Episode 239: Dining with the Dead

·1 hr·5 clips

In the Middle Ages, families held Dumb Suppers, inviting ancestors to join dinner and updating them on the year's news.

The episode begins with an introduction to the medieval Dumb Supper tradition, where families invited ancestors to join meals and updated them on yearly news, linking it to Halloween's pagan roots. Hosts Brian Berkoff, Ogun Holder, and Shannon Weston share what they're drinking, such as a Yingling Hershey's chocolate porter and a My Kiss IPA, before discussing favorite Halloween candies like Skittles and milk duds. They then address a theological question from Reverend Dr. Stephen Ray on whether God has a plan for creation, with Ogun firmly rejecting the idea of a divine plan, viewing God as presence rather than a planner. Shannon suggests a middle ground, framing it as God's desire rather than a strict plan, and the hosts debate the parental metaphor for God, touching on personal family dynamics. Next, they examine Rabbi Joachim Prinz's quote that 'neighbor is not a geographic term, it is a moral concept,' discussing tribalism and the practical challenges of loving actual neighbors. The conversation moves to Luke 6:22 on persecution, where they critique how some Christians misuse this idea to oppose LGBTQ+ protections, labeling it a false prophecy. They reference figures like Joel Osteen and Creflo Dollar, and Shannon notes the need to contextualize biblical authors like Paul within their cultural norms. The episode returns to Halloween, detailing how Pope Gregory instituted All Saints Day to Christianize Samhain, but pagan practices persisted. Hosts reflect on America's discomfort with death and grief, contrasting it with the commercialization of Halloween. Brian shares a personal tradition of using his great-grandmother's pecan pie dish at Thanksgiving to honor ancestors, connecting it to the Dumb Supper's themes. The show concludes with patron thanks and logistical details, ending on a light note about mispronunciations.

As heard by us

A supper with the dead leads into a loose, searching conversation about meaning, randomness, and divine desire.

Episode 239 begins at the strange, intimate table of the Dumb Supper, a Middle Ages tradition in which ancestors were invited to dinner, spirits were addressed, the dead were entertained, and the year's news was shared with them.

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Why you'd press play

You want a pint-side life-and-faith conversation that starts with the medieval Dumb Supper and drifts into whether randomness can still hold meaning.

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