Latest novel · Nautilus silver
The Last Voyage
In 2056, a troubled, brilliant crew leaves a collapsing Earth for Mars—and must decide which human values deserve a future.
Author · Speaker · Public theologian
Exploring faith, courage, and what it means to be human.
Brian D. McLaren’s books and talks invite honest questions, deeper belonging, and wise action in a changing world.
Writing at the meeting place of spirit, story, and public life
New here?
Start where you are.
Brian’s work spans decades and genres. Choose the doorway that sounds most like you today.
01
A wiser faith can make room for honest doubt.
Begin with Brian’s work on spiritual growth, religious identity, and the possibility of a faith that becomes more generous as it matures.
Current work
Brian’s Latest & Upcoming Works
New fiction imagines humanity’s next chapter. New nonfiction keeps asking how meaning, courage, and community can meet the moment we’re living through.
Selected books
Books for the journey
The Last Voyage
A science-fiction journey asking what humanity should carry forward—and what we must leave behind.
Life After Doom
Wisdom, grief, and resilient hope for a world confronting overlapping crises.
Do I Stay Christian?
A candid guide for doubters, the disappointed, and the disillusioned.
Faith After Doubt
Why old beliefs stop working—and how doubt can lead toward a deeper faith.
“Anything written by Brian McLaren is always filled with insight, courage, and creative theology.”— Fr. Richard Rohr
About Brian
A generous voice for a changing world
Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he has spent decades helping people think honestly about faith, culture, ecology, and the common good.
His work speaks especially to people whose questions have outgrown inherited answers—and to communities seeking a more just, generous, and compassionate way forward.
AuthorMore than twenty books across nonfiction and fiction.
SpeakerKeynotes, conversations, retreats, and virtual gatherings.
TeacherFaculty member with the Center for Action and Contemplation.
PodcasterCo-host of the CAC podcast Learning How to See.
Invite Brian
A conversation that stays with people
Brian brings intellectual honesty, warmth, and practical hope to conferences, clergy gatherings, campuses, multi-faith events, podcasts, and community conversations.
Scheduling note
Brian is taking 2026 away from public speaking. Starting in 2027, he plans to limit public speaking to six to ten in-person events per year with about the same number of online appearances. He will be available for podcast and press interviews primarily around the time of his book releases. His priorities in public speaking are a) college students and young adults, b) seminarians and clergy, and c) large gatherings where he can talk about his recent and upcoming books.
Available for Podcast and Press Interviews
Brian is currently booking podcast interviews for his new book releases: The Great Rift (Nov 2026), The Beautiful Logic of a Meaningful Life (May 2027), and Ethnogensis (Summer/Fall 2027).
Past public speaking topics
01Faith after certainty+
An honest, hopeful conversation for people whose inherited beliefs no longer fit—exploring how doubt can become a doorway to a more mature, generous faith.
02Courage in a world falling apart+
How do we face ecological, social, and personal upheaval without denial or despair? Brian offers practices for grief, resilience, and courageous action.
03Spirituality and social transformation+
A practical exploration of how contemplation, compassion, and inner transformation can become fuel for justice, repair, and the common good.
04A just and generous Christianity+
A vision of Christianity centered on the way of Jesus: expansive love, humility, inclusion, and solidarity across differences.
05Story, belonging, and the human future+
An imaginative look at the stories shaping our identities and our future—and how better stories can help us build belonging and choose what humanity carries forward.
Events & media
Meet, listen, share
Find current scheduling information, sample conversations, and everything an event or media team needs.
See all events →A quieter speaking year
Brian is stepping back from most public events in 2026. Follow updates here and join EDGEWISE for 2027 news.
Read the update →Creating a Church for the Future
A 90-minute presentation and audience conversation.
Watch the talk ↗Press & event kit
Approved photos and downloadable promotional materials.
Open the kit ↗Writing & ideas
Notes from the journey
Recent posts
The 100 Most-Read Posts, All Time
In Tribute: Dr. John Esposito (1940-2026)
In Tribute: Dr. Patrick Keifert
Recent podcasts
Faith, Fear, and Facing the Future
Recent videos
Interview with Brian D. McLaren: The Last Voyage
Search the archive
Two decades of questions, ideas, and conversation
Search an archive of Brian’s writings, speaking engagements, podcasts, and more.