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.
Episodes
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 merc...
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 bac...
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.
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...
Dan Tilson and co-host John Byram answer listener questions about annulments, same-sex attraction versus acting on it, family rejection, and how to respond to homophobic comments in church. They reflect on pastoral failures, the complexity of church processes, and practical ways to show care and challenge harmful language—calling the church to be like Mary, who holds things together amid brokenness.
Dan Tillson’s opening remarks at the launch party for the newly published book Theology for the Unwanted. Using the image of postwar rubble and the story of Vatican II, they argue that true moral life grows from grief, risk, and rebuilding connection, and invite those who feel excluded—gay, divorced, or worn by rules—to reclaim their place in the church.
Daniel Tillson and co-host Jon discuss Tilson’s new book, Theology for the Unwanted, exploring his journey from a conservative Catholic upbringing to intern work at the Vatican, coming out, and the church’s response to marginalized Catholics.
The episode covers discernment, church teachings versus lived reality, same-sex blessings, and how theology can guide those who feel pushed out of the Church toward dignity and belonging.
Hosts Dan and Jon explore Luke 5's parable of the new wineskins to ask how the Church can keep its core truths while renewing structures to meet modern human needs. They discuss Vatican trivia, Thomas Aquinas, Monsignor Massimo Lapponi, and a rising number of bishops calling for a fresh look at anthropology, pastoral care, and church discipline.
The episode examines three bishop types—administrators, theologians, and pastors—and co...
Hosts Dan and Jon mix light conversation and candid storytelling with deep reflection, from a government shutdown anecdote and two truths and a lie to memories of study abroad and encounters with St. Francis’s spirit in Pope Francis.
They explore the balance between charity and spirituality, discuss Respect Life Month and the March for Life through a theological lens rather than a purely legal one, and tease Dan’s forthcoming book,...
Vatican correspondent Colleen Dulle joins hosts Dan and Jon to discuss her book Struck Down, Not Destroyed and her reporting on the Synod, canonization, clericalism, and the ongoing abuse crisis. The conversation weaves personal testimony, practical ministry from Sant’Egidio, and reflections on holiness, evangelization, and how the Church can better listen and heal.
This episode balances reporting from Rome with intimate stories ab...
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...
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 rel...
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.
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 suffer...
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 ...
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 implicat...
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 s...
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 f...
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...
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 c...
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