What if we engaged in conversations about life and faith in a public place?

Pub theology is an open and honest conversation about things that matter.  It is a gathering of people often in a bar, public house, or restaurant – an everyday kind of place where it is easy to enter and find a place at the table.

The format is simple: a beer (or beverage of your choice), conversation, and God. You are encouraged to come and bring your questions, bring a friend, and pull up a chair. Be ready to engage with people of varying religious traditions, philosophical perspectives and life experiences. You’ll be able to share your own wrestlings and thoughts while learning something new along the way!

We have been experimenting with pub theology gatherings across Southern Ohio in small towns and big cities. We have tried one off events like the time Bishop Breidenthal, Walter Brueggeman, and I walked into a bar together and we have other communities that meet weekly or monthly for conversation in a local pub.

PUB THEOLOGY GATHERINGS

Here are the communities that are meeting regularly right now (if you know of others I should add to the list please let us know!)

Columbus: Pub(lic) Theology

Come for a thirsty conversation on God and culture, doubt and hope. Every 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. (3rd Thursdays is a Storytelling Circle). Old Bag of Nails Pub, 24 N. State St. #26, Westerville.  For more information: stmattswesterville.org

Columbus: Divine+Wine

An informal conversation about God, life and everything.  St. Patrick’s, Dublin invites anyone to gather at Sesame Sea restaurant the first Wednesday of each month for Divine and Wine; an opportunity to explore faith and life in a relaxed setting.  For more information, contact St. Patrick’s.

Portsmouth: Theology on Tap

Conversations about stuff that matters. Every Monday at 6:00 pm at Port City Café and Pub (427 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth). For more information contact Fr. Steve Cuff at 740.353.7919 or by email.

 If you are interested in hosting a pub theology gathering – there are lots of resources online but we would be happy to help you get started as well!  Or you might find it useful to join an existing group and learn from those who are already creating community in this way.  Here is an article to ponder as well.

Read a reflection on Pub Theology:

I also reflected on the idea of a Theologian as Host of community.

A Bishop, a Scholar, and a Priest walk into a Bar.  I reflected on this experience here.