesting people; it’s why we thrive as an example for what I think can and will change communities around the western world. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let me explain the negative by giving you 4 examples of different people who’ve come to the local Denver gatherings and have been steered by these two harmful actions: to fix and to abandon.

I’ll preface by saying that while we encourage diverse thought, we aim to be respectful, listen well and remember that nobody gets the “last word.” Bottom line: Don’t be a jerk. Now, while we are open to all viewpoints, tolerance is not the word we would use to describe our gatherings. In fact, I am convinced that nobody is tolerant; it’s a nice buzzword, but it badly misses the point of healthy diversity. If someone is dismissive and oppressive, that is simply not allowed. You can hold a differing opinion, but the minute you get cranked up on Mountain Dew and demean another human in the flesh, we will have some words… and I’ve had to do this before on a few occasions.

For historical reasons that we could possibly unpack in another post (Thanks Plato), we have inherited a rigid, dualistic worldview. I hate to fully blame ‘ole Plato (even though his epic influence has completely saturated how we live in the west) as dualism can be traced to ancient Egyptian religions as well. Still, due to this way of being, we – humans – operate under a “fix” or “abandon” posture when it comes to anything that we deem different, unusual, and/or conflicting to our liking, understanding and chosen (or un-chosen?) ideology. Thus, we have the “far left” and the “far right,” the “good,” the “bad,” the “pretty,” the “ugly,” the “orthodox,” and the “heretic.” Ever been called an anathema? It happened a to a buddy the other day. Ugh. C’mon! And while there are some obvious actions that a society – at large – can deem abhorrent, and there are definite times when we should stand up for injustice, our typical, rigid labels and categories of “black” and “white” have not helped us when kindly trying to make sense of the “other.”

This leads us to the “fix” or the “abandon” way of life…. When we don’t understand something or a situation, and the other’s beliefs seem cringe-worthy and deplorable to our current belief system, we naturally want to fix the other. By the way, this is why we – Brew Theology – make sure and hold ourselves accountable to not move toward the way-too-easily-adopted soapbox. If we tell ourselves to listen and understand rather than impulsively critique someone’s differing position, this will help bridge that strange gap that divides the masses. However, we feel compelled to fix someone’s wrong thinking since Platonic thinking still runs the western show. And if we can’t fix someone’s thinking, we get frustrated. So, we abandon them. Furthermore, there are others in our world(s) that don’t even bother with getting on a soapbox to fix; they simply abandon!

A dualistic thinker posed a strange – yet all to common – question to a recent speaker at the pub, “Do you feel as if your group is superior to the western white world, as you seem to imply from your talk?”

For a second, one could hear a pin drop. And the speaker – who doesn't live according to this western worldview – provided a gracious response, “Not superior. Just gentler.”

It was an honest question, but the question missed the point and it definitely could have been asked another way, more respectfully without the supposed snarky answer in the question. Needless to say, this person left the group before the discussion time, furthering the typical posture of abandoning. Side note: While the majority of the group would have disagreed with this person that evening, they would have given him the benefit of the doubt to express his legitimate thoughts. Still, to fix or abandon wins the day for most people.

Another friend of mine used to attend these pub gatherings. He’s an atheist, a kind and good person that I respect, and now I miss… While we have many atheists who frequent the pub and contribute in helpful ways just like anyone else with another Judeo-Christian belief system, this person continued to use the “fix” strategy and would get others in the group going down unnecessary rabbit trails, aiming to convince others that their belief in God was wrong. A few times, this man was ironically called a “fundamentalist,” which didn’t go over very well as you can imagine. While he was a delight on so many levels, he did operate in this “fix”-postured way on many occasions. I had a few chats with him, trying to help him understand that while his opinion matters, it’s important to remember that we have to graciously listen and put down our dualistic agendas regardless of beliefs. We discourage Christians from trying to zealously convert others to their preferred way, and we discourage atheists alike. Over time, he stopped attending the group.

Again: Fix and abandon.

There was a biblical literalist who attended a gathering on feminism. We had a young female leader moderating the group table. While there were a handful of people in the group who were more “progressively” minded with this topic, there were two others with more conventional, patriarchal views when it comes to women’s roles, etc. This is fine to allow for multiple views, but this is when the tension can and does get very interesting. One of the individuals, a long-standing Denver pub theologian, spoke with conviction, passion, intelligence and much grace. The other dissenting individual spoke with conviction, passion and intelligence. Yet, he forgot to bring any kind of grace or compassion to the table. He was dismissive toward the table moderator, talked over her and others, and used his Bible as a zealous weapon of hatred rather than encouragement and love. Several of the group attendees voiced their complaints after the fact. While the other groups were having amazing, robust dialogue, this table was plain messy and horribly unproductive. Let me remind you that we had two people in this small group who were “complimentarian” in their theological positions of women in ministry along with women in the household. This was not the issue; the issue stemmed from bigotry and the inability to listen in love. I spoke with this person, and I even tried to set up a time to talk over coffee or a beer. However, this individual never understood the error of his ways, and was unable to make the time to talk about his possible poor posture. This person has not come back to a gathering, and I think that is okay. I can’t fix that. He chose to “fix” and then to “abandon.”

To finish, last fall we were honored to listen to a female Muslim leader speak about Islam 101. It was fascinating. Then came the Q & R time. A newcomer eagerly raised his hand, and as he began firing away “questions,” I noticed he was reading from several sheets of printed-paper, extreme jihad loaded proof texts from the Quran. The entire questioning was rooted in his interpretive thoughts, not the presenter’s beliefs. It was an over-the-top, anti-Muslim loaded question (ask anyone of the 50 people in attendance). I was beyond embarrassed. Still, our speaker was a generous Rock Star! She even continued to dialogue with this person via email for months afterward until he continued to be persistently zealous and dogmatic in his ways (over hers). I saw the email interactions as I told our speaker to email me if this individual got out of hand. Yup. He did. I was appalled, and after messaging with him about how he could have handled himself differently, this person has not been back to a gathering. He too chose to fix, and then to abandon just like the other examples, above.

Where does this leave us?

(To Be Continued…)

Peace,

Ryan