Shows
Hopenning 2.0Brian McLaren - Life After Doom: A New Kind of Christianity - Hopenning 2.0 Episode #145Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good.He is Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is a co-host of Southern Lights.His newest books are Faith After Doubt (January 2021), Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022), and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (2024). His co-aut...2025-07-1855 min
Shifting CultureEp. 322 Brian McLaren Returns - The Polycrisis and Imagining a Better FutureBrian McLaren returns to Shifting Culture to explore his new speculative novel The Last Voyage - a prophetic work of fiction set in a world unraveling from ecological collapse, authoritarianism, and cultural despair. But this isn't a story of resignation. It's a call to imagine differently. We talk about the role of art as prophetic witness, how fiction can shape moral imagination, and why we must move beyond systems built on extraction and scarcity. Brian unpacks the concept of polycrisis, the dangers of authoritarian momentum, and the urgent need for new ways of thinking, living, and organizing - rooted...2025-07-1550 min
The Holy Wild with Victoria LoorzLife After Doom with Brian McLarenIn this episode of The Holy Wild, Victoria Loorz speaks with author and public theologian Brian McLaren about how to live with love, courage, and imagination in the midst of ecological and societal collapse. Rooted in McLaren’s latest book, Life After Doom, their conversation invites us into a deeper spirituality that faces reality without losing hope. Together, they explore how grief, beauty, and small communities of care can become seeds of transformation. It’s a moving, grounded dialogue for anyone longing to walk a path of love—no matter what unfolds.Mentioned in the episode:Book...2025-05-1753 min
The Biggest TableHope and Beauty in the Midst of Doom with Brian McLarenIn this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' Brian McLaren, a noted author, speaker, activist, and theologian, joins me to discuss his latest book, 'Life After Doom.' McLaren delves into the concept of 'doom,' describing it not as an apocalyptic end but as a psychological feeling of overwhelming crises such as climate change, economic inequality, and the rise of surveillance capitalism. He shares insights from his journey of theological shifts, his understanding of historical and ecological cycles, and the importance of fostering resilience through community, character, and simple joys in nature. The conversation also highlights the significance...2025-03-2553 min
The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast:#11 –The Nonviolent Jesus: "Decide how you want to show up: this is your one and only life!" with best-selling author, theologian and activist Brian McLaren Episode #11 – "Decide how you want to show up: this is your one and only life!" with best-selling author, theologian and activist Brian McLaren In a time of rising Christian nationalism, oligarchy, and fascism, here at home under the Trump administration, the Republican party and FOX news, as well as around the world, what does it mean to follow the nonviolent Jesus? Brian warns us: "we are going to have to keep our eyes and ears open for the right time to do the right thing". This week, Fr. John Dear sits down with a provocative Br...2025-03-1736 min
How to Heal Our DividesBrian McLaren - Reading Hope in Trying TimesIn this conversation with Brian McLaren we discuss some of the serious challenges our society faces, and steps that Brian takes to stay sane.Learn more about Brian's work at brianmclaren.net2025-02-1927 min
Everything Belongs: Living the Teachings of Richard Rohr ForwardAn Alternative Orthodoxy With Brian McLarenHow can we stay open to ongoing learning and growth, even when we don't have all the answers?In this episode, we’re joined by CAC's Dean of Core Faculty, Brian McLaren. Together, we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Eager to Love with Chapter 6: “An Alternative Orthodoxy: Paying Attention to Different Things.” In this episode, we explore the concept of "alternative orthodoxy," examining how Franciscan spirituality, Richard Rohr's personal teachings, and the Christian contemplative tradition challenge conventional religious frameworks and invite us to pay attention to different things. Before Mike and Drew begin the conversation with Brian, Mike a...2024-11-151h 22
Beer ChristianityEpisode 106: Brian McLaren - hope in uncertain futures - plus S(h)ibboleth announcementBrian McLaren is one of the most important and influential voices in the Christian deconstruction movement. He's also one hell of a nice guy. Brian's influence on the post-evangelical Church is hard to overstate, and yet he remains humble and approachable as ever. We caught up with him at Greenbelt festival in August 2024 and talked to him about deconstruction, US election harm reduction and that appalling Musk-Trump interview. We also asked him about hope and the future. It's a great chat. Brian McLaren's latest book, Life After Doom, is available to buy right now. S...2024-11-0752 min
Climate ChangedThe Power of Ritual and Story with Brian McLaren and Favianna RodriguezIn the Season Three premiere of the Climate Changed Podcast, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff engage in a powerful conversation with Brian McLaren, an influential author, activist, and public theologian. They explore the vital role faith communities can play in addressing climate change, drawing on insights from McLaren’s latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The discussion focuses on navigating and redefining hope, resilience, and meaningful action in the face of our current environmental crises.
Links to discussion guide and transcript
Grounding:
The episode begins wit...2024-09-171h 06
ContemplifyBrian McLaren on Life After Doom, Patient Urgency, & Complexifying HopeBrian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation and hosts the podcast, Learning How to See. Brian has written numerous books that you should read, and right now I recommend his latest Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. In our conversation Brian...2024-07-281h 06
ContemplifyBrian McLaren on Life After Doom, Patient Urgency, & Complexifying Hope
“As rich and thoughtful as all of Brian McLaren’s work, but with a particular urgency!”
— Bill McKibben
Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation and hosts the podcast, Learning How to See. Brian has written numerous books that you should read, and right now I re...2024-07-281h 06
Faith MattersLife after Doom - A Conversation with Brian McLarenThis week, we're bringing you a special episode with Brian Mclaren on his new book, Life after Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. Though we recorded this conversation weeks ago, it feels especially timely now in light of the horrific violence we witnessed this last weekend in the attempt on former President Trump's life, the deadly heat waves and hurricanes happening across the world, and so much else. This book is an empowering call to action and an invitation to do the kind of inner work that makes us brave in the face of r...2024-07-201h 04
This Is Not Church PodcastLife After Doom: A Conversation With Brian McLarenThis Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by I Was A Teenage Fundamentalist Podcast. Brian and Troy used to be loyal Christian megachurch leaders. They’re not anymore. This podcast explores life after fundamentalism.In this episode we chat with Brian McLarenBrian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contempl...2024-07-0859 min
Unbelievable?Life after doom: how to live a life of wisdom, resilience & love in unpredictable times with Brian McLaren hosted Andy KindHow do we live well with nations, ecosystems, economies, religions, and other institutions in disarray? Data reveals widespread anxiety among young people globally regarding the impact of climate change on their future. Unbelievable host Andy Kind seized the chance to talk with writer and activist Brian McLaren. Once banned reading for a young Andy Kind when he first embraced his faith, McLaren now joins him for a face-to-face conversation. Have we crossed tipping points towards an inexorable tide of doom?
This deep anxiety creates an inner divide: a tension between a hopeful commitment to action for the common good and...2024-07-0550 minHow to Heal Our DividesBrian McLaren - “The Seventh Story: Us, Them, and the End of Violence“In this insightful interview with Brian McLaren we discuss his important book “The Seventh Story: Us, Them, and the End of Violence“
You can learn more at:
brianmclaren.net
https://www.theseventhstory.com/buy/the-seventh-story-us-them-amp-the-end-of-violence-ebook-download
2024-07-0545 min
Liturgical rebelsEpisode 9 - Beyond Doom Christine and Forrest Inslee interview Brian McLarenSend us a textIn this episode of Liturgical Rebels, Christine Sine and Forrest Inslee interview Brian McLaren.A former English professor, Brian D. McLaren was a pastor for twenty-four years. Now he’s an author, activist, public theologian, and popular public speaker. His work has been covered in TIME Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN. The author of more than 15 books, including Faith After Doubt, Do I Stay Christian? and A New Kind of Christian, he is a faculty member of The Living School at the Center for Ac...2024-06-0546 min
Everything Belongs: Living the Teachings of Richard Rohr ForwardNew Problems and New Directions With Dr. Barbara Holmes and Brian McLarenHow has the interplay between gain and loss shaped your life's journey, and what new possibilities does this open up for you now?In this episode, we're joined by two members of the CAC faculty Dr. Barbara Holmes and Brian McLaren as we continue our chapter-by-chapter exploration of Falling Upward with Chapter 12: "New Problems and New Directions." In this conversation, we explore the continuous journey of transformation and renewal throughout all stages of life, reflecting on personal experiences, the rhythms of loss and gain, and the deep wisdom that guides us through both the first and second...2024-05-221h 23
The DTALKS PodcastEpisode 267 - Life After Doom (ft. Brian McLaren)How does one go about navigating a world at odds with each other? Heading into another contentious political cycle, is there hope? What can we do to navigate this feeling of doom in our relationships with each other AND the planet? These are just a few questions asked in the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast! Joe welcomes back good friend of the podcast, author & theologian Brian McLaren to the show! Brian and Joe get into a fascinating conversation about Brian's latest book 'Life After Doom' and what people c...2024-05-2145 minThe DTALKS PodcastEpisode 267 - Life After Doom (ft. Brian McLaren)How does one go about navigating a world at odds with each other? Heading into another contentious political cycle, is there hope? What can we do to navigate this feeling of doom in our relationships with each other AND the planet? These are just a few questions asked in the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast! Joe welcomes back good friend of the podcast, author & theologian Brian McLaren to the show! Brian and Joe get into a fascinating conversation about Brian's latest book 'Life After Doom' and what people c...2024-05-2145 min
Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and SpiritualityLife After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, with Brian McLaren | Ep. 105Back in 2001, Brian McLaren wrote a book called A New Kind of Christian. For many, it turned out to be a revolutionary book that explored a kind of faith outside the boxes of mainstream Christianity—a faith that challenged tired, unhelpful ways of thinking and doing, and raised exciting possibilities for a reinvigorated postmodern Christianity. His latest book, called Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart he again challenges readers (of any faith, or no faith) to see the world in a fundamentally new way that acknowledges the dire challenges that face the pla...2024-05-2046 min
Future ChristianBrian McLaren on Leading and Living after DoomWith the continued decline of churches and denominations, many pastors and church leaders are facing a future filled with doom. In this conversation, Brian McLaren discusses his new book Life After Doom and how the four possible scenarios for the future of our world mirror the reality of institutional church: collapse avoidance, collapse rebirth, collapse survival, and collapse extinction. McLaren emphasizes the need for pastoral care and support in the face of these challenges and encourages individuals to show up for what they love. He also suggests reimagining the Christian faith as a series of movements rather than institutions. M...2024-05-1455 min
The State Of BeliefLife After Doom With Brian McLarenIt's possible to lean into hope to such a degree that responsibility for action can seem either unneeded or futile. That's just one of the important observations this week's guest, Brian McLaren, makes to host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio program and podcast. Brian's latest book is Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. In an age of truly global crises such as climate change, Brian critiques religious attitudes that dismiss present-world concerns in favor of the afterlife, arguing that this mindset contributes to environmental neglect and s...2024-05-121h 10
Homebrewed ChristianityBrian McLaren: Faith After DoomBrian McLaren joins me in this episode to discuss his new book Life After Doom. In it, we wrestle with redefining faith, civilization, and ecological consciousness. We delve into theological reflections, reinterpreting religious practices to align with Jesus's teachings, advocating for a paradigm shift in societal structures, and emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable living. Moreover, we discuss creating inclusive spaces for spiritual growth and action. Here's Brian's new book, Life After Doom: Wisdom & Courage for a World Falling ApartIn the conversation, we discuss Kim Stanley Robinson's provocative book Ministry for the Future.WATC...2024-05-101h 32How to Heal Our DividesBrian McLaren - “Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart"In this interview we discuss Brian McLaren's book “Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart", and discuss finding your next calling.
You can learn more at:
brianmclaren.net.
findyournextcalling.com
faithandjusticebookgroup.com
2024-05-1055 min
Homebrewed ChristianityBrian McLaren: Life After DoomBrian McLaren joins me in this episode to discuss his new book Life After Doom. In it, we wrestle with redefining faith, civilization, and ecological consciousness. We delve into theological reflections, reinterpreting religious practices to align with Jesus's teachings, advocating for a paradigm shift in societal structures, and emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable living. Moreover, we discuss creating inclusive spaces for spiritual growth and action. Here's Brian's new book, Life After Doom: Wisdom & Courage for a World Falling Apart In the conversation, we discuss Kim Stanley Robinson's provocative book Ministry for the Future. ...2024-05-091h 32
Shifting CultureEp. 181 Brian McLaren - Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling ApartThe world is falling apart. The earth is hotter than it has ever been since we have been recording temperatures, the ocean is heating up. We have polarization that tears us to pieces. We are good at division. There is war over resources and power. What can we do? We need some wisdom and courage to move forward together in a world like ours. And Brian McLaren brings it to us in this conversation. Brian helps us to reframe our stories and perspectives, slow down to appreciate beauty, find wise guides, overcome biases, and respond to issues with compassion...2024-05-0754 min
Homebrewed ChristianityBrian McLaren & John Dominic Crossan: The Message of Jesus & the Judgement of CivilizationThis week, Brian McLaren and John Dominic Crossan join us as we discuss Jesus's civilizational significance, hear his teachings in their historical context, examine the habit of interpreting Jesus against his intentions, and answer a host of questions from members of the online class. To join the class, head over to www.CrossanClass.com Watch the conversation on Video here. Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with p...2024-03-091h 27
Flip Your Lid with Kim HoneycuttFinding Faith in a Changing World: A Conversation with Brian McLarenWe (Larissa and Kim) had the absolute privilege of interviewing Brian McLaren. As many of you know, Brian is a well-known spiritual influencer who has made significant contributions to the world of faith and spirituality. In this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with him to discuss his life's work, including his four stages of faith development.We dive deep into who Brian is as a person, his books, and his passion for creating a new kind of Christianity that is inclusive, compassionate, and committed to social justice.If you're interested in exploring...2023-04-1147 min
Beer ChristianityEpisode 74: Brian McLaren - Should I stay Christian?If the Church is going through a new Reformation (towards a more progressive, inclusive and liberal existence), then Brian McLaren is its Martin Luther. Or John Calvin. Or that Scottish guy. What we're saying is, for those who are unfamiliar with his work or reputation, he's a big dog in the world of not just progressive Christianity, but Christianity overall, especially over the last few years. Ever since A New Kind of Christian (2001) and A Generous Orthodoxy (2005), McLaren has drawn ire from evangelicals, fundamentalists and all the other kinds of Christians who feel it is their duty to...2023-02-021h 08
You Have PermissionBrian McLaren (#170)In today's long overdue conversation, I speak with best-selling author & speaker Brian D. McLaren about his book "Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned." Brian says, "In a period of rapid cultural and intellectual change, having a religion that's set up and run by change-averse people creates an interesting set of challenges." We address some of the book's questions, like "Why go?", "Why stay?", and "How do we move forward?" We also cover topics like adaptability, lack of transformation, and choosing not to play by traditional hermeneutic 'rules of the game.'2022-12-141h 15
You Have PermissionBrian McLaren (#170)In today's long overdue conversation, I speak with best-selling author & speaker Brian D. McLaren about his book "Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned." Brian says, "In a period of rapid cultural and intellectual change, having a religion that's set up and run by change-averse people creates an interesting set of challenges." We address some of the book's questions, like "Why go?", "Why stay?", and "How do we move forward?" We also cover topics like adaptability, lack of transformation, and choosing not to play by traditional hermeneutic 'rules of the game.'2022-12-121h 21You Have PermissionBrian McLaren (#170)In today's long overdue conversation, I speak with best-selling author & speaker Brian D. McLaren about his book "Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned." Brian says, "In a period of rapid cultural and intellectual change, having a religion that's set up and run by change-averse people creates an interesting set of challenges." We address some of the book's questions, like "Why go?", "Why stay?", and "How do we move forward?" We also cover topics like adaptability, lack of transformation, and choosing not to play by traditional hermeneutic 'rules of the game.'2022-12-121h 21
G(ud)-Punkten PodcastS3, Avsnitt 7 - ”Do I Stay Christian?” - Brian McLarenBrian McLaren är tillbaka i podden och vi har ett fint samtal om hans nyaste bok: ”Do I Stay Christian”
Brian D. McLaren är författare, föreläsare, aktivist och populärteolog. Som f.d. lärare i engelska och pastor, är han en passionerad förespråkare för ”en ny sorts kristendom” – rättvis, generös, and samarbetande med människor från alla trosinriktningar för allas bästa.
Han ingår i fakulteten vid The Living School och han gör podcasten Learning How to See, vilka båda är del av the Center for Action an...2022-11-1339 min
Homebrewed ChristianityBrian McLaren: Should I Stay Christian if I don’t Believe?This is the final live stream QnA from the Do I Stay Christian? online class. It was a complete blast to hang with Brian and a couple thousand readers To join Brian, Tripp, and a bunch of their friends at Southern Lights: an Adventure in Progressive Christianity this January head over here. If you decide to come in person message me so I can send info for the podcast hang. Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind o...2022-10-271h 26Faith Matters134. Do I Stay Christian? — A Conversation with Brian McLarenIn this episode, we were honored to bring back our friend Brian McLaren to talk about his brand new book, Do I Stay Christian?In this new book, Brian addresses a real question which underlies a startling sociological truth: people are leaving Christianity at a rapid pace. In fact, Pew Research shows that today, about 64% people in the US identify as Christian, after falling rapidly from a high of 90% just a few decades back.Brian’s book takes an unflinching look at the reasons people might leave Christianity, before spending a lot of time on wh...2022-10-0247 min
Good Faith WeeklyGood Faith Weekly, 09/30/2022 - Brian McLaren and Whether to Remain ChristianA weekly podcast exploring stories at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. This week:Missy's inner fundamentalist drops in after author Brian McLaren opens the door.Guest: Author, speaker and activist Brian McLaren, whose most recent book is "Do I Stay Christian?""Good Faith Weekly" is produced out of Norman, Oklahoma. Music is by Pond5. Learn more at www.GoodFaithMedia.org and @GFMediaOrgLinks:Brian McLaren ~ https://brianmclaren.net/"Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the...2022-09-301h 03Homebrewed ChristianityChandrika Phea & Brian McLaren: the Gift of CuriosityBrian McLaren is joining me on four Sunday evenings for some live QnA. This is our third QnA! You can join the online class, future sessions, submit questions, and access the video guide to the book by heading over here. PS… there is a three short video guide to the book you can use with a group ? This week we are joined by Chandrika Phea, author of Lord, I don’t want to Die a Christian. Chandrika D. Phea, an ordained reverend, is an outdoor enthusiast, a triathlete, a Wellness Coordinator by profession, and a partner wi...2022-09-261h 26
Deconstructing MamasBegin with the End in Mind - Brian McLaren"Faith before doubt is about correct beliefs. Faith after doubt is about revolutionary love. Love is our ultimate goal." (Faith After Doubt) In this episode on the Deconstructing Mamas podcast, Brian McLaren, author of that quote, is a stalwart in the arena of faith and deconstructing. Brian wisely and warmly guides us gently through the four stages of childhood/faith and how to work through them in ourselves and in our own parenting.Plus, you'll find out his secret passion (hint: has something to do with sea wi...2022-09-2046 min