Pub theology happens over a pint in a Newark pub in the evening of the last Thursday of every month.

The next meeting takes place on May 30, from 7.30pm at the Prince Rupert on Stodman Street, Newark.

Organisers say people shouldn’t expect a religious occasion, and welcome people of any faith or none to join in in what is an informal discussion.

<img src=”/_media/img/YQHPAL8IWAY0B4Z2QZOF.jpg” alt=”The Rev David Pickersgill, priest-in-charge at St Mary Magdalene, Newark, and, right, Mark Taylor, a leader at Newark Congregational Church outside of the Prince Rupert pub.”/>

Mark Taylor, a leader at Newark Congregational Church said, “Thinking about the big questions in life is something everyone does and therefore everyone has a perspective to offer.

“Pub Theology is a space where everyone can have their say and, more importantly, have the opportunity to hear other people’s points of view.

“It doesn’t matter if people are Christian or Muslim, Jew or Pagan, atheist or agnostic, their views are equally welcome.

“We don’t always agree with each other, but we always hear a different point of view and get the chance to weigh our own thoughts against that.”

Mark said the group would appeal to anyone with an enquiring mind.

“It’s important to realise that Pub Theology isn’t a religious activity and it certainly isn’t an attempt to ‘convert’ anybody to a particular viewpoint.

“It is about exploring what it is to be a human being in the 21st century and surely everyone has an interest in that.

“Besides all that, it’s fun.”

The Rev David Pickersgill, priest-in-charge of Newark Parish Church, said: “Newark Pub Theology is a safe space where your views are important.

“Social media can seem like a real shouting match, where people get hysterical over the slightest differences of opinion.

“At Pub Theology we’re not like that.

“Everybody thinks different things, and we discuss them openly, in a friendly way, over a pint.

“We talk about events in the news; important things about what life really means; and also things like ‘what did you give up for lent.’

Everyone is welcome to come along.

“It’s really important that we find forums where we can disagree well; this is one of those spaces.

“It’s always enlivening and fun and I would urge anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking discussion to come along.”