Theology on Tap, meets monthly, allowing people to share opinions about selected topics over a meal hosted by Mystery Church.

At Pizza by Stout’s meeting room last Thursday, students and residents, led by Missouri Southern alumnus Jeff Hollingshead, met to discuss “Christianity: Why doesn’t religion work?”

“We want to provide an environment for people to come and discuss hot-topic issues that might otherwise be taboo,” Hollingshead said. “We’re not perfect and don’t have everything figured out, and we want to be a place for people that aren’t perfect and don’t have everything figured out to come, and we can all grow together.

“There seems to be a climbing interest in spirituality but a disinterest in institutions and things done in the name of religion. We want to talk about what it means to follow Jesus for people who call themselves followers of Christ.”

He reminded the room that “people are more than their opinions” before everyone broke up into small groups to talk about questions like “What kind of atrocities have been done in the name of religion?” and the main issue “Why doesn’t religion work?”

Conversation developed into an intense debate. Tempers never got too hot, however, allowing for a feeling of freedom in the discussion that most group events like this cannot present.

While discussing controversial spiritual terms such as “worship,” “discipleship,” and “religion,” Some quoted scholars such as CS Lewis, a renowned Christian author, and Ken Shei, the founder of “Atheists for Jesus.”

Only when the discussion turned from religion to Jesus, however, did the crowd become completely focused. “What Jesus calls us to isn’t all that attractive,” one student said, “to die, give our time and money – but he loved us and died for us.”

Hollingshead wrapped up the discussion with a few final words as everyone drained the last drops from their pint glasses. Through all the differing opinions and disagreements, no one intentionally hurt other’s feelings and some even asked when the next Theology on Tap event would happen. Hollingshead refered them to the Web site www.mysterychurch.com to find the posted schedule.

“Right now we see a mass exodus of 18-30-year olds from the Church, and it seems to be much more an issue with the Church and not with Jesus,” Hollingshead said. “Our community tries to be scripturally conservative but culturally liberal.”

“Jesus calls the Church to seek the good of the city. There are needs in Joplin and on Southern’s campus, and we are called to be instrumental in seeking to meet those needs.”