Theology for the Unwanted
Join Dan and Jon as they explore Catholic moral theology as two guys who both love being Catholic but haven’t always felt 100% welcome. Theology for the Unwanted shares touching stories from countless who have felt this way about some aspect of their life. We dive into what moral theologians working on these complex issues have to say. You might be surprised at just how much Catholic cultures vary country by country. Yet we still find a way to stay unified and deeply devoted to Christian life. Particularly in the modern world, faith is often filtered through a cultural lens or religious discipline. But through hearing these stories, we create a sense of unity among Catholics, even those who have different opinions. If we think of theology as reality, pointing us toward God, then we come to understand it as a lived experience. This helps us all live out our faith in a more concrete sacramental way. All of us, including non-practicing and former Catholics, have something in common. The Father desires to see you in heaven, Jesus died on that Cross for you, and Mary our mother deeply cares for you as her own child. By putting on that lens we can finally start doing serious theology and making everyone feel wanted. A special thank you to each guest that has come on the show. They come from many backgrounds with diverse views. Their contributions are never considered an endorsement of Theology for the Unwanted. But Dan and Jon believe that each guest has an important and unique message that can help Catholics overall further discern how to recognize Christ in their lives.
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Episodes
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
In this special episode of the podcast, host Dan is joined by co-host Jon and special guest Jeremy, known from TikTok as "ACatholicDad." Dive into a heartfelt discussion about the journey of converting to Catholicism. Jeremy shares his experiences of transitioning from Protestantism in the South to becoming an evangelical Catholic, using social media as a platform to express his faith.
Listen as they explore the nuanced dynamics between cradle Catholics and converts, and the importance of unity and understanding within the church. The episode also sheds light on the role of the Eucharist and offers insights into the welcoming of converts, emphasizing that everyone's journey is unique and valuable. Whether you're a cradle Catholic or a recent convert, this episode provides a compelling look into the personal stories and theological insights at the intersection of faith and community.
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Join us on a thought-provoking journey exploring the intersection of faith and identity in the Catholic Church. This episode delves into theological insights about how God sees us and how we can understand and embrace the diverse ways God has created each of us.
Discover a new perspective on sexuality through a theological lens and learn about the Church's evolving understanding of love, identity, and human dignity. With personal stories and reflective discussions, we aim to foster a deeper relationship with God and each other, amidst societal and cultural challenges.
Recommended readings and listening:
Francis of Assisi - The Great Courses on Audible. By Ronald Herzman and William Cook.
Catholicity and Emerging Personhood on Amazon by Fr. Daniel Horan
Roper, William. "The Life of Sir Thomas More." Internet Modern History Sourcebook, compiled by Paul Halsall, Fordham University, Aug. 1998
Alison, James. "Learning the Truth About Matters LGBTQ+ and Organic Christianity with James Alison." YouTube, uploaded by Immanuel Presbyterian Church Tacoma, 10 May 2022
"What Does the Scholarly Research Say About the Well-Being of Children with Gay or Lesbian Parents?" What We Know, Cornell University
Pontifical Biblical Commission. "What Is Man?" (Ps 8:5): An Itinerary of Biblical Anthropology. Vatican.va, Holy See, 30 Sept. 2019
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Welcome to the second episode of the Theology for the Unwanted podcast with your host, Dan, and co-host Jon. In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricate world of confession, exploring its significance and how it is often perceived as a daunting experience by many. They share personal anecdotes and offer thoughtful insights on how to approach confession not as a mere judicial exercise, but as an opportunity for spiritual healing and growth.
Additionally, the podcast takes a look at the early days of Pope Leo's papacy, drawing parallels to the influential legacy of Pope John Paul II. The discussion also touches on the need for the Church to navigate the challenges presented by the digital age, particularly focusing on the alarming rise of loneliness as highlighted by recent surveys.
The hosts share their personal travel stories from Europe, light-heartedly recounting experiences that shed light on cultural nuances and their impact on personal faith journeys. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends humor, theology, and contemporary issues.
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Welcome to the Theology for the Unwanted Podcast, where hosts Dan and Jon explore the challenges faced by many Catholics trying to find their place within the church. In this debut episode, they delve into the complexities of bridging personal stories with universal theology, highlighting how understanding and embracing diverse journeys can make the church more inclusive and holy.
Join Dan and John as they recount their own journeys in faith, discuss the polarization seen within the Catholic community, and emphasize the significance of listening to each other's experiences. Through heartfelt conversations, they aim to create a supportive space for all listeners, recognizing the value of each individual's unique path in the collective quest for truth.
With a focus on the importance of unity and understanding amidst diversity, this episode encourages open dialogue and mutual respect, setting the tone for future discussions on a wide range of theological issues impacting Catholics worldwide. Tune in and be part of a conversation that seeks healing, acceptance, and a deeper connection to faith.