I'll Drink to That
August 11, 2007
Christine Storm
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Religion/198262
BENTONVILLE — Amid the clatter of dishes and the low murmur of other diners at the Celtic Grill, a small group was engaged in a lively theological discussion on a recent Monday night.
Relaxing over drinks, including iced tea, beer and wine, the group explored their newest study book — Rescuing the Bible From Fundamentalism by John Shelby Spong.
The gatherings are known as Theology Pub, a small group ministry of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Bentonville.
An Irish pub might seem an unusual location for a religious gathering, but church groups throughout the country gather in restaurants, bars and pubs to discuss faith and spirituality over food and drinks.
“It catches peoples’ attention that you can drink a beer and talk about theology,” said the Rev. Roger Joslin, vicar of the church. “Relaxing over a beer and talking about something important, it’s disarming.”
Joslin said the relaxed setting conveys a level of comfort not found in a Sunday School classroom.
“It allows people to say things they might feel unable to say in church,” he said. “We define it as a safe place where people feel at liberty to say [what’s on ] their minds.”
The Theology Pub group is diverse. Participants come from a variety of church backgrounds. Few come from the Episcopal tradition. They are drawn to the group for a variety of reasons. Some come seeking answers to questions about faith and the nature of God, while others come look- ing for fellowship and a deeper understanding of theological issues.
The recent group meeting included 14 men and women ranging in age from early 20 s to 70 s.
Jeanne Curtis has been attending Theology Pub since it began. As a self-professed “theological junkie,” she was immediately drawn to the group.
“Deep, intellectual and spiritual conversations where we talk about somewhat controversial books or books with a nontraditional focus, and we just tear it up. I love that kind of discussion,” she said.
Curtis said some who come to the meetings might feel uncomfortable with the level of open discussion, but she thinks most are relieved to find a place to talk about what they believe and find acceptance.
“It’s a safe place to just discuss anything,” Curtis said. “Nothing is off-limits.”
Opinions differ and good-natured debates break out.
“Not everyone agrees, but it’s OK,” she said.
“We are always exploring, and questioning is a big part of that,” she said. “I learn something new every time.”
Jolene Phelps joined the group when she discovered they were studying Spong’s book. She was drawn to the Episcopal Church from her previous congregation because she was interested in the liturgy. She was also drawn to the Bentonville congregation because of its willingness to ask questions regarding matters of faith and God.
For example, studying a book by Spong, who rejects a literal interpretation of the Bible and openly questions the nature of God, isn’t something every Christian church would embrace.
Phelps said the small group setting allows members to get to know one another and share ideas.
“They have a willingness to be vulnerable and share their experiences,” she said. “That’s where we really learn about each other and get to a level of sharing our lives.”
Theology Pub began a little less than one year ago when the fledgling congregation was starting small groups for studying and socializing. One group wanted to meet at a bar or pub to talk about theology.
Joslin serves as moderator and selects books to be studied, but doesn’t necessarily lead the discussion.
“I’m not there to teach, but to learn along with them,” he said. “It’s a place where you can be challenged, in a loving way. Not a hostile way,” Joslin said.
Some who attend the group meetings don’t feel free to explore some of the ideas discussed at Theology Pub at their own churches.
“They can’t question the nature of God. It would be viewed as blasphemy,” Joslin said. “We think it’s OK to question. It’s part of the Episcopal tradition to question.”
Christ Church, an Episcopal congregation in Little Rock, offers a similar ministry for young adults. The Rev. Scott Walters said the ministry was started as a way to reach out to people in their 20 s and 30 s.
Once a month the group gets together for First Fridays. The focus alternates between Friday Features and Friday Pub Talk. For the features program the group gets together to watch and discuss a film. Friday Pub Talk offers the group a chance to gather at a restaurant to discuss a topic or short reading.
The meetings are usually held at the Oyster Bar or at Sufficient Grounds — both in Little Rock. Married couples, college students and single adults attend.
The casual atmosphere is nice, but it has its drawbacks, Walters said.
“There’s something nice about the environment, but the noise can be a challenge if you have 12 or more,” Walters said. “It’s a work in progress.”
As for beer and wine, Walters said some in the group imbibe while others do not.
However, he said the group focuses on moderation. The focus is on the fellowship and discussion.
“But, it does say something that you can be yourself,” he said. “If you have a glass of wine with dinner you don’t have to hide that.”
Walters said he hopes the gatherings help bring people together even though they might be at different life stages.
“My hope is that whatever it evolves into, it can provide a steady, regular context where people can get together and share where they are coming from and where they are in their life on a regular basis,” he said.
He also hopes the gatherings are an easy way for new people to become involved in the church.
“My ultimate hope is that they are drawn into the broader church family,” Walters said.
Joslin shares those hopes, as well. He said Theology Pub has become an entry point into the church, something he didn’t anticipate when the group was started.
“Many come to Theology Pub before they ever come to Sunday morning worship,” he said. “They want to see what we’re about. It’s a launching pad of sorts.”
That was true for Austin Pantall. He was seeking a place to discuss faith and theology and was invited to Theology Pub by a friend. He has since become active in the church.
“I was looking for a progressive place of discussion and that led me to going to the church,” Pantall said.
So far, the Bentonville group has discussed Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn, God Is Not… by Brent Laytham and The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg.
Joslin said group members are open and receptive to new ideas.
“They are tolerant. They have inquiring minds and are on a spiritual journey, and want an environment that allows them to progress in a safe way, in a place they can get feedback,” Joslin said. “They want a place where they are not just searching for God on their own.”
Ultimately, Theology Pub offers a place to seek God in community, and allows some who might be reluctant to attend a church service to get a glimpse of the wonder of worship.
“But it’s still church. There’s a distinct feeling of the presence of God,” Joslin said. Information about Theology Pub is available online at www. allsaintsbentonville.org or by calling (479 ) 426-1561.