Theology Lab: Courage & Curiosity for Everyday Faith

Theology Lab: Courage & Curiosity for Everyday Faith

by Scott Rice
ChristianitySpirituality
Season 9
AI - Are We Building Something Worthwhile, or a New Tower of Babel?
In this episode of Theology Lab, we explore one of the most pressing questions facing Christians today: How should we think about artificial intelligence? Drawing from Pope Leo's groundbreaking encyclical on AI, theologian Catherine Moon unpacks the promises, dangers, and spiritual implications of technologies like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other large language models. Together, we discuss AI ethics, human flourishing, cognitive de-skilling, moral decision-making, technology and the common good, and whether AI is helping build the "walls of Jerusalem" or a modern "Tower of Babel." We also examine concerns about automation, job displacement, digital companionship, and the growing pressure to adopt AI at all costs. If you're interested in faith and technology, Christian ethics, artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, Pope Leo, theology, human dignity, digital culture, and the future of work, this conversation offers a thoughtful and challenging framework for navigating the AI age with wisdom and discernment. Dr. Catherine Moon is the Arthur J. Ennis teaching scholar at Villanova University. Check out her bio here. Learn more about Theology Lab www.theologylab.org Here are two resources for learning more about the discussion that Dr. Moon shared with us: https://jmt.scholasticahq.com/article/91230-encountering-artificial-intelligence-ethical-and-anthropological-investigations https://jmt.scholasticahq.com/article/154545-reclaiming-human-agency-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence
S9 · E1
Jun 18, 2026
47:46
Season 8
Our Mini-Debate 😯 How Does Christianity Explain Evil For You?
In this episode of Beyond Simple Answers, hosts Scott Rice, Greg Fung, and Kristin T. Lee dive into one of Christianity’s oldest and most difficult questions: the problem of evil. Can Christian theology truly explain suffering, injustice, and pain in the world? Or does every answer eventually fall short? The conversation explores the tension between classical theodicy, protest theology, liberation theology, and process theology, as the hosts debate whether these approaches genuinely answer the intellectual challenge of evil or simply shape how believers respond to it. Greg argues that liberation and protest theology are responses rather than full theodicies, while Scott defends their power to preserve hope in God’s goodness amid suffering. Kristin raises hard questions about whether any framework can fully satisfy the human longing for answers. Along the way, the discussion wrestles with God’s power, human freedom, divine love, faith during suffering, and the hope of justice and resurrection. Drawing on themes from Job, liberation theology, and the teachings of Jesus, this episode offers a candid and nuanced Christian conversation about doubt, faith, suffering, justice, and the mystery of God’s presence in a broken world. Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org
S8 · E11
May 28, 2026
14:17
Where is God in Death and Dying? - Beyond Simple Answers Q&A
The thumbnail title of this episode is inspired by theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer's claim, only a suffering God can help. In this Q&A episode of Theology Lab's Beyond Simple Answers, Scott Rice, Greg Fung, and Kristin T. Lee explore some of the deepest questions in Christian theology: Can protest be a faithful form of prayer? Why does it matter that Christ suffers with us? And can Christianity truly explain evil and suffering? Drawing from the Bible, the book of Job, the Psalms, liberation theology, process theology, and personal stories of grief and loss, this conversation wrestles honestly with the problem of evil, the goodness of God, and the meaning of suffering. The discussion explores whether lament, anger, and even protest toward God can be authentic expressions of faith. Kristin T. Lee reflects on protest prayer, grief, racial trauma, and the role of lament in Christian spirituality, drawing on authors like Cole Arthur Riley and Tasha Jun. Greg Fung discusses process theology, divine power, and why the presence of God in suffering raises difficult questions about evil and theodicy. Scott Rice explores what it means for Jesus Christ to suffer with humanity and what hope Christians can hold onto in the face of pain, death, injustice, and unanswered questions. This episode also dives into: The problem of evil and suffering Protest theology and liberation theology Faith and doubt Theodicy and God’s goodness Jesus’ suffering and the cross Prayer, lament, and grief Heaven, hell, forgiveness, and judgment Can Christians question God? Why suffering challenges faith If you’ve ever struggled with suffering, questioned God, or wondered whether Christianity has satisfying answers to evil, this conversation is for you. #Christianity #Theology #ProblemOfEvil #Jesus #Prayer #Theodicy #LiberationTheology #ProcessTheology #Bible #God #ChristianPodcast www.theologylab.org https://colearthurriley.com/writing/project-one-64g3t https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63009311-tell-me-the-dream-again
S8 · E10
May 25, 2026
21:18
Why Do A Mother & Son See Evil Differently? Part 2 BSA 8
In this episode of Theology Lab's Beyond Simple Answers, Scott Rice sits down with Jasper Su and his mother, Vivian Su, for an honest conversation about faith, doubt, suffering, theology, and the beauty of asking hard questions. What happens when a lifelong Christian wrestles with uncertainty? Can questioning God actually deepen faith instead of destroying it? Jasper shares his journey through doubt, intellectual struggle, and spiritual curiosity, while Vivian reflects on parenting with grace, openness, and unconditional love. Together, they explore: Christian doubt and deconstruction Faith and uncertainty Parenting adult children in faith The problem of suffering and God’s presence Why questioning can lead to deeper belief This episode might speak to folks who have ever felt like a “bad Christian” for asking difficult questions, and for parents, pastors, and faith communities trying to create safer spaces for authentic spiritual conversations. #Christianity #FaithAndDoubt #Deconstruction #theologypodcasts #BeyondSimpleAnswers #ChristianFaith
S8 · E9
May 20, 2026
15:48
(Part 1) Why a Mother & Son See Evil Differently (BSA 7)
What happens when a mother and son publicly wrestle with one of Christianity’s hardest questions? In this bonus episode of Theology Lab’s Beyond Simple Answers series, Scott Rice sits down with Vivian Su and Jasper Su for an honest conversation about God, suffering, faith, doubt, and the problem of evil. Vivian shares how trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness has sustained her through life’s hardest realities, while Jasper opens up about his struggle to reconcile an all-loving, all-powerful God with the suffering he sees in the world. Together, they explore: Why suffering exists Whether good must come through pain The emotional tension between trust and understanding The Book of Job and unanswered questions How family members can disagree deeply without losing love and respect This isn’t a debate. It’s a vulnerable, thoughtful conversation about faith, doubt, and what it means to wrestle honestly with God. Learn more about Theology Lab here: www.theologylab.org #TheologyLab #ProblemOfEvil #FaithAndDoubt #Christianity #Theology #Job #Suffering #FaithJourney
S8 · E8
May 14, 2026
22:23
Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 6) - What's Changed For Us
Why does God allow suffering? Is it okay if we don’t have a complete answer? In this final episode of Theology Lab's first Beyond Simple Answers, we reflect on one of Christianity’s hardest questions: why did God create a world with evil and pain? We explore different Christian responses to suffering—including protest theology, liberation theology, and process theology—and ask whether faith requires certainty. Can you wrestle with God and still trust God? Does God need to explain suffering, or is God's presence enough? This conversation challenges simple answers and offers a more honest, nuanced approach to faith, doubt, and theology. If you’ve ever questioned God in the face of suffering, this episode is for you. Learn more about Theology Lab: www.theologylab.org
S8 · E7
May 6, 2026
18:24
Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 5) - The Bible, Or: Do You Ever Argue With God?
YouTube/Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/-t6ZGuFwMi8 In this Beyond Simple Answers episode Scott, Greg, and Kristin explore the Bible, suffering, creation, and the problem of evil in passages like Philippians 2, the book of Job, Lamentations, and the stories of Hagar and Gethsemane. Returning to previous discussions, they look back at Process and Liberation theology's themes of justice and noncoercive love, as well aa prayer. Why does Job accept God's response? How do believers hold together anger and faith? It's a human conversation, animated by a desire to believe, that looks at suffering, divine power, and faith -- and the many complexities that arise in between in these topics. Beyond Simple Answers episodes are part of Theology Lab. We aim at seeking out a theological vision when simple answers fall aren't enough. And the conversations are geared towards anyone who might be amidst processes like deconstruction and reconstruction of faith, or who just wants curiosity and thinking to play a more important part of your faith life. Thanks for giving some of your time to engage this. We really do appreciate that and hope it might be helpful in some way. 📚 Check out Kristin's new book! We Mend With Gold www.theologylab.org Music Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE 00:00 Introduction 01:15: Power Via Weakness? Philippians 2 06:30 Job! 11:05 Does God play 'the God card'? 15:00 Jesus prays in anguish, the cross
S8 · E6
Apr 28, 2026
18:13
Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 4) - Evaluating Five Theologies of Evil
In this thought-provoking episode, Scott, Greg, and Kristin dive deep into one of the most enduring questions in Christian theology: the problem of evil. Through an engaging and honest conversation, they explore four major theological frameworks—protest theodicy, process theology, person-making theodicy, and liberation theology—and reflect on how each shapes faith, doubt, and lived experience. Kristin shares why protest theodicy resonates so personally, framing faith as an ongoing, honest dialogue with God marked by lament, questioning, and deep trust. Scott and Greg affirm its biblical roots while wrestling with the emotional and spiritual weight of living in constant protest. The conversation then shifts to process theology, where Greg highlights its intellectual appeal and its reimagining of God’s power as persuasive rather than coercive. Together, the hosts discuss how this model brings clarity—but also raises difficult questions about divine intervention, suffering, and certainty. Next, they tackle person-making theodicy, debating whether suffering can truly be understood as a pathway to growth. While acknowledging its limited scope in addressing extreme evil, the group considers whether it still offers insight into everyday struggles and spiritual formation. Finally, the episode closes with a passionate discussion on liberation theology, a perspective Kristin champions for its call to action. Emphasizing God’s solidarity with the oppressed, this model invites believers to actively participate in confronting injustice and suffering in the world. Throughout the episode, Scott, Greg, and Kristin balance theology with real-life implications—asking not just what we believe, but how we live in light of suffering, injustice, and faith. If you’re searching for a deeper understanding of Christian responses to suffering, faith and doubt, or theological perspectives on evil, this episode offers a rich, honest, and nuanced exploration. 📚 Check out Kristin's new book! We Mend With Gold www.theologylab.org Music Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE
S8 · E5
Apr 14, 2026
19:59
Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 3) - Five Theologies of Evil
This episode of Beyond Simple Answers introduces five major theologies of evil, offering a thoughtful starting point for those rethinking faith in a complex world. When suffering, injustice, and doubt challenge easy explanations, theology provides deeper frameworks for understanding evil and God’s role in it. This video explores classical approaches like Augustinian theodicy, alongside perspectives such as process theology, open theology, and liberation theology. Each framework offers a distinct way of interpreting suffering, divine power, and hope. Designed as an accessible theology primer, this episode helps viewers move beyond simplistic answers toward a more honest and nuanced faith. Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or simply curious, this introduction equips you with the theological vocabulary needed to engage one of the most challenging questions in religion: why evil exists and how faith can respond meaningfully. See this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p6AVXeJoPeA www.theologylab.org Music Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE
S8 · E4
Apr 7, 2026
11:44
Faith & the Problem of Evil (BSA 2) - Why This Matters to Us Personally
This episode explores the profound questions surrounding the problem of evil, God's goodness, and faith. Scott, Kristin and Greg share personal stories, theological insights, and the importance of engaging with difficult questions to deepen faith. This is the second episode in the series on creation, evil and suffering, and it takes an unexpectedly personal turn. The hosts get into theological questions about God's goodness and why the challenge of evil is so difficult, and yet why we continue to feel compelled to ask what belief in God's goodness can look like even when there is evidence and suffering in the world that would say otherwise. "Can I believe God is good despite the evidence?" 👀 Key topics The problem of evil and suffering Theological responses to evil and suffering Personal stories of faith and loss The importance of questioning in faith The role of Jesus and Christian principles in understanding evil Learn more about Theology Lab: www.theologylab.org Music Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE
S8 · E3
Mar 23, 2026
16:37
1 of 9