Theology for the Unwanted

Dan and Jon unpack what it really means to be a Catholic in practice, arguing that baptismal promises frame obligations as invitations. They share personal stories and pastoral reflections about Mass, confession, fasting, voting, and how the Church should accompany people in difficult situations.
Practical scenarios—including medical, safety, and cultural issues—are discussed with compassion, encouraging listeners to view church practices as proposals for deeper relationship with God and community rather than rigid legal requirements.

Hosts Dan Tilson and John explore why the Mass matters beyond ritual—framing it as a communal practice that renews our capacity to forgive, praise, and give thanks. They move from surface observations to deeper experiences of the liturgy, unpacking how architecture, posture, and participation shape our encounter with Christ.Through stories, humor, and practical insight, the episode invites anyone who has felt unwanted in the Church to step into the room, belong, and discover how the Eucharist and community transform daily life.

On this episode Dan and Jon welcome Jeremy from A Catholic Dad to unpack Pope Leo's new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitatis, and the church's emerging ethics for artificial intelligence. They discuss why AI cannot be treated as morally neutral, how algorithms shape human dignity and the common good, and the importance of vulnerability in pastoral care.
The hosts examine practical effects of AI and social media—misinformation, clickbait, and biased algorithms—while offering guidance for Catholics and content creators who want to promote unity, compassion, and responsible use of technology in faith formation.

Hosts Dan and Jon tackle listeners' tough questions about belonging in the Catholic Church during Pride Month. Using real comments, they discuss how to accept the faith while wrestling with difficult teachings in the catechism, how theology evolves, and the difference between doctrine levels.
Conversations range from marriage, procreation and chastity to historical debates (Aquinas vs. Duns Scotus), conversion therapy, abuse, and the lived experiences of gay Catholics—framed with personal stories, humor, and pastoral care.

Dan and Jon explore the growing tension between canon law and moral theology, focusing on marriage, annulments, and the church’s pastoral response. They discuss Father Ginter Dzierzon’s critique, the history of moral manuals, and how legalistic approaches can leave people feeling judged or excluded.
Using vivid analogies—from traffic laws to Eastern Orthodox oikonomia—the hosts consider alternatives that prioritize mercy, conscience, and accompaniment while still honoring the law’s purpose: the salvation and care of souls.

Welcome to an episode of Theology for the Unwanted where hosts Dan and Jon explore what true freedom means in Catholic life—beyond neat ‘vocation’ buckets. They discuss single holiness, LGBTQ+ Catholics, mercy versus formulas, dangers of clericalism, and practical ways the Church can walk with people in messy, real-life situations, mixing theology with candid personal stories and pastoral insights.

Hosts Dan and Jon welcome Meg and Nicole of Catholic Atonement Media to explore why many Gen Z Catholics are drawn to traditional practices, how that compares to Gen X and millennials, and what the Church might be missing about people who left (LGBT issues, abuse, women, single parents) or are returning.
The conversation covers beauty in worship, veiling and Latin Mass, confession and pastoral care, the influence of online influencers and muscular Christianity, and practical takeaways: better catechesis, stronger community, and more empathetic, intergenerational dialogue.

Lent ends Holy Thursday, and what Catholics in earlier centuries thought of as the "Day of Return" is officially here!
Join Dan and Jon for a special Holy Thursday episode of Theology for the Unwanted as they dive into the "untold stories" of Easter theology and why the Resurrection is a party that never stopped.
We’re breaking down the latest Vatican shake-up under Pope Leo and the groundbreaking news of Bishop Bonny’s plan to ordain married priests in 2028.
From the "holy mucus" of Padre Pio’s handkerchief to why sin resembles a pile of scattered Ikea furniture, this episode explores a critical realist framework of restoration over legalism. If you’ve ever felt pushed away by your parish or "unwanted" by the institution, this is your invitation to rediscover a faith that dissolves boundaries and invites everyone back to the table—no matter how bad you are at parallel parking.

Hosts Dan and Jon close out Lent with theologian Father Martin Lintner, exploring shame, identity, and belonging in the Church. They discuss Pope Leo’s push for transparency in new ecclesial movements, the Lazarus story as a metaphor for coming out, and Jesus’ command to "untie him" as a call to free people from shame.
The episode also examines romance in theology, pastoral challenges around divorce and remarriage, and the experiences of LGBTQ Catholics. The hosts encourage listeners to share their stories and reflect on a more compassionate, welcoming Church.

Dan and Jon explore experiences with FOCUS missionaries, the tension between clarity and mystery in Catholic faith, and Jean-Luc Marion’s idol vs. icon distinction. They reflect on college campus ministry practices, pressure-filled recruitment, and how theological frameworks shape belonging for Catholics who feel unwanted.
The hosts share personal stories—from timeshare-style outreach to struggles with identity—and discuss how mercy, encounter, and authentic community can resist contractual approaches to faith.