Podcasts about Union Theological Seminary

Sharon Kleinbaum, founder and director of Beacon for Democracy at Union Theological Seminary in NYC, former senior rabbi at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah and the author of With All My Heart: Torah for Our Times (CBST Press, 2026), talks about her work and the change from leading the world's largest LGBTQ+ synagogue to her new organization and the "Shine the Light" weekly protests for democratic values. Photo: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 22: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum attends a protest to advocate for Israeli democracy and to protest against Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as he addresses the UN General Assembly at United Nations on September 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for New York Protest Movement) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robert Wright is the New York Times bestselling author of The God Test: Artificial Intelligence and Our Coming Cosmic Reckoning. His previous books include: The Evolution of God (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), Nonzero, The Moral Animal, Three Scientists and their Gods (a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award), and Why Buddhism Is True. He is the cofounder and editor-in-chief of the widely respected Bloggingheads.tv and MeaningofLife.tv. He has written for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Time, Slate, and The New Republic. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and at Princeton University, where he also created the popular online course “Buddhism and Modern Psychology.” He is currently Visiting Professor of Science and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Tangentially Speaking with Chris Ryan is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This has been another commercial-free episode, financed by folks who toss a few bucks into the hat every month here. If you don't want to subscribe, but would like to support this podcast with a one-time donation, please click here.Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. Outro: “Losing My Religion,” by REM.If you buy from Amazon, my link is here. (You can click on it once, then bookmark that as your go-to Amazon link so it'll always work.)Buy some merch from my mom here.Grab a copy of my books: Sex at Dawn, Civilized to Death, Tangentially Reading, Talking Drugs, and Talking Sex here.Find other Tangentialistas around the world!Instructions for getting the paid RSS feed in apps is here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Bob Wright is back, and The God Test is the AI book I had been waiting for someone to write — the only one I have read that takes the spiritual stakes of the technology with the seriousness Teilhard would have. It opens with the interview Bob conducted with a young Geoffrey Hinton in 1983 — now anointed by The New York Times as the godfather of AI, now also one of its loudest doomers — and pivots into what Bob did not understand in that hotel room forty years ago: that we would build something as powerful as the human brain without ever first having to understand the brain. The bottom-up approach won. We are now inside the consequences. We spent the hour on Teilhard's noosphere acquiring silicon neurons, on why Bob argues accelerationism is lethal, on the difference between cognitive sovereignty and cognitive empathy and why both are now in jeopardy, on whether the algorithm has already occupied the very inner room from which sovereignty would be exercised, and on the closing line of the book — which I will not spoil here, except to say it is the kind of line you stop reading after. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Robert Wright is the New York Times bestselling author of Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny, The Moral Animal, The Evolution of God (Pulitzer Prize finalist), and Why Buddhism Is True. His newest book, The God Test, is out from Simon & Schuster in June 2026. He is Visiting Professor of Science and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York and president of the Nonzero Foundation. His Nonzero Newsletter and Nonzero Podcast (currently in rotation with Paul Bloom) live at nonzero.substack.com — and yes, I am a paid member. Books surfaced in this conversation: The God Test (the book at hand), The Evolution of God (the silicon-god closing line of The God Test picks up the long arc of Evolution directly), Why Buddhism Is True (the contemplative-traditions stretch of the conversation), and Nonzero (the non-zero-sum framing that runs under everything Bob does). Previous Episodes with Robert Wright Evolution, Empathy, & the Future of Humanity From Mindful Resistance to the New Agnosticism The Evolution of God Join our online class – THE FUTURE OF RELIGION⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tripp and Ilia Delio are teaming up for a brand-new four-week online class, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Future of Religion ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— for everyone who's read the books, asked the questions, and realized the faith they inherited doesn't quite fit anymore. Together they'll trace religion's evolutionary arc and map what's emerging on the other side. Includes 4 video lectures, 4 live Q&As (replays available), and a community of fellow travelers. Donation-based, pay what you're able (including $0). Live sessions start this month — register at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefutureofreligion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a followup on my interview with Professor Joerg Rieger. The intent of all of Professor Rieger’s work, including the subject of my first interview with him about his book, Theology in the Capitalocene: Ecology, Identity, Class, and Solidarity, is that theology should have an affect on one’s lifestyle and an impact on the world. In order to realize that intent, Professor Rieger established and is the founding Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice. The Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice is an interdisciplinary program located at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Its focus is on issues of justice that arise at the intersection of religion, economics, and ecology. Founded in 2019 and supported by a generous gift from Barbara Wendland, the mission of the program is to develop resources and opportunities for students, scholars, clergy, and activists to envision and create a more just and sustainable world for all. In addition to being the founding Director of the Wendland-Cook Program, Professor Rieger is Distinguished Professor of Theology and The Cal Turner Chancellor's Chair in Wesleyan Studies. Joining us in this interview is Gab Lisi. Gab (she/they/he) is the Assistant Director of the Wendland-Cook Program at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Divinity School. Gab resides in Columbus, OH and their dog, Franklin (or Frank). They hold an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary, an MSL from The Ohio State University, and a B.A. in Theology and Criminal Justice from Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH). They are curious about power analysis, class analysis, and Catholicism. In their spare time, you can find them at home reading, camping with Frank, or hanging out with friends. Important links for learning more about the Wendland-Cook Program: Website: https://www.religionandjustice.org/ Solidarity Circles: https://www.religionandjustice.org/solidarity-circles Exchanges Courses: https://www.religionandjustice.org/exchanges Interventions: https://www.religionandjustice.org/interventions Substack: https://religionandjustice.substack.com/ The intro and outro music for this episode is from a clip of a song called ‘Father Let Your Kingdom Come' which is found on The Porter's Gate Worship Project Work Songs album and is used by permission by The Porter's Gate Worship Project.

In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Dr. A. Andrew Das, author of Dinner with the Doctor: Luke's Gospel for the Hungry. Dr. Das brings his scholarly expertise to a broader audience, guiding readers through the unique voice, motifs, and theology of Luke's gospel. He explores Luke's distinctive emphasis on food, women, and possessions; the meaning of “today” in Luke's theology of salvation; the importance of reading scripture in its first-century context; and how the book serves both pastors and laypeople hungry for deeper engagement with God's Word.Episode Timestamps0:49 — Introduction1:42 — Each Gospel Writer's Unique Voice5:11 — Luke's "Today" — A Different Theology of Salvation7:25 — Luke's Unique Motifs: Food, Women & Possessions9:58 — Reading Luke in His First-Century Context13:36 — The Rich Man and Lazarus: Wealth & the Possessions Motif16:23 — Dr. Das's Favorite Lucan Passages17:52 — How to Use This Book: Pastors & Lay Readers20:05 — The Art of Good Biblical Interpretation23:02 — What's Next: A Preview of Mark's Gospel25:08 — Closing & Where to Find the BookAbout the GuestDr. A. Andrew Das is the Niebuhr Distinguished Chair and professor of religious studies at Elmhurst University. He has authored several books with leading publishers in biblical studies, including Paul and the Stories of Israel (Fortress, 2016); Galatians, Concordia Commentary (CPH, 2014); Solving the Romans Debate (Fortress, 2007); Paul and the Jews (Hendrickson, 2001); and Paul, the Law, and the Covenant (Hendrickson, 2001). Dr. Das is also researching key women and their leadership in the Pauline communities and writings. Dr. Das received graduate degrees from Yale University and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also did doctoral work at Duke University. He teaches in biblical studies, early Christianity, and Second Temple Judaism. Resources MentionedDinner with the Doctor: Luke's Gospel for the Hungry by Dr. A. Andrew Das — cph.orgConcordia Publishing House: Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world.

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, May 24, 2026, Pentecost Sunday. “We Know Who We Are” series. ​​​​Texts: Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-22​​​​   Last Tuesday evening, I found myself seated at a table listening to live jazz in the nave of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC. The occasion was the celebration for my mentor, Rev. Dr. Serene Jones upon her retirement as president of Union Theological Seminary after an extraordinary 18-year tenure. It was such a gift not only to be in the room with and for Serene, but to reflect on her influence upon my life through her words, actions, and friendship. And when she rose at the end of the evening to address the crowd, she urged all of us to pay attention to the prompting of Spirit and to follow God's call on our life.   It was a gift to receive this charge: to ponder, remember, and honor God's call upon my life and how Spirit has been falling afresh on me at every age and stage of my journey. Sometimes Spirit's meddling and God's call have felt aggravating, disruptive, heavy, and even painful. But, with every twist and turn along the way, God has brought me through and Spirit has stirred me to keep going.   And the truth is, I didn't always recognize Spirit's presence while it was happening. Sometimes it was only later, looking back, that I could see how God had been nudging and guiding and sustaining me all along. Maybe you know something about that too. Maybe Spirit has shown up in your life in ways you didn't fully recognize at the time—in a relationship that changed you…a burden you couldn't shake…a moment of courage you didn't know you had…a conviction that kept growing in you…a grief that opened your heart…or a persistent tug toward compassion, justice, mercy, or love.   And it makes me think about how we focus just one day of the liturgical year on the miraculous story of Spirit blowing into the community of Jesus's disciples and setting them on fire to move out into the streets to tell God's deeds of power. But, really, Spirit is at work in all sorts of ways all the time.   I get it, though, why we make a whole day out of Pentecost. It is a powerful story, the church's origin story really, of the moment when the disciples realized that Jesus' promises would be kept—that the Holy Spirit would baptize them and empower them to continue the saving work of God in the world. That very day they did things that seemed impossible—they spoke in ways that people from all over the known world could understand. And in that moment Peter recognized and proclaimed the fulfillment not only of the promise of Jesus, but the prophecy of Joel. That God would pour out Spirit upon all flesh, empowering all to have visions and dream dreams and prophesy. It's very dramatic—like a sci-fi movie that brings unlikely people together acrossunimaginable odds to do extraordinary things—with the bonus of great special effects. And I love it! But I also recognize that Pentecost wasn't the first time Spirit showed up among the disciples. Maybe it was the first time they recognized so clearly the Spirit who had been carrying them all along.   How else were they able to have the courage to leave their familiar lives to follow Jesus? How else were they able to go into villages and tell the good news and care for the sick and those struggling with their demons? How, apart from Holy Spirit, did they feed the five thousand? How did they stay together after the trauma and terror of crucifixion?   And maybe that's why I love the quieter story in John chapter 20 so much. The disciples have had the wind knocked out of them. By grief, fear, trauma. By watching everything they thought was going to happen collapse before their eyes. They are huddled behind locked doors, trying to figure out what comes next.   And then Jesus comes among them—not first with demands or instructions, but with peace. “Peace be with you.” And then he breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” And honestly, I need to receive this right now and am pretty sure I'm not alone. I believe many people have had the wind knocked out of them. By grief. By fear. By the cruelty and chaos of this moment. By exhaustion. By disillusionment with the church. By watching Christianity so often get presented as domination instead of service, exclusion instead of welcome, certainty instead of compassion.   And on this Memorial Day weekend, many of us are carrying grief not only for lives lost in service, but also for the deep fractures in the country those lives sought to protect.   Many of us wonder whether the church can still mean something beautiful. Whether faith can still sound like Jesus.   We need the story we tell today! John and Acts tell it differently—but perhaps they are showing us two movements of the same Spirit. In John, Spirit comes like breath in a fearful room—restoring peace, courage, and life to weary people. In Acts, Spirit comes like wind in the streets—pushing those same people beyond fear and beyond every barrier to bear witness in a broken world.   But it is the same Spirit. The Spirit who restores breath to weary people. The Spirit who revives people who have had the life knocked out of them. The Spirit who reminds fearful people who they are.   And only then comes the sending. Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you…” Notice that Jesus does not come into the room and say, “Once you've resolved all your fear…once you feel confident…once you fully understand everything…THEN I'll send you.”   No. The doors are still locked. The disciples are still afraid. And yet Jesus breathes Spirit into them anyway. God's mission doesn't wait for us to feel ready. Spirit meets us in the midst of fear, uncertainty, grief, and confusion—and sends us anyway.   What does it mean to be sent by Jesus as Jesus is sent by his Father? If the accounts of Jesus' life are our guide, then it means that we, like Jesus, are sent into the world to bring healing into places of suffering, hope into places of despair, mercy and forgiveness into places of sin, comfort into places of grief, peace into places of violence, love into places of hatred. To be sent as Jesus is sent is to be bearers of God's life in the world, to put our lives on the line for the sake of justice, and to stand in solidarity with those who are hurt by the systems of the day.   As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are a people who are not only gathered into the family of God—those who “go to church”—but we are also, inherently, a sent people, called to BE the church all the time and in every place we are.   Think for a moment of the life-giving rhythm of our bodies breathing in and breathing out. A healthy body needs to do both. The in-breath of the Body of Christ—the church—is the Spirit gathering us in to be loved, supported, fed, strengthened, and given purpose through sacrament and worship and study and community. Every Sunday or whenever we gather, the Body breathes in, takes in God's grace and power. And the out-breath is like the Spirit of God blowing out across the chaos of the world at the very beginning, bringing peace and new life. The “sent-ness” of the church is like that—the church moving out into the chaos and brokenness of the world to bring love, mercy, healing, and hope. Every day between Sundays the Body exhales, breathing the Spirit into places thirsty for life and hope and kindness.   As the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, famously said: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.   I remember during the painful debates and divisions of the United Methodist General Conferences of 2016 and 2019, one of the pieces of legislation brought to the floor proposed changing the United Methodist mission statement—which is “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”—by dropping the second half: “for the transformation of the world.”   I was aghast at the idea. It felt like a vision of discipleship focused only inwardly, as if Jesus followers were meant to crowd back into locked rooms and focus only on their personal “disciple” ticket. It sounded like a church withdrawing its prophets from proximity to the powers and principalities that so desperately need their voice. It sounded like a church trying to hold its breath. I'm happy to say the legislation didn't pass. Because the story of this day—the story of Pentecost, the story of the work of Holy Spirit in and through disciples across the ages—is clear: Spirit always exhales—sending us into the world to embody the love and justice of Christ. The way we say it at Foundry is “Love God. Love each other. Change the world.”   And so I want to extend to you the same charge I received from Serene: pay attention to the prompting of Spirit who is always at work and respond to God's call on your life. Every day. In all the ways and places and by whatever means you can. And if you aren't sure where to begin, I invite you to decide right now on one act of service or outreach you will do this week, even small, for the wider community. Just do one concrete act of service beyond your usual routine. It could be running an errand for a friend who needs a hand. Or calling your state or federal representatives. Or paying for someone's meal. Or any other thing that Spirit prompts.   Because Spirit has been nearer than you realized all along. And Spirit will keep giving you breath—and wind at your back—to move beyond yourself and into the wondrous, love-fueled mission of God.

In this ongoing podcast series, I interview Akashic Records Practitioners who completed my Akashic Records Certification Program to explore how working with the Records has transformed their lives. We discuss topics such as: what it means to "hear the call of the Records" (and answer that call) the vast healing, personal evolution, and growth that happens when we activate the energy of the Akashic Records in our lives how the Akashic Records can help us fully awaken our intuitive, multidimensional, and healing gifts - both for ourselves and to serve others how tapping into the Akashic field can help us release outdated, long-standing patterns, beliefs, and attachments that aren't serving us the Akashic Records as a potent tool for psychospiritual development and to align fully with your highest purpose as a healer or lightworker   In this episode, I speak with Erin Heisel, PhD, a certified Akashic Records Master Practitioner (through my Certification Program), coach, writer, and founder of Aligned Insight Coaching, where she helps thoughtful, growth-minded people reconnect with their inner wisdom and move forward with clarity, confidence, and intention. Before entering the coaching space, Erin was a professional classical singer, performing on 4 continents, a researcher in the fields of play theory, postmodernism, and mindfulness, presenting research in 3 languages at conferences in the U.S. and abroad, and a college professor. Blending reflective practices, creative frameworks, and intuitive tools, Erin guides clients through meaningful transitions, purpose exploration, and energy-aligned action planning. Additionally certified in life coaching, entrepreneurship, meditation/mindfulness, astrology, tarot, and Reiki (master/teacher), she uses a holistic, heart-centered approach to help clients connect to their own inner wisdom.  Erin holds her PhD in music performance and composition from New York University and completed additional graduate work in psychology and the arts at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University. You can learn more about Erin's work by visiting her website: https://alignedinsightcoaching.com You can also watch this as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uJLfwYAn_KA Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference! **** Get the FREE Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@healer.josephine Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/healer.josephine Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Contact: me@josephinehardman.com **** Music & editing by G. Demers Inner Work 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Gary Dorrien joins me and Aaron to close out six weeks of Theology for Troublemakers with a session that covered more ground than any before it — Kelly Brown Douglas as the fourth womanist founder, the double negative she cut from Resurrection Hope that contains the argument she's still wrestling with, Raphael Warnock as the student James Cone staked his hopes for Black theology on, the last conversation Gary had with Cone before he died, and forty unsparing minutes on Niebuhr's Zionism that ended where Gary needed it to end: Palestinian children are every bit as precious as Israeli children and no less deserving of a decent future. If you want the lectures, the readings, the supplemental interviews, and the discussion guides, head to www.HomebrewedClasses.com. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Theology Beer Camp 2026 — The God-Podcalypse — hits Kansas City October 8–10, exactly one month before the election⁠⁠⁠. Thirty scholars (Ilia Delio, Cornel West, Diana Butler Bass, Gary Dorrien, and a stack more), thirty God-pods, four post-apocalyptic stages, and the community everyone keeps telling us is the real reason they come back. Come find your people at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp Join our upcoming online class – THE FUTURE OF RELIGION⁠⁠ Tripp and Ilia Delio are teaming up for a brand-new four-week online class, ⁠⁠The Future of Religion ⁠⁠— for everyone who's read the books, asked the questions, and realized the faith they inherited doesn't quite fit anymore. Together they'll trace religion's evolutionary arc and map what's emerging on the other side. Includes 4 video lectures, 4 live Q&As (replays available), and a community of fellow travelers. Donation-based, pay what you're able (including $0). Live sessions start this month — register at ⁠⁠www.thefutureofreligion.com⁠⁠ Previous Episodes with Gary or Aaron James Cone Was Right: Gary Dorrien & Charlene Sinclair on Black Theology, the Lynching Tree & the Cry We Keep Not Hearing Sacred Values and Street Power — The Theology of Organizing A Story of Being Saved by Love and Grace the Niebuhr You Thought You Knew What Would a New Abolition Be? Gary Dorrien on the Black Social Gospel, Ida B. Wells & Reverdy Ransom Social Ethics for This Moment What God Do They Worship In There? The Black Social Gospel and the Crisis of American Christianity Theological Ethics & Liberal Protestantism James Cone and the Emergence of Black Theology The Future of Faith & Justice  Theology for Action The Sacred, The Political, and Why We're All Vulnerable Gary Dorrien is Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University. This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a question at the center of Western civilization that no institution wants to answer directly. It is not a new question. It is hiding in plain sight, in the oldest text most of us were handed as children. If God created the universe, and the universe is vast beyond any reckoning, then what exactly was happening in Genesis when the text says "let us make man in our image?" Not me. Not I. Us. That one word has haunted theology for centuries. And tonight's guest has spent decades arguing that the answer is not metaphor. It is not poetry. It is contact. Rev. Michael J.S. Carter is an ordained Interfaith Minister, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, a Board Certified hospital chaplain, and a UFO experiencer who has been having contact encounters for approximately 35 years. He is also a Reiki Master, a counselor to other experiencers, a longtime consultant on The History Channel's Ancient Aliens, and the author of five books, the most foundational of which is Alien Scriptures: Extraterrestrials in the Holy Bible. That book argues, with theological rigor and personal testimony, that the Bible was never a document about the supernatural. It is a document about contact. That Elohim is a plural noun for a reason. That the Nephilim, the beings who descended from the sky and bred with human women, were not metaphor. That Ezekiel did not see God. He saw a craft. That Elijah did not ascend to heaven in a whirlwind. He was taken. Whitley Strieber, the author of Communion, called it the best book ever written on the topic. Rev. Carter grew up in a Black church tradition in Baltimore, trained as an actor in New York City, earned a graduate degree from one of the most demanding seminaries in the country, and then encountered beings he could not explain. Orbs of light. Grey aliens in his bedroom while his wife slept undisturbed. And a reptilian entity that physically held him down, looked him in the eye, and told him he would be rich and famous. He is also one of six people who appeared in Steven Spielberg's documentary Abduction Diaries, the production that became the blueprint for Spielberg's HBO series Taken. Tonight, we are going to pull the thread that runs from Genesis to the grey aliens in his bedroom. We are going to ask whether the most sacred books in human history have been hiding a contact record in their pages all along. We are going to ask what a reptilian being with an agenda wants from a minister from Baltimore. And we are going to ask what God actually is, once you remove everything you thought you knew about the word.

Watch this episode on YouTube here. Paid Subscribers can view the video directly in Substack.In this episode of Psalms for the Spirit, Kiran Young Wimberly sits down with renowned theologian, author, and longtime Union Theological Seminary president, Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, for a profound conversation about trauma, healing, and the enduring power of the Psalms.Drawing from her influential book Trauma and Grace: Theology in a Ruptured World, Serene reflects on John Calvin's beautiful description of the Psalms as “an anatomy of all parts of the soul.” Together, Kiran and Serene explore how the Psalms give voice to grief, rage, fear, hope, and healing — and how prayer, lament, singing, and communal worship can help people process trauma and rediscover courage, agency, and grace.The conversation touches on collective suffering in today's world, the role of faith communities in healing, and the deep comfort of knowing that God can hold even our most painful cries.One especially moving reflection from Serene reminds us: “God is there holding you, listening to you, hearing your tears and your cries, your woes, not afraid of them, tough enough to hold them.”This episode is an invitation to bring every part of yourself before God — even the broken and wounded parts — and to discover how the Psalms continue to guide us toward hope, resilience, and healing.Rev. Dr. Serene Jones is a highly respected scholar and public intellectual, and the 16th President of the historic Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. The first woman to head the 190-year-old institution, Jones occupies the Johnston Family Chair for Religion and Democracy. She is a Past President of the American Academy of Religion, which annually hosts the world's largest gathering of scholars of religion. Jones came to Union after seventeen years at Yale University, where she was the Titus Street Professor of Theology at the Divinity School, and Chair of the University's Program in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. She is the author of several books including Trauma and Grace and, most recently, her memoir Call It Grace: Finding Meaning in a Fractured World. Jones, a popular public speaker, is sought by media to comment on major issues impacting society because of her deep grounding in theology, politics, women's studies, economics, race studies, history, and ethics.Learn more about Rev. Dr. Serene Jones here:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:djxudgtenayfvh2bepg4s2kyUnion Theological Seminary:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionseminary/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unionseminary/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@unionseminaryBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/unionseminary.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/union-theological-seminary/Featured Celtic Psalms Songs:Psalm 30: You Have Turned My SorrowPsalm 137: By The WatersPsalms for the Spirit is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

From Krista: On April 4, 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech at Riverside Church in New York City called “A Time to Break Silence.” This is often referred to as his “Beyond Vietnam” Speech. His own allies criticized it as a risky departure from a focus on civil rights. But Dr. King had never seen his calling confined to those two words. The Vietnam War needed to end, he believed, and he needed to say that plain. And in the waging of this war — and all of its consequences for people at home, especially the poor — he saw an underlying crisis that threatened the very soul of our nation. On that same date this year, the 59th anniversary of this speech, hundreds gathered again at Riverside for reflection, song, and a reading of portions of the speech. It was drafted by Dr. King's friend and comrade Vincent Harding, a beloved former On Being guest, and many of his friends and family joined this year. None of the words of this speech is as famous as the sentence “I have a dream.” This speech altogether gives voice to the less remembered and heeded evolution of the vision of Dr. King and Vincent Harding and others. It invokes the work that endures beyond leaders and events of the day, and that can be neglected at our peril if too many of us too narrowly focus our imaginations and creativity and callings on what transfixes and demoralizes in the moment. It calls for a “revolution of values” in the face of glaring contrasts of poverty and wealth and the human cost of a world order that settles differences with wars. That our world is broken, it tells us, should come as no surprise. There were deep moral and spiritual underpinnings to the events of 59 years ago, which we did not acknowledge, much less have risen to as a nation. A line from this speech seems directly aimed at our ears and our hearts: “We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.” What are the callings now, finally, for us to pick up in creating the world we want to inhabit in the beyond of this moment of great peril and an equal magnitude of possibility? This is a conversation with two human beings who loved Vincent Harding and whom he loved and formed: Michelle Alexander and Lucas Johnson. You do not need to have heard or read the speech to follow this conversation, but here are links to do so if you wish: Hear the speech, as recorded in 1959, in full. Read the speech in full here. Listen to Krista's original conversation with Vincent Harding here.  Find an excellent transcript of this show, edited by humans, on our show page.  Sign yourself and others up for The Pause to be on our mailing list for all things On Being and to receive Krista's monthly Saturday newsletter, including a heads up on new episodes, special offerings, recommendations, and event invitations. Michelle Alexander is a civil rights lawyer, legal scholar, and bestselling author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. She is currently a Scholar in Residence at Union Theological Seminary, where she is preparing to launch Spirit of Justice, a new organization dedicated to nurturing the spiritual lives of those committed to justice. Learn more at spiritofjustice.org Lucas Johnson is an organizer and public theologian, who cultivates space for the spiritual transformation that brings about beloved community. He is currently traveling the United States, evoking stories about the movements that expanded American democracy and raising the question ”Is America possible?” in this 250th year since the Declaration of Independence. Find him at lucasjohnson.online. If you would like to invite Lucas to your congregation or organization to explore the personal stories of democratic revival, please learn about the Storytelling Tour here. This event was produced by a new project at Union Theological Seminary called Into the Crowd, which brings nourishing stories of faith into our broader public life. Into the Crowd is led by Casey Donahue and funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.  Special thanks to the amazing team of people that made the event at Riverside Church possible, including Casey Donahue, Kym Allen, Rev. Adriene Thorne, Jacob Shmid, Okera Correia, and saxophonist Langston Hughes II, whose exquisite performance of “Precious Lord” opened this episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Podcast guest 1823 is Rev. Michael J. Carter who you may have seen on TV on History Channels Ancient Aliens. He is an ordained minister with a masters degree from Union Theological Seminary and he had an experience with a grey alien in 1989.Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Michael's Book: Alien Scriptures: Extraterrestrials in the Holy Bible - https://amzn.to/4tBjGeK #adMichael's Websitehttps://michaeljscarter.com/CONTACT:Email: jeff@jeffmarapodcast.comAmazon Wish Listhttps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ATD4VIQTWYAN?ref_=wl_shareTo donate crypto:Bitcoin - bc1qk30j4n8xuusfcchyut5nef4wj3c263j4nw5wydDigibyte - DMsrBPRJqMaVG8CdKWZtSnqRzCU7t92khEShiba - 0x0ffE1bdA5B6E3e6e5DA6490eaafB7a6E97DF7dEeDoge - D8ZgwmXgCBs9MX9DAxshzNDXPzkUmxEfAVEth. - 0x0ffE1bdA5B6E3e6e5DA6490eaafB7a6E97DF7dEeXRP - rM6dp31r9HuCBDtjR4xB79U5KgnavCuwenWEBSITEwww.jeffmarapodcast.comNewsletterhttps://jeffmara2002.substack.com/?r=19wpqa&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklistSOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmarapodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffmarapodcast/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jeffmaraP/The opinions of the guests may or may not reflect the opinions of the host.

Michael Carter, LIVE Thursday, April 30th, 2026, 6 PM ET Topic: God, Extraterrestrials, and the Evolution of Human Consciousness BIO: Rev. Michael J. S. Carter is originally from Baltimore, Maryland. He moved to New York City in 1980 and lived there for 27 years, working as a professional actor before moving to Asheville. Michael is an ordained Interfaith Minister and received his BA Degree in Letters from the College of New Rochelle where he graduated cum laude. He received his Master's in Divinity Degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City (class of 2000). He has served as a staff chaplain (Board Certified)at various hospitals in NY and in North Carolina. While serving various Unitarian Universalist Congregations in New York, Michael was trained as an anti-racism trainer and has been recognized by President Clinton for his efforts. Rev. Carter uses his pastoral care and counseling skills to work with both Experienced and non-experienced people. He is also available for aura and tarot card readings. During counseling sessions, he will incorporate those modalities when deemed appropriate, along with energy work if needed. Due to his profound personal experiences with Non-Human Intelligences (Extraterrestrials), the term Space Reiki” or Cosmic Energy may be a more accurate description of the style of Reiki I practice. My energy has been enhanced since my contact experiences began some 35 years ago. I do teach Reiki Levels 1, 2 and the 3rd Level or “Master Level.” He is also available for counseling sessions regarding contact experiences and other life events. A long-time UFO Contactee, Reverend Michael JS Carter, has chosen to share his message of UFO Truth and experiences with the world. His book Alien Scriptures: Extraterrestrials In The Holy Bible was (in March of 2014) number one on Amazon.com's list of UFO-related books. Michael has also appeared on George Noory's Coast to Coast radio show and on George Noory's TV show, “Beyond Belief” on Gaia Television. Other TV appearances include being a regular consultant on The History Channel's Ancient Aliens series; he's also appeared on America's Greatest Mysteries hosted by Lawrence Fishburne, and more. https://michaeljscarter.com/ FB page is Rev. Michael J Carter https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069894045128

This one is a preview of something I've been wanting to do for a long time — a class on the history of Christian social ethics that's actually useful for the moment we're in. Cornell West calls Gary Dorrien the greatest living Christian social ethicist, and after spending any amount of time with him, you understand why. Gary and Aaron Stoffer joined me to give people a taste of what's coming in Theology for Troublemakers, and what they gave us was a genuine history lesson that landed like a live wire. We started with Gary's own formation — a rural Michigan kid who never took a school book home until second semester senior year, who walked into a Catholic church and couldn't stop staring at the figure on the cross, who read a biography of King in ninth grade three times and went looking for the theologians King mentioned in the public library and found none of them. That kid became one of the most important social ethicists of our time. From there we moved into Norman Thomas's warning — that American populism always surges toward a dictator who scapegoats the vulnerable — and what the left's recurring failure to build cross-racial, multi-issue coalitions has to do with where we are now. Gary named the nineties as the most demoralizing decade of his life: TINA, triangulation, NAFTA, three-strikes, welfare gutted, and a Democratic Party that treated its progressive base as something to prove it could overcome. He was not gentle about Clinton, or Obama, or the way purity politics has consistently kneecapped the left's ability to organize. He was hopeful, carefully, about cooperatives, about DSA's organizing culture in New York, and about the strange opening the current moment creates for public theology. The class runs the whole history — from the Black Social Gospel and the new abolitionists to the Christian realists to Yoder and Dorothy Day — and Aaron frames it all in terms of what congregations can actually do with it. Go to homebrewclasses.com. This is the class for right now. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠UPCOMING ONLINE CLASS - Theology for Troublemakers: Christian Social Ethics from the Margins⁠⁠⁠⁠ The injustices we face are immense — but they are not unique. Previous generations confronted the same powers with theological conviction and strategic brilliance. The question is whether we'll learn from them. This 6-week online course, led by Dr. Gary Dorrien and Dr. Aaron Stauffer, recovers the radical tradition of Christian social ethics — from Reverdy Ransom and Reinhold Niebuhr to James Cone and the Welfare Rights Movement — and asks what faithfulness demands of us right now. Weekly lectures, live Q&A conversations, guest lecturers, and an online community included.

Pioneer of Buddhism in Africa, Bhante Buddharakkhita, dives into building a sangha, practicing meditation, and the journey from pleasure to lasting peace.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This week on the BHNN Guest Podcast, Bhante and Vincent discuss:Bringing the dhamma to Africa and creating the Uganda Buddhist Center Creating a self-sustaining Sangha out of simplicity & self-sufficiency What made Bhante commit to ordination as a Buddhist monkDisillusionment with experiences that were once pleasurableEducation and excellence in training one's own mindThe joy and fascination of looking into the mind through meditationMaking a habit out of meditation rather than only focusing on pedagogyCultivating happiness and peace in your life as the first step to living fullyStepping out of books and into a retreat or working with a teacherThis conversation was originally recorded on the Paths of Practice Podcast. Listen to more episodes HERE. “Really meditate in order to find peace within oneself, because for me, there is one thing that brings me a lot of joy, which is to be able to see and look at my mind. There are many aspects of Buddhism, ceremonies, rituals, culture, and academics. Of all the things we can do, what I found to be very helpful is to really learn how to meditate and make it a habit. It's such a fascinating thing being able to look at your mind.” –Bhante Buddharakkhita, PhDAbout Bhante Buddharakkhita, PhD:Venerable Bhante Buddharakkita was born in Uganda, Africa. He first encountered Buddhism in 1990 while studying and living in India. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk by the late Most Venerable U Silananda in 2002 at the Tathagata Meditation Center in San Jose, California. He then spent eight years under the guidance of Bhante Henepola Gunaratana at the Bhavana Society, West Virginia. He is the founder and Abbot of the Uganda Buddhist Center in Uganda. Besides spending time at the Uganda Buddhist Center, he is a visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and he holds an Honorary Doctorate in Buddhist Studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Thailand. He is long-time member of Global Buddhist Relief's advisory council in New Jersey.He has been teaching mindfulness meditation in Africa, the U.S., and worldwide since 2005, and he is a much-loved teacher in many countries. His book, Planting Dhamma Seeds: The Emergence of Buddhism in Africa, tells the story of his religious and spiritual work in the continent of his birth. Keep up with Bhante on his website.About Vincent Moore:Vincent Moore is a creative and creative consultant living in San Francisco, California, with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry and holds a graduate degree in Buddhist Studies. For years, he performed regularly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, an improv and sketch comedy theatre based in New York and Los Angeles. As an actor, Vincent performed on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Seth Meyers, Above Average, and The UCB Show on Seeso. As a writer, he developed for television as well as stage, including work with the Blue Man Group, and his own written projects have been featured on websites such as Funny or Die. Additionally, he received a Masters of Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies with a Certificate in Soto Zen Studies and engages in a personal Buddhist practice within the Soto Zen tradition. Vincent is also the creator and host of the podcast, Paths of Practice, which features interviews with Buddhists from all over the world. Learn more on Vincent's website HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosts and Commonweal contributors Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins and Nick Tabor chat with Gary Dorrien, professor at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, about the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson and the Black social gospel tradition. They explore Dorrien's own intellectual journey from rural Michigan to the academy, his groundbreaking trilogy on the Black social gospel, Jackson's relationship with Martin Luther King Jr., the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaigns of the 1980s, and what Jackson's career reveals about the enduring ties between the Black church and progressive politics.Episode production and original music by Joel Myers.

Why have we become so good at identifying what's wrong in society, but struggle to imagine a solution for them? How do visionary leaders, reformers and saints think, view and act in the world? What place can we take refuge in when we want clarity to our most burning questions? And what is the true meaning of service, and how can we make our spirituality more practical Find out from Simran Jeet Singh—and from the great saints of Sikhism—exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.An award-winning educator, acclaimed author, sought-after speaker and renowned faith leader, Simran Jeet Singh is a professor of history at the historic Union Theological Seminary, Executive Director of the Inclusive America Project at the Aspen Institute, Senior Fellow for the Sikh Coalition and host of the Wisdom & Practice podcast. Simran's thought leadership on bias, empathy, and justice extends across corporate, university, and government settings, and has been invited to speak at prestigious institutions including Stanford University, Fortune 500 companies, The White House and Pentagon. Simran writes regularly for The Washington Post, CNN, TIME Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and Religion News Service, and is the author of the national bestseller, The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life and the award-winning children's book, Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon.

Natasha is joined by Jennifer Aull on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss the male experience with purity culture. Jennifer is passionate about empowering people to live their fullest lives. This dedication has been lived out through some of her personal and professional experiences. Jennifer brings with her a wealth of life experience. Along with her marriage and family therapy practice, Jennifer serves as a pastor at the Greenpoint Reformed Church. She has also worked as a chaplain in both hospital and hospice settings. These experiences have taught her that life can be a journey toward greater awareness and spiritual growth and that such awareness can bring about deep joy and fulfillment. Jennifer enjoys working with clients to help them author an authentic life by examining their most challenging past experiences. By creating a warm, safe, nonjudgmental environment, she encourages clients to assess those elements that are limiting them. Through short-term, solution-focused therapy and deeper relational techniques, Jennifer guides clients to find the relationships they long for. Jennifer is experienced in working with a wide variety of people, regardless of religions, genders, cultures, life circumstances, and sexual orientations. Jennifer is a licensed marriage and family therapist who completed her master's degree in marriage and family therapy at Hofstra University. She also received a bachelor's degree in English literature from San Francisco State University. After working for several years as a technology specialist for several investment banks, Jennifer attended Union Theological Seminary, where she received a Master of Divinity Degree. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Jennifer is a certified Prepare/Enrich premarital counselor with ten years of experience helping couples prepare for greater levels of commitment. She is an AASECT certified sex therapist. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Hebrew Union College, Long Island University Brooklyn, Syracuse University and Widener University.  She is expected to complete her PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes in March 2025.  Her dissertation focuses on the impact of purity culture messaging on male sexuality. She is available for both individual and couples therapy.   To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha's channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.  The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening. And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services. There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

Gary Dorrien, the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and author of the memoir Over from Union Road, explains why he is known as America's leading champion of Christian socialismBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Meggan Watterson joins Glennon and Abby for an urgent, unfiltered conversation about how to stay human in infuriating times. They discuss sacred rage as a form of love, why trusting our inner knowing matters more than ever, and what it means to stop waiting for institutions—or men—to tell us we're worthy. They also unpack the moment we're in—from the Epstein files and Deepak Chopra's presence in them to the misogyny behind the U.S. Men's Hockey Team's comments about the women's team—and ask what women do when the systems meant to protect people fail. Plus: Meggan shares the historical acts of resistance inspiring her right now, the story of Mary Magdalene and believing women (and ourselves), and the question guiding her days: How do women pray when the world is on fire? For more We Can Do Hard Things with Meggan Watterson, check out:  Women's Voices So Dangerous They Buried Them About Meggan: Meggan Watterson is the author of The Girl Who Baptized Herself and the Wall Street Journal bestselling Mary Magdalene Revealed. She is a feminist theologian with a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University. She leads a global online spiritual community, The House of Mary Magdalene, to study the scripture left out of the Christian canon like The Gospel of Mary and The Acts of Paul and Thecla.  Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠ TikTok — ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wecandohardthingsshow⁠

Send a text(REPRISE from AUG 2025) Today I welcome a familiar voice and a longtime friend—Dr. Randall Balmer. Back in the day, when we were “Trinity Men,” he was “Randy” to me. Today, he's Dr. Balmer—historian, author, professor, and one of the leading voices on religion in America. He earned his graduate degrees at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary, and this marks our third interview together.Randall recently published a powerful piece in the Los Angeles Times about the 1925 Scopes Trial—often remembered as the showdown between Genesis and Darwin. He reminds us that the trial wasn't supposed to be about evolution at all, but that's where it landed. William Jennings Bryan thundered that “if evolution wins, Christianity goes.” Clarence Darrow countered, “It's not Scopes on trial—it's civilization.” Nearly a century later, the questions linger.Randall also brings us into his latest book, America's Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State. It's a sweeping story—Roger Williams's “hedge of separation,” Jefferson's Danbury letter, Madison, Adams, and the First Amendment—all the way to today's battles over vouchers, religious schools, and the religious right. Along the way, we'll talk about court rulings, culture wars, and the ongoing debate over whether America is a Christian nation—or a nation that protects the freedom of every faith, and of no faith at all.It's always a rich conversation when Dr. Balmer joins me, and today is no exception. Come on along with us! SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

For part 10 of 12 on “What is the Nicene Creed?” we unpack this lines:"We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church."... which can feel strange, or outright ironic, when you are in a church that doesn't get along with ... the church across the street. How can we proclaim we are ONE church when Christianity is so obviously divided? How could the church 1700 years ago claim this, when division goes back to James and John vying to sit at the right hand of Jesus when he came into glory? We bring in scholar and priest, The Rev. Dr. Valerie Bailey, to speak with us and muddle through what it means to (1) be a church in the tradition of the apostles and (2) aspire for such holy unity. The Rev. Dr. Valerie Bailey Fisher The Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer serves at Williams College as the chaplain.  She has more than 11 years of college chaplaincy experience, nearly a decade in ordained ministry and strong foundations in experiential education and social justice. Raised in the African-American Pentecostal tradition, Bailey Fischer joined the Episcopal Church as a young adult. She has a B.A. from Penn State and an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary. She is completing a dissertation in Anglican studies and U.S. Episcopal Church history at General Theological Seminary.+++Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcastThere's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons!+++Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.comOur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/++++MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/++++More about Father Lizzie:BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/RevLizzie.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzieJubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org ++++More about Mother Laura:https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peachesSt. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA++++Theme music:"On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST! 

Shownotes  Take your business to the next level with my FREE VITA Coaching Checklist Exactly what the "witch wound" is and where it lives in your body The one thing Layla would change in the Catholic teachings Why spiritual lies live inside our bodies as self-hatred How spirituality impacts our ability to be a sexual being  What most people still don't understand about Mary Magdalene   Bio Meggan Watterson is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Mary Magdalene Revealed.  She is a feminist theologian with a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary.    Meggan is the founder of The House of Mary Magdalene, a spiritual community that studies the sacred texts left out of the traditional canon and practices the soul-voice meditation.    Her work has appeared in media outlets such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, HuffPost, TEDxWomen, and Marie Claire.    Meggan's most recent book, The Girl Who Baptized Herself, was recommended by Glennon Doyle in ELLE as "the book that kept me up way too late."   You can follow Meggan's work on Instagram and find her books, meditations, and offerings on her website. Follow Layla!

For part 7 of 12 on “What is the Nicene Creed?” we unpack these lines:For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;        he suffered death and was buriedOn the third day he rose again            in accordance with the Scriptures;One of the wild things about the Creed is we go right from Jesus' birth, via Mary, to his death, at the hands of Pontius Pilate. And yet, even wilder still, is that our God in Christ suffered death. The crucifixion – a death used by the Roman Empire to terrify and suppress enslaved people who rebelled – and the resurrection – are at the epicenter of Christian faith. What does it mean that Jesus died this way? What does it mean that on the third day, he rose? We are delighted and amazed to welcome to the podcast the inimitable Rev. Dr. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas, whose enormous work as priest, preacher, teacher, and writer, has long explored these questions.More about our guest: The Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas is the Canon Theologian at the Cathedral and Visiting Professor of Theology at Harvard Divinity School for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.  In 2017, she was named Dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and in 2019, she was appointed to the Bill and Judith Moyers Chair in Theology at Union. Kelly is considered a leader in the field of womanist theology, racial reconciliation, social justice, and sexuality and the Black church.From 2017 to 2023, she was Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Theology. She was named the Bill and Judith Moyers Chair in Theology at Union in November 2019 where she is now Dean emeritus. She served as Interim President of Episcopal Divinity School from 2023-24. During the 2023 fall term, she served as Honorary Professor of Global Theology at Emmanuel Theological College in Liverpool, England.Ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1983, Douglas currently serves as the Canon Theologian at the Washington National Cathedral and Anglican Communion Canon at Newcastle Cathedral in Newcastle, England.Prior to Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary, she served as Professor of Religion at Goucher College where she held the Susan D. Morgan Professorship of Religion and is now Professor Emeritus. Before Goucher, she was Associate Professor of Theology at Howard University School of Divinity (1987-2001) and Assistant Professor of Religion at Edward Waters College (1986-87). Douglas holds a master's degree in theology and a PhD in systematic theology from Union.Douglas is the author of many articles and several books including the 2023 Grawemeyer Award winning book, Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter. Her academic work has focused on womanist theology, racial justice issues as well as sexuality and the Black church. Her current research interest involves expanding the moral imaginary in fostering a more just future.Douglas proudly serves on the New York City Homeless Coalition Board and the Public Religion and Research Institute Board.+++Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcastThere's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons!+++Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.comOur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/++++MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/++++More about Father Lizzie:BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/RevLizzie.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzieJubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org ++++More about Mother Laura:https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peachesSt. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA++++Theme music:"On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST! 

Join us for Episode 4212 as Rev. Dr. Edmund A. Steimle of Union Theological Seminary offers his Advent message, “High Road in the Wilderness,” rooted in Isaiah 40:1-5. This timeless "Day1 Classics" sermon explores God's voice of comfort amid silence, the call to travel the wilderness road, and the hopeful promise woven into Advent's waiting. Steimle's clear, compassionate preaching invites us to see Christmas not as a destination, but a beginning. Rev. Dr. Tom Long joins us to discuss Steimle's contributions as well.

Hope seems like a simple concept, but the feeling can be difficult to hold onto. And when times are difficult and chaos swirls around us, it's more important than ever. How do we find and practice hope when it's elusive? Spiritual and religious leaders rely on centuries of experience and wisdom to continually guide people back to hope, and this episode's discussion from the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival draws from these experts. Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber founded the House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver, and doesn't shy away from unorthodox methods of ministry. Rabbi Sharon Brous is the founder and leader of IKAR, a nondenominational Jewish congregation in Los Angeles. Humanist chaplain Greg Epstein works with the populations at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Union Theological Seminary professor and the former director of the Religion and Society Program at the Aspen Institute, Simran Jeet Singh, introduces and moderates the conversation.

Ethan is joined by old friend and teacher Adriana DiFazio for a wide ranging discussion of the limitations of a Western Buddhism that focuses on individualism, individual liberation, and "secular" practice. They discuss how to create a Dharma that is more focused on intersectionality and systems, along with a truly spiritual approach. Enjoy! Adriana DiFazio is a Buddhist meditation teacher, scholar, chaplain, and parent whose work explores the intersections of Buddhism, critical theory, and social change. Her teaching emphasizes the dharma as a collective and liberatory practice, grounded in both personal and systemic transformation. She holds an M.Div. in Buddhism from Union Theological Seminary, where she focused on Engaged Buddhist ethics and Marxism. Adriana teaches meditation and Buddhist studies through her online newsletter and community, Radical Change(adrianadifazio.substack.com). Her website is www.adrianadifazio.com Please support the podcast via Substack and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available there. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like guided meditations, extra podcast episodes and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a mindful take on intuition, and Ethan also offered instruction in the RAIN method for working with emotions with self-compassion. These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (Apple, Ethan's Website, etc). Subscribe now You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (Apple, Ethan's Website, etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this link! Check out about upcoming live events like a live talk with Ethan and Dan Harris December 10, a New Year's Eve Intention-Setting Workshop, and a live talk with Ethan and Roshi Joan Halifax January 6th! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this link. Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor Dharma Moon. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as The Three Marks of Existence, are also available for download at Dharma Moon.

Prayer can be more than quiet reflection — it can be protest, solidarity, and a catalyst for justice. In this episode of Shifting Culture, I talk with Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar about their new book We Pray Freedom, a collection of prayers, songs, and liturgies born out of the Freedom Church of the Poor.We explore how faith traditions can sustain movements, how ritual can become resistance, and how communities on the margins are leading us toward a more just and abundant world. From prayer in homeless encampments to liturgy at the border, this conversation invites us to see that prayer isn't escape — it's action, hope, and transformation.Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis is a theologian, pastor, author, and anti-poverty activist. She is the Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice and Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Rev. Dr. Theoharis has been organizing in poor and low-income communities for the past 30 years. Her books include: We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor People's Campaign (Broadleaf Press, 2021) and Always with Us?: What Jesus Really Said about the Poor (Eerdmans, 2017) and she has been published in the New York Times, Politico, the Washington Post, Sojourners and elsewhere. Rev. Dr. Theoharis is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and teaches at Union Theological Seminary.Dr. Charon Hribar is a movement song leader, cultural organizer, and social ethicist. She serves as the director of cultural strategies for the Kairos Center and as co-director of theomusicology and movement arts for the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. She cofounded Songs in the Key of Resistance and has been instrumental in creating music and cultural resources like the Songs in the Key of Resistance Songbook and the We Cry Justice Cultural Arts Project. Dr. Hribar combines on-the-ground organizing with teaching and leading social-movement music nationwide, empowering communities to integrate arts into their efforts for justice.Liz and Charon's Book:We Pray FreedomLiz and Charon's Recommendation:AndorSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowThe Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Cornel West, one of America's most distinguished public intellectuals and philosophers, to discuss his historic Gifford Lectures, which marked a watershed moment in the series - bringing a jazz-soaked philosophical methodology to this centuries-old tradition of natural theology. West has spent decades at the intersection of rigorous academic scholarship & prophetic public witness. In our conversation, we explore how his lectures challenged the conventional philosophical approach of reducing catastrophe to manageable problems, instead starting with the lived reality of suffering and historical consciousness. Drawing from his deep engagement with thinkers from Plato to Kierkegaard, from his Baptist roots to his years in academia, West demonstrates how the African American musical tradition offers profound philosophical resources for understanding truth, beauty, & moral courage. We discuss his three cruciform convictions - kenosis, kinesis, and kairos - & how they inform Christian intellectual engagement with everything from ecological crisis to the ongoing violence in Gaza. This is public scholarship at its finest: academically rigorous, spiritually grounded, & courageously engaged with the catastrophic realities of our time. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Dr. Cornel West is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary. He has written 20 books and has edited 13.  He is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and for his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. His most recent book, Black Prophetic Fire, offers an unflinching look at nineteenth and twentieth-century African American leaders and their visionary legacies. You can WATCH all 5 of Dr. West's Gifford lectures here on YouTube UPCOMING ONLINE CLASS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The God of Justice: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Longing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This transformative online class brings together distinguished scholars from biblical studies, theology, history, and faith leadership to offer exactly what our moment demands: the rich, textured wisdom of multiple academic disciplines speaking into our contemporary quest for justice. Join John Dominic Crossan, Peter Enns, Casey Sigmon, Aizaiah Yong, & Malcolm Foley As always, the class is donation-based, including 0. INFO & Sign-Up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FaithAndPolitics.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get info and tickets here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. _____________________ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 70,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textToday I welcome a familiar voice and a longtime friend—Dr. Randall Balmer. Back in the day, when we were “Trinity Men,” he was “Randy” to me. Today, he's Dr. Balmer—historian, author, professor, and one of the leading voices on religion in America. He earned his graduate degrees at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary, and this marks our third interview together.Randall recently published a powerful piece in the Los Angeles Times about the 1925 Scopes Trial—often remembered as the showdown between Genesis and Darwin. He reminds us that the trial wasn't supposed to be about evolution at all, but that's where it landed. William Jennings Bryan thundered that “if evolution wins, Christianity goes.” Clarence Darrow countered, “It's not Scopes on trial—it's civilization.” Nearly a century later, the questions linger.Randall also brings us into his latest book, America's Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State. It's a sweeping story—Roger Williams's “hedge of separation,” Jefferson's Danbury letter, Madison, Adams, and the First Amendment—all the way to today's battles over vouchers, religious schools, and the religious right. Along the way, we'll talk about court rulings, culture wars, and the ongoing debate over whether America is a Christian nation—or a nation that protects the freedom of every faith, and of no faith at all.It's always a rich conversation when Dr. Balmer joins me, and today is no exception. Come on along with us! SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' my conversation is with Reverend Nancy Neal, Minister for Spiritual Formation and Wellness at Bread for the World. We discuss Nancy's role in fostering a culture of prayer, worship, and racial equity within the organization, as well as her journey from waiting tables to advocating for social justice. Nancy shares her insights on the holiness of hospitality, her personal experiences with food and community, and the challenges of balancing service and advocacy. The conversation also delves into the importance of prayer, community action, and legislative advocacy to end hunger. Nancy provides practical information on how individuals and churches can participate in Bread for the World's initiatives to influence policy and support those in need.Connect with Bread for the World: https://www.bread.org/Through actionThrough prayerThrough letter writingThrough InstagramThrough FacebookRev. Nancy Neal is the minister for spiritual formation and wellness at Bread for the World. She leads an initiative to build a culture at Bread that is grounded in prayer and worship, biblical principles, core values, learning, and wellness. She has led the organizational efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, collaborating with organizations and consultants to train and coach staff and leadership in racial equity principles and practices that have impacted internal culture, policy analysis, organizing strategies, and resource development. Throughout her career, Neal has sought to build bridges across cultures and contribute to repairing brokenness in our society and our institutions. Whether that's working for anti-sweatshop or anti-hunger organizations, advocating for women in the Presbyterian Church (USA), implementing anti-racist/anti-oppression practices, bringing together young clergy across political divides, or even waiting tables. Neal began at Bread in 2011 – serving in various positions in the former Church Relations Department including associate for denominational women's organization relations, deputy director, interim director, and director.She is a minister member of National Capital Presbytery. She has served as parish associate and temporary supply pastor of churches in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and currently serves on Leadership Council, Ministry Relations Team, and the board of the Washington, D.C., site of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Young Adult Volunteer in Mission program. Neal completed her undergraduate studies at Clemson University in South Carolina and earned her Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in New York.  This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Send us a textIn this episode of Queerly Beloved, I'm joined by the luminous and liberatory Rev. Karmen Michael Smith- a Black queer theologian, cultural strategist, and author of Holy Queer: The Coming Out of Christ. As the creator of Prophetic Intelligence™ and the founder of the inclusive digital faith community Poor Culture, Karmen's work lives at the sacred intersection of queerness, spirituality, and social transformation. He currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary.Together, we dive into the radiant, raw, and radically affirming terrain of queer divinity and spiritual expansion.Topics we explore include:Spiritual self-care as sacred ritual (yes, including solo dance parties!).What it means to minister beyond the walls of the church.Why disruption can be divine, and the gateway to liberation.The richness and freedom found in the margins.Queerness not as a curse but as a calling.The layered intersection of being Black, queer, and spiritual.How to court presence in a world full of distractions.✨ This is one of those conversations that opens hearts, shifts paradigms, and makes the sacred feel just a little more spacious. Take a breath, take your time, and let this one land in your spirit.

Ethereal Encounters Unveiled July 31st, 2025 Topic: Non-Human Intelligence, Religion & Consciousness with Rev. Michael J. Carter About Our Guest:Rev. Michael JS.Carter is originally from Baltimore, Maryland. He moved to New York City in 1980 and lived there for 27 years, working as a professional actor before moving to Asheville. Michael is an ordained Interfaith Minister and received his BA Degree in Letters from the College of New Rochelle where he graduated cum laude. He received his Masters In Divinity Degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City (class of 2000). He has served as a staff chaplain (Board Certified) at various hospitals in NY and in North Carolina While serving various Unitarian Universalist Congregations in New York, Michael was trained as an anti-racism trainer and has been recognized by President Clinton for his efforts. A long time UFO Contactee, his Book Alien Scriptures: Extraterrestrials In The Holy Bible, was( in March of 2014) number one on Amazon.com's list of UFO related books. Michael has also appeared on George Noory's Coast To Coast radio show, and on George Noory's TV show, “Beyond Belief” on Gaiam Television. Other TV appearances include being a regular consultant on The History Channel's, Ancient Aliens Series, as well as being featured in the UFO TV Documentary, The Real 4400, and UFOs the Hidden Evidence on the Travel Channel. Rev. Carter was also featured in Steven Spielberg”s TV documentary, Abduction Diaries for the Sci-Fi Channel. “Diaries” was the precursor to the Spielberg's HBO series, “Taken.” Author Whitley Strieber calls Rev. Carter's first book Alien Scriptures: Extraterrestrials in The Holy Bible, “the best book ever written on the topic.” His three other books are, A New World If You Can Take iT: God, Extraterrestrials, and The Evolution of Human Consciousness. God Consciousness: A 30 Day Meditation Manual for God Conscious Thinking, The Metaphysics of Spiritual Healing and the Power of Affirmative Prayer. His most recent book is, " Initiation: The Spiritual Transformation of the Experiencer." All of his boo ks may be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles.com Michael serves as the minister for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swanannoa Valley, located in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Simran Jeet Singh is a professor of religious history at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He is also a senior advisor at the Aspen Institute and host of the podcast Wisdom & Practice. Simran is the author of three books, including  The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life, which introduces readers to the religious tradition of Sikhism and its practical relevance for all of us today. Simran joins the podcast to share the history, beliefs, and practices of the Sikh faith. How do the people of India feel about other faiths? A survey shows interesting findings about the beliefs and perspectives of those who live near each other, yet belong to different religions. Read the survey results in India's Patchwork Pluralism.  Join our growing community of 200,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today.  Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

This week's podcast guest is Meggan Watterson is a renowned feminist theologian and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Mary Magdalene Revealed. She has a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University. She created The House of Mary Magdalene – a spiritual community that studies sacred texts left out of the traditional canon and practices the soul-voice meditation. Her work has appeared in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Huffington Post, TEDxWomen, and Marie Claire. Learn more at megganwatterson.com. This is her third time on the podcast and the first episode is all about Mary Magdalene and Meggan's book Mary Magdalene Revealed. In this episode we speak about her new book The Girl Who Baptised Herself. In this episode we cover the following Thecla's story in The Acts of Paul (which her new incredible book is all about)WorthinessMary MagdaleneSeven powers of the egoSacred RageVisit Meggan:https://www.megganwatterson.com/Meggan's new book: https://www.megganwatterson.com/the-girl https://www.instagram.com/megganwatterson/https://www.facebook.com/Meggan-Watterson-768581129855766/My Law of Positivism Healing Oracle Card Deck:https://www.lawofpositivism.com/healingoracle.htmlMy book The Law of Positivism – Live a life of higher vibrations, love and gratitude:https://www.lawofpositivism.com/book.html Visit Law of Positivism:https://www.instagram.com/lawofpositivism/Website: https://www.lawofpositivism.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawofpositivism/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lawofpositivismTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lawofpositivism

Dr. Cornel West, public intellectual and Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, kicks off his new twice-weekly conversation with Tavis, Mondays and Thursdays.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Ethicist and organizer Dr. Aaron Staufer returns to the podcast to tackle one of the most pressing questions facing progressive Christianity today: how do we move from feeling overwhelmed and powerless to actually building meaningful change in our communities? Aaron brings his experience as both a theologian and organizer to help us understand why mainline Protestantism has struggled to find its public voice, and more importantly, what we can do about it. We delve into the historical trajectory from the social gospel movement to today's challenges, exploring why building strong community relationships is essential for any genuine social change, and discussing how initiatives like Solidarity Circles are helping faith leaders develop the skills they need for movement work. This conversation gets into the weeds of democratic practice, theological imagination, and the practical work of organizing—all while trying to figure out how the church can be a force for justice in an increasingly complex world. In the conversation, we discussed the decline of mainline Protestant public witness, moving beyond charity, lessons from the Social Gospel movement, the crisis in theological education, why theology matters, practical strategies for congregations, Christianity's moral silence on Palestine,  class analysis, and organizing.  You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Aaron Stauffer is the Director of Online Learning and Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He earned his PhD in social ethics at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York and has organized with the Industrial Areas Foundation in San Antonio, Texas and Religions for Peace.  You can check out his previous visit to the podcast - Theology for Action.  Solidarity Circles is the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion & Justice's flagship leadership cohort for clergy, faith leaders, and grassroots organizers who want to build the solidarity economy—not just preach about it. For information & an application to the program, head over here.  ONLINE SUMMIT:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Democracy in Tension - NAVIGATING THE INTERLOCKING CRISES OF DEMOCRACY AND RELIGION ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Democracy today faces profound challenges – polarization, inequality, populist authoritarianism, and widespread cynicism are eroding the foundations of democratic life. Yet, what if democracy's greatest strength lies not in eliminating these tensions, but in productively embracing them?The summit will navigate the complex terrain between political equality and social justice, liberal freedom and democratic sovereignty, and ethical demands and political action. As always, the summit is donation-based, including 0. INFO & Sign-Up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.HomebrewedClasses.com⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get info and tickets here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. _____________________ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest sermon by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis. The Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis is a theologian, author, pastor, and anti-poverty organizer. She is Founder and Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice. Rev. Dr. Theoharis is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), co-pastor of the Freedom Church of the Poor, and teaches at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

In this episode, Justin speaks with Nicholas Laccetti about his 2021 article, "AL and LA: Thelema and the Death of God". Nicolas is a member of the National Communications Team of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. He is the author of The Inner Church is the Hope of the World: Western Esotericism as a Theology of Liberation (Wipf and Stock, 2018). Nic holds an M.A. in Medieval Studies from Fordham University and an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary. Read the Article: https://thelemicunion.com/al-and-la-thelema-death-of-god/

Join Ell as she interviews co-host Rev. Liz Theoharis and new guest Noam Sandweiss-Back on their book, You Only Get What You're Organized to Take. What does it mean to be a poor people's movement? How is God already at work among the poor? And what kind of progress to you make when the people most affected by the exploitation of our society are also the people who change the systems under which we live? Dive into some of the answers to these questions and more in this episode of The Word in Black and Red.Rev. Liz Theo Harris is a theologian, author, pastor, and anti-poverty organizer. She's the founder and executive director of the Kairos Center for Religion, Rights, and Social Justice. She is also ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, co-pastor of the Freedom Church of the Poor, and Teaches at Union Theological Seminary in New York.Noam Sandweiss-Back is the program coordinator at the Kairos Center and organizes with the Poor People's campaign. He has spent a decade organizing among the poor and dispossessed.Buy You Only Get What You're Organized to Take and request your local bookstore get a copy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the great pleasures of hosting the Origins Podcast is talking with fascinating thinkers who challenge my perspectives and with whom I can have frank, if provocative, discussions. My recent conversation with Robert George and Cornel West was particularly enjoyable. These two distinguished intellectuals embody the spirit of respectful and meaningful dialogue that the Origins Project Foundation aims to foster. Robert George is a renowned conservative legal scholar and Catholic professor at Princeton University, while Cornel West is a leading progressive philosopher and Protestant scholar at Union Theological Seminary, and an academic celebrity. Together, they've authored a timely new book, Truth Matters, exploring how fruitful dialogue can bridge ideological divides even during polarized times.In our conversation, we tackled subjects including philosophy, theology, politics, and the crucial role respectful disagreement plays in uncovering deeper truths. Joining the discussion as a scientist, atheist, and someone raised in a Jewish tradition, I brought a viewpoint to our exchange that differed from those of both Robert and Cornell, who in spite of their political differences are both Christians, and scholars in the humanities . It was especially rewarding to find common ground with Robert and Cornel despite our differing starting points. All told, I found it one of the most fascinating discussions to date, and the first with more than one person. It worked. :)This kind of rich and thoughtful engagement is precisely what inspired me to start the Origins Podcast. Robert George and Cornel West remind us that disagreements are valuable, as they help us move closer to understanding not only each other, but also ourselves.As always, an ad-free video version of this podcast is also available to paid Critical Mass subscribers. Your subscriptions support the non-profit Origins Project Foundation, which produces the podcast. The audio version is available free on the Critical Mass site and on all podcast sites, and the video version will also be available on the Origins Project YouTube. Get full access to Critical Mass at lawrencekrauss.substack.com/subscribe

In the second part of Ilia Delio's conversation with theologian Adam Clark, the focus shifts to questions at the intersection of power, technology, and ethics. How does liberation theology speak to the structures of modern technological society—and what does it say about the nature of evil?Together, Ilia and Adam explore:The social implications of technology (and it's power)How liberation theology can challenge systems of injustice in a digital ageWhether quantum physics can offer a foundation for ethical actionAdam Clark, a student of James Cone and advocate for justice in both church and society, invites us to consider whether deep theological wisdom can meet the complexities of our age—and help guide us toward more just, relational ways of being.ABOUT ADAM CLARK"To be filled with God is a great thing; to be filled with the fullness of God is still greater; to be filled with all the fullness of God is greatest of all."Adam Clark is a professor of Theology at Xavier University and holds a PhD from Union Theological Seminary. Studying under James Cone, Adam brings rigorous and skillful expertise to the movement of liberation theology. He currently serves as co-chair of the Black Theology Group at the American Academy of Religion, actively publishes in the area of black theology and black religion and participates in social justice groups at Xavier and in the Cincinnati area.At the Center for Christogenesis we are in the midst of our June fundraiser. Your support empowers us to offer transformative resources, host thought-provoking events, and build a global community of seekers dedicated to co-creating a more unified, compassionate world. If our content nourishes you, please consider making a contribution. Visit christogenesis.org/donate to learn more and give.Support the showA huge thank you to all of you who subscribe and support our show! Support for A Hunger for Wholeness comes from the Fetzer Institute. Fetzer supports a movement of organizations who are applying spiritual solutions to society's toughest problems. Get involved at fetzer.org. Visit the Center for Christogenesis' website at christogenesis.org/podcast to browse all Hunger for Wholeness episodes and read more from Ilia Delio. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for episode releases and other updates.

Holy smokes, theology nerds – buckle up for a prophetic ride through Black Christology that'll completely recalibrate your understanding of Jesus and faith in times of empire. I am joined by Dr. Adam Clark as he traces the revolutionary lineage from Howard Thurman's mystical Jesus who refuses the "hounds of hell" (after being called a traitor to dark peoples for following Christianity), through Albert Cleage's literal Black Messiah who'd be riding in the colored section of Jim Crow buses, to James Cone's God who shows up at the lynching tree. At a moment when Christian nationalism weaponizes the gospel to enforce xenophobic authoritarianism, this prophetic tradition reminds us that authentic Christian witness is found in loving solidarity with the crucified of today. This isn't polite reflection, friends – it's resistance theology that exposes how God deliberately identifies with the oppressed, choosing foolishness to shame the wise and weakness to shame the strong. This episode might flip your theological world upside down, but that's precisely what good theology should do. To get Adam's lecture and four more, join the class,⁠⁠The Many Faces of Christ Today⁠⁠. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Dr. Adam Clark is Associate Professor of Theology at Xavier University. He currently serves as co-chair of Black Theology Group at the American Academy of Religion, actively publishes in the area of black theology and black religion and participates in social justice groups at Xavier and in the Cincinnati area. He earned his PhD at Union Theological Seminary in New York where he was mentored by James Cone. Previous Episodes w/ Adam: Thinking Liberation From Contemplation to Liberation The Living & Liberating Mystery Cancel Culture, Rogan, Whoopi, Chappelle, & the NFL Gary Dorrien & Adam Clark: James Cone and the Emergence of Black Theology Serene Jones & Adam Clark: Theology Matters and the Legacy of James Cone The Crisis of American Religion & Democracy: 1/6 a year later Christmas, BLM, Abortion, & the War on White Evangelicalism Jan 6th Theological Debrief: Adam Clark and Jeffrey Pugh Adam Clark: What is Black Theology? From Lebron James to the Black Panther: Black Theology QnA w/ Adam Clark Adam Clark: James Cone was right Upcoming Online Class:⁠ Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost⁠ "⁠Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost⁠" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. Moving beyond traditional Western theological frameworks, we'll explore feminist interpretations, global perspectives, and innovative approaches to understanding the Spirit in today's world. Whether you've felt the Spirit was missing from your faith journey or are simply curious to deepen your understanding, this class creates space for thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, and spiritual growth. ⁠As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here. ⁠ _____________________ ⁠⁠⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this plenary session from Theology Beer Camp 2024, John Thatamanil explores the future of religious identity in an increasingly pluralistic America, arguing that multiple religious participation will be the defining feature of North American religious life. Drawing from his personal journey as an Indian Christian immigrant who also practices Hinduism, and Wilfred Cantwell Smith's provocative question about how Christians explain the existence of other scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Thatamanil challenges "Christian supremacy" and its colonial legacy. He distinguishes between harmful forms of religious mixing (particularly the worship of both God and capitalism) and life-giving forms that promote justice and liberation, proposing that the real theological problem isn't practicing Buddhism alongside Christianity, but trying to serve both God and mammon in a capitalist society. The talk culminates in a call for "fluid and dynamic integrity" rather than impossible homogeneity, suggesting that being "spiritually fluid" - like being gender fluid - represents a faithful response to divine truth revealed across traditions. Dr. Thatamanil is Professor of Theology & World Religions at Union Theological Seminary in NYC. Previous Podcasts with Thatamanil Tillich and the Advent of New Being Deconstructing Divinity & Embracing Diversity God – the Ground, the Between, the Personal What we do when we do theology A Comparative Theology of Religious Diversity Theology Without Walls Non-duality, Polydoxy, and Christian Identity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025⁠⁠ Theology Beer Camp ⁠is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to "nerd out" on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! ⁠Get info and tickets here⁠. Upcoming Online Class:⁠⁠ Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost⁠⁠ "⁠⁠Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost⁠⁠" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. ⁠⁠As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here. ⁠⁠ _____________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you stand at the crossroads where the sacred meets the secular, where your identity refuses to fit into neat binaries, and where faith seeks understanding in the midst of doubt? In this deeply personal conversation, Episcopal priest and pioneering womanist theologian Kelly Brown Douglas returns to the podcast to explore theology as a lived experience, not abstract speculation. We dive into her powerful concept of "crossroads theology" – that stable, definite space where the blues singer performs both pain and praise, where Black and Episcopalian identity refuse to be bifurcated, and where God meets us in our full complexity. Kelly unpacks how the dangerous narratives of respectability and white supremacy create false binaries that diminish our humanity, and how Jesus's own crossroads moment challenges our comfortable Christianity. From her nightly prayers on her knees to calling the names of deported families, from finding God in resistance movements to wrestling with faith after Trayvon Martin's death, Kelly shows us what it means to do theology from "the complicated and sometimes contradictory spaces of our living." She reminds us that Christianity has a crucifixion at its center – and it's high time we act like it. Plus, we celebrate Kelly's upcoming appearance at Theology Beer Camp 2025, where she'll be bringing this transformative theological vision to 600 nerdy friends ready to do theology while day-drinking in a sanctuary. Trust me, you don't want to miss this conversation about finding resurrection hope in our Gethsemane moments. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to "nerd out" on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! Get info and tickets here. Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas is the Canon Theologian at the Cathedral. In 2017, she was named Dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and in 2019, she was appointed to the Bill and Judith Moyers Chair in Theology at Union. You can listen to her previous visit to the podcast here: Resurrection Hope & A Future Where Black Lives Matter Upcoming Online Class:⁠ Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost⁠ "⁠Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost⁠" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. ⁠As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here. ⁠ _____________________ ⁠⁠⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Corey Nathan speaks with Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary. As the first woman to lead the historic 180-year-old institution, Dr. Jones brings deep insight to the intersection of theology, justice, and public life. Together, they explore how Christian faith can guide us through trauma, division, and democracy's challenges, while sharing stories of growing up in faith and creating space for conversations across political and religious divides. What We Discuss: How Serene Jones' upbringing shaped her theological lens What theology has to do with democracy and justice Why questions are a sign of faith, not doubt The importance of building bridges, even when no one's building from the other side How seminaries are evolving to meet the needs of a changing world Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] A unique faith upbringing in the Disciples of Christ tradition [00:07:00] Church as a place of learning about democracy, justice, and real life [00:13:00] The message of Micah 4 and how it resonates with global conflict today [00:27:00] The role of theology in shaping public ethics and spiritual resilience [00:39:00] Navigating campus dialogue during protests and unrest [00:44:00] Three calls for progressive communities in red states [00:51:00] Addressing collective and generational trauma through faith [00:53:00] Asking: What would Jesus do—really? Featured Quotes: “Faith that's not equipped to deal with the big questions of life is not a faith worth its weight.” “If we are not building bridges, there's no one there to catch people when they fall.” “Theology is not just an abstraction. It's an action. It's a way of living in the world.” “The crisis in our nation is a massive spiritual crisis—for all of us.” Resources Mentioned: Union Theological Seminary – utsnyc.edu Call It Grace by Serene Jones – www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2146640/serene-jones/

Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary, joins to discuss the intersection of faith, social justice, and the critical roles of individuals and institutions in times of social conflict. Dr. Jones reflects on the legacies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr., and the modern parallels in today's climate. She shares her experiences engaging with communities across the U.S., and offers valuable insights on addressing trauma, promoting social justice, and building bridges, maintaining values, protecting the vulnerable, and speaking out fearlessly as part of a faith-driven mission.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tonight's rundown:  Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Stand Up for Your Country.  Talking Points Memo: The latest on President Trump's tariff threat to China and why Bill is accusing China of cheating the U.S. economy. Why is Elon Musk feuding with Trump adviser Peter Navarro? Donald Trump and Paramount are set to mediate the lawsuit involving '60 Minutes.' Colorado passes a controversial set of gender and abortion bills. Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, professor, and author Cornel West joins No Spin News to debate DEI and entitlements in the U.S. Final Thought: Sending out handwritten letters.   In Case You Missed It: Read Bill's latest column, Make America Scared Again. Stand out from the crowd with our Not Woke baseball cap for just $28.95! For a limited time, get Bill O'Reilly's bestselling The United States of Trump and a No Spin Mug for only $39.95. Pre-order Bill's next book in the new Confronting Series, ‘Confronting Evil' NOW! Now's the time to get a Premium or Concierge Membership to BillOReilly.com, the only place for honest news analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode gives you a taste of what happens on the Theology Nerd stage at Theology Beer Camp. These super-nerdy breakout sessions are based on suggestions from the Homebrewed Community, and this session was designed to explore the connections and contrasts between Ground of Being theology and Process theology. I was joined by Benjamin Chicka, John Thatamanil, Thomas Jay Oord, and Taylor Thomas. If you want to get info, updates, and access to pre-sale tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2025, you can sign up here. Dr. Taylor Thomas is a philosophy instructor at Boston College, a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Mind and Culture, & host of the Tillich Today podcast. Dr. Thatamanil is Professor of Theology & World Religions at Union Theological Seminary in NYC. Previous Episodes with John Tillich and the Advent of New Being Deconstructing Divinity & Embracing Diversity God – the Ground, the Between, the Personal What we do when we do theology A Comparative Theology of Religious Diversity Theology Without Walls Non-duality, Polydoxy, and Christian Identity Dr. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. He is an award-winning author, and he has written or edited more than twenty-five books. Oord directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and the Center for Open and Relational Theology. Previous episodes with Tom Big God Questions Christ, Christmas, & the Incarnation the Death of Omnipotence! Brian McLaren & Thomas Jay Oord: a God Worthy of Love Process This! Process Theology QnA Authority, Atonement, Abortion, and a Big Hug from Pluriform Love to Divine Revelation Big God Twitter Takes Trump is (NOT) a Process Theologian & Other Questions Thomas Jay Oord wants you to know “God Can't” Open and Relational Theology Throwdown Open and Relational Q&A with Thomas Jay Oord Why Go Wesleyan? Dr. Benjamin J. Chicka is Lecturer in Philosophy and Religious Studies at Curry College in Milton, MA. You can hear him on the podcast - Theology & Video Games. This episode is sponsored by the Upper Room's Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions As this new year unfolds with all its challenges and opportunities, are you longing for daily spiritual renewal with God? A daily practice to ground yourselves in God's presence and nurture a resilient spirit for the work ahead? Each year, The Upper Room publishes its popular lectionary-based devotional called Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions. Written by 53 diverse thought-leaders, The Upper Room Disciplines provides daily scripture, meditations, and prayers following the Revised Common Lectionary to help you pause and connect more deeply with God. Disciplines also includes a Guide to Daily Prayer and a Small Group Leader's Guide. Experience the spiritual renewal you've been looking for this year with The Upper Room Disciplines … and join thousands of others “praying the lectionary” and meeting God anew each day. Use promo code HBCD25 to get 20% off this popular resource now. Visit store.upperroom.org/disciplines to take advantage of this offer! _____________________ Join my Substack - Process This! Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer's House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HERE Get access to over 45 of our online classes at TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Loch Kelly is an author, psychotherapist, and nondual meditation teacher. Loch has Master's Degrees from both Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary. He has his own app, called Mindful Glimpses. Loch is also a very popular teacher on the Waking Up app, run by friend of show, Sam Harris.Free 30 days of the Waking Up meditation app: https://www.wakingup.com/tenpercent Free training and guided meditation pack from Loch Kelly: https://lochkelly.org/cycle-of-dissatisfaction Related Episodes:Sam Harris on: Vipassana vs. Dzogchen, Looking for the Looker, and Psychic PowersSign up for Dan's weekly newsletter hereFollow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTokTen Percent Happier online bookstoreSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelOur favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular EpisodesFull Shownotes: https://wwwdww.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/loch-kellySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.