Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived

The Mudge family is striving to build a grace-focused home where kids aren't afraid to ask questions. This family of 8 have lived in multiple cultures, both in the United States and in Africa. Join in this conversation between Dr. Ron Mudge, provost at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and his son Isaiah, as they describe living as a Christian family in world that needs Christ.

J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his fantasy novels “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. While not allegories, the narratives are thick with theology. Join Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Kent Burreson as they discuss the ways Tolkien weaves eternal truths into his fairy stories.

Join us in a discussion about the Sabbath with systematic professors Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto. Biermann's newly published book, Day 7: for Work, Rest, or Play, has a unique take on the seventh day and what it means to keep the Sabbath. Don't miss it!

Dr. Tim Saleska, Old Testament scholar and professor of exegetical theology, explores the book of Ecclesiastes. He presents the idea that Job and Ecclesiastes are better understood in light of each other. “Job asks for an answer to suffering. Ecclesiastes puts us on the edge of meaninglessness,” said Saleska. “They inform each other, both deal with a God who doesn't seem to care very much about human beings. What do you do with a God like that?” Join us in this frank discussion about human suffering, meaninglessness, and the one who restores all things. 

The first few chapters of Genesis are ancient history, yet they reveal essential truths about our present and future. Join us as Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis answers questions about Genesis 1 – 11. He shares the significance of primeval history in the understanding of Christ. “Does God have the power to raise my loved ones from the grave? What hope could there possibly be for dust? Jesus is the one who, just like in Genesis 2, can take dust and breathe his spirit, his breath of life into lifeless clay and make us human beings on the last day. That's how God created Adam in the first place,” said Egger.

“I think our students would all agree that we are justified by faith, but it doesn't look like they actually believe that,” said Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology. “The critical question is, why does God like me today? Our students are having a particularly hard time, struggling to get there,” said Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emeritus. Join us as we explore the complex and nuanced concepts of faith, righteousness, and salvation!

The wisdom in the book of Job often gets tangled with platitudes of our own making. Which is which? “Job is dealing with the idea of a kind of a suffering that's incomprehensible and he gives us permission to speak very differently to and about God,” said Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology. Join us as Dr. Saleska faces Job head-on.

In this new series of episodes, professors explore the theological impact of their favorite pieces of literature. “Literature can help us to see the transcendent truths of the gospel anew,” said Dr. Ryan Tinetti, professor of Practical Theology. “It can help us deepen our experience, our understanding and our sympathy for folks from all walks of life and experiences,” said Dr. Kent Burreson, professor of Systematic Theology. Join Tinetti and Burreson in a discussion about Willa Cather's “My Ántonia” and Karen Blixen's “Babette's Feast.”

Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, professor of systematic theology and Dr. Jeff Oschwald, professor of exegetical theology, discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke. “You've got to ‘land the dove,' listening to what the Spirit was doing in the life of Jesus and in our lives,” said Sánchez. “The presence of God is in Jesus in a completely unique way, and yet he draws us into that by the gift of his Spirit to us,” said Oschwald. Join this discussion about Spirit Christology and its impact in our daily lives.

How should the church respond to its declining influence in today's culture? Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they continue the discussion about Lakies's new book How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times.

“I've been reading Luther's mail for a long time now,” said Dr. Stephen Pietsch, associate professor of Practical Theology. “Martin Luther was not only a bull-headed reformer — but also a gentle, wise correspondent.” Join Pietsch and Dr. Jason Lane, associate professor of Historical Theology, as they discuss Pietsch's research into the letters that Luther wrote to comfort those who were suffering from depression.

Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they discuss “insider versus outsider” mentality and explore some ways to build positive relationships with those on the other side of the fence.

World-renowned archeologist Dr. Jodi Magness shares her findings from decades of excavations in Israel. “The world of Jesus 2000 years ago was as alien to us as life on Mars. It was a completely different world,” said Magness in this discussion with Professor of Exegetical Theology Dr. David Adams.

Is social media changing the factors that contribute to the formation of sexual identity? Join this discussion between three church workers as they share their experiences working with tech-savvy youth. 

Technology is an apparent force in the world, but it's nothing new. From scrolls to screens, innovations have shaped how we interact with God's Word and each other. How will technology influence the church in the future? Listen to Dr. Bernard Bull and Dr. David Maxwell as they discuss their research and experience.

Hosea lived out God's message of redemption in a very tangible way. What does this minor prophet from the eighth century BC have to say to us today? Dr. Kevin Golden shares his research discoveries in a discussion with Dr. David Lewis about the incredibly relevant book of Hosea.

Widespread anxiety and high stress levels among Americans has led many mental health professionals to recommend mindfulness exercises. How should Christians respond? LCMS pastor, seminary professor, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Rick Marrs shares his experience and research about the use of meditation.

This is a special feature of the episode Mindfulness, Meditation, and Martin Luther. Dr. Rick Marrs reads a Scripture-based meditation that he modified from William Hulme's book Let the Spirit In: Practicing Christian Devotional Meditation. Enjoy!

There are currently 300 million people migrating in the world. The ways in which Christians respond to these immigrants can change the church forever. “We have a unique opportunity to embody Yahweh's own concern for the strangers among us. Even today.” says Dr. Leo Sánchez. Tune in to this conversation between Dr. Leo Sánchez and Dr. Douglas Rutt about ministry in the age of migration.

Grief comes during times of transition, even when the change is a good one. Deaconess Dorothy Glenn and Rev. Micah Glenn share their experience moving their family to follow a new call. Tune in to this transparent conversation about mourning good-byes while welcoming hellos.

In part two of this series, Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto discuss the role of the church vs. the role of individual Christians in political engagement. They don't offer a list of directions, but a framework in which to make the choices for yourself. Tune in! Their conversation will challenge you to think beyond the easy answers.

Face to Face: Martin Luther's View of Reality is a culmination of Dr. Robert Kolb's years of research and in-depth study. Kolb's newly published book looks at Luther's theology from a new perspective. “Luther's insights into the nature of what it means to be human as a relational being and to understand God, who is always in relationship, helps with living in the 21st century,” said Kolb. “Luther is a man for our time.” Join the conversation!

The next three years mark the largest number of retirement-age Americans in history. “The church didn't prepare me for it,” said Dr. Dale Meyer as he and Dr. Robert Kolb discuss the difficulties and surprises of retirement in the 21st century.

For a year, seminary student Drew Oswald spent 10 hours a week sitting in a coffee shop. He said the people he met have enriched his ministry and his life. Dr. Ely Prieto joins the conversation to discuss the vocation of shared spaces.

Coping with hurt by ignoring it or reliving it can lead us to sink deeper into bitterness. Ted Kober and Dr. Mark Rockenbach share the radically different approach that Jesus offers. Their new book “Unforgivable?” explores the psychological and spiritual impact of forgiveness.

Dr. Joel Okamoto and Dr. Charles Arand, professors of systematic theology, discuss the difference between knowing a lot of theology and having good theology. Their conclusion might surprise you.

The topic of Christian nationalism is hot in the media. How does our theology influence our political involvement? “Luther is brilliant in his understanding of the two realms,” says Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of systematic theology. “It's one of the most substantial areas where we see the tangible reality of theology hitting life.”

Dr. Michael Fieberkorn's new book Battle of the Soul: Luther Reforms Vice and Virtue explores our perception of sin and our role in developing virtue. “We don't need to be afraid that we're selling out our Lutheran faith tradition…the more seriously you take sin, the more seriously you need to take the reality that Christ said it is finished.” Dr. Michael Fieberkorn

What started as a pastor's personal interest grew to a community of neighbors working together and growing closer. Hear the story of an urban church that's reaching out in a surprising way.  "Our passion for beekeeping has really connected us with lots of people…people you may never see in the pew." - Rev. Bill Wilson

Jessica Bordeleau speaks with Dr. Michael Zeigler, speaker of The Lutheran Hour, about his book “Christian Hope Among Rivals” and what he's learned from people outside of the church. Zeigler spoke on the topic at the 2023 Theological Symposium at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. “It isn't just giving them the right information or telling them the right things to do. It's showing them the faithfulness of Jesus in our actions.” - Dr. Michael Zeigler

Guests Jacob Rhodes and Dr. David Maxwell discuss the ways in which our vocabulary and attitude towards unmarried adults influences their perception of value. “Over half the population now is single...How does [the church] actually talk about singleness?” - Jacob Rhodes  

Guests Drew Oswald and Dr. Tim Saleska discuss prayers of lament and the ways in which they lead us to hope. “Laments are a prayer that tell God the horrible things that are going on and then really demand that He answer.” – Drew Oswald

Guests Dr. David Lewis and Dr. Joel Okamoto explore the deep significance of the five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. “When you read the genealogy and see those women, it's not really obvious why they're there… it's kind of a slow reveal.” Dr. David Lewis

“The image is that the Bible is like an anvil on your chest that crushes the life out of you…this is the kind of thing that I think makes people want to hide.” Dr. Maxwell  In this episode we talk with Dr. David Maxwell and explore the ways in which our understanding of the law influences our honest repentance. 

As dad to seven children, Dr. Kevin Golden has some experience with fatherhood. The sayings he heard from his own father shaped his ministry and his life. Tune in to hear how his theology is guiding his parenting. 

“At the end of the day…Christians should think, first of all that they're children of God, and then they should reflect on how they performed. And that will drive each one of us to repentance and to faith." Dr. Robert Kolb

“We have this really dramatic visual presentation of what it looks like when Jesus rises from the dead. It looks like this swirling phoenix fire and he's standing in triumph over this great inferno!" Join Dr. Thomas Egger and Dr. Peter Nafzger as they explore one way in which theology has become tangible through art.

How do recent technological advancements in artificial intelligence and GPT4 impact the church? According to Dr. David Maxwell "The theological implication is that if AI starts acting human, we're going to think of it as human."  Join the conversation between Dr. David Maxwell, Dr. Joel Okamoto and Jessica Bordeleau as they discuss artificial intelligence and what it means to be human.

Dr. Dale A. Meyer and Dr. David Schmidtt begin by discussing the symbolism in the new artwork in the Concordia Seminary chapel. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Dr. Meyer asks "Where is Jesus now? If we don't emphasize what Christ is doing now ... you create a vacuum, and a number of things happen in the vacuum …" 

The sudden onset of a vocal cord disfunction left preacher Dr. Joel Elowsky unable to speak for four years. "It was truly one of those dark tunnels. You don't really see any light except for that little pinprick." This candid discussion explores Elowsky's understanding of God's nature.