Byte-Geist

Ever heard of hedonic damages? If not, you're not alone. That's why I brought back Charlie Buttrey to give us another great deep dive on the U.S. legal system.

Have you ever heard the phrase "religion is the opiate of the masses?" Yeah, most of us have. But what does it mean? In this video, I'll briefly discuss the man behind the quip, Karl Marx, why he had such a bone to pick with religion, and what that has to do with his critique of capitalism.

In this episode of Byte-Geist, we dive into the fiery depths of one of Christianity's most enduring and controversial concepts: Hell!!! Together, let's challenge the traditional depictions of eternal damnation through a lively discussion with Dr. Rodney Duke, a biblical scholar and distinguished professor at Appalachian State University. Known for his insightful scholarship and engaging teaching style, Dr. Duke has just the right expertise to help us explore what the New Testament really says about Hell and how these interpretations have evolved over time. Together, we’ll uncover the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts that have shaped Christian understandings of the afterlife. For more on Dr. Duke's work, see the following links and be sure to check out his online devotionals. Devotional Blog: https://dukesdevotional.blogspot.com/ Scholarly Work: Rodney Duke, "Eternal Torment or Destruction? Interpreting Final Judgment Texts" Evangelical Quarterly 88.3 (2016/17) 237-58.  https://brill.com/view/journals/evqu/88/3/article-p237_4.xmlRodney Duke, “The Idiom of ‘Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth’ in the Gospels: A Funerary Formula,” Perspectives in Religious Studies 47.3 (2020) 283-98. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uda8nosBJI8

Are you a first generation college student? Do you need some advice on how to manage the stress and confusion of navigating a university setting? Well, fear no more because this week I am joined by the magnificent M.C. Damm, MDiv and associate director for the Boston University Newbury Center. They provide tips, tricks, and an insider's scoop on succeeding as a first gen student. Together, we talk about the anxieties that first generation students often experience and where to find the right resources to overcome those challenges. In other news, I have partnered with Homebrewed Christianity and will be a guest at this year's Theology Beer Camp in Denver. For $25 off of your ticket use the promo code TILLICHTODAY at checkout. For more information on the event, head on over to https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

Can men make great feminists? What's it like learning and living in India? Find out on this week's episode, where I am joined by Ben Atherton-Zeman, an ordained minister, a dedicated activist, and a very funny actor.

What is it like to grow up in rural Appalachia? Can prison chaplaincy build empathy? Is there such a thing as "evil?" Find out on these week's episode of Byte-Geist with former prison chaplain Billy Stewart. We talk about a range of issues, from catching rattlesnakes in the mountains to ministering to convicted sex offenders.

In this episode, Dr. Dickman and I tackle the complex and increasingly relevant territory of "data fascism," exploring the dominating role of data in our lives and the significant risks it poses to our conceptualization of legitimacy and truth. We talk about what constitutes valid evidence, what we consider empirical, and whether we've all been misunderstanding Plato's allegory of the cave this whole time! This episode is an invitation for listeners to reflect on the dominance of data-driven perspectives in our society, examine how they legitimate sources of knowledge, and to recognize the value of exploring perspectives that extend beyond the empirical. Dr. Dickman is a philosopher, religious studies scholar, and professor at an Associate Professor of Philosophy at University of the Ozarks.

If you’ve ever had a lapse in health insurance or faced a chronic medical condition, you probably know that healthcare in the United States is lackluster, to put it very mildly. The situation is more dire when you consider the issue along lines of race, class, and gender. So what is to be done? How can we even begin fixing the healthcare crisis in this country? Find out on this week's episode!

How are religions lived and practiced? Can philosophy help us critically reflect on the meaning and contents of religion? In this episode, I explore these questions and many more with Dr. Kevin Schilbrack, author and professor at the best school in the world, Appalachian State University.

In this episode of Byte-Geist, we're joined by Jordan Henricks, who dives deep on what it's like to be a military chaplain and shares powerful insights on finding hope in the midst of despair. Discover the crucial role that chaplains play in offering spiritual resilience and guidance to those facing the extremes of the human experience.

Despite a significant drop in crime rates over the last 40 years, the United States holds the dubious distinction of having the world's highest incarceration rate, with 2 million people behind bars—equivalent to the combined total of China and India. Yet, the complexities and injustices of the prison system extend far beyond mere numbers. In this episode, I'm joined by Charlie Buttrey, a criminal defense attorney and theology student with firsthand insights on why prison reform is needed in the U.S. and how we can realistically accomplish this goal. Together, we explore the contrast between U.S. prisons and Norway's rehabilitative approach to criminality and substance abuse disorder, discussing what lessons, if any, can be drawn. Charlie's personal anecdotes, including his brief encounter with a notorious figure from American history, offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of the justice system.