Theology on Tap

Theology on Tap is the name given to lectures sponsored by a number of local Roman 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 bar or restaurant.

History

The series was cofounded by Father John Cusick, a resident of Old St. Patrick's Parish, and Father Jack Wall, director of the archdiocese's Young Adult Ministry, 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." [ [http://www.yamchicago.org/yam-TOT-bishopreport.htm The Theology-on-Tap Report presented to the US Bishops] ] [ [http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Jan2007/Feature1.asp Theology-on-T
] By Christopher Heffron from AmericanCatholic.org]

Lecture topics have included the sacrament of reconciliation (commonly referred to as confession), Christian values, 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. [ [http://columbiamissourian.com/news/story.php?ID=22656 Connecting Catholics] By Jami Oetting from the Columbia Missourian ]

Reach

Since its inception, the program has spread to more than 180 parishes and at least five other countries, including Canada, Italy, Taiwan, the Philippines, Ireland, and Hong Kong. [ [http://www.yamchicago.org/yam-TOT-Stats.htm Theology-on-Tap Statistics] from the Archdiocese of Chicago website, Young Adult Ministry page]

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. [ [http://ncregister.com/site/article/2347 Theology on Tap ‘Renewed’] from the National Catholic Register]

Controversy

Theology on Tap exhibits significant theological differences with some churches and temperance societies 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.Fact|date=February 2007 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." [ [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17414073&BRD=1636&PAG=461&dept_id=8977&rfi=6 Theology on Tap brings religious discussion to the people] from the Hamden Chronicle] 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." [ [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfmnewsid=17414073&BRD=1636&PAG=461&dept_id=8977&rfi=6 Theology on Tap brings religious discussion to the people] from the Hamden Chronicle]

Notable advocates

At least one high-level church leader has embraced the idea with a sense of humor. On October 17, 2006, Washington Archbishop 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." [ [http://www.catholic.org/diocese/diocese_story.php?id=21800 Archbishop brings faith to a pub in Theology on Tap] from CatholicOnline]

Justin Cardinal Rigali, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Francis Cardinal George, Sean Cardinal O'Malley and Archbishop George Niederauer have also led and/or addressed program gatherings. [ [http://www.yamchicago.org/yam-TOT-bishopreport.htm The Theology-on-Tap Report presented to the US Bishops] ]

Local Theology on Tap chapters

* [http://www.archgh.org/ Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston]
* [http://www.yamchicago.org/yam-TOT03-BasicInfo.html Archdiocese of Chicago]
* [http://archdiocese-no.org/theology_on_tap.htm Archdiocese of New Orleans]
* [http://www.totaustin.org/ Diocese of Austin]
* [http://www.cdow.org/cymtheology.html Diocese of Wilmington (Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland)]
* [http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/yam/tot.php Arlington, VA]
* [http://www.totcincinnati.org Cincinnati, OH]
* [http://totdayton.wordpress.com Dayton, OH]
* [http://www.dubuquetot.com Dubuque, IA]
* [http://www.indytheologyontap.com Indianapolis, IN]
* [http://www.muncietot.net Muncie, IN]
* [http://www.totnyc.org/ New York City, NY]
* [http://www.ai.edu/news/events/ontap.php St. Louis, MO]
* Saint Paul/Minneapolis
* [http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20080313/NEWS/41097873/1007 Tuscaloosa, AL]
* [http://www.waterloocatholics.org/cedarvalleytot.htm Waterloo, IA]
* [http://www.totlaf.org/ West Lafayette, IN]

References

External links

* [http://www.theologyontap.org/ Theology on T
]
* [http://www.philly.com/inquirer/multimedia/8751437.html "Holiness on Tap": Rigali discusses being an English-language translator for three popes]