Theology on Tap

I came across this article in the Boston Herald - after living for seven years in Boston, I still find myself slightly attached to the local papers (the Globe has a wonderful sports section) - and it reminded me of some of the things I loved about my time in that city as well as one of the aspects I love about the New Shul.

Here's a bit from the article: (click here for the full article)

At Theology on Tap, a religious lecture series held periodically at bars around Boston, beer and the Good Book are increasingly the norm. First belly up and order a cool draft. Then settle in for an intriguing spiritual discussion.

During a recent evening chat at Cheers, part of the “Portraits of Jesus” series sponsored by the Church of the Advent, an Episcopal church on Beacon Hill, the relaxed atmosphere was a big draw.

“It’s comfortable,” said Nathan Cleveland, 27, of Somerville. “We’re used to going out and having a pint with our friends.”

“We don’t sing hymns. That’s church,” added the Advent’s associate rector, the Rev. Patrick Gray. “It’s sponsored by a church, but it’s not church.”

Katherine Ellis of Hingham sips a pint as she listens to a talk on spirituality at Cheers recently.
Photo by Matthew West (Boston Herald)

To me, this series sounded so much like Niles' "Spirits and Spirituality" series and something that I would love to be a part of in the upcoming year.

Here is a little bit more from the end of the article:

At the packed midweek Theology on Tap session, Christa Carter, 25, of Roxbury, pointed out that often the church feels like it belongs to the previous generation.

“People our age are disillusioned with the church,” said Carter, who doesn’t attend Advent but regularly attends Theology on Tap. “I want it to be mine . . . to see how it fits in with our generation.”

“It’s a healthy place for a skeptic to walk into,” added Cleveland. “They can ask a challenging question and not be brushed off.”

The article mentions that part of the series included a “The Gospels According to . . . ” component which incorporated such influences as the Simpsons, J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Matrix” and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Which sort of topics do you think New Shulers would be interested in?

- Dan