Theology on Tap
WHEN: SEPTEMBER - June, MONDAY at 6:30 PM
WHERE: Northside Social
Pastor Mike hosts informal discussions on Monday evenings at 6:30pm at our local watering hole, Northside Social (205 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046). Discussions range from literary and movie reviews to religious studies and myths. Grab a beer and a bite and join us for engaging conversations and fun modern insights of Lutheranism and beyond. This fall, our focus is “WHY THE CROSS? - Old & New Atonement Theories,” a six-part series exploring the major Christian understandings of atonement. See individual dates and topics below!
fall/winter 2026 Schedule
September 21st - The Big Question: Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
We'll begin with the biblical story of sin, salvation, sacrifice, and the cross—and discover why Christians have never reduced the meaning of Jesus' death to just one explanation.
October 5th — The Victor: Jesus Defeats Sin, Death & Evil
Explore the ancient Christian vision of Christus Victor. What if the cross is less about God punishing Jesus and more about God entering the battlefield of human existence to defeat the powers that enslave us?
October 19th — The Substitute: Sin, Sacrifice & the Cross
We'll explore satisfaction, substitution, and penal substitution. Why does Scripture speak about Jesus bearing sin, becoming a sacrifice, and dying "for us"? And what are the strengths—and challenges—of these interpretations?
November 2nd — The Healer: Incarnation, Participation & Theosis
What if salvation isn't primarily about changing God's attitude toward us, but about healing humanity and bringing us into God's life? We'll explore Eastern Christian perspectives on incarnation, resurrection, union with Christ, and theosis.
November 16th — The Liberator: Violence, Oppression & the Crucified Christ
What does the cross mean when viewed from the perspective of victims and the oppressed? We'll explore liberation theology, feminist critiques, Black theology, René Girard's scapegoat theory, and nonviolent understandings of the cross.
November 30th — The Whole Story: Can We Put It All Together?
Do we have to choose one theory of atonement? We'll bring the pieces together—victory, substitution, sacrifice, healing, reconciliation, liberation, resurrection, and new creation—and ask: What does the cross mean for our lives today?
