Soulen and Soulen

Follow Soulen and Soulen
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Dr. Richard Soulen and Dr. Kendall Soulen are father and son. Each is an ordained Methodist minister and each a Professor in Theology. This podcast is intended for listeners who are interested in learning more about what they believe and why the believe.

Hosts Dr. Richard N. Soulen and Dr. R. Kendall Soulen.


    • Sep 5, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 98 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Soulen and Soulen with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Soulen and Soulen

    98. Wisdom is a Feminine Noun

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2021 23:06


    In both the Old Testament (written in Hebrew) and in the New Testament (written in Greek), the word Wisdom is a feminine noun and therefore considered a feminine principle.  The following sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen was delivered on Mother's Day in the 1990s reflects on the role of Wisdom in our lives.  Today, … Continue reading 98. Wisdom is a Feminine Noun →

    97. Saints and other characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2021 16:32


    We can easily be dismayed by the hate and cruelty that exists in the world. But the response can be very simple: We are God’s children. We believe in love for our neighbor. We hope and pray for a bright future. And so, Christ is the image that we must pattern our lives after. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    96. Two 20th Century Theologians. A Methodist and a Muslim.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2021 52:13


    In the previous podcast series, Dr. Richard N. Soulen studied two theologians of the 18th Century: John Wesley and Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb.  Both born in the same year and dying just months apart.  As part of research for that series, he discovered another coincidence… two 20th Century Theologians both born in the same year … Continue reading 96. Two 20th Century Theologians. A Methodist and a Muslim. →

    95. 6. Two 18th Century Theologians. (Concluding reflections by R. Kendall Soulen)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 15:17


    John Wesley (1703-1791) founder of the Methodist church and Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb (1703-1792) founder of Wahhabism, were born in the same year and died less than a year apart. What were the factors that influenced these two significant theologians to understand belief in God and expression of faith in such radically different ways? Dr. … Continue reading 95. 6. Two 18th Century Theologians. (Concluding reflections by R. Kendall Soulen) →

    94. 5. Two 18th Century Theologians. (Wesley Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2021 52:09


    John Wesley (1703-1791) founder of the Methodist church and Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb (1703-1792) founder of Wahhabism, were born in the same year and died less than a year apart. What were the factors that influenced these two significant theologians to understand belief in God and expression of faith in such radically different ways? Dr. … Continue reading 94. 5. Two 18th Century Theologians. (Wesley Part 2) →

    93. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 4.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 44:03


    John Wesley (1703-1791) founder of the Methodist church and Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb (1703-1792) founder of Wahhabism, were born in the same year and died less than a year apart. What were the factors that influenced these two significant theologians to understand belief in God and expression of faith in such radically different ways? Dr. … Continue reading 93. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 4. →

    92. Living takes a lot of Forgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2021 14:48


    The Apostles’ Creed is a symbol of faith for Christians. Belief in the forgiveness of sins is part of this creed. Yet unlike the Lord’s Prayer, which can be recited at any time, the Apostles’ Creed is typically voiced in church, in union with other people. For the “Forgiveness of Sins” does not just mean … Continue reading 92. Living takes a lot of Forgiving →

    91. Praise the Lord!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 13:38


    In all things, Praise the Lord. Yes… but how? A sermon meditation by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    90. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 3.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2021 40:40


    John Wesley (1703-1791) founder of the Methodist church and Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb (1703-1792) founder of Wahhabism, were born in the same year and died less than a year apart. What were the factors that influenced these two significant theologians to understand belief in God and expression of faith in such radically different ways? Dr. … Continue reading 90. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 3. →

    89. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 2.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2021 45:36


    John Wesley (1703-1791) founder of the Methodist church and Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb (1703-1792) founder of Wahhabism, were born in the same year and died less than a year apart. What were the factors that influenced these two significant theologians to understand belief in God and expression of faith in such radically different ways? Dr. … Continue reading 89. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 2. →

    88. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 1.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2021 38:07


    John Wesley (1703-1791) founder of the Methodist church and Muḥammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb (1703-1792) founder of Wahhabism, were born in the same year and died less than a year apart. What were the factors that influenced these two significant theologians to understand belief in God and expression of faith in such radically different ways? Dr. … Continue reading 88. Two 18th Century Theologians. Part 1. →

    87. The Mother’s Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 21:48


    Our culture has been too long dominated by the aggressive, assertive, self-seeking desire to control and dominate. And not open to a caring, compassionate, and self giving nature. Dr. Richard N. Soulen was pastor at Duncan Memorial Methodist Church in Ashland, Virginia from 1988 to 1995. This is a sermon recording selected from this time … Continue reading 87. The Mother’s Mind →

    86. Darkness and Light

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 15:07


    The following meditation by Dr. Richard N. Soulen focuses on the prison industry in Virginia during the 1990s. The rising prison population was the result, in part, of sentencing guidelines that are being reversed in many part of the country today. But the fundamental question remains. How do we as Christians help others that are … Continue reading 86. Darkness and Light →

    85. Native Awareness

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2021 24:56


    One of United Methodism’s six special Sundays with offerings, Native American Ministries Sunday equips and empowers Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus. The following sermon delivered by Dr. Richard N. Soulen in the 1990s highlights issues that still strongly resonate today. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    84. Works of Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 18:04


    In the Methodist Church, Peace with Justice Sunday is a call for us to love our enemies, seekjustice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. In this sermon from the 1990s, Dr. Richard N. Soulen raises issues that are even more relevant today. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    83. John’s Question

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2021 23:56


    How can the Christmas story be made meaningful for adults? Christmas celebrates God. God with us. The divine in the midst of the human. Just like the Christ Child, we were all infants at one time. And we were all totally dependent on the love of a mother and of a father and of the … Continue reading 83. John’s Question →

    82. To walk with the Lord

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 19:58


    The United Methodist Church uses an itinerant system to appoint pastors to different congregations. The following sermon is a personal reflection by Dr. Richard N. Soulen about the faith of ministers and congregations, that stretches across the generations. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    81. The Truth shall set you free

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 24:36


    The following sermon was delivered in the early 1990s. The topic of truth, or the wanton assault on truth, is critically important today as we grapple with campaigns of misinformation. On the personal level, Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses the “dimensions of truth” that exist between you and God. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    80. A plan for the fullness of time

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 18:47


    What does the future hold for us? What will happen in 2021? We just don’t know. We can’t know. But as Christians, we do know this: It is God’s will that in the fullness of time we shall be the children of God. The following is a sermon meditation by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    79. Personal Holiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 15:03


    If you feel the call of the spirit, be Holy. If you can’t be Holy, be perfect. If you can’t be perfect, be good. If you can’t be good, be wise. If you can be none of these… A sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    78. What is Sin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2021 21:22


    What is the nature of sin? How does sin and the meaning of Christmas go together? A sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    christmas soulen
    77. The transience of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 20:22


    Our time on this earth is limited. This is the transience of life. Do not live in the past. The past is the past. Admitting that something is over is a necessary part of living into the future. So live now, make a difference now, love your neighbor now and become part of the Kingdom … Continue reading 77. The transience of Life →

    76. I believe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2021 15:27


    As Christians, we begin our profession of faith with the words, “I believe.” While not spoken or declared, just as important for the person of faith is what we do NOT believe. A sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    christians soulen
    75. What does it mean to believe in God?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 26:35


    What does it mean to believe in God? If you were asked this question, how would you answer? What is the faith that is within you? Can you describe it? Dr. Richard N. Soulen is followed by Dr. R. Kendall Soulen in exploring the question. God has a purpose. God has a purpose for each … Continue reading 75. What does it mean to believe in God? →

    74. Did we do enough?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2021 18:39


    As people of faith, we believe we are called to make a positive difference in the lives of the people around us. During such times of difficulty and sadness as these, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. The following sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen was delivered before the pandemic, but addresses a … Continue reading 74. Did we do enough? →

    soulen
    73. What’s New?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 20:15


    The following sermon was delivered in the early 1990s, when “surfing the web” was a new thing. Today, technology continues to advance in ways both wonderful and terrifying. Yet God’s presence in our lives is a new and more powerful creation. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    72. Today is the day of Salvation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 18:02


    Now. Today. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today is the day of Salvation. Today is the day of God’s grace. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    71. The Personal God

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2020 18:53


    Someone once asked, “What is God?” But that is the wrong question. The better question is, “Where is God?” We declare that the answer to that question is in Jesus of Nazareth. And also, in you and in me. Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses the Personal God in the following sermon meditation. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    70. The Human and the Divine

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2020 16:00


    At the Last Supper, Jesus gave the Disciples a new commandment. This new commandment was to “Love one another as I have loved you.” In the following meditation, Dr. Richard N. Soulen provides a deeper understanding of the Last Supper and what that gift means for each of us today. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    69. To see things differently

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 21:34


    The Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday. It is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. More importantly, Scout Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate that part of the Scout Law is to be reverent. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    68. Aspects of Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2020 22:49


    As infants, we enter this world kicking, screaming, and crying. It is Mother’s and Father’s love that brings the infant from kicking and screaming to laughing and smiling. This is the first of three “Aspects of Love” explored by Dr. Richard N. Soulen in the following sermon. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    67. Jesus, Christ of God

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2020 16:55


    Jesus and three of his apostles, Peter, James, and John go to a mountain to pray. While they are there, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the prophets Moses and Elijah appear next to him and he speaks with them. A voice from the clouds calls out, “This is my Son, whom I … Continue reading 67. Jesus, Christ of God →

    66. To cherish what is Holy.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 26:30


    What is Holy to you? When and how do you experience the Holy? Is it closer to you than you think? Dr. Richard N. Soulen explores what is Holy. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    holy soulen
    65. On Seeing and Not Seeing

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2020 27:02


    The story of Doubting Thomas is found in the Gospel of John. Thomas says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” But when he does see and touch Jesus, he exclaims, “My Lord and my … Continue reading 65. On Seeing and Not Seeing →

    64. Charity and Injustice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2020 22:21


    Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah Chapter 6). The Black Lives Matter movement seeks to bring justice, healing, and freedom to people of color across the world. In this sermon delivered in the early 1990s, … Continue reading 64. Charity and Injustice →

    63. Plain Talk About Violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2020 22:42


    Dr. Richard N. Soulen delivered the following sermon in 1991, not long after the beating of Rodney King. The message is based on the Sermon on the Mount text, which fundamentally describes who we are called to be as Christians. The message is as important today as it was nearly 30 years ago. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    62. Impossible Possibilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 20:39


    “Whoever saves one life saves the entire world.” This is a line from the Talmud that was used in the movie Schindler’s List (1994 Academy Best Picture Award). But how can that be so? This sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen seems especially relevant today during this time of national crisis. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    61. Let the Words of My Mouth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2020 22:49


    The last line of Psalm 19 begins, “Let the words of my mouth…” This is the subject of the following sermon preached by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.

    psalm mouth soulen
    60. And the Life Everlasting

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 23:06


    The Apostles Creed ends with the phrase, “And the Life Everlasting.” What, exactly, does “Life Everlasting” mean? Dr. Richard N. Soulen provides a meditation on the topic. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.

    59. Repentance for Advent

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2020 17:35


    This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th. You might think Advent had started weeks ago based on all of the store decorations. Yet with all of the string lights, gigantic yard balloons, or even manger scenes for sale, you won’t see a single John the Baptist. This is the topic of the following sermon … Continue reading 59. Repentance for Advent →

    58. The Ecology of the Spirit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2020 24:03


    In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the Unrighteous Steward. The parable is complex and has been interpreted in different ways over the centuries. It is the topic of the following sermon delivered by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.

    57. The Temptation to Despair

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020 27:34


    During the course of our life, we will face many challenges. For many, these challenges will be so difficult and great that there will be a temptation to despair. In this sermon, Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses despair yet closes with a beautiful paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.

    56. Consider Yourself Important

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2020 18:50


    Even small actions can have significant impacts. In the Book of Acts, Philip has a chance encounter with an official from Ethiopia… and changed his life. In this sermon, Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses the power you have to make positive change in the world around you. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.

    55. I believe in the holy catholic church.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 25:14


    The Apostle’s Creed includes the phrase, “I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic church,” But what, exactly, is the holy catholic church? Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses this question in the following sermon. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    54. Not for nothing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 27:34


    The following sermon was delivered the Sunday after Easter. At this moment, Easter is a distant memory as Christmas decorations fills every store we visit. Now is a good time to be reminded that Easter Sunday is not the end but the beginning of our spiritual journey that carries us through the calendar year. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    53. Passion For Meaning

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 19:25


    In the Gospel of Mark, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome were the three women to go to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. In this sermon delivered on an Easter Sunday morning, Dr. Richard Soulen discusses our Passion for Meaning. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    52. The Great Indicative

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2020 22:36


    It is time to get your dictionary. What is the difference between “indicatives” and “imperatives”? In this sermon delivered in the 1990’s, Dr. Richard Soulen explores Christian faith from both the Indicative and Imperative perspective. Dr. R. Kendall Soulen provides additional commentary on the topic. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    51. Great Theologians. Episode 6 – Karl Barth and Paul Tillich

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 72:02


    “Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. Karl Barth (1886-1968) and Paul Tillich (1886-1965) are the focus of the concluding lecture of this series. Though friends and allies in protest … Continue reading 51. Great Theologians. Episode 6 – Karl Barth and Paul Tillich →

    50. In God’s own image. Part 2.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2020 12:40


    Dr. R. Kendall Soulen provides additional perspective on the mystery that we, all of us, are created in God’s own image. https://soulenandsoulen.com/

    49. In God’s own image

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020


    Carl Sagan was one of the most well-known and influential scientists and cosmologists of the 1970s and 1980s. Yet in his book, The Pale Blue Dot (1994), Carl Sagan suggests that we humans suffer from a “…delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe.” In this sermon delivered in the 1990’s, Dr. Richard Soulen … Continue reading 49. In God’s own image →

    48. Great Theologians. Episode 5 – Friedrich Schleiermacher

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020


    “Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) is the focus of lecture five.  In his influential book, On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers, Schleiermacher defends religion … Continue reading 48. Great Theologians. Episode 5 – Friedrich Schleiermacher →

    Claim Soulen and Soulen

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel