The Power of Podcasting: Exploring a New Frontier at Theology Beer Camp

What a fantastic Homebrewed Christianity Theology Beer Camp!

Tripp Fuller

organized another amazing sold-out event with amazing speakers, podcasters, special events, book signings and so much more. Please read about it in my new piece for Good Faith Media.

Theology Beer Camp (Credit: Emily Arnold)

In recent weeks, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at various seminaries, universities and churches.

Most notably, I spoke at Homebrewed Christianity’s Theology Beer Camp, sharing the main stage with John Thatamanil, who spoke compellingly on multi-religious belonging and the possibility of finding resonance across multiple faith traditions. I discussed my latest book, “When God Became White,” which explores the historical transformation of God’s image into that of a white male figure within the Christian tradition and its profound consequences for our society today.

Theology Beer Camp is a unique and rapidly growing event organized by Dr. Tripp Fuller, one of the pioneering voices in theological podcasting. Since launching his Homebrewed Christianity podcast in March 2008, Fuller has risen as a significant figure in this emerging field, employing podcasting as a medium to interview and engage with leading worldwide theologians.

Theology Beer Camp has expanded significantly over the years. In the last three years alone, attendance has grown from 250 to 600, with each event swiftly selling out. Held in cities across the country, the event has become a magnet for theology enthusiasts, attracting participants from across the U.S. and even as far as Australia and New Zealand.

This year’s event gathered an impressive array of voices: 47 podcasters, 36 scholars, seven main sessions, three concerts, four “theology nerd” stage sessions, and multiple breakout rooms featuring 17 breweries, nine divinity schools, and two publishers. With speakers like Diana Butler Bass, Ilia Delio, Catherine Keller, Brian McLaren, John Thatamanil and Gary Dorrien, the event was a dynamic exploration of the intersection between theology and politics, climate change and cultural critique.

Attendees met their favorite theologians, participated in book signings, and joined challenging and inspirational workshops and discussions.

Podcasting has become a revolutionary platform since its creation in the early 2000s. It creates new avenues for communicating theological ideas and reaching diverse audiences who might not engage with traditional academic or ecclesial spaces. The medium’s accessibility allows listeners to engage with complex theological conversations from anywhere, transforming commutes, workout routines or downtime into opportunities for learning and reflection.

In recent years, podcasting has gained traction as a powerful tool for thought and political figures to share their perspectives with a broader audience. Even presidential candidates appear on major podcasts to discuss issues such as the economy, immigration, and healthcare. For theology, this means podcasts can be a significant medium for promoting books, events, and progressive theological ideas that can challenge and reshape public discourse.

The reach and influence of podcasting are underscored by the success of events like Theology Beer Camp. This year, the event was sold out in person, with 600 in-person participants and another 100 online participants. These numbers reflect a growing hunger for accessible, inclusive theological discussions.

In today’s climate of increasing social polarization and rampant racism, sexism, and environmental degradation, podcasting offers an accessible way to address these urgent issues and foster a more just society. Podcasts can be transformative educational tools, allowing students, religious communities and the general public to hear directly from voices at the forefront of pressing social issues. They can inspire listeners to envision and work toward a society that reflects these values.

Through his Homebrewed Christianity podcast, Tripp Fuller has built an influential platform for theological dialogue. He curates interviews and online classes that encourage listeners to think deeply about topics such as  Rise of Bonhoeffer. Fuller’s podcast represents the potential of digital platforms to democratize theological education, making critical theological voices accessible to anyone interested in participating.

However, while podcasting has opened new doors for theological engagement, it remains a predominantly white, male-dominated space. Addressing this imbalance is crucial, as diverse voices bring fresh perspectives and help dismantle the long-standing dominance of white, Western theology.

More podcasts led by women and people of color are needed to correct the prevailing narratives and introduce theological perspectives that are often marginalized. For instance, my own podcast, “Madang,” hosted by The Christian Century, is committed to highlighting a diverse range of authors and scholars, fostering conversations that challenge traditional perspectives, and bringing new voices into dialogue.

Theology Beer Camp exemplifies how podcasting can build community and create spaces where essential ideas for a just society can be shared. It gathers people from different backgrounds, all drawn together by a desire for meaningful, transformative engagement with theology.

I witnessed the connections and friendships formed at Theology Beer Camp and felt the shared commitment to reimagining a faith that resonates with the needs of today’s world.

As we move forward, podcasting’s role in the theological sphere will only continue to grow. I hope that platforms like “Madang” and “Homebrewed Christianity” will remain vibrant spaces for exploring ideas that have the potential to influence the church and society.

Podcasting is not just a tool for communication. It is a vehicle for change, challenging and reshaping the way we understand theology, community and justice in the modern world. For that, I am grateful for events like Homebrewed Christianity Theology Beer Camp.

Special Events:

1.I recorded Madang Podcast hosted by The Christian Century live at Homebrewed Christianity Theology Beer Camp. This new episode with Pete Enns will be coming soon. Please consider subscribing and/or supporting Madang Podcast. If you would like to sponsor any upcoming episodes, please message me.