The Luxcast: Recent Episodes
Western Theological Seminary
Today’s guest is Dr. Greg Lee, Associate Professor of Theology and Urban Studies at Wheaton College. Dr. Lee was on campus giving a lecture on An Augustinian theology of Mass Incarceration. Much of Dr. Lee’s work appropriates Augustine as a resource for addressing contemporary issues of church and society. A resident of the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, he is especially interested in urban questions of race and class, which he approaches from a distinctly Asian American perspective. WTS student and Wheaton grad Anna Erickson sat down with him to discuss Mass Incarceration.
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 denominations become institutionalized, become businesses that sell goods and services to their member congregations, become political institutions where significant issues of faith and morals are decided by voting. And of course, voting divides a question into two sides, as if any question that’s worth asking has only two sides... ...the very method we have chosen to resolve disputes guarantees that the disputes will continue, because there are winners and losers of every single vote that’s ever taken." -Rev. Dr. Joseph Small
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 for a colloquy hosted by the Girod Chair in Reformed Theology, during which she also participated on a panel on “A Theology of Singleness.” WTS student James Schetelich sat down to talk with her about her books and why marriage and singleness are important topics for the church.
Today’s guest is Dr. Leah Gunning Francis. Dr. Francis is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is also the author of Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community and this year’s 2019 Stoutemire lecturer in multicultural ministry. For Ferguson and Faith, Dr. Gunning Francis interviewed more than two dozen clergy and young activists who were actively involved in the movement for racial justice in Ferguson and beyond. She researched and wrote Ferguson and Faith while serving at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Gunning Francis sat down with Dr. Kyle Small to discuss her time in Ferguson and what it means for the church to be engaged in the work of justice.
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 gender justice, climate change, and transformational civic engagement. CJ Kingdom-Grier sat down with her to discuss her views on patriarchy, reparations, and orthodoxy.
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, innovation, and youth ministry. Shari Oosting sat down with Amanda to find out how practice and theology meet through cooking, doing homework, and hanging out with kids at the Brain Kitchen.
Today’s guest is 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, and what it is like to approach theology of immigration as an immigrant himself. Sara Sanchez, a current WTS student originally from Honduras, sat down with him.
This episode features songwriter and worship artist, Sandra McCracken. Sandra joined us during “Doxophilia” – a week-long exploration of worship and worship renewal. WTS alum Rev. Jonathan Gabhart sat down to discuss Sandra’s work and music’s ability to connect the church and the larger world.
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 currently in remission. WTS student Katlyn DeVries sat down with Dr. Thompson to discuss how faith is experienced through the trauma of serious illness, and what connections she sees between cancer stories and the Christian story.
Former Grand Rapids Mayor, Rev. George Heartwell is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary, who for 14 years led Heartside Ministries, working with and advocating for the cities’ most disadvantaged residents. He also served two terms as City Commissioner from 1992-1999, before being elected mayor in 2003. Rev. Heartwell was Grand Rapids’ longest serving mayor, serving until 2016 and focusing on issues like sustainability, social justice, and community development.
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.”
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 of Holy Land Trust. Sami and Jessica are speaking together in locations across the US as part of the “Pilgrimage to Peace tour.” They sat down to discuss ways the church in America can help promote peace in the Holy Land.
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 De Santiago together this summer. For 17 years, Wes served as General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America, and has long been active in ecumenical initiatives such as the Global Christian Forum and Christian Churches Together. He is a frequent contributor to Sojourners Magazine.
Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley, Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture and Director of Intercultural and Indigenous Studies at Portland Seminary, talks with Dr. Travis West about indigenous theology and what he calls, the Harmony Way.
On this episode, WTS professor of practical theology and director of the graduate certificate in disability and ministry, Dr. Ben Conner sits down with Shari Oosting to discuss his new book, "Disabling Mission, Enabling Witness: Exploring Missiology Through the Lens of Disability Studies."
In this episode, Sarah Arthur, who recently published the book “A Light so Lovely: The Spiritual Legacy of Madeleine L'Engle, Author of A Wrinkle in Time,” sits down with Jeff Munroe to talk about writing this book in light of her own recent cancer diagnosis, and what Madeleine’s life means to her.
In this episode, Dr. Ben Conner sits down with Dr. John Swinton, author and scholar in disability studies and professor at the University of Aberdeen, to discuss his newest book, "Becoming Friends of Time."
This episode features Scottish worship leader and liturgist, John Bell. Dr. Ron Rienstra sat down with John to discuss how worship and story can connect us despite divisions.
In this episode, Kevin Cloud discusses his book,“God and Hamilton: Spiritual themes from the life of Alexander Hamilton and the Broadway Musical He Inspired.”
This episode features Hope College professor Dr. Deirdre Johnston and Hope interim president, Dr. Dennis Voskuil. In today’s polarized age, these two and others at Hope College are striving to make dialogue civil again, specifically on campus and in the classroom. They sat down to discuss “the Virtues of Public Discourse.”
Who could be a better representation of the power of civility than Nelson Mandela? Today’s guest is WTS alumni and South African theologian, Dr. Tinyiko Maluleke, who is working on a book about Nelson Mandela and hope. Rev. Dr. Denise Kingdom-Grier sat down with him to discuss Mandela’s legacy.
Dr. Davey Henreckson specializes in moral theology, and is currently working on a book entitled, "The Immortal Commonwealth: Covenant, Community, and Political Resistance in Early Reformed Thought." WTS student Katy Johnson sat down with him to discuss the meaning of civility and what it means to practice virtuous civil dissent.
In this episode, El Salvadorian composer and liturgist, Carlos Colón discusses his harrowing escape from El Salvador, finding a home in the church, and what the role of art is in engaging social issues.
Songwriter and worship leader Wendell Kimbrough discusses how music, and specifically singing the Psalms, can be an outlet for emotion and lament that leads to more fruitful civil dialogue within the church.
Dr. Jonathan Pennington, Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of "The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological Commentary" discusses civility in a divisive cultural moment, and how Jesus and the Beatitudes provide a roadmap for human flourishing.
In this episode, artist and writer Mako Fujimura reflects on living in New York City during the September 11 terrorist attacks. The events inspired Mako to visit the earlier ground zeros—at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In this interview WTS Executive vice president Jeff Munroe asks Mako about these experiences and how we navigate our way through today's cultural climate.
In the first episode of season 4, Dr. Richard Mouw discusses the importance of civility and civil dialogue in Evangelical Christianity.
In the final episode of Season 3, Kris DePree and Jody Vanderwel discuss the faith legacy of their father, Max DePree--renowned leader, author, and former CEO of Herman Miller.
In this episode, WTS professor of New Testament Dr. Robert Van Voorst discusses his latest book, "Commonly Misunderstood Verses of the Bible: What They Really Mean."
Happy #ReformationDay! Today marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and we're commemorating with esteemed American Historian, Dr. Mark Noll! If you listen closely, you might even catch the topic for next season...
In this episode, Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson discusses her award-winning book "The Justice Calling: Where Passion meets Perseverance," and what justice and righteousness look like in our lives and vocations.
In this episode Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah discusses his own faith journey and how it influences his work in justice and racial reconciliation in the church.
On today's episode, Josh Larsen and Eric Kuiper sat down to talk about Josh's new book "Movies are Prayers" and a have a conversation about the relationship of film and faith. Josh is the editor of Think Christian, an online magazine dealing with issues of faith and culture, and co-host of the podcast Filmspotting. Eric is Chief Creative Officer of Celebration Cinema, founder of Into the Noise, and an adjunct professor at WTS.
Pakistani ethnomusicologist Eric Sarwar shares how his Christian faith has influenced his work, and what he is doing to connect with Muslim neighbors in his country using the Psalms.
In this episode, Marijke Strong asks Sarah Arthur about her love of literature, especially fiction, and how that plays into her faith and her call as a writer.
In this episode, Dwight Baker, CEO/President of Baker Publishing and Elizabeth Palmer, books editor at The Christian Century discuss faith and the Christian publishing industry.
Isaac Wardell of Bifrost Arts and David Bailey of Arrabon discuss what Faith and Vocation means to them.
New York Times Best-selling author and Episcopal priest, Barbara Brown Taylor, sits down with fellow writer Isaac Anderson to discuss writing as an act of faith.
In the final episode of Season 2, New York Times best-selling author and speaker Rachel Held Evans sits down with Rev. Roger Nelson to answer, “What is it like to be the spiritual voice of a collective”?
In this episode, theologians Edith M. Humphrey and John L. Thompson discuss the question, "Does church tradition undermine the centrality of scripture?"
In this episode, Dr. J. Todd Billings sat down with Dr. Daniel Castelo, Associate Professor of Theology at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA, and author of “The Apathetic God,” and “Pentecostalism as a Christian Mystical Tradition.” Dr. Billings asked Dr. Castelo about theodicy and addressing the “Problem of evil” from a Christian theological perspective.
Alison Adam and Greg Scheer discuss the question, "How can Global Music in Western Worship be done authentically and respectfully?" This episode was filmed at the Calvin Symposium on Worship.
On this episode, Church planter and pastor of Liberti Church Philadelphia Jared Ayers discusses the difference between seeker comprehensibility and seeker sensitivity and how his church is attempting to accomplish the former.
In this episode, Dr. John Witvliet, Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, discusses changes and renewal in the art and practice of church worship.
In episode 2.4, Anne Zaki, assistant professor of practical theology at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, offers strengths of the church in the West and the church in the East and suggests ways we can learn from one another.
In episode 2.3, world renowned artist, writer, and speaker Makoto Fujimura shares about the connection between art and trauma, and being an advisor on Martin Scorsese's latest film, Silence.
In episode 2.2, Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas discusses ways to practice self-care in a highly demanding, instant gratification culture where clergy burn-out is common.
In the heartwarming first episode of season 2, WTS President Timothy Brown is interviewed by his son, Pastor Jon Brown, about the importance of Scripture Memorization for our lives and ministries.
On this episode, Han-luen Kantzer-Komline sat down with Rev. Dr. Justo L González, a prominent author and church historian. Dr. González shared about his love for history and the ways he makes that history come alive for others. To see Dr. González's speech at the WTS Dean's installation service, check out the video here: http://www.westernsem.edu/introducing-new-academic-dean
In this episode, Professor Tom Boogaart sat down with Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, a WTS graduate and the National Organizer & Spokesperson for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA), to discuss why young people, and Christians in particular, should care about environmental concerns.
In this episode, Jenna Brandsen sat down with Rebecca Deng, a former refugee who is one of the “Lost Girls” of South Sudan. Rebecca shared about her experience as a refugee in the US, and shared how the church can help welcome refugees.
In this episode Dr. Theresa Latini sat down with Rev. Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali, an Anglican from the (United) Church of Pakistan who has spent his life devoted to various causes of justice, speaking out against the persecution of religious minorities, and helping others to understand Islam as it intersects with Christianity.
http://www.westernsem.edu/stoutemire-lecture/
J. Todd Billings sat down with Keith Johnson, Associate professor of Theology at Wheaton College, to discuss Keith's new book "Theology as Discipleship."
In this episode, Jeff Munroe talks to writer and professor of medical humanities at the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, Marilyn Chandler McEntyre about her rules for "how to play with a poem."
In this episode Andy Bast sat down with Bruce Benedict, chaplain of worship arts at Hope College, founder of Cardiphonia, and participant in the retuned hymn movement, in which musicians compose new music to old hymn texts.
On this episode, Kristen Deede Johnson sat down with Gisela Kreglinger, author of "The Spirituality of Wine," to discuss what the Bible has to say about wine and how it impacts the Christian life.
Rev. Denise Kingdom-Grier sat down with Lisa Sharon Harper, Chief Church Engagement Officer at Sojourners, during Lisa's book tour promoting "The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right."
In this episode, Chuck DeGroat interviews Rawee Bunupuradah, a church planter working in Bangkok, Thailand. To learn more about Rawee's work in Thailand, go to https://www.rca.org/rawee-nui-bunupuradah