In this episode, Will and I geek out on theology, philosophy, and one of our favorite superheroes: Daredevil! Enjoy our conversation on the life and times of Matt Murdock and be sure to check out Will over at the Systematic Geekology podcast!

Aside from being a certified geek, Will is also a life long Lutheran and a full time minister.

The price drop for using the TILLICHTODAY promo code at theology beer camp has increased to $50 off of your ticket! For more information, check out the link below:

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

This week, I am cross-posting a popular episode featured on my other podcast, Byte-Geist, to Tillich Today. In this episode of Byte-Geist, I dive into the fiery depths of one of Christianity's most enduring and controversial concepts: Hell. Together, let's challenge the traditional depictions of eternal damnation through a lively discussion with Dr. Rodney Duke, a biblical scholar and distinguished professor at Appalachian State University. Known for his insightful scholarship and engaging teaching style, Dr. Duke has just the right expertise to help us explore what the New Testament really says about Hell and how these interpretations have evolved over time. We review the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts that have shaped Christian understandings of the afterlife.

Don't forget to get your Theology Beer Camp tickets! Using the promo code TILLICHTODAY at check out will get you $25 off of your purchase! For more on Dr. Duke's work, see the following links and be sure to check out his online devotionals. Devotional Blog: ⁠https://dukesdevotional.blogspot.com/⁠ Scholarly Work: Rodney Duke, "Eternal Torment or Destruction? Interpreting Final Judgment Texts" Evangelical Quarterly 88.3 (2016/17) 237-58.  ⁠https://brill.com/view/journals/evqu/... Rodney Duke, “The Idiom of ‘Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth’ in the Gospels: A Funerary Formula,” Perspectives in Religious Studies 47.3 (2020) 283-98. ⁠   • Rodney Duke–Eternal Torment or Destru...  

Paul Tillich was a well known admirer of Nietzsche's philosophy. Reading Tillich with a close eye, the immense influence of good old Freddie on his own thought becomes crystal clear. Legend even has it that he carried a copy of at least one of Nietzsche's texts with him on the frontlines of the first world war.

This week I am joined by Caroline Wall, a Boston University PhD student studying Nietzschean Ethics. With her help, let's take a dee dive into one of Tillich's foundational philosophical influences.

This is the first in one of many episodes where we will be focusing on one of Tillich's major philosophical or theological influences and breaking down their ideas into bite sized pieces.

Why are we so afraid of facing death? What's it like to regularly see death and dying as an aspect of your work? Is there a better way to die? In this week's episode, I talk with Nathan Patti, a BU School of Theology graduate and chaplain resident at Yale New Haven Hospital. We discuss Tillich, drug addiction, chaplaincy, and what it means to be "called."

What is feminist theology? Can applying this lens enhance the way we understand theological categories like sin and grace? And how do we preserve the wisdom of ancient religious and intellectual traditions without ignoring problematic views concerning race and gender?

Find out in my interview with the phenomenal Dr. Rachel Sophia Baard, an extraordinary guest who offers a fresh and much needed perspective on Tillichian theology.

Here's a short clip from the Byte-Geist Podcast that Tillich Today listeners are sure to enjoy. This week, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Schilbrack to discuss philosophy of religion, contemporary threats to the humanities, and the challenges of defining religion. If you like this clip, head on over to Byte-Geist, where you'll find a variety of conversations on culture, philosophy, and religion.

It's common knowledge that Paul Tillich was a military chaplain during the fist world war, which we have discussed here at the Pod Beyond Pod. But what's it really like to serve as a religious leader in a military context? This week on the Tillich Today sister podcast, Byte-Geist, I talk with Jordan Henrick about that very question. We go deep into the meaning of life, the struggle of overcoming trauma and heartbreak, and what makes military chaplaincy unique as a calling.

Enjoy this short clip from my conversation and if you'd like to hear the full episode, jump on over to Byte-Geist, now on YouTube as well as Spotify.

Today, I discuss the ethical and theological significance of video games with Dr. Benjamin Chicka. Together, we explore the world of gaming and the overlooked but near endless possibilities for virtue cultivation within digital worlds. Dr. Chicka brings nuance and originality to the world of theology and Tillichian scholarship so this is an episode you don’t want to miss. If you’re interested in hearing conversations  like these beyond the context of Paul Tillich, check out Tillich Today's sister podcast, Byte-Geist. 

Dr. Chicka has published two books:

Playing as Others: Theology and Ethical Responsibility in Video Games

God the Created: Pragmatic Constructive Realism in Philosophy and Theology

Dr. Chicka's PAX East 2015 Panel "The Science of Online Bullying: A Lesson in Diversity"

The North American Paul Tillich Society

What is Christian Atheism? Does theology matter if you no longer believe in God?

In today's episode, I try to answer these question with Marqueze Kennedy. We talk about our shared strruggles with faith as well as what it's like to be a non-believer studying in a Methodist seminary.

And for those who have been following the Pod since the beginning, it looks we've finally settled on an opening theme song!

Today, I am joined by Dr. Christian Danz, a world class theologian and professor of Systematic Theology in Vienna. We'll explore Paul Tillich’s early influences and why our socio historical contexts and conversation partners are pivotal to the longevity of our thinking. 

Hosting Tillich Today has been great fun. That's why I'm expanding my efforts in a new podcast series called Byte-Geist.

Byte-Geist facilitates digital musings on existential matters that everyone can relate to. Here, you can find interviews with academic, professionals, and everyday people just trying to get by in a world that is, even in the best of times, a disorienting place to be.

Check it out and subscribe if you can. Link below:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uTH7DJOIQFTqcHvdYiUwP?si=7ce44b3bd28f48aa

What's the big deal with Thomas Aquinas, anyway? And what, if anything, might ole' Tommy Aqua have to do with Paul Tillich's existential theology? This week I sit down for conversation on Aquinas, Tillich, and much more with Sarah Thomas, A recent fellow for the North American Paul Tillich Society and a theology student at the Catholic University of America.

This week, Tillich Today is joined by theology podcast extraordinaire, Dr. Tripp Fuller. We chat about process philosophy, our introductions to the work of Paul Tillich, and the most efficient way to smoke a cigar. This conversation was a blast and I hope you enjoy!

If you live under a rock and aren't yet familiar with Homebrewed Christianity, check out Tripp's page here: https://trippfuller.com/podcasts/ and be sure to use the promo code TILLICHTODAY for a discount on your ticket to Theology Beer Camp this October!

For more info on Beer Camp, click here: https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

What is the relationship between faith and doubt? How do we overcome despair when confronting the ugliest dimensions of human nature? Can philosophy help us grapple with these issues?

In this episode, Dr. Samuel Andrew Shearn drops by the Pod Beyond Pod to tackle these questions and discuss his book Pastor Tillich. We talk about Tillich’s time as an army chaplain during WWI, his engagement with the German philosopher Friedrich Schelling, and the meaning of justification.

Dr. Shearn's web links:

https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192857859.001.0001

https://www.ev.theologie.uni-mainz.de/systematische-theologie-und-sozialethik/samuel-shearn/

Have you recently found yourself sitting up at night, tossing and turning as you contemplate the nature of your finitude? Yes? Then this brief foray into existentialism is just for you!

This episode is one of many bite sized philosophical videos where we will focus in on a theme or concept critical to understanding the thinkers and topics explored in interviews. Here, I provide a breakdown of ontology, explaining why it's not just an issue introverted nerds in Higher Ed should care about.

Is existence inherently meaningless? Are human-robot relationships possible? Is Rick Deckard a replicant? This week, I do a deep dive on pop culture, philosophy, and religion with Regan Hardeman.

Can LGBTQ-identified individuals rediscover faith amid religious trauma? What paths are open for queer people who hold onto Christian beliefs despite facing rejection? And what the heck does ontology have to do with gender and sexuality? On this episode, Rev. J.J. Warren and I explore these issues and more through the lens of Paul Tillich's theology.

In this episode of Tillich Today, I sit down with Dr. Robert C. Neville, a renowned philosopher, theologian, and religious studies scholar. We talk about Tillich's understanding of God as the "ground of being", his relationship to non-western religious and philosophical traditions, his ambiguous identity as a Christian theologian, and what those uninterested in academic theology can learn by engaging with his work.

Do you ever think about dying? Has metaphysical shock of non-being got you bent out of shape? Well, then have a got a podcast episode for you. Join Nick and I as we tackle these questions and much more. We won't heal you're existential crisis, but, with any luck and with the help of Paul Tillich, we can help you navigate it!

Don't forget to check out Theology Beer Camp (coming to Denver this October). Use the promo code TILLICHTODAY for $25 off of your ticket. Link Below:

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

This week I sit down with Rev. Tory Shane Dillard for a conversation on mysticism, ministry, and friendship (not to mention a little bit of Paul Tillich, for good measure). Tory is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. He currently serves in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference. Tory considers himself to be a Process theologian with roots in Wesleyan and Mystical thought. In his spare time Rev. Tory is a poet, actor, and writer. He received his Masters of Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology. Rev. Tory believes that as long as we find and maintain our deep rooted sense of joy, wonder, and compassion within our own being and in the being of others, then we can face any and all challenges ahead. Rev. Tory gives thanks to God, Jesus Christ, and to his many mentors and friends for getting him to where he is today both theologically and pastorally.

What is the relationship between art, religion, and culture? How are existential questions addressed in each? Can offensive street art be spiritually deep? In this video, I explore these issues through the existentialist lens of German-American scholar Paul Tillich, covering his ideas about "God" and culture, digging into a bit of art history, and explaining why even video games, Instagram memes, and graffiti constitute meaningful ways of engaging with the most important aspects of human existence.

After a much needed Easter break, Tillich Today is back with Dr. Nimi Wariboko, scholar, professor, and all around smart cookie. We discuss Tillich's thought in the context of contemporary economics, Pentecostal theology, and moral philosophy.

Today, I'm joined by Tolkien Heads sensation Nick Polk. Together we'll explore the Lord of the Rings, the theology of Tolkien, Tillich, Process Theology, and much, much more. Those interested in middle earth, fantasy, and philosophy won't want to miss my conversation with Nick, whose an ace when it comes to talking Tolkien.

If you enjoy my podcasting antic and the music featured in each episode, check out the Instagram page! The intro to this week's episode is a LOTR inspired guitar piece arranged and composed by myself.

Tillich is well known for embracing a school of thought known as Neoplatonism, creatively pairing its ancient insights with his Existential worldview. Plotinus, popularly known as the first Neoplatonism, had a tremendous impact on Tillichian theology, particularly Tillich's understanding of God as the Ground of Being. Today, let's briefly examine some of his main his ideas to get a better sense of why Tillich may have found such inspiration in Plotinian philosophy.

How does one coherently speak about the ineffable? Was Paul Tillich a religious naturalist? This week, I talk with the ever stupendous Jeff Speaks about metaphysics, apophaticism, the complexities of naturalist theology, and how to best characterize Tillich's theological lens. This is an especially relevant episode for any one who, like Jeff and myself, thirsts for a philosophically informed spiritual framework but rejects supernaturalism.

Jeff Speaks is a PhD Candidate at Boston University School of Theology studying theology, philosophy, and ethics.

This week we welcome back Nick Polk from the Tolkien Heads podcast to talk about his new book, Tolkien and Pop Culture, Paul Tillich, and how the Lord of the Rings teaches us to endure and overcome.

You can find Nick's work and links to his book here: https://tolkienpop.substack.com/

Has life got you down? Are you really going through it? Then tune in to a special edition of the pod beyond pod. Friend of the show Nathan Patti is back to chat about trauma, friendship, and the merits of learning to suffer well.

That said, Over the weekend, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and other parts of the Southeastern United States experienced severe flooding as a result of Hurricane Helene. The region has been absolutely devastated, with limited access in or out of the communities impacted. Many residents are cut off from all communication and are running low on food, gas, and clean water. The local healthcare infrastructure is on the brink of collapse, ordinary emergency services have been suspended or reduced, and most of the areas impacted have been without power for days with no clear signs as to when it will return again. Please consider donating to the American Red Cross NC, United Way of North Carolina, Operation Airdrop, or any other local non-profit or mutual aid organization serving the mountain communities most impacted.

Tillich Today has returned after a long hiatus! Our first episode features Dr. James McLachlan, a professor at Western Carolina University who specializes in theology and philosophy of religion. We talk about French existentialism, literature, and how well Robert Pattison puts on an Appalachian accent.

This week Josh Patterson from the Rethinking Faith Podcast joins me to talk Tillich, Process Philosophy, and the Death of God!

Nathan Patti is back for round two of our series on the theme of suffering well. In this episode, we discuss the concept of grace and how on earth that could be helpful to living a good life.

This week, Dr. Ben Chicka returns to the Pod Beyond Pod to help me do a deep dive on Paul Tillich's fraught life in 1930's Germany, his life as a public intellectual in the United States, and how we can use his philosophy to navigate sociopolitical complexities in our own time.

I just watched Robert Eggers' new Nosferatu remake. So naturally I invited friend of the show, Nathan Patti, on to discuss the film. We talk about existentialism, psychoanalysis, and, as always, Paul Tillich.

Also, check out the newly released Patreon, where you can support what I'm doing here and my content on youtube: https://patreon.com/BYTEGEIST?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

As many of you may already know, I also run an educational YouTube channel called BYTE-GEIST. As a special bonus episode this week, I'm uploading one of my recent video essays.

Monsters, especially when it comes to horror films, are never just monsters. Sure, they’re human creations, but what they reflect is anything but simple fantasy. Horror, as a genre, has always acted as an unsettling mirror to society’s deepest fears and insecurities. The shit that keeps us awake at night and makes our hearts skip a beat, all personified as imaginary beasts of every shape and size. Few films capture this dynamic as powerfully as F.W. Murnau’s 1922 masterpiece, Nosferatu. It’s not just a cheap vampire movie—it’s a haunting window into the spiritual and cultural anxieties of the German landscape immediately following World War I. So….what happens when a society collectively stares into the abyss? Let’s find out

After a brief Christmas break, the Pod Beyond Pod is back in action with J.L. Pearl from the War Machine podcast. In this episode, we discuss radical theology, continental philosophy, and the moral complexities of historical figures like John Brown.

This week I sat down for a live broadcast with the admins of Comrade Dale Earnhardt, the best meme page on Facebook! We talk Nascar, progressive politics, the south, and why Toby Kieth ruined country music.

Be sure to like, follow, and comment what you think we should talk about on the next Y'allidarity Hour!

Who is Curtis Yarvin, why has his "philosophy" been so influential to public figures like J.D. Vance, and what does all of have to do with Lord of the Rings? In this episode, Nick and Leah join the pod beyond pod to explain all of these questions and much more!

This week, Nathan (Now a Tillich Today co-host) and Taylor went live on YouTube this week to talk about the news using our background in philosophy and theology.

This week, I welcome Dr. Thomas J. Oord to the podcast to discuss process philosophy, relational theology, and his defense of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Christian spaces. As someone who is comfortable identifying as an atheist and still has a lot of resentment towards her conservative Baptist upbringing, Oord's approach to theology and his emphasis on building relationships as a key feature of his ministry was a breathe of fresh aid.

To learn more about his work and browse his books, see http://thomasjayoord.com

This week, Tillich Today welcomes Danny Lybarger to the podcast, founder of the Well. We discuss the role of the church in contemporary life, the scriptural basis for LGBTQ+ acceptance, the painful experience of deconversion, and the value of finding common ground. You can find Danny at https://www.instagram.com/thewell.636/. He was also featured in a recent Jubilee video with YouTuber Alex O'Conner. Check out his work and let me know your thoughts on our interview.

Nathan is back for the second edition of our weekly news recap. In this episode, we talk about the Trump regime and the situation in Gaza. We also take a deep dive into existentialism, liberation theology, and the meaning of Kendrick Lamar's halftime show.

Again, be sure to become a Patreon member at Byte-Geist to support the show.

This is a spicy episode, so here's your content warning.

This week, Tillich Today welcomes Dr. Nathan Eric Dickman for a conversation on philosophy, religion, and the ethics of violence.

If you're not already a patreon subscriber, be sure to follow me www.patreon.com/BYTEGEIST and visit my online store at https://byte-geist-shop.fourthwall.com/

Nathan Patti, who has graciously taken on the role of co-host here at Tillich Today, joins me for a new semi-weekly segment where we analyze recent events through a theological and philosophical lens. Since the Hamburger Reich shows no sign of easing up on their attempts to dismantle liberal democracy in the US and gut what little remains of government safety nets, Nathan and I should have no shortage of topics to discuss. This week we focused on Trump's dehumanizing attack on immigrants and Elon's mad dash to empty federal coffers.

Be warned that this episode gets explicit. In our defense, it is difficult to maintain composure amidst such an unbridled attack on basic American civil liberties.

Let us know what news stories you'd like us to cover next. Also, be sure to become a member on Patreon (at BYTE-GEIST) and visit my shop at https://byte-geist-shop.fourthwall.com/

This week I am joined by friends of the show Josh Patterson and Will Rose, who agreed to do a podcast collaboration all about my favorite graphic novel, Maus. We talk about Art Spiegelman's cultural impact, the relevance of Maus today, and what do when the worst parts of history seem to be repeating themselves.

Be sure to become a Patreon follower at Byte-Geist if you haven't already and check out my online store at https://byte-geist-shop.fourthwall.com/

This week Ryan Does (host of the Skipping Church Podcast) joins me to discuss John Cena, comedy, how tampons became political, and why Christian entertainment is so terrible. This episode is probably best left for audiences who don't mind a little immature humor from time to time.

This week, Nathan and Taylor discuss the unlawful detainment of Palestinian activist and Columbia grad student Mahmoud Kahlil, the overreaches of ICE, and the philosophy of Jacques Derrida.

What is an extremist for love and why is "extremism" necessary for enacting social justice? This week, I invited J.T. Young on the pod beyond pod to find out. We talk about his book, racial justice, and the meaning of activism in the contemporary world.

Extremists for Love: A Theological Introduction to the Struggle for Racial Justice in America "gives readers a critical overview of twenty central figures from the history of the black liberation struggle in the United States, exposing the theological trappings of their work and what they mean for the church today."

You can find his work at the following links:

Personal Website: https://www.extremists-for-love.com/

Publisher Book Page: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666776782/extremists-for-love/

Friend of the shot Ben Chicka joins us on the podcast this week to discuss the escalating situation in Ukraine and whether Democrats can get their act together in time to mount a defense.

Tillich Today welcomes back James McLachlan to talk all things existential philosophy. We discuss existentialist perspective on Marxism, philosophical arguments regarding the use of violence, and the historic beef between Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus.