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It doesn’t take long to notice the darkness in our world. Tragedy, injustice, division—it can feel constant and overwhelming. We’re often told that to care deeply means to sit in the darkness indefinitely. But Jesus gives a different calling in Matthew 5:14–16: we are the light of the world. Key Scripture “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14–16 Highlights Christians are called to acknowledge darkness without dwelling in it God’s kingdom—marked by peace, joy, and love—is a greater reality than despair “Prophetic imagination” helps us envision renewal where others see only ruin A small light can dispel great darkness when we carry Christ’s presence faithfully Being light is not about prominence or power—it’s about faithful presence This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Children of God, Children of Light By Deidre Braley Bible Reading:“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16 It is easy to see the darkness in our world—that is no earth-shattering statement. We live in a world where terrible things happen, and where it is expected that we dwell in the darkness in the name of empathy. We are told that it is hypocrisy and a privilege to look away, and so we stare into it until it engulfs us too. We think this is what it means to “mourn with those who mourn.” We think this is love. But as children of God, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the darkness, and even to address it, without allowing it to swallow up the Light to which we belong. We are not powerless victims in the face of darkness. We are image-bearers of a King who reigns with peace, and joy, and love. It is hard to believe, but these are an even more powerful reality than the darkness. And it is our job to speak of—and live within!—this reality in a way that illuminates every place where the kingdom of God is already in our midst here on Earth. This is not toxic positivity—this is what biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann calls our prophetic imagination, which is our ability to engage with God’s power and potential for newness. It is to live within the expansive mind of God, rather than the closed reality of this world. Henri Nouwen puts it this way: People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. They claim that the light that shines in the darkness can be trusted more than the darkness itself and that a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. They point each other to flashes of light here and there, and remind each other that they reveal the hidden but real presence of God. The Return of the Prodigal Son, p. 117 As Jesus said, we are the light of the world. This is not to say that, as children of God, we are superior, or that we deserve platforms and prominence and loudspeakers and political power. It is to say that we carry a flame inside our spirits that was given to us by the Spirit, and that it is our job to bring it into every place we set foot and to say, “Here. I know it is dark. But come now, I have a little light. And a little light goes a long way.” It is to use our prophetic imagination to spin a picture of renewal in places where, right now, it seems too dark to see. Intersecting Faith & Life: I once had an employer who said, “Don’t come to me with a problem just to complain. Come to me with a solution, and then we’ll have something to work with.” I think of this often whenever I spend time on social media, where it seems that people are shouting about problems without offering even a whisper of a solution. As people of the Light, we were made to rush toward the darkness not so we can stay and ruminate in it—but rather, to illuminate it. Admittedly, it’s easier said than done. In truth, the dark sometimes feels very dark. In times when we struggle to believe that the light is more powerful than the dark, or that the light even exists at all, here is a helpful prayer to try: Lord, Right now, the dark feels very dark. Please help me to see what’s in front of me through the lens of your imagination. Show me where newness is possible. Let me see what you’re doing here, and sharpen my perception of your kingdom in our midst. Help me to see the light. Help me to be the light. Amen. Further Reading:John 8:12 2 Corinthians 4 The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC February 8, 2026. “Piece Us Together” series. Texts: Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 5:17-20 Our guest preacher last week invited us into the ancient wisdom of Micah 6:8—to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. In response to that sermon, someone commented online: “Sad when preachers preach from the old fallen Old Testament. God speaks through Jesus and Jesus said he was to be our only teacher.” I had to hold back from replying with a bit of pastoral snark: I guess you missed the day in class when Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Jesus' whole life is an embodiment of the righteousness the law seeks to teach and the justice the prophets longed to proclaim and enact. In Scripture, “law” isn't a cold rulebook or a list of religious regulations. It's God's teaching for how a community actually lives—how neighbors treat one another, how power is exercised, how workers are paid, how the vulnerable are protected. Jesus does not stand over the law and the prophets, correcting them. He stands within them, holding together what has too often been pulled apart—faith and life, prayer and practice, belief and behavior. Jesus does not discard the law and the prophets; he pieces them together, aligns them with flesh and breath and human relationships, and shows us what they look like when lived fully. Jesus comes to help us align our lives with the deep purposes of God so that peace with justice—what Dr. King called the Beloved Community—can begin to take shape among us. That is why Isaiah 58 lands so powerfully today. Isaiah and Jesus are speaking the same theological language, even as they speak in different moments. And Isaiah does not ease into the message. He comes out of the gate strong: “Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they want God on their side.” That little phrase—“as if”—is a doozy. Isaiah is describing a people who are deeply religious: faithful in worship, earnest in prayer, fluent in the rituals and language of faith—as if they were practicing righteousness, as if they had not forsaken God's ordinances. This is not hypocrisy in the cheap sense. It is being faithful in form, but disconnected in practice. They want God near. They want God responsive. They want God on their side. But even as they do all the religious things—fasting, sackcloth, ashes—they forsake God's ordinances—the Hebrew word is mishpat: meaning justice that treats people fairly and equitably. They are acting religious without making God choices, without doing justice. In our current context, it would be very easy to take that “as if” and aim it outward. To point fingers at national leaders who wear big crosses around their necks, hold Bibles for photo ops, show up at public prayer services and then post vile, racist images, enact cruel policies, and unleash violent overreach. It would be easy for me, especially after what I've seen and heard recently, to let my anger form words that strike like a fist. I recently returned from Minneapolis. I heard firsthand stories of families targeted by ICE—stories of fear that lives in bodies and homes, stories of trauma caused by aggressive and dehumanizing enforcement. I've stood at the sites where neighbors lost their lives as they sought to defend and protect others. I also heard anger—anger rooted not only in what is happening now, but in decades of suffering that has gone unseen, unheard, and unaddressed: unmet needs, unacknowledged harm, voices crying out long before the rest of us were paying attention. Isaiah would tell the truth about all of that. Jesus would too. Truth-telling is part of faithfulness. But Scripture is equally clear that how we tell the truth matters. Neither Isaiah nor Jesus believes that mockery creates peace. Neither believes that humiliation heals wounds. Isaiah is clear: the fast God chooses is not one that strikes with the fist or points the finger. Walter Brueggemann reminds us that to be prophetic is not simply to condemn wrongdoing, but to name pain, to let suffering be seen and heard. That happens when we listen to stories we would rather avoid, when we allow another person's fear or anger to interrupt our assumptions, when we allow the realities of human suffering to disrupt the status quo. Brueggemann writes, “The replacing of numbness with compassion… signals a social revolution.” Healing—personal or communal—does not begin with denial. It begins when pain is clearly named and acknowledged. In Minneapolis, I had the opportunity to practice listening to stories I would have preferred to avoid. I heard how African American, African, and other immigrant communities struggle to maintain trust and true solidarity. As one of the few white people in the room, I heard stories of perhaps well-meaning, mostly white progressives who alienate Black communities over ideological issues while ignoring the chronic poverty and violent injustice they face every day. “They talk about unity, but want uniformity,” someone said. “They turn out in record numbers in this moment—but can they say the names of the young people in our community who are shot in the back on a regular basis?” I found myself thinking about how the intersections of race, class, ideology, and power I encountered in Minneapolis echo right here in Washington, DC. And all I could do—and all I can do right now—is ask God to keep me open and available: open to listen, open to learn how my own heart and practice need to change, and open to receive guidance about how to lead us, as a congregation, in faithful response both locally and nationally. That is what Isaiah calls for. And that is what Jesus fulfills. Jesus does not abolish the law and the prophets; he embodies them. Grace, in Jesus' life, is not God letting us off the hook. Grace is God drawing near—giving us strength to change, courage to repair, and patience to stay in relationship when walking away would be easier. Righteousness, in Scripture, is not moral superiority. It is right relationship—with God and with one another. Justice is not an abstract ideal. It is fair and equitable treatment that restores dignity and life. Grace does not replace these. Grace makes them possible in real life. Isaiah makes this concrete. The work of justice and righteousness he describes is not lofty or abstract. It looks like ordinary—and costly—faithfulness: loosening the bonds of injustice, undoing heavy yokes, letting the oppressed go free, sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the unhoused poor, clothing the naked, and—this one cuts close—not hiding from your own kin. Right now, there are many who have every right and reason to hide. Because if they leave their driveway, they risk being stopped, dragged from their car, and taken to a detention center without due process—or even a question about their citizenship. Because if they go to school, they might be used as bait to lure a parent into detention. Because if they go to worship, they may be rounded up simply for having brown skin or wearing a hijab. But for many of us, hiding takes a different form. We hide when we scroll past suffering because it overwhelms us. When we tell ourselves someone else is better equipped to respond. When we protect our comfort instead of risking connection. When we retreat because we are not the ones being targeted. Isaiah refuses to bless that retreat. And Jesus fulfills that refusal by drawing the circle of kinship wider and wider, putting his own life on the line in true solidarity and love. Peace—real peace—does not come from choosing the right side or going through the motions of religion or shallow relationships that avoid telling the truth. It comes from aligning our lives with the way of God's love as embodied in Jesus. And that alignment is not abstract. It looks like courage without cruelty. Truth-telling without humiliation. Resistance without dehumanization. In Minneapolis, I was struck by stories of people who are embodying exactly that. The resistance in that city right now is overwhelmingly nonviolent, creative, organized, and relentlessly resolute in defense of their neighbors. And my heart aches as I reflect on Renee Good's last words: “I'm not mad at you.” And Alex Pretti's… “Are you okay?”—spoken while trying to help a woman who had just been pepper-sprayed during an encounter with immigration agents. In moments of grave danger, these siblings resisted harm without surrendering their humanity—or anyone else's. That is strength shaped by love. That is what we are called to embody. Isaiah dares to imagine what becomes possible when lives are aligned with God's way of love: light breaking forth like the dawn, wounds healing, guidance emerging, communities rebuilt, streets restored for living. We—even we—can become repairers of the breach, restorers of what violence has torn apart. Most of us won't do this in grand gestures, but in daily choices. So maybe this week, we—all of us—can be intentional about our choices: to listen before reacting, to stay present when retreat feels safer, to use our resources—time, money, influence—to stand with neighbors rather than hide from them. Not selective solidarity, but embodied faithfulness. These are the pieces that make for peace. And by God's grace, they are the pieces Christ is still fitting together—in us, among us, and through us—for the healing of the world.
In this episode, Ken returns to the work of Walter Brueggemann, this week exploring the tension between order and justice in the New Testament through the life and ministry of Jesus. Brueggemann contends that God is always on the side of justice, even when it disrupts the order of theday. Jesus focused much of his ministry on those excluded from societal benefits enjoyed by those with power, showing compassion not only through individual acts of justice and mercy but by boldly challenging systems that oppressed anddehumanized the powerless. He exposed how law, order, and religious systems and structures were often used to manipulate and preserve power for some at the expense of so many others.According to Brueggemann, opposition to Jesus was mobilized primarily because his actions threatened the political and economic order of his time. When we stand with the harmed and marginalized, the powers that be – those who benefit from the status quo – will often move against us. Jesus calls the Church to share in his mission – to be his hands and feet in ministries of justice and prophetic protest.Jesus represented God's intervention into the social powers, institutions, and ideologies that crushed the powerless and diminished human dignity. The prophetic witness of both the Old and New Testaments affirms that God's desire for justice cannot be contained. God's will WILL be done, and the Kingdom WILL come. So take courage and do not lose hope in the pursuit of justice and the ministry of shalom. Good Friday has passed, and Easter is coming! This episode was recorded on February 6th, 2026.
In this episode, Ken Shuman reflects on a passage from a book by an Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann as well as on Mt. 15:1-9. In the passage Brueggemann discusses the difficult relationship between faith and politics - and further, chaos versus order and justice versus injustice. The kings were the agents of order in the history of the people of Israel, and the prophets were the agents of justice. Justice is a major concern throughout scripture - justice for everyone, and particularly those who have no power.Brueggemann concludes that when royal order conflicts with God-willed justice, order must yield to justice - even if it creates a system of disorder in the process. In fact, the Bible celebrates justice at the expense of order, although it holds both as important. Moreover, we as the people of God - the people of shalom - have a responsibility and a call to speak to injustice.This episode was recorded on January 30, 2026.
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, Reed Dent, Elle Grover Fricks, and Josh Bossé close out Session 9. This is Josh's final episode, both in the sense of recording date (October 7, 2025) and release date.The Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed DentAsking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty SolomonFiadh Grover-Fricks at 6 monthsFiadh: Like Mother, Like DaughterIntroducing MapleMaple on InstagramJosh Bossé on CaringBridgeBEMA 465: Qohelet's ReflectionLiving Unoffended by Brant HansenGood Books, Big Questions (Karen Stiller's new podcast)Walter Brueggemann's websiteFestschrift — WikipediaGod in the Fray: A Tribute to Walter Brueggemann by Tod Linafelt and Timothy K. BealFinally Comes the Poet by Walter BrueggemannThe Word Militant by Walter BrueggemannHopeful Imagination by Walter BrueggemannOut of Babylon by Walter BrueggemannThe Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann
SHOW NOTES: Segment one (02:45): Conversation with Dr. Walter Brueggemann This program originally aired August 21, 2019, as episode 4 in our 10-part BJC Podcast series on the dangers of Christian nationalism. One of the most influential Bible interpreters of our time, Dr. Walter Brueggemann was the author of more than 100 books, including The Prophetic Imagination. He passed away June 5, 2025. Visit his official website to learn more about his work and his legacy. This was the fourth episode in our 10-part series on Christian nationalism in 2019. Other episodes are available at this link or on the feed called "BJC Podcast" on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), SoundCloud, Spotify, and more. Amanda mentioned the Easter Monday message she sent in 2025, which quoted Dr. Brueggemann from this episode. Sign up for our email list to get more emails by visiting this link. To learn more about BJC's work countering Christian nationalism, visit ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org or BJConline.org/ChristianNationalism. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC's generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
The Follow Podcast is Back for Season Six - Follow Fresh! We're spinning the mic this week with our usual host of the Follow Podcast joining us as this week's guest. This is the "double click" on Sabbath coming out of the weekend teaching at OneChurch.to "A New Way To Rest." Guest host Jenna Johnson stirs up the conversation with questions to dive a bit deeper. Season #6: Follow Fresh - Following along with the OneChurch.to teaching series "new." in January 2026 - we're learning new ways to pray, to rest, to do community and to give. These conversations are jumping off into more personal or deep ways of exploring the same ideas. *Stuff We Mentioned* [or wished we did] - Follow Wednesdays: https://1church.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3187098 - Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren: https://tishharrisonwarren.com/liturgy-of-the-ordinary - Tish Harrison Warren: https://www.instagram.com/tishharrisonwarren/ - The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer: https://johnmarkcomer.com/new - Business ratings for fair trade and sustainability: https://goodonyou.eco/ - Sabbath as Resistence by Walter Brueggemann: https://www.walterbrueggemann.com/2017/10/29/sabbath-as-resistance-saying-no-to-the-culture-of-now-new-edition-with-study-guide/ - God In My Everything by Ken Shigematsu: https://www.zondervan.com/9780310461425/god-in-my-everything/ ----- The Follow Podcast is an honest and open conversation for anyone actively learning to live like Jesus. Check out the related weekend teaching, "A New Way to Rest": https://youtu.be/NkEcSljLtbo Submit your own question for the follow podcast here: https://onechurch.to/followpodcast ----- Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:49 Does Sabbath Have to be Spiritual? 6:50 Sabbathing as a Family 13:20 Scrolling on Sabbath? 16:14 How to not Crash on Sabbath 27:56 Sabbath as "Long Game" 34:09 Creating Eden for "Different People" 38:33 Spending to Spread Sabbath for Everyone 42:30 Matt's Book Club Reccomendations
CR18 X2M.239 — Yāqûm יָקוּם (The Persistence Pattern · Authority Refuses Collapse) The final test of ascent is not height, but endurance. Yāqûm names what remains standing when pressure does not relent. In its ancient usage, יָקוּם denotes rising that persists—not momentary elevation, but standing that survives strain. It is ascent proven by time rather than spectacle, authority verified by refusal to yield.¹ CR18 assigns X2M.239 to the moment when authority is no longer reactive. The sovereign has risen, been established, and drawn direction. Now the field presses back—and he does not fall. This is the phase Scripture dramatizes with unusual clarity in 1 Kings 22. In that account, the prophetic field is saturated with affirmation. Four hundred voices speak coherence to power, reinforcing momentum, certainty, and institutional alignment. Yet the narrative pivots not on volume but on persistence. Micaiah son of Imlah stands alone, absorbing pressure without collapse. He does not prevail by force, nor by majority, nor by institutional sanction. He prevails by remaining upright when the apparatus turns hostile.² This is Yāqûm. Micaiah's authority does not rest on outcome; he is struck, imprisoned, and ignored but on endurance under compression. His word stands even as the king falls. The narrative resolves not by persuasion but by reality itself returning a verdict. Authority that cannot be dislodged by opposition is revealed not at the moment of power, but after the apparatus has moved on. This track carries compression: the narrowing of options, the weight of expectation, the quiet decision to remain rather than retreat.³ Here, endurance replaces explanation. In the Canon, Yāqûm marks the crossing from ascent into proof. Authority ceases to ask whether it is permitted to stand. It simply continues to do so. Coherence absorbs disturbance and returns intact. This movement completes the CR18 arc and corresponds to U.9, the final Crown directive. U.9 resolves the question of legitimacy not by argument, but by persistence. What survives pressure without collapse no longer needs validation. X2M.239 is that resolution made structural. Here the Coherence-Recovery Rate holds above one. Noise rises. Control tightens. And yet coherence remains.⁴ No spectacle accompanies this moment. Only steadiness. This is the last standing without adornment. The final posture before the crown. The proof that authority can outlast resistance. Yāqûm is not glory. It is refusal to collapse. And because of that, everything that follows becomes possible. ⸻ Glorification | The Final Frontier Going boldly where the last man has gone before! Decrease time over target: PayPal or Venmo @clastronaut Cash App $clastronaut ⸻ ENDNOTES ¹ Ludwig Koehler and Walter Baumgartner, Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament, vol. 2 (Leiden: Brill, 2001), 1094–95. ² 1 Kings 22:1–38; on Micaiah as solitary prophetic endurance under institutional pressure, see Walter Brueggemann, First and Second Kings (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000), 269–77. ³ Hermann Haken, Synergetics (Berlin: Springer, 1983), 167–85. ⁴ Claude E. Shannon, “A Mathematical Theory of Communication,” Bell System Technical Journal 27 (1948): 379–423.
Reality, Grief, and Hope: Our Posture of Lament challenges us to thoughtfully examine the intersection of faith and politics, exploring the role of the church in society amidst cultural challenges. From some of the greats (Walter Brueggemann and D Willy), we're able to map out a posture to hold in these time. From naming the reality we see around us, lamenting and grieving what we've seen and living in the hope of what's to come. In this episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack the complexities of Christian nationalism, drawing parallels between biblical prophetic critiques and modern-day issues. Through a lens of cruciformity, they discuss how the teachings of Jesus call us to navigate cultural issues with humility, justice, and critical thinking. The hosts engage in an honest conversation about the importance of lament, naming uncomfortable truths, and pursuing hope in a divided world. From the misuse of religious rhetoric to the church's prophetic responsibility, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with questions of faith, politics, and the transformative power of Jesus' example. As cultural norms shift, how can Christians embody the way of Christ without compromising integrity and compassion? Join this deep dive into theology, justice, and the pressing challenges of our time. Feel free to email in questions, engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, or share your thoughts as we navigate these topics together. Let's pursue meaningful dialogue and learn from diverse perspectives as we reflect on what it means to follow Jesus in today's world. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 03:02 - Purpose of Our Mission 08:03 - Prophetic Postures Explained 15:25 - Donald J. Trump Institute Overview 18:18 - Addressing Open Racism in Administration 23:13 - Valentina Gomez Congressional Campaign 27:44 - Understanding Religious Pluralism 29:15 - Dallas Willard Quote on Faith 31:15 - Dallas Willard Quote on Spirituality 34:20 - Concept of Hope as a Circle 35:11 - Lament as Trust Expression 37:10 - You're Not Alone in Your Thoughts 40:05 - Church's Need for Reform 42:50 - Exploring the Age of Cruelty 49:18 - Lamenting Our Fears and Anxieties 56:02 - Fear as a Controlling Force 57:54 - Analyzing My Reactions 59:58 - The Significance of Advent Hope 03:02 - Preview of Next Episode 1:07:24 - Support and Social Media Links As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
This past Sunday, we began our Advent series, Peace in Disorienting Times. Advent invites us into the tension of the “not yet,” where life often feels unsettled, uncertain, or even overwhelming. Drawing from voices like Walter Brueggemann and Howard Thurman, we explore how disorientation can become a space for formation—where honesty, vulnerability, and patience open us to new understanding. We look at the story of Mary, the message of the angels, and the biblical vision of shalom as a wholeness that embraces both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. Together, we consider how practicing hospitality, connection, and presence with one another becomes a pathway toward peace. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/V8Dh2kDJ JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch YouTube: @storiedchurch921
How do we make sense of trauma and loss that life inevitably brings us? Becca shares from Jeremiah about how the prophet helped people make sense of the catastrophe of exile. She draws from the work of Walter Brueggemann, David Carr and Wil Gafney as she explores the promise of hope after devastation.
As Redemption Church recently honored the life and ministry of Walter Brueggemann in our Saints series, we are sharing this powerful conversation with the beloved theologian. In this episode, Dr. Brueggemann discusses the profound, practical, and prophetic meaning of the Sabbath. He argues that the Sabbath is not a mere luxury but a radical, disciplined act of resistance against the modern "Pharaoh" of industrial consumerism and its "rat race" demands for more production, consumption, and acquiring. He identifies our constant electronic connections and the "endless sports activity for kids" as key signs of this anxiety-driven system, proposing that Sabbath is the revolutionary practice of creating a "community of unanxious presence" in a world that is anything but.
In this What We Believe message, Pastor Woody Morwood explores God's creation, the Fall, and the hope of redemption. We unpack Genesis 1–3 to understand God's original design for life, relationships, and purpose—and how sin brought brokenness, fear, and separation.Through the story of Adam and Eve and the trials of Job, Pastor Woody shows how God's sovereignty and grace guide us through suffering, offering a path to restoration. Scripture from Isaiah, Psalms, 2 Corinthians, and Revelation 21 reveals God's plan to make all things new through Jesus Christ.Discover how God is at work in your life, your relationships, and the world—even in the midst of chaos—and find hope in His redemptive powerKey Scripture References:Genesis 1–3 – Creation, humanity in God's image, and the FallRomans 8:22 – Creation groaning under sinJob 38–42 – God's sovereignty amidst sufferingPsalm 51:10 – God creates a pure heartIsaiah 53:4-6 – The suffering servant redeems humanity2 Corinthians 5:17-19 – New creation in ChristRevelation 21:1-5 – God making all things newNehemiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:3 – God sustains creationAdditional Resources:Video: Where Were You? – Ghost Ship - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YIS0av9fUUUPhilip Yancey, Where Is God When It Hurts?Walter Brueggemann, Genesis: Interpretation CommentaryDon Thorson, An Exploration of Christian TheologyVisual artwork inspired by Isaiah 53 by a studentFor the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel. Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurchInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurchesWebsite | https://hillsidechurches.com
In this message Terry Timm, we explore the words of the prophet Isaiah, which encourage us to remember our true identity and relationship with God rather than placing trust in materialistic or superficial idols. By examining modern-day prophets like Walter Brueggemann, Beth Moore, and Mako Fujimura, Timm illustrates the ongoing need for prophetic voices that challenge dominant societal and religious idols, reminding the church to return to God and rejoice in God's redemption.
Koop nu alvast het nieuwe boek van Paul in de pre-sale via https://www.botuitgevers.nl/product/paul-schenderling-continent-van-de-kwaliteit/ **Nieuws vooraf: het nieuwe boek van Paul Schenderling is in de voorverkoop gegaan! En er komt een inspirerende boektour door heel Nederland, waarvan de meeste data en locaties inmiddels bekend zijn. Meer informatie over het boek vind je hier, meer informatie over de boektour hier. Dankjewel alvast voor je steun en we hopen je te zien bij een van de boekpresentaties!** Over de aflevering: je tijd en hoe je je tijd besteedt zijn van essentieel belang voor een goed leven. Maar helaas is de visie op onze tijdsbesteding in onze cultuur diep armoedig. Eigenlijk leren we alleen het onderscheid tussen werk en vrije tijd; en vrije tijd wordt vaak gezien als tijd om op te laden voor je volgende project. Mede daardoor slagen economische elites erin om onze tijd te roven, door ons ertoe aan te zetten om vooral tijd te besteden aan produceren, consumeren en entertainment. Reproductief werk, voor het overgrote deel gedaan door vrouwen in de wereld, wordt juist schandalig ondergewaardeerd. Gelukkig kunnen we leren van andere culturen en levensbeschouwelijke tradities. In deze podcast duiken Paul en Allard in deze andere visies op onze tijdsbesteding en doen ze verrassende ontdekkingen. Die ontdekkingen helpen jou om je tijd anders in te delen en meer grip te krijgen op je tijd. Zoals je van ons gewend bent, bespreken we ook mogelijkheden om onze politiek en cultuur te veranderen. Lees- en luistertips:The Politics of Time van Guy Standing. De Sabbat van Abraham Heschel.Sabbath as Resistance van Walter Brueggemann.The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life van Martin Luther King.
Welcome to the Common Good podcast, a conversation about the significance of place, eliminating economic isolation and the structure of belonging.Earlier this summer, Walter Brueggemann passed away. His friendship with Peter Block and John McKnight was the spark that inspired the Common Good Collective, and the first three seasons of this podcast captured conversations among these three voices.To honor Walter's memory, friends of the Collective are hosting a local gathering in Cincinnati on September 19th in Cincinnati called The Provocation: Practicing Prophetic Imagination in Memory of Walter Brueggemann. We'd love for you to join us.Today's episode is a talk Walter gave at the first Common Good Collective gathering in 2018. In it, he turns to the Exodus narrative as a guiding script for social imagination, showing how it helps us uncover hidden meta-narratives and resist the totalizing forces of extractive economies.This episode was produced by Joey Taylor and the music is from Jeff Gorman. You can find more information about the Common Good Collective here. Common Good Podcast is a production of Bespoken Live & Common Change.
Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé close out this series, and—instead of letting Qohelet do the talking—consider the reflection of Qohelet in our hearts and in our lives.The Jesus Quest by Ben Witherington IIISabbath as Resistance by Walter BrueggemannOpportunities — Impact Campus MinistriesCampuses — Impact Campus MinistriesSign up for Josh's newsletter — Constant Contact
Today also marks the final week of our summer series, Reads a Classic, where we've reflected on the wisdom of enduring voices in the Christian tradition. We've learned from Hildegard of Bingen, Brother Lawrence, and Dallas Willard. And today, Jeremy explores the profound legacy of Walter Brueggemann, who passed away just weeks ago.As one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of our time, Brueggemann taught us how to read the scriptures not just for what they say, but for what they imagine—how they invite us to resist empires, lament honestly, and hope boldly.In this teaching, we explore:
Episode 57 – Prophetic Imagination: Remembering Walter Brueggemann (with Emily Dixon) In this heartfelt episode, Doug Overmyer and Emily Dixon reflect on the life, legacy, and prophetic brilliance of Walter Brueggemann, whose passing stirred a deep sense of gratitude and urgency to revisit his most influential work: The Prophetic Imagination. Brueggemann challenged the church to resist consumerism, empire-thinking, and spiritual numbness through lament, truth-telling, and hope-filled imagination rooted in Scripture. Doug and Emily explore how prophets feel the feelings of God, why Sabbath is resistance, and how God's people must reject the false narratives of empire to live as communities of justice, compassion, and truth.
Andy Rickles shares how the prayers of Walter Brueggemann are meaningful to him.
Go, crentes! Go! No Podcrent de número 141, Jonatha Zimmer e Tamyres Palma recebem a Pastora Cynthia Muniz (Igreja Anglicana Porto) e o arquiteto Marcio Lima para juntos conversarem sobre Arquitetura, Liturgia e Espaços de Fé. Neste Podcrent, descubra a importância da arquitetura religiosa na vivência de uma comunidade de fé, entenda o impacto litúrgico das artes no cristianismo, escolha lutar contra a tentativa do Império de uniformizar os cultos e seja um proclamador da criatividade diversa que Deus manifestou em nós. PARTICIPANTES:– Jonatha Zimmer– Tamyres Palma– Pra. Cynthia Muniz– Marcio Lima COISAS ÚTEIS:– Duração: 01h43m13s– Feed do Crentassos: Feed, RSS, Android e iTunes: crentassos.com.br/blog/tag/podcast/feed. Para assinar no iTunes, clique na aba “Avançado”, e “Assinar Podcast”. Cole o endereço e confirme. Assim você recebe automaticamente os novos episódios. CITADOS NO PROGRAMA:– Site Crentassos– Podcasts da Crentassos– Link da Amazon (via Crentassos)– Loja da Crentassos– LivraSSos (Clube de Leitura da Crentassos)– Instagram da Pastora Cynthia Muniz– Instagram da Igreja Anglicana Porto– Instagram do Marcio Lima– Podcast “Oração da Noite | Da Prateleira 74”– Dissertação de Mestrado do Marcio Lima– Tese de Doutorado do Marcio Lima– IFES – International Fellowship of Evangelical Students– “Iniciativa Logos e Cosmos” do Marcio Lima na IFES– ABU – Aliança Bíblica Universitária– Curso “Fundamentos: Teologia e Artes” com Marcio Lima– Igreja Presbiteriana Central de Buenos Aires– Teólogo Paul Tillich– Catedral Metropolitana Ortodoxa Antioquina de São Paulo– Apocalipse– Livro “A Imaginação Profética” de Walter Brueggemann– Paróquia de Santa Paulina em Heliópolis– Instagram “Fé e Forma”– Livro “O Culto Cristão: Teologia e Prática” de Jean-Jacques von Almenn– Livro “Deus Entre Nós: A expansão do Éden para os confins da Terra” de G. K. Beale Mitchell Kim– Livro “Cuidado Cultural” de Makoto Fujimura– Livro “Arte e Fé: Uma Teologia do Criar” de Makoto Fujimura– Livro “Liturgia do Ordinário” de Tish Warren– Livro “Theopolitan Liturgy” de Peter J. Leithart– Livro “Glimpses of the new Creation” de W. David O. Taylor– Livro “Atlas Ilustrado da Bíblia” de André Reinke– Curso “História da Cultura Cristã” de André Reinke e Lucas Gesta– Podcast “Série Origens Cristãs” em Bibotalk TRILHA SONORA DO PROGRAMA:– Músicas do álbum “Catedral do Dia” de Jorge Camargo GRUPOS DE COMPARTILHAMENTO DA CRENTASSOS:– WhatsApp– Telegram JABÁS: REDES SOCIAIS: Críticas, comentários, sugestões para crentassos@gmail.com ou nos comentários desse post. OUÇA/BAIXE O PROGRAMA:The post Arquitetura, Liturgia e Espaços de Fé | Podcrent 141 (com Pra. Cynthia Muniz e Marcio Lima) appeared first on Crentassos Produções Subversivas.
Episode 587: RIP Walter Brueggemann - Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) - Rebroadcast Farewell to a friend. ----more---- Rick Has A Book! Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20 ----more---- Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album) VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES
Episode 587: RIP Walter Brueggemann - Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) - RebroadcastFarewell to a friend.Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20----more----Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comDon't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesGet the new song - Whatever You DoVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES
In this reissue episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with the late Walter Brueggemann to reflect on how the Bible can be reclaimed in the mainline church after generations of historical criticism. He challenges both liberal and evangelical tendencies to reduce Scripture to rigid certainties, instead offering a vision of the Bible as a dynamic, imaginative script meant to be performed. With insights on authority, contradiction, justice, and the role of the church, Brueggemann invites us to take the Bible seriously—without taking it literally. This is a reissue of The Bible for Normal People Episode 4 from April 2017 in loving memory of our dear friend Walter (1933-2025). Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-301-walter-brueggemann-resurrecting-the-bible-in-the-mainline-church-reissue/ Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/nKt3oqEnwwk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week, Scott and guest host Carmen Imes discuss: Can AI romantic chatbots become dangerously addictive? Exploring the emotional and ethical consequences of these pseudo-relationships.What do couples do with leftover embryos after IVF? A Psychology Today article opens a discussion on grief, responsibility, and the image of God.New genetic screening allows parents to select embryos based on up to 900 traits—raising urgent questions about modern eugenics and human worth.A report from The Marshall Project details how some U.S. prisons deprive inmates of sunlight and fresh air.Honoring the lives and legacies of Jennifer Lyell, a courageous abuse survivor, and Walter Brueggemann, a groundbreaking Old Testament scholar.Listener Questions: Bible translation preferences, defining God's sovereignty, and how Christians should think about taxes in light of American history.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
In this special episode honoring the life and witness of Walter Brueggemann, we revisit a conversation that captures his prophetic brilliance and pastoral heart. Jason, Teer, and Taylor sit down with the legendary Old Testament theologian (whose books can be found on just about every pastor's shelf) to talk about what it means to be a community of resistance, the radical challenge of sabbath, and his favorite word for describing the biblical encounter between David and Bathsheba. Brueggemann's voice was bold, unsettling, and always grounded in the hope of God's coming kingdom. We're grateful to share this conversation again, as a tribute to a theologian who taught us to speak truthfully and live faithfully.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.
With decisions from the Supreme Court, a new travel ban, and a federally militarized presence in Los Angeles, there are many activities in our world that deserve attention. Amanda and Holly discuss several current events in this episode, including the revival of one of the ugliest policies of the first Trump administration. Plus, they review the unanimous decision in a Supreme Court case about religious exemptions to employment law and discuss the Court's decision not to hear a case involving the protection of sacred land. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:37): Recent and still-developing news Holly and Amanda discussed changes in policy about sensitive locations in S6, Episode 10. We discussed the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia in a special episode released April 21 with Melissa Rogers. We discussed the harmful school voucher provision in the “big beautiful bill” during their live episode, released May 27. Hear the episode at this link or in your podcast feed, or watch it on YouTube. Join BJC for a webinar on the problems with the budget reconciliation bill on Monday, June 16, at 2:30 p.m. Click here to register for the event, which is hosted by BJC, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and Bread for the World. Read more about the fallout from Rep. Mary Miller referring to a Sikh prayer leader as a “Muslim” and erroneously claiming our country was founded as a “Christian nation” in this article by Andrew Solender for Axios: Rep. Mary Miller faces bipartisan fury over “ignorant” Sikh comment In memory of Dr. Walter Brueggemann, listen to his 2019 conversation with Amanda on our podcast series exploring the dangers of Christian nationalism: Theological view of Christian nationalism with Walter Brueggemann Segment 2 (starting at 13:17): The new travel ban After President Trump issued his new travel ban on June 4, Amanda released a statement you can read on BJC's website: BJC condemns new travel ban as ‘state-sanctioned discrimination' Visit BJC's website to read more about the case of Trump v. Hawaii and the history of the travel ban. Support the NO BAN Act: Click here to use BJC's form to contact your members of Congress about the legislation. Segment 3 (starting 20:09): The decision in Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission Supreme Court decisions we are waiting for include: Mahmoud v. Taylor (Hear a discussion of oral arguments in S6, Ep. 15) U.S. v. Skrmetti (Hear a discussion of oral arguments in S6, Ep. 06) The case Apache Stronghold v. U.S. involves the sacred land of Chí'chil Biłdagoteel — loosely translated in English as “Oak Flat.” Read more about the denial of cert on BJC's website: U.S. Supreme Court declines Oak Flat petition, allows for federal transfer of sacred land to mining company. Amanda and Holly talked about this issue on a podcast back in 2022: S3, Ep. 17: Religious freedom and our Indigenous neighbors: Save Oak Flat. Amanda and Holly talked about the oral arguments in Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin in Ep. 12: Back to SCOTUS: Regular business in disturbing times Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC's generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
The great Christian scholar of the biblical prophets died on June 5, 2025. Yet, in the lineage of the prophets who called humanity to face its hardest realities, this profound, warm, and timeless conversation is a stunning offering straight into our present. “The amazing contemporaneity of this material," Walter Brueggemann says to Krista in this conversation from 2011, “and we relive by relistening, is that the issues are the same: the world we have trusted in is vanishing before our eyes and the world that is coming at us feels like a threat to us and we can't quite see the shape of it." He embodied as much as taught a prophetic way of fearless truth telling, fierce hope, and disarming language that can break through "human hearts and human hurt." What is the calling of the Christian in a time like this, and what is the role of the preacher? We are lifting this episode out of the archive to mark this moment. Krista felt particularly called to point to this unedited version of their conversation, which was previously edited to meet time constraints, as the full discussion has such timely resonance. You can also watch the video of this conversation between Krista and Walter Brueggemann on our YouTube 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 morning newsletter, including a heads-up on new episodes, special offerings, recommendations, and event invitations.Find the shorter, edited and produced version of this show — and all of Krista's conversations across the years — on our website at onbeing.org/series/podcast.BioWalter Brueggemann was the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor Emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia. He died on June 5, 2025. He was the author of many books including The Prophetic Imagination, The Spirituality of the Psalms, The Collected Sermons of Walter Brueggemann, and, written in his 90s, Real World Faith.
Protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration's immigration policies have turned violent, but will the images of vandalism and attacks on police actually help the President? And Phil asks if there is any way to prevent necessary mass protests from becoming violent. One of the most respected Bible scholars of the last century has passed away. Old Testament professor Walter Bruggemann contrasted the world's vision of scarcity with God's kingdom of abundance, but Kaitlyn thinks his understanding of exile is over-applied today. Skye talks with his Holy Post Media colleague, Esau McCaulley, about his vocation as a priest, professor, and podcaster, and his desire to see Christianity applied to both the beauty and brokenness of the culture. Also this week—flying zebras and burning Waymos. Holy Post Plus: My Hill to Die On - Bidets: https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-hill-to-die-130797571 Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131158009/ 0:00 - Show Starts 4:30 - Theme Song 5:00 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding is offering up to 25% off sitewide for our listeners! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/HOLYPOST 6:05 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 7:20 - Runaway Ed the Zebra! 14:33 - LA Protests, Self-Driving Cars 20:30 - Is Violent Protest Inevitable? 30:38 - Walter Brueggemann's Passing 34:22 - Kaitlyn's Disagreement with Brueggemann 43:11 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order 44:15 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month 45:25 - Interview 47:32 - Why Esau's an Anglican Priest 54:30 - Why Esau's a Podcaster 1:04:20 - How Does Esau's Brain Work? 1:12:38 - White Evangelicals Centering 1:19:45 - End Credits Links from News Segment: Pet Zebra Escaped! https://apnews.com/article/runaway-pet-zebra-captured-tennessee-54669b2fc2c1dffb87a09f4081d6c135 Other Resources: Check out The Esau McCaulley Podcast: https://pod.link/1770229436 Read the Introduction to Skye's new book and sign up to Holy Post Plus to follow along as the book is written: holypost.com/book Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Renowned theologian Walter Brueggemann passed away in June 2025 at the age of 92. In this special retrospective episode of No Small Endeavor, we celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Drawing from memorable conversations and insightful lectures, we revisit Brueggemann's piercing critique of what he called the "totalism of market ideology"—the pervasive cultural force shaping American thought and suppressing dissenting voices. With characteristic wisdom, clarity, and wit, Brueggemann challenges us to reject narratives of scarcity, fear, and commodification, inviting us instead into the hopeful vision he famously described as the "prophetic imagination." Listen as he shares personal stories, intellectual turning points, and profound reflections on the power and urgency of truth-telling, both in pulpits and pews. Show Notes Resources: "The Prophetic Imagination" by Walter Brueggemann "My Bright Abyss" by Christian Wiman “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism” by Robert Jay Lifton Walter Brueggemann on the NSE YouTube Channel Similar Episodes: Stanley Hauerwas: “America's Best Theologian” John Dear Stanley Hawerwas Transcript You can get the unabridged version for this episode in NSE+. Click here to join NSE+ if you're not already a member. Great Feeling Studios, the team behind No Small Endeavor and other award-winning podcasts, helps nonprofits and brands tell stories that inspire action. Start your podcast at helpmemakeapodcast.com. Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTubeFollow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTubeFollow Lee: Instagram | TwitterJoin our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising… Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
What's up theology nerds! When we lost the legendary Walter Brueggemann, I knew we had to do a proper tribute to one of the most influential biblical scholars of our time. I'm joined by Bo and Rolf Jacobson from Luther Seminary for a deep dive into Walter's life and work - this is the guy who somehow managed to have both mega-nerd street cred in the academy AND pastors across the country whose preaching was transformed by his books. We explore how Walter revolutionized biblical theology by showing us a God who's relational, passionate, and takes sides (goodbye, distant philosophical absolutes), his famous disagreements with Terence Fretheim about divine freedom versus fidelity, and how "The Prophetic Imagination" is really about hope and alternative consciousness, not scolding people. Rolf shares incredible stories about Walter's pastoral heart, we discuss his brilliant interdisciplinary work that connected everything from Paul Ricoeur to economic theory, and we talk about his scathing critique of American capitalism (the golden calf in front of Wall Street is basically God trolling American Christians about their idolatry). Whether you know Walter from "The Prophetic Imagination" or you're just discovering him, this conversation captures why he was so special - a scholar who made ancient texts dangerous again and showed us that the God of the Bible is way more interesting, subversive, and liberating than we usually dare to believe. As Walter would say to his grandkids about the manna story: "You are not children of scarcity, you're children of abundance - don't forget it." If you want to get access to the Introduction to the Old Testament class with Dr. Brueggemann, head over to TheologyClass.com You will find 3 of my episodes with Brueggemann combined into this one episode. Books by Brueggemann that we mention The Prophetic Imagination Reverberations of Faith The Vitality of Old Testament Traditions Finally Comes the Poet Join us at Theology Beer Camp this October 16-18 in St. Paul, MN. (Rolf is coming too!) Dr. Rolf A. Jacobson is the Professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary. Previous Episodes with Dr. Jacobson Creation and Sin Wild Places with Israel's God Five Offensive Things… you learn in Seminary The Five Most Offensive Bible Things… you Learn in Seminary Israel's In-Your-Face, Holy God 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. Online Class: Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost with Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim _____________________ 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
We've lost a giant in biblical scholarship with the passing of Walter Brueggemann, whose profound insights into the Hebrew Bible transformed how countless people understand scripture and faith. In this special tribute episode, we revisit three memorable conversations with Walter from across the years of Homebrewed Christianity, showcasing his remarkable ability to make ancient texts come alive with contemporary relevance. From his groundbreaking work on the prophetic imagination to his incisive analysis of money and possessions in scripture, Walter consistently challenged us to see God not as a distant, unchanging deity, but as a passionate, covenant-making partner deeply invested in justice and human flourishing. His gift was revealing how the Bible's narratives of liberation, resistance, and hope speak directly to our modern struggles with empire, inequality, and the search for authentic community. Walter's legacy lives on in every preacher who dares to let scripture speak its radical truth, every scholar who chooses particularity over abstraction, and every person of faith who embraces the beautiful, contested journey of fidelity with the God of the exodus. Thank you, Walter, for teaching us that the Bible is not a book of easy answers, but an invitation to wrestle with the living God who continues to disrupt our assumptions and call us toward justice. If you want to get access to the Introduction to the Old Testament class with Dr. Brueggemann, head over to TheologyClass.com Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025 3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends. 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
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. The map you were following suddenly doesn’t make sense. What once felt solid begins to crack. But what if this unraveling isn’t a detour... what if it’s part of the sacred path? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem and Alan Fadling explore a powerful biblical framework for spiritual transformation—orientation, disorientation, and new orientation—a pattern identified by Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann and lived out in the Psalms, in Christian history, and in our lives today. Whether you're deconstructing your faith, walking through midlife questions, or just feeling lost in a long winter of the soul, this conversation will meet you there—with honesty, hope, and a deeper invitation into God’s presence.
"Our support raising isn't asking for a favor — it's an invitation to join in Kingdom work."“Greed isn't about how much money you have — it's about what you expect money to give you.”What does it really mean to live with an abundance mindset in a culture of scarcity and self-sufficiency? In this episode of It's Not About the Money, we're joined by Dr. Jacob Chacko — a cardiologist, bivocational pastor, and thoughtful teacher — to talk about the spiritual heart of fundraising.Together we explore:The subtle forms greed can take — even in ministryWhy dependence isn't weakness, but a biblical invitationHow abundance isn't about more stuff — it's about deeper trustPractical ways to reframe financial anxiety and scarcity thinkingWhether you're deep into support-raising or simply wrestling with how to steward your money faithfully, this conversation will stir your heart and reorient your perspective.
Muito bem, muito bem, muito bem, está no ar mais um BTCast, o seu podcast de Bíblia e teologia! No episódio de hoje, Rodrigo Bibo, Victor Fontana, Luiz Henrique Santos e Cacau Marques conversam sobre o livro “Imaginação Profética”, de Walter Brueggemann. O dom de profecia é apresentado para nós no texto bíblico de maneira […] O conteúdo de Imaginação profética – BTCast 598 é uma produção do Bibotalk - Teologia é nosso esporte!.
Muito bem, muito bem, muito bem, está no ar mais um BTCast, o seu podcast de Bíblia e teologia! No episódio de hoje, Rodrigo Bibo, Victor Fontana, Luiz Henrique Santos e Cacau Marques conversam sobre o livro “Imaginação Profética”, de Walter Brueggemann. O dom de profecia é apresentado para nós no texto bíblico de maneira […] O conteúdo de Imaginação profética – BTCast 598 é uma produção do Bibotalk - Teologia é nosso esporte!.
Send us a text“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who abuse you.” Those are Jesus' directives to us who call him lord. What a dangerous oddness! The concept of "dangerous oddness," a unique term by Walter Brueggemann, paints a picture of Jesus' countercultural call.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about redefining society's norm and loving your enemy. They discuss Jesus' guidance, his own response to loving those that curse you, and how we can apply his teachings to our lives. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.
Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." In today's conversation, Michael sits down with AJ Denson to dive deep into the profound themes of Michael's latest book, "Sacred Attachment." Together, they explore the concept of 'spinning' introduced in the first chapter and reflect on how it symbolizes the disorientation and reorientation we experience in life's journey. Michael shares a personal childhood story that beautifully illustrates the unexpected embrace of love amid chaos, providing a powerful foundation for understanding God's unwavering love and connection. As they unpack the transformative power of love and spiritual connection, Michael and AJ delve into the idea that true change is possible when we fully embrace the divine dance of love and faith.Click here to order your copy of Sacred Attachment. ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude an examination of Hosea, finding out what actually gets the last word. Featuring a special appearance by Elle Grover Fricks.1994 Minister's Manual (HarperCollins, 1993). Series by Roger Lovette (Preaching from Hosea: A Gospel for Broken Things). Edited by James W. CoxTradition for Crisis by Walter BrueggemannAmos/Hosea by James M. WardHosea: A Commentary by James Luther MaysThe Interpreter's Bible, Volume VI by George Arthur Buttrick
We might call this mini-series, “where faith meets mental health.” More specifically, we would call it, “where worship and prayer meet mental health.” For the next few weeks, we are going to be diving into the Psalms and examining them through Walter Brueggemann's lens of orientation, disorientation, and new orientation. This framework beautifully encapsulates being […]
In this episode, I am joined by Kester Brewin, my partner, for the first Process This series on Artificial Intelligence. Here we wrap-up our series of interviews as we delve into the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence on theology, ethics, law, and society. Reflecting on our conversations with interdisciplinary experts, we focus on the philosophical and ethical implications of AI, from Taylor Swift's stance on AI misuse to the potential dangers of deep fake technology on social media platforms. Topics include AI's challenges to human individuality, freedom, and personhood, illustrated by references to TikTok, historical events, and Weber's theory of disenchantment. The episode explores the balancing act between technological advancements and ethical considerations, highlighting both optimistic and pessimistic views on AI's role in problem-solving and its societal impact. Through examples from Tolkien, transhumanism, and educational practices, the discussion underscores the need for responsible regulation and the importance of community in navigating modern capitalism's whirlpool, ultimately pondering the true cost of technological progress on human dignity and autonomy. Kester joined me, and the members of the Process This community as we recorded it live. If you want to hear the entire conversation, be invited to join future Process This live streams, and get an ad-free version of all the Homebrewed Christianity podcast episodes, then come join the community for as little as $6.70 per month. Kester Brewin is an author, speaker, 25-year veteran of the classroom, and now Head of Communications at the Institute for the Future of Work, a research charity exploring how AI impacts the UK labour market. His most recent book, God-Like: a 500-year History of AI, is not only a powerful telling of humanity's ongoing relationship with technology and a reflection on the current questions surrounding AI, but it is also a powerful and compelling work of radical theology. Previous Episodes with Kester Artificial Intelligence & the Human Future Adult VBS with Walter Brueggemann, Kester Brewin, and Kristen Howerton Let Sleeping Gods Die w/ Kester Brewin Plundering Religion with Kester Brewin, Peter Rollins, & Barry Taylor #Mutiny Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Religion _____________________ Join my Substack - Process This! Join our upcoming class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought. 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
Step into the interactive world of the inaugural 'Process This' series, a journey into the realm of Artificial Intelligence and the human future. Kester Brewin returns to the podcast to set up a series of interviews with scholars across the disciplines, all helping us wrestle with the reality of AI and how it is reshaping humanity and our future. This episode dives into the technological, ethical, spiritual, political, and economic questions surrounding AI. Unearth the historical evolution of societal views on slavery, the implications of AI on the workforce, and the significant role of films, literature, and myths in shaping our perception of technology and social issues. Engage in lively discussions with renowned scholars and experts and contribute to the conversation through shared resources and suggestions for future topics. To listen to the series of interviews and participate, engage, and get extra content along with a growing collection of related resources, head over to our new substack - Process This! You can WATCH the conversation here. Kester Brewin is an author, speaker, 25-year veteran of the classroom, and now Head of Communications at the Institute for the Future of Work, a research charity exploring how AI impacts the UK labour market. His most recent book, God-Like: a 500-year History of AI, is not only a powerful telling of humanity's ongoing relationship with technology and a reflection on the current questions surrounding AI, but it is also a powerful and compelling work of radical theology. Previous Episodes with Kester Adult VBS with Walter Brueggemann, Kester Brewin, and Kristen Howerton Let Sleeping Gods Die w/ Kester Brewin Plundering Religion with Kester Brewin, Peter Rollins, & Barry Taylor #Mutiny Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Religion Join my Substack - Process This! Join our upcoming class, FAITH & POLITICS FOR THE REST OF US! Come to THEOLOGY BEER CAMP. 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
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Tommy Brown, author of The Ache for Meaning. He is a pastor and contemplative teacher with a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry and master's degrees in divinity and management, and a former little league baseball coach.The Ache for Meaning by Tommy BrownWhat Is the Palouse?Dark Night of the Soul — WikipediaThe Seven Money Types by Tommy BrownThe Torah for Dummies by Arthur KurzweilThe Sabbath by Abraham Joshua HeschelSabbath as Resistance by Walter BrueggemannTommy Brown's Website Special Guest: Tommy Brown.
In this episode of the GoodHard Story Podcast, Katherine discovers a kindred spirit in Kay Warren, who founded the beloved Saddleback Church with her husband Rick. Kay and Rick have endured the earth-shattering loss of one of their sons, who died by suicide in 2013. Both Katherine and Kay were in tears by the end of the conversation, which spans from the complexities of mental illness to the life-saving power of respite to the privilege of sitting with suffering people. Kay could not have been more generous in sharing her hard-won insights into the most terrible kind of grief. What you'll take away from this conversation… What to do when God stops making sense The single experience that can make us more Christlike The one question you should never ask someone who is suffering How a marriage can withstand unimaginable loss If you need to hear a story of deep hurt and even deeper hope, this episode is for you. Show Notes Hope for Mental Health: https://hope4mentalhealth.com/ Breathe: https://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/outreach-retreats The Wounder Healer by Henri Nouwen - https://henrinouwen.org/read/the-wounded-healer/ Lews Smedes - https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/smedes_recordings/ Walter Brueggemann - https://www.walterbrueggemann.com/resources/ “Pay mind to your own life, your own health, and wholeness. A bleeding heart is of no help to anyone if it bleeds to death.” - Frederick Buechner Scriptures referenced in this episode: 1 Corinthians 15:43-45 *** Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664beb Want a little hope in your inbox? Sign up for the Hope Note, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet's most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote Get to know us: Hope Heals: https://hopeheals.com/ Hope Heals Camp: https://hopeheals.com/camp Mend Coffee: https://www.mendcoffee.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/
We have all been talking about AI of late and I have been on a bit of a reading deep dive about it. I am thrilled to have my friend Kester Brewin back on the podcast to talk about Artificial Intelligence & the future of religion. His new book, God-like: A 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters is out and 100% zesty. It is way too good for y'all not to check it out. It is not only a powerful telling of humanity's ongoing relationship with technology and a reflection on the current questions surrounding AI, but it is also the most compelling radical theological text I have read. It demonstrates the symbolic starvation of a marketized public square, the wisdom of what has been harbored in religious reflection, and the need for the return of theology beyond religion. It is also practical theology at its best. It ends with a compelling call to community without an addiction to nostalgia or an allergy to the sacred. I would say more, but you can listen to our conversation. Previous Episodes with Kester Adult VBS with Walter Brueggemann, Kester Brewin, and Kristen Howerton Let Sleeping Gods Die w/ Kester Brewin Plundering Religion with Kester Brewin, Peter Rollins, & Barry Taylor #Mutiny JOIN our current class, GOD AFTER DECONSTRUCTION with Thomas Jay Oord Come to THEOLOGY BEER CAMP. 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
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks discuss the words of Psalm 137.BEMA 380: Psalms — The Hidden FaceAnswering God by Eugene H. PetersonBEMA 102: Son of ManThe Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks consider the words of Psalm 8.The Message of the Psalms by Walter BrueggemannVisual Commentary on Psalm 8 — BibleProjectThe Sabbath by Abraham Joshua HeschelReflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis“Rabbi Simcha Bunem's Favorite Sayings” by Julie Danan — SefariaMidrash Tehillim on Psalm 8 — SefariaPsalm 8 — Wikipedia“Stars” by Switchfoot — YouTube“Friend of God” by Israel Houghton — YouTube
Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Josh Bossé discuss Psalm 13.The Message of the Psalms by Walter BrueggemannTelling the Truth by Frederick BuechnerBEMA 282: John — The Dance of Grief
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Reed Dent as he launches a series on the Psalms.Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty SolomonFree at Last by dc Talk — YouTube“[Psalm] 40” by dc Talk — YouTubeThe Art of Biblical Poetry by Robert AlterThe Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert AlterThe Art of Bible Translation by Robert AlterPreaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible by Thomas G. LongBEMA 349: The Chosen S3E8 — “Sustenance” (Bonus Episode)The Message of the Psalms by Walter BrueggemannBird by Bird by Anne LamottHelp, Thanks, Wow by Anne LamottAnswering God by Eugene H. PetersonPraying the Psalms by Thomas Merton
Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are back with Reed Dent to continue the introduction to the prophecy of Isaiah and consider Walter Brueggemann's ideas about the prophetic imagination.The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann“What Prophecy Is For” — BibleProject PodcastThought of the Day: Prophetic Imagination — Marty Solomon, YouTube