Theomagination is a podcast about God, faith and faithful imagination in the twenty-first century.
It's a joy to be back podcasting after a long hiatus, and an even greater joy to interview Andrew Arndt about his latest book A Strange and Gracious Light. Andrew is the Pastor of New Life East in Colorado Springs, author of several books, and the host of the Essential Church Podcast. This is a remarkable book and I hope you'll read it. It's a joy.If you enjoy the Theomagination podcast you should definitely check out the Theomagination Substack page for written (and sometimes recorded) content.
Andrew Ray Williams is a Pastor, Poet and Theologian. I had to joy of previously interviewing him about his book, Washed in the Spirit: Towards a Pentecostal Theology of Water Baptism. Here we talk about his book Reconstructing Prayer: Beyond Deconstructing Your Faith. This timely book, undergirded by scholarship and person experience, is framed through the lens of children's prayers and leads us to a place of child like wonder. This is a wonderful and heart-expanding book. I highly encourage you to pick it up and to check out the book he released just this week: The Stories That Make Us: Practicing the Parables of Jesus. I hope you enjoy this conversation.You can keep up with Theomagination podcasts and writings over at my Substack Account.
This interview took place following Dr. +Chris Green's lecture at All Souls Knoxville on July 26th, about his forthcoming book The Fire and the Cloud. If you haven't listened to the lecture yet you should go back and check that out first. +Chris is Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University, and the Bishop-Ordinary Diocese of St. Anthony and Bishop-Protector Order of St. Anthony.You can follow +Chris's phenomenal Substack page, check him out on threads, or visit his website.Connect with me here:Phil's SubstackPhil's WebsitePhil's FacebookPhil's Threads
This is the much delayed second part of my conversation with Dr. Justin Phillips on his incredible book Know Your Place: Helping White, Southern, Evangelicals Cope with the End of The(ir) World. You can learn more about Justin here and can order his book here.
This is part 1 of my conversation with Dr. Justin Phillips about his important book Know Your Place: Helping White, Southern Evangelicals Cope with the End of The(ir) World. You can find out more about Dr. Phillips here.Book Links:US Amazon LinkCanadian Amazon LinkIf you like the Theomagination podcast, consider subscribing to my substack page where you'll receive writing and podcasts delivered directly to your email.
What a delight it was to have Dr. Cheryl Bridges Johns with us last night at All Souls Knoxville to lecture on her recently released book, “Re-Enchanting the Text: Discovering the Bible as Sacred, Dangerous, and Mysterious.” I read this book as soon as it came out and so look forward to interviewing Dr. Johns about it in the near future. In the meantime, I hope you are inspired by her lecture. We sure were!If you like the Theomagination, consider subscribing to my substack page where you'll receive writing and podcasts delivered directly to your email.
This lecture was recorded on July 26th, at All Souls Knoxville. Chris and I will have a follow-up conversation on this lecture which will be posted here in the near future. If you are interested in this lecture series you can learn more here.Chris's Substack pageChris's WebsitePhil's Substack page
I have recently interviewed Dr. Phillips about his important book, Know Your Place: Helping White, Southern Evangelicals Cope With the End of The(ir) World. Here, Justin lectures about his book as a kick-off to our summer lecture series. In the days to come I'll be releasing my interview with Justin.If you are interested in our lecture series, all lectures are hosted at All Souls Knoxville (Tennessee) and are open and free to all. Here are the remaining lectures for 2023:Dr. Chris Green, The Fire and the Cloud: A Biblical Christology (July 26th, 7pm)Dr. Cheryl Bridges-Johns, Re-enchanting the Text: Discovering the Bible as Sacred, Dangerous, and Mysterious (August 9th, 7pm)Eric Minton, It's Not You, It's Everything: What Our Pain Reveals about the Anxious Pursuit of the Good Life (August 23rd, 7pm)Click here for more information about these lectures. They will be streamed lived at www.facebook.com/allsoulsknoxville.
This sermon was preached at All Souls Knoxville on April 16th, 2023. To check out the All Souls Podcast go to this page which provides the links to various listening platforms.
This is part two of my conversation with Andrew Arndt about his recently released book, Stream in the Wasteland: Finding Spiritual Renewal with the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Andrew is the author of several books including All Flame. He is the Lead Pastor at New Life East in Colorado Springs, and a fun guy to follow on Twitter.If you enjoy this podcast, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the Theomagination writings over at Substack: philaud.substack.com/
Andrew Arndt offers a fresh book on the ever fascinating wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers in his new book called Streams in the Wasteland (releases September 3rd). In this conversation we talk about his journey towards writing this book, why the desert way is accessible to us here and now, and how these monastics were able to be at one and the same time harsh and gentle and why, in the end, it was all grace. If you enjoy the Theomagination podcast, you should check out the writings (and sometimes recordings) here: https://philaud.substack.com
This is part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Mark Chironna on the need for prophetic reform.Dr. Chironna's Article: "Elijah - Depression - and the Prophetic Community"Mark is the pastor of Church On The Living Edge in the Orlando area. He is a Theo-Semiotician holding a Doctorate of Ministry in Future Studies as well as an MA in Psych, and he is currently seeking a Ph.D. as Post Grad Researcher at the University Of Birmingham, UK. Mark has a new book which was released on July 19th called On the Edge of Hope: No Matter How Dark the Night, The Redeemed Soul Still Sings. Canadian LinkAmerican Link
Dr. Mark Chironna believes that we are in desperate need of prophetic reform in our time. In this conversation we talk about the nature of prophecy and how the prophetic tradition needs to shape (and confront) our understanding of the prophetic task in our times.Mark is the pastor of Church On The Living Edge in the Orlando area. He is a Theo-Semiotician holding a Doctorate of Ministry in Future Studies as well as an MA in Psych, and he is currently seeking a Ph.D. as Post Grad Researcher at the University Of Birmingham, UK. Mark has a new book coming out on July 19th called On the Edge of Hope: No Matter How Dark the Night, The Redeemed Soul Still Sings. Canadian LinkAmerican Link
This is the second half of my conversation with Dr. Domenic Ruso where we talk about what it is like to think about the church from beautiful and complex location of Montrèal, Quebec. Here we move beyond the scope of what secularism is and delve more deeply into the question, 'What is the Church?'Check out Theomagination on SubstackMost recent post: Tongues & Power IICheck out Dom's books (sorry to listeners outside of Canada and the US for not providing links).Canadian Amazon Links:Making Sense of The Church: An IntroductionChristmas: Because We All Struggle To Believe US Amazon Links:Making Sense of the Church: An IntroductionChristmas: Because We All Struggle To Believe
Dr. Domenic Ruso is a church planter in Montréal, Quebec, one of the most unique cities in North America. It is unique both for its deep religious history and its now expansive and complex secularism. In this conversation we explore what it means to think about the Church and its mission from a place like Montréal.Dom is the founder and pastor at The 180 Church in Laval, Quebec.Books Mentioned:Stephan Paas, Pilgrims and Priests: Christian Mission in a Post-Christian SocietyThomas Merton, The Seven Story Mountain
Do our new understandings of trauma change how we read scripture? I was captivated by Serene Jones' reading of the Emmaus Road narrative through the lens of trauma, in her book Trauma + Grace. After reading her, I returned to the text and saw these strange words concerning the resurrection that are a sort of set up to the Emmaus story, "they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense” (24:11, emphasis mine). This episode explores the women in Luke 24 as existing (even still) at the borderland between trauma and resurrection.I've started writing over at substack. I'd love if you checked out my Substack space here: https://philaud.substack.com/subscribeAnd you can also check out my website where I post what I'm writing as well: philaud.com
In a time of great division most of us are seeking peace. The problem, however, isn't simply that we can't seem to achieve it, but that we can't even agree on what peace is. This episode explores common foundations (2 false, and one true) for peace. Referenced Blog Post: The Disruptive Wind of the Spirit
In the last two episodes we explored a Pentecostal theology of baptism in Andrew Ray Williams' new book, Washed in the Spirit. Here, Fr. Paul Paino gives a teaching on baptism at the church where he serves as Rector, Sanctuary Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fr. Paul beautifully unpacks former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams' work from his book Being Christian. To hear the other three parts of this series, check out Sanctuary Church's podcast here. PodrollFor more info on the courses mentioned at the beginning of the podcast, check out The People's Seminary.
This is part two of my conversation with Dr. Andrew Ray Williams where we continue to talk about his brilliant new book Washed in the Spirit. Andrew is moving the ball forward both theologically and practically. To learn more about Andrew's work, check him out here. PodrollYou should definitely check out what is happening over at Open Table. These wonderful folks have a new conference happening in February. Learn more here. Also, they are doing a FREE event during Advent. To learn more you should check them out over at Facebook where info and a Zoom link is provided.
Pentecostal pastor-theologian Andrew Ray Williams has written a really important book about water baptism titled Washed in the Spirit: Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Water Baptism. This is both an important book both to the wider ecumenical community as well as the Pentecostal community in particular. Andrew's work challenges many of our practices surrounding baptism, but also the assumptions behind these practices. I highly recommend this work and hope you enjoy the conversation!Canadian Amazon Book LinkAmerican Amazon Book Link
In this episode I'm joined by three friends to talk about what the pandemic has unveiled as it pertains to racism. I'm joined by Danielle Braitman who is the Emerging Gen Coordinator at the Calgary Jewish Federation as well as a Jewish representative at the Faith and Spirituality Centre (FSC) at the University of Calgary. I'm also joined by Margaret Propp who speaks from an Asian Canadian perspective. Margaret is a Lutheran Minister as well as a Chaplain at the FSC at the University of Calgary and at Mount Royal University. My third guest, Julian Newman, speaks from an African American perspective. Julian is a certified Diversity and Inclusion thought leader as well as the Founder and CEO of Culture Creative.
A sermon about encountering Jesus, the Living Word, as we read the Bible.
How does the humanity of Jesus interact with, and ultimately redeem our pain? This is exactly the question Kurt Willems deals with in his debut book, Echoing Hope. Kurt is a pastor, podcaster, author, and very engaging creative thinker. You can learn more about Kurt here.
In this episode, I talk with A.J. Swoboda about his new book After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith Without Losing It. Here we delve into the important topic of deconstruction.
This is the 2nd half of my interview with Dr. Winn Collier about his recent release, A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message.
Welcome to season 2 of the Theomagination Podcast. I'm excited to launch this season by talking with Dr. Winn Collier about the recent release of his biography of Eugene Peter, A Burning In My Bones.
This is the 2nd part of my conversation with Dr. Bob Ekblad and Dr. Chris Green about our concern for the Church (as we see it) in the West.
This is part one of my conversation with theologians Chris Green and Bob Ekblad. We have an honest and raw conversation regarding what is troubling us about what we are sensing with the church as we see it.
This is part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt. We pick up where we left off talking about the Trinity and then jump into conversation about friends, enemies, non-violence, and resurrection.
This is the first part of my interview with Dr. Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt about his latest book The Love That Is God: An Invitation to the Christian Faith. Here we deal with the shape of Dr. Bauerschmidt's theology, the nature of sermon, the ways Pentecostalism and Roman Catholicism intersect, and many other topics that are rooted in the first couple of chapters of this wonderful book.
This is part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Chris Green about the 2nd Edition of his wonderful book, Sanctifying Interpretation.
In this I episode I begin my interview with the fascinating theologian Dr. Chris Green about the second edition of his wonderful book Sanctifying Interpretation: Vocation, Holiness, and Scripture. We begin the conversation by talking about the roots and shape of his theology, and then begin to delve into questions about the vocational nature of interpretation. This is part one of a two part interview.
This is part two of my conversation with Stu G & Brian Miller about their work in the Beatitudes, specifically, their podcast The Beatitudes Project.
In this episode I interview the co-hosts of The Beatitudes Project podcast, Stu Garrard and Brian Miller. Stu G was a part of the band Delirious? which made waves across the world with their popular and influential worship records. Since that time, Stu has been producing beautiful work with his book, film, music (and now podcast) on the beatitudes. Brian is pastor, professor and musician. He is an incredibly thoughtful and creative person and, as always, draws us deep into the biblical narrative by rooting our own life stories there. In this first episode, you really get to know both Brian and Stu by hearing them talk about their journey towards the beatitudes.
This is part two of my conversation with author Mark Buchanan about his new book God Walk: Walking as a Spiritual Practice. The book releases today, July 14th.
This is part one of my conversation with author Mark Buchanan about his forthcoming book God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul. This is a fascinating and moving book which explores walking from many different angles, and the impact that walking has on our life with God, neighbor, and the rest of creation. The book releases July 14th.
Most of us – even those of us who were critical of digital church expressions – now find ourselves preaching, leading worship, and maybe even administering the Eucharist online. Even though some have gone back to a building, they didn't go back to what they had before the pandemic. Digital church, it would seem, isn't going away anytime soon. Maybe ever. Many have explored the practicalities of this, but it's vital to think through this theologically. In this episode, I'm joined with Nikayla Reize, David Harvey, Jeremy Duncan and Colin Tofflemire to talk about what has surprised us about digital church, but also what this pandemic is revealing to us about ourselves and our practices.
Sometimes atheists claim that people of faith create an imaginary god and shape their lives around that god. What if they're right? In this episode we'll look at the ways in which we move away from a God who looks like Jesus and instead create dangerous "mythological deities." We'll also explore some surprising ways in which these false imaginations get healed.
Pastor and Poet Sarah Bourns shares her pray "Exposed." I interview Sarah about the imagination and heart behind her work and what it was (and is) like living in New York, one of the epicenters of this pandemic.
Author Mark Buchanan shares his beautiful pandemic prayer/poem call Hidden Places.
In this episode, we begin by exploring what Ephraim Radner calls "The Great Transition" – the transition seen in the past 200 years where life expectancy has risen from 30 years old (which is what it has always been) to nearly 80 years old. We talk about the difference between "basic anxiety" and "neurotic anxiety," and the difference between "chronos time" and "kairos time." All of this will be explored in light of the claim of Hebrews 2:15 which tells us that Jesus came to "free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."
This beautiful prayer is written and prayed by Staci Frenes. Staci is a singer/songwriter, author and speaker. You can find out more about her at stacifrenes.com. If you would like to see this, or any of the pandemic prayers in written form, visit philaud.com.
Wm. Paul Young, author of books like The Shack, Eve, and more recently Lies We Believe About God, shares this moving Pandemic Prayer called "A Prayer of Trust and Longing in a Trying Time."
I was grateful to collaborate with Hymns For The Architect with this prayer. To see the video, check out Hymns For The Architect on Facebook or Instagram.
This is another "Pandemic Prayer." This prayer is written and prayed by prayed Brian Miller. Brian is a pastor, professor, and thoughtful collaborator.
This is another mini-episode about the fear I encounter on grocery runs, and the things that are confronting me in the process.
A prayer during our current incessant hand washing.
This is part two of my interview with Bob Ekblad. Bob tells some incredible stories as we talk about spiritual powers at work in the world.
In this episode I talk with Old Testament theologian Bob Ekblad. We touch on things like liberation theology, the importance of asking the right questions, and damaging reading of the Bible that keep people from encountering Jesus our liberator.
This is part two of my interview with Brad Jersak. Here we delve into Pentecostalism, the popular notion of "deconstruction," and Brad's new book In: Incarnation & Inclusion, Abba & Lamb where he writes about "Ultimate Redemption."
In this episode, I interview theologian Brad Jersak about his recent book release, A More Christlike Way, which is a follow-up to A More Christlike God. As we discuss his book we delve into the words "God" and "love," and why it's important to get them right. After this, Brad talks brilliantly about "Civil Religion" and "Partisan Amoralism." This is part one of a two-part conversation.