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Monday, March 21, 2011

Theology Pubs: An Alternative Forum for Christian Conversation

More and more churches are beginning to lead informal discussion groups  called "Theology Pubs", or "Pubs on Tap". I've seen these terms used quite regularly on my facebook feed and finally had to do a little digging.  Have a beer and talk about God? Sounds almost too good to be true!






I have to admit that having a beer or two and conversing about theology while in the form of an organized church group  is totally foreign to me. Perhaps I've been living in a hole..but, to my surprise, these groups are actually not a new thing. Some  have been formed and meeting regularly for decades now. One group organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago has been meeting regularly for 30 years! 

What kinds of topics do these groups discuss when they meet? It seems everything and anything that might be relevant to Christianity and one's journey of faith. The picture above was taken off this website: http://www.watershedtc.org/pubtheology.htm   a group that is part of the Christian Reformed Church. Many  "Theology on Tap" groups I have found have been predominately Catholic and Epsicoplian oriented, but it seems like both protestant and catholic circles have found use for them.

This particular group, Watershed, explains their format as such:

The format is simple.
Beer, conversation, and God. Everything is up for discussion, no assumptions, no barriers to entry. If you are going to get upset because someone questions something that is important to you maybe this isn’t for you, but if you think that whatever might be true ought to be able to stand up to being questioned maybe it is.

Some other topics that I found while perusing the web that find their way in discussions at these events were: Is God Green? , Does God care about injustice?   Heaven and Hell,  What does it mean to say 'Jesus is here'? , The Religion of Reason, etc.

So, my question to you is this: Have you ever been to a Theology Pub? Would you go to one if you had the opportunity? Do you think that a pub is an appopriate forum for theological discussions?

I, for one, am intrigued and might just have to see if we have one happening in our local area. I'd love to attend one and then share my experiences :)

31 comments:

  1. Hmmm. I have to say that the concept is very attractive. I can remember about 10 years ago sitting in the garden of a pub in Bromley (in the UK) and see a couple of young guys sinking pints and discussing God in depth. I was intrigued. Faith for me then was becoming interesting.
    Healthy and open discussion on theology is good. It's one of the reasons I'm such a big supporter of The Alpha Course. The secular world has far too many mis-conceptions about faith. Interesting article. Thanks. BTW I'd love to join a pub theology group.

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  2. I like it, Jessica. It just might be a perfect solution for what I've been looking for. I am still looking for community, somewhere I can safely share my belief system.

    I've often thought about starting a group myself. This MIGHT just be the impetus I need to move on this.

    Thanks, Jessica!

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  3. i'm not sure how they are called in italy jessica... but they have started out Lectio Divina sessions open to the public... i have attended some... it's quite impersonal since we are many and it takes long... but the Word of God becomes richer through theological discussions and the experiences that were shared...

    i wish we have those kind of effort in our place too... i will attend...:)

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  4. Christopher, if you ever decide to start a group... be sure to let me know, I live in CT and would be interested in coming :)

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  5. Marty,
    Glad you enjoyed the article :) I would join one too...it would be nice to have a down to earth atmosphere where Christians and those interested in God could bounce ideas and experiences off one another. Thank you for your comments :)
    ~blessings

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  6. Melissa,

    I could see how the larger the group the more impersonal. That's the downside of anything becoming too popular. Perhaps one way of counteracting that would be to form more groups ;) I think the opportunity of discussing and practicing Lectio Devina with others would be a blessing.Neat that you have attended some! :)

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  7. I think it's a cool idea...maybe more accessible for those not totally emerged in faith??? Anything that brings people together for some intelligent conversation is good in my books! :)

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  8. Thanks KD For your thoughts :) I think it all depends, when it comes to who these types of events attract. There's definitley certain denomininations of christians they simply won't-the ones that feel that any form of drinking, even responsible adult consumption, is not a good idea. I respect their view...but then there's a whole host of us Christians who would, I feel, get a lot of benefit from these types of get togethers. Christians that don't hvae issues with alcohol but enjoy a friendly and open setting with friends.

    I definitely think this type of event would have a good chance of bringing those that might not be totally emerged with the Christian faith in to discussion with those who are...and that's always a good thing! I love sharing thoughts, ideas and beliefs in an open forum with others...and frankly, too little of that ever goes on. It's something everyone would benefit from, taking away from the night, hopefully, mutual respect with those involved, some new thoughts and ideas to chew on and sense of fellowship. Sounds good to me! I agree, intelligent conversation is good in my books too...something hard to come by at times considering most talk is on the latest episode of this or that. ;)

    ~blessings

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  9. Sounds interesting but what happens when everyone gets drunk?? Just a thought lol At least they are having thought provoking conversation ....

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  10. I believe that any time a group of people can come together and have true discussions about a topic is good. Why not this? It may actually be a positive experience! I would have to leave the beer to someone else or I wouldn't be able to have a half way decent conversation. I'm such a slush if I ingest alcohol:)

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  11. I have never been to such a group. It sounds very interesting but this is a new concept to me. Please don´t think I am a prune and I do believe God and some deep issues can be discussed everywhere and anywhere but to go to a pub and have a beer? Can it be a cup of coffee? Wow, a very interesting concept!

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  12. We did have a group here in Peoria..but we met at panera.. a bread and coffee place with free internet...we all talked about God over coffee and bread in a relaxed atmosphere.I don't drink and don't like to be around alcohol..so I wouldn't be goin to a pub.. but to each his own right? As always...XOXOXO

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  13. Hi Jessica, living in the UK, I regularly talk about theology in the pub, its the obvious place to do it. We don't have an organised group like the ones you've mentioned but something a bit more 'as and when'. My church is organising a chance for non-Christians to grill a Christian though in a pub, during a mission we are running. Its great that its also happening on the other side of the pond!

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  14. Never have been to a theology pub, but they sound interesting enough!

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  15. I didn't realize there were places like this in the US. I've always known that pubs in Ireland and the UK aren't like bars here. They are more like our coffee shops. Its because of the differences in the way that Americans and Europeans view alcohol. Generally in the US religion and politics are taboo topics in bars although most of the time my conversations turn that way because of my tattoos. Eventually someone is going to ask me why I have a tattoo of Jesus crying tears of blood on my arm. Anyways, its very nice to see that there are Christians publicly condoning the responsible use of alcohol.

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  16. lol Angeleyes...well I'm not sure, I've never been to one, but I'm pretty sure getting drunk would be frowned upon! Good question though ;)

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  17. Mary, yeah I'd only have one or two myself...wouldn't want to make a fool of myself! ;)...

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  18. Nelieta,

    I don't think you are a prune for saying that! I thought it was a definitely unorthodox forum when I heard about them. Definitely not for everyone! I enjoy bible studies with a nice warm cup of coffee in my hand :) I think it's important to note the difference though, that it's not like having church in a pub..it's more of a format in which to discuss a particular theological question, or perhaps a question concerning the church, etc. I wouldn't be for worshipping God while having a beer in my hand! That's just me though :)

    Thanks for your thoughts...I always appreciate them :)

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  19. Thanks Bonnie and Debra ...it's definitely an interesting atmosphere, not for everyone, but definitely opening up the communication for some :) ~blessings

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  20. Mike...that's great! I guess the UK is a little more progressive in these areas than us, over here...but I think that's a great idea...how fun...to have interactions between non-christians and christians in a friendly kind of debate while in a the warm atmosphere of a pub :)

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  21. Thanks Jon...

    Sounds like you have quite the tattoo...very cool :) Thanks for your thoughts, yeah I think they could prove as positive forums for some that are open and comfortable with such an atmosphere.
    ~blessings

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  22. I tweeted it, facebooked it, liked it! Well done!

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  23. I am hearing something like this for the first time. I don't think I could do something like that. I am way too conservative and I think the word of god requires certain reverence. If the word has to be spread, there are other ways of doing so, not like this. Coffee and the like would be okay but beer and pubs, A big NO. Like Lisa asked, what happens when people get drunk?

    The whole idea seems a bit foolish to me.

    Joy always,
    SUsan

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  24. I agree with you, Susan Deborah.

    Friendship with the world is enmity with God. James 4:4

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  25. Thanks Susan,

    There are definitely factors to consider...and I appreciate your thoughts and comments. It certainly isn't for everyone, and honestly, I've never been to one myself. I think, however, the fact that these types of get together don't replace church should be stressed. It's not a time of worship, it's a time of considering a question, whether it's what role a church plays in its community, an issue relating to social justice, etc.

    I'm not necessarily justifying the act, though I personally, don't find anything wrong with it as long as people aren't getting drunk. That definitely doesn't seem the intention at these events. If it were, for sure, I would deem them highly innappropriate. The Bible talks a lot about drunkeness.

    Anyways, I found it an interesting happening that I hadn't known about until recently so thought I'd present it to everyone to see what they thought, I appreciate your honest reactions :)

    ~blessings

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  26. Our Tuesday evening gathering at McCreary's Irish pub in Franklin TN is called "Draft Theology".

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  27. Drinking is not drunkenness. Jesus didn't turn water into grape-juice, it was wine. "Wine makes merry the heart of man." etc. etc. Nyway, these have been going on for hundreds of years (nay, thousands!) I remember the first time I saw a group of pastors drinking and talking theology after hours at a 3-day long Presbytery meeting. I saw no one drink more than 2 drinks over (and that over a couple hours.) The conversations were beautiful, cordial, wonderfully enlightening and glorifying of God. When I questioned the wisdom of this I was gently directed to study the scriptures in this regard. -And after study my whole perspective changed. The ability of such forums to break down barriers are appreciable only when you see them in person. What a great God we serve! Soli Deo Gloria! :-)

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  28. Xaris...great name for your get togethers at the pub...thanks for sharing :)

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  29. Thank you so much David for sharing your positive experience of these events. Any act that breaks down barriers and brings God glory is a beautiful thing. You bring up a good point when it comes to the controversy that exists between differing christian's philosophies of alcohol consumption...the study of scripture. It's so important not just to accept ideas handed down, but to question and research them for oneself.
    Thanks for stopping by :)
    ~blessings

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  30. Life is an open forum so why not? I guess to some the idea of discussing religion in a pub is not the right place but if you are going to do it, it seems as good a place as any if not a better place than some. From the thoughts of the individuals in my local - they put the world to rights including religion and I think it's been going on a lot lot longer than most people realise.

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