Theology on Tap
Theology on Tap is a program of lectures sponsored by a number of local Catholic dioceses. The lectures, which are often given by noted spiritual leaders and religious academics, address current topics in religion and theology, and are notable and sometimes controversial for their venue, which is normally a bar or restaurant. The concept has become common among other Christian Denominations, particularly Episcopalians, Lutherans, Anglicans, and some Presbyterian, Methodist, and progressive Baptist churches.
History
The series was cofounded by Father John Cusick, a resident of Old St. Patrick's Parish, and director of the archdiocese's Young Adult Minister and Father Jack Wall in June 1981 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, as the result of comments made by a recent college graduate who was "concerned about his personal identity and finding meaning in life."[1][2]
Lecture topics have included the sacrament of reconciliation (commonly referred to as confession), Christian values, faith and work, relationship issues, small faith communities, decision making or discernment, embryonic stem-cell research, religious fundamentalism, the relevance of the church in the modern world and to public policy, and women's role in the church.[3]
Reach
Since its inception, the program has spread to more than 180 parishes and dioceses and at least six other countries, including Canada, Italy, Taiwan, the Philippines, Ireland, Australia and Hong Kong.[4]
As of Spring 2007, the Archdiocese of Chicago began a collaboration with RENEW International, a Catholic ministry organization, to expand and service Theology on Tap efforts in dioceses and parishes in the US and abroad.[5]
Controversy
Theology on Tap exhibits significant theological differences with some churches and temperance societies like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (compare Christianity and alcohol). Advocates for Theology on Tap, however, have defended the concept, calling it, among other things, the practice of "bringing the faith to where the people are."[6] The fact that the lectures are open to the public is also hoped to bring in a broad audience; one organizer has stated that the goal of the lectures is "to reach out to people primarily in their 20s and 30s that may have strayed from their faith."[7]
Notable advocates
At least one high-level church leader has embraced the idea with a sense of humor. On October 17, 2006, Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl responded to a Theology on Tap gathering's applause by saying "That's the warmest welcome I've ever received in a pub ... That's the first welcome I've ever received in a pub."[8]
Cardinals Justin Rigali, Joseph Bernardin, Francis George, Seán Patrick O'Malley, George Pell and Archbishops J. Peter Sartain and George Hugh Niederauer have also led and/or addressed program gatherings.[1]
References
- ^ a b The Theology-on-Tap Report presented to the US Bishops Archived 2007-01-13 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Theology-on-Tap: Quenching a Spiritual Thirst Archived 2007-02-14 at the Wayback Machine By Christopher Heffron from AmericanCatholic.org
- ^ Connecting Catholics[permanent dead link] By Jami Oetting from the Columbia Missourian
- ^ Theology-on-Tap Statistics from the Archdiocese of Chicago website, Young Adult Ministry page
- ^ Theology on Tap ‘Renewed’ Archived 2007-06-04 at the Wayback Machine from the National Catholic Register
- ^ Theology on Tap brings religious discussion to the people Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine from the Hamden Chronicle
- ^ Theology on Tap brings religious discussion to the people[permanent dead link] from the Hamden Chronicle
- ^ Archbishop brings faith to a pub in Theology on Tap from CatholicOnline
External links
- Theology on Tap: A young adult ministry of RENEW International
- Holiness on Tap: Rigali discusses being an English-language translator for three popes
- v
- t
- e
prelatures, and apostolic
administrations
- Order of Augustinian Recollects
- Order of Saint Augustine
- Oblates of Saint Benedict
- Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
- Order of Saint Dominic
- Order of Saint Francis
- Secular Franciscan Order
- Order of Mercy
- Order of Minims
- Order Secular of the Most Holy Trinity
- Order of Saint Norbert
- Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Association of Salesian Cooperators
- Order of Servites
associations
of the faithful
- Catenian Association
- Chemin Neuf Community
- Christian Life Community
- Christian Life Movement
- Cooperators of Opus Dei
- Couples for Christ
- Cursillo
- Communion and Liberation
- Emmanuel Community
- FIMCAP
- Focolare Movement
- Heralds of the Gospel
- International Alliance of Catholic Knights
- International Catholic Conference of Scouting
- International Federation of Catholic Universities
- International Kolping Society
- International Union of Catholic Esperantists
- Lay Claretian Movement
- L'Arche
- Legion of Mary
- Militia Christi
- Militia of the Immaculata
- Neocatechumenal Way
- Pax Romana
- Priests for Life
- Regnum Christi
- Sant'Egidio Community
- SIGNIS
- Schoenstatt Movement
- Teams of Our Lady
- Teresian Association
- UIGSE
- Union of Catholic Apostolate
of the faithful
- Apostolate for Family Consecration
- Association of Vatican Lay Workers
- Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Canção Nova) (Shalom Catholic Community)
- Catholic Christian Outreach
- Catholic Worker Movement
- Fellowship of Catholic University Students
- Madonna House
- Maryknoll Lay Missioners
- NET Ministries
- Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network
- Queen of Angels Foundation
- Saint Paul's Outreach
- Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
- Catholic Marian movements and societies
- Catholic Action
- Catholic Women's League
- Catholic Worker Movement
- Christian Family Movement
- Courage International
- El Shaddai
- Family Rosary Crusade
- Fidesco International
- Notre-Dame de Chrétienté
- Theology on Tap
- Voice of the Faithful
- Young Men's Institute
- We Are Church
Charities |
---|
- Catholic Church portal
- Index