MONTEREY, Calif-- Theology on Tap is run by the Catholic Arch Diocese but everyone is welcome. Christians, Atheist, Buddhists and people of Jewish faith are coming together to talk about touchy topics, like war, ethics, evolution and politics over a pint of beer.
They don't meet in a church, instead they're gathering at local bars, "We're not trying to win converts here, if you don't like the argument you can argue back or you can just keep quiet, and have another beer," said Warren Hoy, a Deacon in the Catholic Church and one of the Theology on Tap local organizers.
Meeting in a bar is definitely not the first place you think of when talking about God and not everyone is thrilled about the idea, "There have been a couple of churches, and really not even the whole church, but church members who have come to us and said, I don't think this is right. You shouldn't be glorifying alcohol and drinking while talking about Christ," said Hoy.
People who might not feel comfortable going to a church say meeting at the bar makes it easier to share their opinions, "It was more welcoming. You don't have to subscribe to any particular religious values at the door," said Sophal Ear.
"We wanted to have a chance for people to get together in a nice relaxed setting and be able to kind of explore a little deeper in what they believe and why they believe what they do," said Hoy.
While the beer is flowing, organizers say you don't have to drink, "We just find that it's a common social setting is to sit down and have a beer. But if you want to have a glass of ice water, we would love to hear what you had to say," said Hoy.
Throughout the night the discussion can get heated but for the most part everyone comes with an open mind, "I find it really interesting to hear their point of view and then either confirm or change mine. I think that's a good thing," said Angeline Sickler, who comes to meetings regularly.
"With all these different groups you really broaden it out and you get to hear well this is what a Buddhist would say or this is what an agnostic would think, this is what a Hindi would think. So you get all these kind of ideas that mix in and hearing that helps us to get a better idea of what we believe," said Hoy.
