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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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Check latest episodes from Theology for the Unwanted podcast

Hot Topics, White House Photo-Ops, and Ghosting the Church

2026/10/31

Dan and John unpack a tense local moment: a bishop encouraging priests to instruct parishioners how to vote on Virginia ballot questions, and the wider question of how the Church should form consciences without politicizing the faith. They discuss Vatican guidance (Venite Ad Me), the importance of emotional connection and service in transmitting belief across generations, controversies from sacraments to White House photo-ops, and how pastoral care can avoid turning doctrine into instruction manuals.

Faith and Doubt: Catholics Talk with an Atheist

2026/09/14

In this episode of Theology for the Unwanted, hosts Dan and John welcome their friend Michael—an atheist and longtime community member—for a thoughtful, respectful conversation about belief, non-belief, morality, and belonging. They explore personal stories from Boy Scouts and campus ministry, discuss how suffering and vulnerability shape faith, and consider how people on both sides can build empathetic relationships without agendas. Expect reflections on Catholic theology, moral living, and the importance of listening.

Obligation or Invitation? Rethinking Catholic 'Musts'

2026/08/20

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.

I used to judge people at Mass for not “doing it right.” Then I dared to go deeper.

2026/07/23

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.

Algorithms and Exclusion. Why Catholic Theology is REALLY Paying Attention Now.

2026/07/14

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.

Faithful Gay Catholic & Theology Questions My Parish Discouraged Me From Asking

2026/06/07

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.

The Soft Divorce: Where Canon Law and Theology Part Ways

2026/05/20

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.

Theology Textbook Trap: What We Miss About True Catholic Freedom

2026/05/16

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.

8-Pack Abs & Incense: Muscular Catholicism and Sacred Tradition

2026/04/10

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.

The 24-Hour Mindset Killing Your Holy Week, Bishop Bonny’s slams the Vatican & the Day of Return

2026/04/02

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.

Unbind Him. The Lazarus Closet and the Greek Words Your Parish Never Told You

2026/03/26

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.

Between Idol and Icon: College Ministry, Certainty, and the Unwanted

2026/03/11

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.

Why Lent Isn't a Macho Contest. And using Latin to mask modern ideas

2026/03/02

Dan and co-host Jon explore how Lent invites Catholics to remove the "masks" we wear—examining vocations, priestly identity, and recent stories of clergy and religious who left public ministry. They reflect on the meaning of "alter Christus," retreat experiences, and the Transfiguration as a call to real work beyond spiritual highs. The episode urges listeners to support clergy, practice honest discernment, and use Lent to peel back layers and grow in authentic faith and service.

Pope Leo XIV’s Rooftop Move: What His New Housemates Signal

2026/02/04

Dan and Jon unpack Pope Leo XIV’s move into the Apostolic Palace and the surprising appointment of Father Marco Billeri, an engineer-turned-canon lawyer, as a clue to the pope’s priorities. They explore how that staffing choice could shape future language in canon law and the Catechism on topics like infertility, marriage, homosexuality, and liturgy, arguing for a pastoral shift toward unity, clarity, and mercy.

The Scene Of The Crime? Vulnerability in confession & the promise of Christ’s presence

2026/01/27

In this episode of Theology for the Unwanted, hosts Dan and Jon record from a new basement setting and discuss difficult truths about abuse and vulnerability in the Church. They examine the CES report, problems around confession and power dynamics, and how theology can offer healing beyond legal and administrative responses. The episode balances personal stories, conversion experiences, and practical advice—encouraging listeners to trust their instincts, seek accountability, and consider how the sacraments should reveal God’s presence and care for the vulnerable.