
Episode 5.17: Greg Lee on Mass Incarceration
In this episode, Dr. Greg Lee, Associate Professor of Theology and Urban Studies at Wheaton College, discusses Augustine and Mass Incarceration. Much of Dr. Lee’s work appropriates Augustine as a resource for addressing contemporary issues…

Episode 5.16: Joseph Small on Ecclesiology in a Divided Age
Rev. Dr. Joseph Small talks about church unity, denominations, and living as the Body of Christ:
"There’s something about the faith that impels us into relationship with each other. Now what happens, especially in American culture, is that…

Episode 5.15: Jana Bennett on Marriage & Singleness
Today’s guest is Dr. Jana Bennett, Professor of Religion at the University of Dayton. Dr. Bennett is a moral theologian and author of Water is Thicker than Blood: An Augustinian Theology of Marriage and Singleness. Dr. Bennet was on campus…

Episode 5.14: Dr. Leah Gunning Francis on Faith following Ferguson
When it comes to the work of racial justice, this year's Stoutemire lecturer Dr. Leah Gunning Francis says two things the church needs are courage, and the will to listen.
"The dominant narrative in our world is ‘everyone has an equal chance…

Episode 5.13: Lisa Sharon Harper on Patriarchy, Reparations, & Orthodoxy
Today’s guest is speaker, writer and activist, Lisa Sharon Harper. Lisa is the Chief Church Engagement Officer at Sojourners and has written extensively on shalom and governance, immigration reform, health care reform, poverty, racial and…

Episode 5.12: Dr. Amanda Drury on Testimony, Innovation, and Youth Ministry
Today’s guest is Dr. Amanda Drury, Director of Vision and Innovation at The Brain Kitchen in Marion, Indiana. Dr. Drury is also Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University where she writes and teaches about testimony,…

Episode 5.11: Alberto La Rosa on Theology of Immigration
This episode features WTS alumnus and Duke Divinity School Th.D. candidate, Alberto La Rosa. Alberto’s doctoral work focuses on a theology of immigration, and in this interview he shares why his work is important in today’s cultural moment,…

Episode 5.10: Sandra McCracken on Songwriting
"One of the things I love about songwriting in general is that It’s framed up in a storytelling tradition," says artist Sandra McCracken. "When songs are done well they have that power to draw you in and shine a spotlight on places you weren’t…

Episode 5.9: Deanna Thompson on Cancer Stories & the Christian Story
Today’s guest is Dr. Deanna Thompson, professor of religion at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and author of "Glimpsing Resurrection: Cancer, Trauma, and Ministry." Dr. Thompson was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2008 and is…

Episode 5.8: Former Grand Rapids Mayor Rev. George Heartwell on Public Theology
Former Grand Rapids Mayor, Rev. George Heartwell is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary ('88), who for 14 years led Heartside Ministries, working with and advocating for the city’s most disadvantaged residents. He also served two terms…

Episode 5.7: David Dark on Pop-culture and Policy as Liturgy
Dr. David Dark, author of “Life’s Too Short to Pretend You’re Not Religious,” sits down to discuss public theology, pop-culture as witness, and his belief that “policy is liturgy writ large.”

Episode 5.6: Sami Awad & Jessica Montell on Peace in the Holy Land
Rev. Dr. Mae Cannon of “Churches for Middle East Peace” interviews two very special guests; Jessica Montell, and Sami Awad. Jessica is an Israeli Jew, and the Executive Director of Hamoked. Sami is a Palestinian Christian and executive director…

Episode 5.5: Wes Granberg-Michaelson on Public Theology & “Future Faith”
Wes Granberg-Michaelson, author of several books including "Future Faith: Ten Challenges for Reshaping Christianity in the 21st Century" sits down with Kyle Small to discuss his start in public theology, his latest book, and walking the Camino…