Theology for the Unwanted

Beyond Certainty: Does "God with us" mean "God allows" bad things to happen? And Catechism on Same-Sex Couples

Host Dan and co-host Jon sit down with theologian Brandon Ambrosino to explore his book Is It God’s Will?—a frank conversation about where God is in tragedy, the role of randomness and divine presence, and how Jesus’ suffering shapes Christian responses to pain.
Our guest proposes a shift toward a relational understanding of God's power and presence, focusing on the meaning of "God is with us" (Emmanuel).
The episode also addresses practical faith questions: how Christians should accompany suffering people, reinterpretations of the cross and resurrection, and hopeful reflections on the Catholic Church’s teaching and pastoral outreach toward LGBT people.

Cardinal's hot take on un-mercy in Catholic textbooks. Doing mercy. And pro-abortion senator gets an award?

Hosts Dan and Jon explore how the Church can move mercy from abstract theology into real encounters. They discuss pastoral responses to LGBT/same-sex attracted Catholics, divorced and remarried people, IVF parents, immigration work, and the controversy around a Chicago award for Senator Dick Durbin.
Through personal stories — tattoos, homeless outreach, and an Oppenheimer quote — the episode emphasizes listening, proximity, and relationship as the heart of mercy, urging listeners to ask questions and share their stories.

When Rules Meet Real Life: Stories, Sin, and the Church

Hosts Dan and Jon tackle tough pastoral topics—from IVF, annulments, and same-sex couples to questions about sexual ethics—while tracing how Catholic moral teaching developed from medieval monks to modern debates.
Using Aquinas’s framework of action, circumstance, and intent and Father Fumagalli’s symbolic action theory, they show why sharing personal stories matters for a more compassionate, sensible Church response.

Pain as a Status Symbol: Modern "Offer It Up" vs. the Theology of Catholic Compassion

In this episode of Theology Forward: The Unwanted, hosts Dan and Jon talk with hospital chaplain Matthew about suffering, empathy, and how the Church can accompany those who feel marginalized. They discuss St. Catherine of Siena, clinical chaplaincy, and personal stories of coming out to explore how pain can open the way to compassion.
Matthew shares his journey from seminary to chaplaincy, explains inherent versus avoidable suffering, and urges a church that listens and stays with people in their wounds—offering presence and mercy before scripted responses.

Who Gets to Receive? Communion, Mercy, and the Catholic Side-Eye

Hosts Dan and Jon return from summer breaks to discuss communion laws, parish side‑eye, and how culture shapes enforcement of church rules. They mix personal stories (honeymoon travel, drumsticks, a Navy baptism) with pastoral questions about addicts, divorced‑and‑remarried Catholics, and same‑sex attracted parishioners.
The episode argues the sacraments exist for people’s salvation, urges mercy over rigid policing, and highlights the Eucharist as both truth and communal unity — a call to welcome and accompany those who feel unwanted.

Determined to stay Catholic. Can theology overcome the culture of secrecy in parishes?

In this episode of The Theology for the Unwanted, join Dan and Jon as they welcome a remarkable guest, Justin from Empty Chairs, who shares his journey of growing up in a devout Catholic environment while exploring his personal identity. Justin candidly discusses his experiences of discerning a vocation, grappling with his sexual orientation, and the pivotal moment of coming out at 25.
The conversation explores the broader implications of creating a welcoming environment within the Catholic Church for those who often feel marginalized. The hosts and Justin reflect on the challenge of maintaining one's faith while embracing one's identity and how, in their hopes and dreams, the Church can become a more inclusive and understanding community.
With raw honesty and humor, they tackle the Church’s culture of secrecy, the pressures of fitting into preconceived roles, and the importance of authentic love and acceptance. Discover how they envision a future where Catholicism is not about rigid conformity but genuine connection with God and people. Listen in for an engaging discussion on building an empathetic church that listens before it speaks.

A Reverent and Traditional Mass. Can we do that without getting political?

Join us in this insightful episode as hosts Dan and Jon dive into an engaging conversation with Matthew, a special guest from the Sant'Egidio community in Washington, DC. Matthew shares his journey of reconversion to the Catholic faith, revealing how his struggle with materialism and a mental health crisis led him back to the church. Despite differences in political viewpoints, Matthew and Dan explore the profound connection they share through their faith.
The discussion takes a thoughtful turn as Matthew describes the contrasting experiences of attending traditional Latin Mass and the challenges faced by parishes in fostering a true sense of community. With candid reflections on how the Eucharist should not only symbolize the body of Christ but also unify the church, the episode delves into the cultural and theological shifts that have influenced modern Catholicism.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how faith, friendship, and prayer intertwine in the vibrant Sant'Egidio community, providing a beacon of hope and unity. As they share personal stories and encounters, the hosts and guest uncover the importance of living out the Gospel in everyday life while addressing the pressing issues of division and exclusion within the church. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of faith, community, and the transformative power of the Eucharist.

Church History Shows Just How Much We’ve Changed. Navigating Catholicism for Future Crises.

Welcome back to another contemplative episode of Theology for the Unwanted. Hosts and Jon explore the nuanced evolution within Catholicism, addressing its shifts from ancient catacombs to modern chapels. Dive into the juxtaposition of rich historical traditions and the necessary openness to new forms of spiritual expression.
Join the discussion on the balance between maintaining beautiful architectural heritage and the need for a faith that actively engages with the world's contemporary challenges. This episode deeply considers the role of human dignity and the unique contributions each individual brings to the church's understanding of God, inspired by the insights of Czech theologian Father Tomáš Halík.

What's it like to receive a Catholic blessing as a same-sex or legally remarried couple? Exploring beyond black/white definitions and diving into theology.

Join us on this episode of "Theology for the Unwanted" as we sit down with Dan and co-host Jon to explore the nuances of striving for an ethical and authentic life as a gay Catholic. Reflecting on personal stories, theological insights, and recent church developments like Fiducia Supplicans, we delve into the complexities of discernment, authenticity, and the evolving role of the Catholic Church. From heartfelt personal experiences to broader discussions on theological progress, this episode invites listeners to reimagine faith in a modern context. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how time, love, and unity can help bridge divides and bring deeper meaning to our shared spiritual journeys.

The Courage of Leaving: what Catholic theologians can learn from those who left. Featuring Cade from 'Intrinsically Ordered'

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of Theology for the Unwanted podcast, hosted by Dan with co-host Jon. In this special episode, we are joined by Cade from the Intrinsically Ordered podcast, who shares his personal journey of leaving the traditional Catholic Church in pursuit of a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating identity, faith, and personal beliefs outside the confines of organized religion. Cade reflects on his experiences within the Catholic community and discusses the radical transformation that ensued after stepping away from traditional religious expectations.
Together with Dan and Jon, Cade delves into topics such as inclusivity within the Church, the evolution of Catholic teachings, and the search for a deeper understanding of holiness and morality. This episode is an invitation to embrace the complexity and beauty of individual journeys in faith and life.