Yale Religion: Recent Episodes
Yale Divinity School
Yale Divinity School alum and hospice chaplain Reverend Aaron Klink discusses how spiritual care complements modern medicine, a near-death experience that transformed his understanding of mortality, and the enduring question of God’s presence in suffering.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/2025-05-06-where-is-god-in-suffering-spiritual-care-mortality-and-meaning-with-hospice
Professor of American Religious History Tisa Wenger discusses how the early US government used Christianity to justify indigenous land theft, the limits of religious freedom in America, and the importance of Yale’s new certificate in Native American and Indigenous studies.
A transcript of this episode can be found here: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/2026-04-06-religion-power-and-indigenous-lands-a-quadcast-interview-with-tisa-wenger
Socio-cultural anthropologist Todne Thomas, Associate Professor of Divinity and Religious Studies at Yale Divinity School, discusses researching a 2015 arson of a predominantly Black church in Tennessee, what it says about humanity, and why in-depth study of American religious life is critically important.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/2025-12-12-what-a-2015-church-burning-reveals-about-race-religion-and-life-in-america-with
Yale University Professor of History and Religious Studies Carlos Eire discusses evolving Protestant and Catholic views on miracles, the history of near-death experiences, and ‘hot button issues’ including the celibacy rule for Catholic priests.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/2025-10-15-the-history-of-miracles-and-near-death-experiences-quadcast-interview-with-carlos
Andrew McGowan, Dean of Berkeley Divinity School and Professor at Yale Divinity School, discusses the origins of today’s Christian practices, which Christian rituals were lost over the centuries, and why the famous biblical story of Abraham and Isaac is about trust, not sacrifice.
Ryan Darr, YDS Assistant Professor of Religion, Ethics, and Environment and an expert on multispecies justice, discusses rapidly accelerating species extinctions, why they matter from an ethical and theological perspective, and why responses to the climate crisis and biodiversity loss requires less individual action and more new kinds of communities.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/species-extinctions-and-why-they-matter-quadcast-interview-ryan-darr
YDS Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity Teresa Morgan discusses what attracted Greeks and Romans to Christianity in the religion’s first centuries; how Greek and Roman societies shaped Christian teachings; and the challenges she faced as a female priest.
Yale SOM grad Bryan Enriquez ’21 discusses launching the Hallow prayer app, argues that technology and artificial intelligence are good for religion and religious practice, and responds to critics who say that the marketing of Hallow commercializes faith.
Transcript available here: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/quadcast-developing-1-religion-app-world-bryan-enriquez
Professor John Grim, co-director of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, discusses the relationship between indigenous religions and the environment, why religion needs to be part of the fight against climate change, and shares how he responds to climate change deniers.
Transcript available here.
YDS Associate Professor of New Testament Yii-Jan Lin discusses how American immigration ideology and policy has been influenced by the Book of Revelation; COVID-19 and patterns of xenophobia in America; and modern political discourse on immigration.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/quadcast-modern-immigration-ideology-and-book-revelation-professor-yii-jan-lin
Yale Divinity School Lecturer Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove offers insights on the upcoming presidential election – drawing from his latest book with Bishop William Barber, ‘White Poverty’; discusses how a peacemaking trip to Iraq during the US invasion transformed his life; and talks about his work helping lead the new Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at YDS. https://divinity.yale.edu/news/quadcast-jonathan-wilson-hartgrove
YDS alumna Vanessa Avery shares lessons learned from decades of interfaith peacebuilding, how architecture can be used as a tool to bring people together, and the importance of radical hospitality.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/quadcast-sharing-sacred-spaces-and-radical-hospitality-vanessa-avery
Yale Divinity School Dean and Professor of New Testament Gregory E. Sterling discusses the future of theological education, overcoming polarization in America, and how the school’s new Living Village project is an ethical response to the climate crisis.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/future-theological-education-yds-dean-gregory-sterling
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence co-founder Dr. Robin Stern discusses the role of spirituality and religion in understanding and managing emotions, the danger of suppressing emotions like anger, and her groundbreaking work on gaslighting.
For more information and a transcript, please see: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/emotional-intelligence-and-spirituality-dr-robin-stern
YDS Professor Emeritus John Collins, author of the book “The Apocalyptic Imagination,” discusses what the Bible really says about the end of the world; what caused the rise of apocalyptic literature; and how some Christians err in their understanding of end times.
For more information and a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/what-bible-really-says-about-end-world-quadcast-interivew-john-collins
As the Yale Institute of Sacred Music celebrates its 50th anniversary, ISM Director Martin Jean discusses the institute’s past, present and future; how to save the genre of classical music; and what’s lost for humanity if sacred practice declines.
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/importance-sacred-quadcast-interview-martin-jean
YDS Professor Joel Baden discusses launching and leading the Center for Continuing Education at YDS, defends his critical scholarship of the Bible, and critiques what he calls scholarly evangelicalism.
A transcript of this interview can be found here.
In this episode, YDS alum Dr. Julie Faith Parker interprets the Bible through a feminist lens – reclaiming the biblical figure of Eve as a hero, questioning the common idea that only men authored scripture, and arguing that some of the women in Jesus’ circle are more important than some of the twelve disciples.
For more information and a transcript of this episode: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/eve-isn-t-evil-alum-scholar-challenges-assumptions-about-women-bible
YDS Associate Dean for Student Affairs Reverend Vicki Flippin discusses the new Good Life Center at YDS, her previous pastoral role that included sheltering people at risk of deportation, and how Malcolm X inspired her to pursue a career in ministry.
Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes ’18 M.Div. and husband, Pastor Andrew Wilkes, discuss launching a Brooklyn-based church committed to Black lives and justice; their co-authored book, “Psalms for Black Lives”; and the challenges of being co-ministers and spouses.
YDS Professor John Pittard discusses artificial intelligence’s impact on religion; reflects theologically on whether future AI robots could connect with God; and argues for a global alliance to regulate AI.
Dr. Kyama Mugambi, Professor of World Christianity at Yale Divinity School, discusses how Christianity in Africa is impacting the global religious landscape, why Christianity in Africa is not a ‘colonizer’ religion, and what Christianity has in common with African Traditional Religions.
Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church Bishop Michael Curry, YDS/Berkeley graduate, reflects on his fiery sermon on love at the royal wedding, becoming the first person of color to lead the Episcopal Church, and why the world is in need of ‘crazy Christians.’
YDS faculty member and former Yale University chaplain Jerry Streets ’75 M.Div. discusses the results of his survey on clergy wellbeing, the importance of multi-faith ministry, and lessons learned from his long career as a pastor.
Renowned sustainability architect Jason F. McLennan discusses Yale Divinity School’s Living Village complex, the relationship between religion and the environment, and his response to critics of green building.
Yale Divinity School alumna Kerry Robinson discusses advocating for women in leadership positions in the Catholic Church, offers advice on best practices in the field of fundraising, and shares how a YDS professor gave her the best advice she ever received.
Yale Divinity School alum Dr. Scott Morris, founder and CEO of faith-based medical clinic Church Health, discusses the connection between health and religion, why Christians must engage in healing ministries, and the biggest failure in the American healthcare system.
YDS alum Michael O’Loughlin discusses his book ‘Hidden Mercy’ and untold stories of the grassroots Catholic response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in America, the challenges of being an LGBT member of the Catholic Church, and how Pope Francis sparked a spiritual revolution on Twitter.
Yale Divinity School Professor Bruce Gordon discusses how the role of the Bible is changing worldwide, why the Bible transcends its historical contexts, and ancient debates about the Bible that are still alive today.
Yale Lecturer Abdul-Rehman Malik discusses the significance of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, the Islamic origins of coffee, and combating Islamophobia.
Distinguished Palestinian theologian Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb discusses misperceptions of Christians in the Middle East, positive Christian-Muslim relations in the Holy Land, and what is it like to live in the city of Bethlehem.
Former Yale Divinity School Professor Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton discusses the origins of the Gospel of Mark and its distinct characteristics that set it apart from the other three gospels.
New York Times Bestselling Author and CNN Political Analyst Kirsten Powers discusses grace as a practice to cure division in America and her personal journey from atheism to Catholicism.
Yale’s Jewish Chaplain Jason Rubenstein discusses modern Judaism in America, what makes it distinct from other Jewish communities around the world, and how sacred texts beyond the Hebrew Bible influence Jewish practice today.
In the runup to the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference, the Quadcast interviews the Rev. Dr. Jim Antal ’78 M.Div. about the moral duty of religious leaders to preach on the climate crisis.
Yale Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies Philip Gorski sheds insight on white Christian nationalism, as well as the changing religious demographics in America. You can read Professor Gorski’s latest article here: https://currentpub.com/2021/08/03/three-cheers/
YDS Professor of New Testament Criticism and Interpretation Laura Nasrallah discusses the history, significance, and backstory of the letters of Paul.
Dean Randy Hollerith of Washington National Cathedral, ’90 M.Div., discusses presiding over presidential inaugural prayer services for Donald Trump and Joe Biden, why religious leaders should play a central role in healing divisions in America, and finding hope and faith during the coronavirus pandemic.
This is the third and final podcast in the Fireside Chat series that the Spiritual Formation Committee has sponsored this year. In this podcast, you will hear Professor Tisa Wenger and MDiv student Tasha Brownfield interview each other about their faith stories related to the Unitarian Universalist tradition.
The Spiritual Formation and the Practice of Faith Committee is continuing the practice of Fireside Chats through inviting members of the community to share their spiritual journeys. Since we cannot conduct these chats by the actual fireside in the Common Room this year, we are offering them as podcasts instead. In this episode, student Christy … Continue reading Exploring Muslim Identity with Abdul-Rehman Malik →
The Spiritual Formation and the Practice of Faith Committee is resuming the practice of Fireside Chats, whereby members of the community share a little bit about their spiritual journeys. Since we cannot conduct these chats by the actual fireside in the Common Room this year, we are offering them as podcasts instead. Listen to this … Continue reading YDS Fireside Chat – Exploring Jewish Identity with Jacqueline Vayntrub and Ora Weinbach →
US Senator Chris Coons weighs in on religion’s role in American politics, Republican and Democratic relations, and his fondest Yale memories.
Mecca Griffith interviews Christian ethics professor Jennifer Herdt on the human capacity for both empathy and exclusion—and society’s proven ability to create change in the face of injustice.
Emily Judd interviews Yale Divinity School professor Mary Clark Moschella about how to find one’s life purpose, focus on the positive despite obstacles, and her Yale course that brings together graduate students and incarcerated women.
Emily Judd interviews Yale Divinity School alum and former Democratic nominee for Massachusetts governor Bob Massie, in a conversation that covers Christianity’s teachings on money and wealth, his health battles with hemophilia and HIV, and what inspired him to leave ministry and go into politics.
Emily Judd interviews Professor of New Testament Yii-Jan Lin about resistance, feminism, and slavery in the New Testament, and how one passage can be interpreted differently to support opposites sides of an argument.
Yale Professor Mary Evelyn Tucker addresses the urgent threat of climate change, how the fields of religion and science can unite to save the planet, and the importance of the US staying in the Paris Agreement.
Emily Judd interviews Yale Professor Ken Minkema about the life and legacy of America’s great Christian pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards and Yale’s commitment to preserving his work.
Emily Judd interviews Dean Bill Goettler about what makes leadership transformational, new models for faith ministry, and the importance of experiencing failure.
Professor Erika Helgen discusses how liberation theology combines religion with politics, its idea that Jesus was a political revolutionary, and whether Pope Francis supports the movement.
Angela Gorrell of the Yale Center For Faith and Culture discusses the trend of digital fasting, how Jesus would use Twitter, and if social media helps or harms religious community and practice.
Yale Divinity School Professor Sarah Drummond discusses the relationship between business and religion, how business and faith leaders can successfully implement change, and reorienting the leadership of the Catholic Church.
Yale Divinity School Professor John Hare discusses the relationship between philosophy and religion and working for the U.S. government on human rights issues.
Yale Divinity School Professor Willie Jennings discusses Christian stewardship of the environment, conscious meat consumption, and the intersection of racial and environmental justice.
Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler discusses religious demographics and trends on college campuses and the common spiritual crises students face.
Yale World Fellow Omar Mohammed discusses life under ISIS rule in Iraq and how he anonymously documented the actions of ISIS through his blog Mosul Eye.
YDS Professor Harold Attridge discusses the modern challenges of interpreting ancient biblical texts, as well as his experience editing the HarperCollins Study Bible. He also reflects on recent changes at Yale Divinity School.
What makes life meaningful? Yale Professors Miroslav Volf and Matthew Croasmun explore this question in their course “Life Worth Living” and in the latest YDS podcast.
Yale’s Christian and Muslim Chaplains discuss common ground between their faiths and share surprising interfaith moments.
Baptist Minister Gregory Mobley and Jewish Rabbi Or Rose discuss the current state of interreligious relations in the United States and Middle East, as well as their book, “My Neighbor’s Faith.”
Yale Professor Tisa Wenger discusses current conflicts of religious freedom in the United States, including the Trump administration’s travel ban restricting certain Muslims from entering the country and the Supreme Court case of the Colorado baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex couple.
Yale Divinity Professor Andrew McGowan discusses the evolution of Christmas from the first century to the twenty-first century.
Yale Divinity School Professor John Collins discusses the Bible’s relevance for today, his experience editing the Dead Sea Scrolls, and why he challenges the faith of his students.
Yale Divinity School Professor Teresa Berger discusses how digital media is fostering online faith communities and religious practice. She weighs in on the possibility of God working through Wi-Fi and whether social media should be required for church leaders in the twenty-first century.
Opening ceremony of the “Eight Decades of Women at YDS” celebration, Oct. 11, 2010. Speakers include Talitha Arnold ’80 M.Div., Women’s Reunion Chair; Harold Attridge, the Rev. Henry L. Slack Dean of Yale Divinity School and Lillian Claus Professor of New Testament; Margaret Farley ’73 Ph.D., the Gilbert L. Stark Professor Emerita of Christian Ethics; … Continue reading Eight Decades of Women at Yale Divinity School →
The Liturgy Symposium Series is presented by the Institute of Sacred Music. The series features liturgical scholars and practitioners selected by the chair of the Program on Liturgical Studies, Bryan Spinks. The talk focuses on the role of Christ’s passion in the liturgical imagination at the moment when Christianity first met the peoples of the … Continue reading Rehabilitating Human Sacrifice in a Christian Context →
Paul Freedman, Chester D. Tripp Professor of History, explores and dispels modern misconceptions regarding historical European tensions in the Middle East, providing illumination of major events from the Crusades to a more modern era.
The Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, Harry R. Butman Professor in Religion and Philosophy at Peidmont College, preached the sermon at The University Church’s 250th Anniversary Worship Service at Battell Chapel.
Dr. Peter Davies, publisher of “Alien Rights: A Critical Examination of Contemporary English in Anglican Liturgies”, addresses the topic in this presentation and netcast.
The exiled Namgyal monks from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s private monastery in Dharamsala, India, are bringing their artistic and musical talents to Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History during the last week of September.
In this lecture, William Sloane Coffin, Jr. challenges the church to respond to biblical mandates “like truth-telling, confronting injustice and pursuing peace” while avoiding use of “theological sledgehammers bludgeoning people into rigid orthodoxy.” Coffin, who died a year after delivering this lecture, served as Yale University chaplain from 1958 to 1975. (April 28, 2005)
In this lecture, Mary Evelyn Tucker highlights the spiritual and ethical dimensions of the environmental crisis, arguing that the religious and environmental communities should make common cause in protecting the ecology of planet earth. Tucker is a research scholar and senior lecturer at Yale University, with joint appointments at Yale Divinity School, the Yale School … Continue reading The Environmental Crisis as Spiritual and Moral Crisis →
In this sermon delivered at Rhinebeck Reformed Church in Rhinebeck, NY, Willis Jenkins argues the case for a “civic restlessness” — characterized by humility, mercy and justice — that builds a culture of sustainability linking community and land. Jenkins is the Margaret Farley Assistant Professor of Social Ethics, Yale Divinity School. (April 29, 2007)
Jon Butler, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Howard R. Lamar Professor of American Studies, delivers a talk on religion in twentieth century America at the Alumni Reunion Weekend.
Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne delivers the keynote address at Yale Divinity School’s Faith and Citizenship conference on May 3, 2007. Dionne, a respected political observer and former reporter for The New York Times, spoke in favor of engaging the theologies of justice developed in the civil rights as well as the rich tradition of … Continue reading Faith and Citizenship →
In this panel discussion led by Yale Law School Dean Harold Koh, activists, academicians and former diplomats covered subjects that included the international community’s inability to intervene in Darfur, citizenship in the face of globalization, and to what extent religion informs U.S. foreign policy. Panelists included Jennifer Butler, Executive Director, Faith in Public Life; Heidi … Continue reading Faith and Citizenship in a Global Context →
In this panel discussion led by Yale Law School Professor Harlon Dalton, academicians, journalists and activists examined the intersection between faith and politics in American life. Panelists included Randall Balmer, Ann Whitney Olin Professor of American Religion, Barnard College; Serene Jones, Titus Street Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School ; Michael Kieschnick, President and Co-founder, … Continue reading Faith and Citizenship in America →
Kristen Leslie, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Yale Divinity SchoolKristen Leslie, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care & Counseling at Yale Divinity School, discusses sexual assault in the United States Air Force Academy and the subsequent religious intolerance of chaplains at the Academy.