UPDATE: The May pub is cancelled! See you in the Fall.
Our next pub will be on Monday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. at The Bishop and Belcher. Note that the entrance is off Church St. just south of Bloor.
Last month, Bill Kinnon passed some copies away of John Armstrong’s book on church unity, Your Church is Too Small. Why don’t we discuss the ways that we can work together more effectively, as well as the dangers and limits of doing so. Looking forward to seeing you.
Hope to see you at the next pub. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
by Darryl on April 12, 2010
Our next pub will be on Monday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. The Bishop and Belcher seemed to work well last time. Let’s try it again. Note that the entrance is off Church St. just south of Bloor.
Our topic is going to be a modification of several of the suggestions. What is the Gospel? Are neo-Reformed versions of the Gospel compatible with, say, Rick Warren’s version of the Gospel? Is it really that shocking when Rick Warren is invited to speak at a John Piper conference?
Hope to see you at the next pub. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
by Darryl on March 2, 2010
Our next pub will be on Monday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. The Bishop and Belcher seemed to work well last time. Let’s try it again. Note that the entrance is off Church St. just south of Bloor.
Last time Liam mentioned that many of his friends have been drawn the Catholic and Orthodox streams. This led to some discussion on the hunger for transcendence and historically rooted faith, as opposed to the evangelical low-church user-friendly streams. At the same time, many evangelicals seem to be drawn to the writings of Puritans and deeper into theology. (Colin Hansen calls these the young, restless, and reformed.)
Is this just a fad? What’s behind the desire for less user-friendly forms of church? I’m sure there’s lots we can talk about on this subject.
Hope to see you at the next pub. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
by Darryl on February 12, 2010
The next theology pub will take place on Monday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. The location is The Bishop and The Belcher, 175 Bloor Street East, Toronto, between the Yonge and Sherbourne stations.
The topic is the role of catechesis in the church today. Is this a practice that needs to be recovered or left behind? How do we go about the task of catechesis today? This post and recording (MP3) should provide fodder for discussion.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
by Darryl on December 1, 2009
Our next Theology Pub is scheduled for January 18 at 7:00 p.m. This time we’re doing something different. We’re booking a 20-person theatre at a condo to watch and discuss the movie Collision.
COLLISION carves a new path in documentary film-making as it pits leading atheist, political journalist and bestselling author Christopher Hitchens against fellow author, satirist and evangelical theologian Douglas Wilson, as they go on the road to exchange blows over the question: “Is Christianity Good for the World?”. The two contrarians laugh, confide and argue, in public and in private, as they journey through three cities. And the film captures it all. The result is a magnetic conflict, a character-driven narrative that sparkles cinematically with a perfect match of arresting personalities and intellectual rivalry. COLLISION is directed by prolific independent filmmaker Darren Doane (Van Morrison: Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl, The Battle For L.A., Godmoney).
The location is 2119 Lake Shore Blvd West, Etobicoke. There is lots of free underground parking a rear circle & TTC access to front. Check in with security and ask for the theatre.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
by Darryl on November 12, 2009
It was great to see so many people last month for our October theology pub. Our November pub is going to take place on Monday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. The proposed topic is this article by John H. Armstrong: How Will We Address the Problem of the Church in Decline?
I believe the solution lies in recovering the truly biblical practice of making disciples. We must do more than draw people, get decisions, conduct campaigns. (All have their place but they are not working in this present post-Christendom context!) We must re-evangelize the church. Multitudes of our own people are not mature Christ-followers at all. They are content to attend church but they have little or no part in the kingdom from day-to-day. They have no sense of mission, no divine calling that makes them excited to face each day for the glory of Christ.
more
As for location, I really haven’t found a better place yet but I’m open to ideas. Unless you hear otherwise, let’s count on meeting at the same place.
Please invite your friends, and contact me to let me know if you’re coming. Looking forward to seeing you.
by Darryl on October 5, 2009
I think it’s time to schedule our first theology pub this Fall. Let’s shoot for Monday, October 19 at 7 PM – the Monday after Thanksgiving. Given that it’s John Calvin’s 500th birthday this year, I’m going to propose that we discuss the continuing impact of John Calvin on the church today. What is good about his influence? What’s bad? What does the church in Toronto still need to learn from Calvin?
I’m also proposing that we try to find a new location. That may mean a bit of experimenting. I’ve done a bit of online research and come up with a place that sounds downright Anglican:
http://www.henryviiialehouse.com/Home_Page.php
Please invite your friends, and contact me to let me know if you’re coming. Looking forward to seeing you.
by Darryl on September 28, 2009
What is most important to you about the pub?
- discussing theology (5)
- fellowship/relationships (3)
- both (3)
What is your preferred format for a pub night?
- discussing a preassigned topic (6)
- interacting with a guest (1)
- freestyle – whatever happens (2)
- don’t care (4)
How important is meeting in a pub?
- I like it. It sets a nice tone. (9)
- I don’t really care. (4)
Should we try meeting in the summer?
- Sure, why not? (12)
- Are you crazy? No! (1)
How should we improve the theology pub?
- The only reason I have not attended is that although I may indicate that I will attend, it gets bumped off the list because it is near the bottom of priorities for me at this point. I love the concept…but we are unlikely to be around (you could come visit us)
- Let Bill Kinnon always be in control. He’s really really smart. (Heh, heh, heh)
- I’ve missed the last few meetings because I have to drive home afterward and am not sure this is a good idea – especially now that the allowable alcohol level is significantly reduced. This is not, however, a request to change the dynamic of the gatherings – just an acknowledgement that I have to drive after meeting.
- I like it. I am sure it can be improved but nothing dramatic stands out. The current pub is a little pricey, but it has a great variety of beers that make it worth the extra.
- Perhaps if we could have someone actually say, after some brief chatter, that it’s time to get down to the topic at hand, if there is one. If there isn’t a prearranged topic then maybe someone could be assigned to say what has been on his mind lately and just try to get things going.
- My only issue is that I’ve always got something scheduled on Monday night, so I haven’t been able to make it out. Aside from that, it’s pretty far away. Somewhere west-end would be nicer for me, but I’m just being selfish. And again, I’ve never been there, so please count me opinion for less than zero.
- I wish more people came!
- The one time I managed to attend there was a surprising amount of talk about church intrigue and almost-gossip about church leaders. I could do with more talk about God and less about people and churches and denominations.
- dunno.
- encourage more to come…perhaps get to the topic a little earlier in the evening…be more vulnerable, honest, open to share struggles to create bonds of friendship
- I consider it a privilege to meet.
Any suggestions of where to meet?
- Allen’s patio in the summer
- I wouldn’t mind somewhere downtown, with easier access to the TTC and the major expressways. Danforth is too far for everyone.
