Theology on Tap
Encyclopedia
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 parish center, a bar or restaurant. The concept has become common among other Christian Denominations, particularly Episcopalians, Lutherans, Anglicans,and some Presbyterian and Methodist churches.
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.
, Italy
, Taiwan
, the Philippines
, Ireland
, Australia
and Hong Kong
.
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.
like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
(compare Christianity and alcohol). Individual critics have noted that the atmosphere of alcohol-serving establishments does not necessarily complement the somberness and respect imposed by traditional church settings. 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." 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."
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."
Cardinals Justin Rigali, Joseph Bernardin, Francis George, Sean Patrick O'Malley, George Pell
and Archbishops J. Peter Sartain and George Hugh Niederauer
have also led and/or addressed program gatherings.
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
and theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, and are notable and sometimes controversial for their venue, which is normally a parish center, a bar or restaurant. The concept has become common among other Christian Denominations, particularly Episcopalians, Lutherans, Anglicans,and some Presbyterian and Methodist 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."Lecture topics have included the sacrament of reconciliation (commonly referred to as confession), Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
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.
Reach
Since its inception, the program has spread to more than 180 parishes and dioceses and at least six other countries, including CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
, the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
As of Spring 2007, the Archdiocese of Chicago began a collaboration with RENEW International, a Catholic ministry
Christian ministry
In Christianity, ministry is an activity carried out by Christians to express or spread their faith. 2003's Encyclopedia of Christianity defines it as "carrying forth Christ's mission in the world", indicating that it is "conferred on each Christian in baptism." It is performed by all Christians...
organization, to expand and service Theology on Tap efforts in dioceses and parishes in the US and abroad.
Controversy
Theology on Tap exhibits significant theological differences with some churches and temperance societiesTemperance movement
A temperance movement is a social movement urging reduced use of alcoholic beverages. Temperance movements may criticize excessive alcohol use, promote complete abstinence , or pressure the government to enact anti-alcohol legislation or complete prohibition of alcohol.-Temperance movement by...
like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
Woman's Christian Temperance Union
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was the first mass organization among women devoted to social reform with a program that "linked the religious and the secular through concerted and far-reaching reform strategies based on applied Christianity." Originally organized on December 23, 1873, in...
(compare Christianity and alcohol). Individual critics have noted that the atmosphere of alcohol-serving establishments does not necessarily complement the somberness and respect imposed by traditional church settings. 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." 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."
Notable advocates
At least one high-level church leader has embraced the idea with a sense of humor. On October 17, 2006, Washington ArchbishopArchbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
Donald Wuerl
Donald Wuerl
Donald William Wuerl is an American cardinal of the Catholic Church. He is the sixth and current Archbishop of Washington, serving since 2006. He previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle and Bishop of Pittsburgh...
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."
Cardinals Justin Rigali, Joseph Bernardin, Francis George, Sean Patrick O'Malley, George Pell
George Pell
George Pell AC is an Australian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the eighth and current Archbishop of Sydney, serving since 2001. He previously served as auxiliary bishop and archbishop of the Archdiocese of Melbourne...
and Archbishops J. Peter Sartain and George Hugh Niederauer
George Hugh Niederauer
George Hugh Niederauer is an American bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. He currently serves as the Archbishop of San Francisco...
have also led and/or addressed program gatherings.
Local Theology on Tap chapters
- Austin, TX
- Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
- Archdiocese of Chicago
- Archdiocese of New Orleans
- Diocese of Joliet
- Diocese of Austin
- Diocese of Wilmington (Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland)
- Baltimore, MD
- Ellicott City, MD
- Arlington, VA
- Buffalo, NY
- Cincinnati, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Dayton, OH
- Dubuque, IA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Muncie, IN
- New Haven, CT
- New York City, NY
- Ottawa, ON
- Philadelphia (Manayunk), PA
- Potsdam, NY
- South Bend, IN
- St. Louis, MO
- Saint Paul/Minneapolis
- Diocese of St. Petersburg (Tampa Bay, FL)
- Toronto, ON
- Tucson, AZ
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- Waterloo, IA
- West Lafayette, IN+
- San Antonio, TX
- Sydney, Australia
- Vienna, Austria
- Linz, Austria
- Graz, Austria
- Salzburg, Austria