The Delgado Podcast features conversations with academics, artists, and authors who challenge our thinking and help us to grow in empathy and compassion.
This season is focused on the ways our spirituality, faith and/or religious identities impact our understandings of justice, race, culture, disability, gender, sexuality, mental health, and religious texts.
We cover some challenging topics to help us think critically about our own assumptions and biases. You can subscribe or download these episodes on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Fireside and Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.
Episode Summaries:
EP56: Exploring Faith Perspectives, Theological Camps & Queer Theology
Dr. Hanna Reichel, an associate professor of Reformed Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, delves into theology, faith, identity, and social justice in this episode. Their global faith perspective offer insights into doctrinal differences, social justice work, and the intersection of theology with politics and LGBTQ+ support. [Video]
EP55: Toxic Theology, Deconstruction & Coping with Complicated Grief
Dr. Terri Daniel talks with us about her academic work on toxic theology as a contributing factor in complicated mourning and her work as an interfaith chaplain. [Video]
EP54: Gender Identity, Faith Reconstruction & Queer Theology
Father Kearns was a former fundamentalist who became the first openly transgender man ordained in the Old Catholic priesthood. He believes in the transformative power of story and has made it his life’s work to explore the intersection of theology, church life, and creativity. [Video]
EP53: The Practice of Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World
Dr. Matthew Ichihashi Potts (PhD, Harvard University) explores the complex moral terrain of forgiveness, which he claims has too often served as a salve to the conscience of power rather than as an instrument of healing or justice. [Video]
EP52: Prophetic Literature, Social Ethics & Politicized Religion
Dr. M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas) talks about the key ethical concerns and social critiques of Amos, Isaiah, and Micah. Dr. Carroll is Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy at Wheaton College and Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois. [Video]
EP51: Ways to Grow in Hope, Compassion & Mindfulness Amid Seasons of Grief
Valerie Brown talks with us about ways to cultivate hope, compassion, and mindfulness amid seasons of grief and loss. It’s the topic of her book “Hope Leans Forward: Braving Your Way Toward Simplicity, Awakening & Peace.” [Video]
EP50: Making Meaning from our Suffering
Ken Duckworth, MD (Chief Medical Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) talks with us about common mental health challenges and how to support our loved ones when they are suffering. He also talks about ways for us to be more aware of our own emotional pain and ways to move forward. [Video]
EP49: Embracing Curiosity in the Journey of Faith
Lore Ferguson Wilbert talks with us about wrestling with doubt and embracing curiosity in her journey of faith. Her new book helps readers get comfortable with uncertainty. [Video]
EP48: How to Talk About Racial Inequality & Become Anti-Racist
Dr. Ali Michael and Dr. Eleonora Bartoli talk about ways for us to talk about race, combat racism, and steps to become antiracist. [Video]
EP47: Finding Hope in Rituals of Grief & Healing
Amanda Held Opelt (Author & Songwriter) talks with us about holding onto faith during seasons of grief. She discusses ways she has processed loss, and ways for us to better care for those who are suffering. [Video]
EP46: A Christian Transgender Journey
Austen Hartke (M.A., Luther Seminary) talks with us about why he attended seminary, his process for coming out, and ways for Christians to support our transgender community. [Video]
EP45: Exploring the Epistle to the Philippians
Dr. Jeannine Brown (PhD, Luther Seminary) talks with us about the key themes of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi and how the letter speaks to us today. [Video]
EP44: Creation Rediscovered: Finding New Meaning in an Ancient Story
Dr. Jeffery M. Leonard (PhD, Brandeis University) talks about ways to understand the creation accounts in our Hebrew Bible — and what these texts teach us. [Video]
EP43: Disability Justice, Church Accessibility & Our Disabled God
Dr. Amy Kenny (PhD, University of Sussex) is a disabled scholar and Shakespeare lecturer. She talks with us about disability justice, church accessiblity, and the unintentional ableism happening in our churches. [Video]
EP42: Exploring Early Christian Narratives of Heaven and Hell
Dr. Bart Ehrman (PhD, Princeton University) talks with us about ancient ideas of heaven and hell that have influenced Christian thinking. He also discusses ancient perspectives on journeys into heaven and hell in ancient texts like “The Apocalypse of Peter” and “The Apocalypse of Paul.” [Video]
EP41: Exploring Gender & Islam: A Muslim Transgender Journey
From an early age, Leyla Jagiella knew that she would be defined by two things: being Muslim and being trans. Struggling to negotiate these identities in her conservative, small hometown, she travelled to India and Pakistan, where her life was changed by her time among third-gender communities. [Video]
EP40: Ways to Help Transgender Teens Explore Their Gender & Faith
Andrew Triska, MSW & LCSW discusses ways for parents to support and affirm their trans teen at home, school, and church. Andrew is a trans-identified psychotherapist, educator, and author who works with trans and queer youth and adults. [Video]
EP39: Loving Scripture, Theology & Our LGBTQ Christian Community
Bridget Eileen Rivera discusses ways the Christian church can better love and support the LGBTQ community — along with steps Christians can take to create more inclusive spiritual homes. [Video]
EP38: Early Christian History: Councils & Creeds That Shaped Christian Thinking
Jennifer Woodruff Tait (PhD, Duke University) shares insights on some of the key historic moments and creeds that shaped Christian thinking. She also talks about some of the key points that led to the spread of Christianity, despite persecution of the church. [Video]
EP37: Loving the Old Testament & Dealing with Difficult Texts
Dr. John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) talks with us about his love of the Old Testament, ways to study our Hebrew Bible, and strategies for dealing with difficult scriptures. He talks with us specifically about ways to understand the conquest of Canaan and the Battle of Jericho. [Video]
EP36: Creation Stories: How Ancient Cultures Explained Humanity’s Origins
Dr. Anthony Aveni (PhD, University of Arizona) shares ways ancient cultures used natural landscapes in myth formation – and how natural surroundings and animal life impacted origin stories. He shares how creation stories evolved over time in different regions and ways to see truth in myths. He also spends some time talking about various creation stories – including Chinese, Egyptian, Mayan, Navajo and the creation accounts in the Hebrew Bible. [Video]
EP35: Rediscovering Jonah: Theological Approaches to Understanding the Defiant Prophet
Dr. Amy Erickson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) talks about Christian and Jewish understandings of Jonah, why Jonah has been viewed as both the villain in the story and a type of Christ, she discusses why Jonah has a theological problem with God, she provides insights into Islamic interpretations of Jonah’s prophecy that Nineveh would be overthrown, and gives fascinating insights on how to understand the odd ending of the story. The episode ends with her personal takeaways on Jonah and advice on how to study this complex and fascinating story. [Video]
EP34: Ancient Hebrew Literature & Judean Conceptions of God
Dr. Dalit Rom-Shiloni (PhD, Hebrew University of Jerusalem) talks with us about the development of ancient Judean literature, scribal traditions in ancient cultures, polytheism and monotheism in ancient Israelite communities, ways the Judean God compared to other ancient near east gods, why the ancient Israelites used anthropomorphic language to describe Yahweh, and how God was portrayed as warrior and enemy in the Hebrew Bible. [Video]
EP33: Pursing Reconciliation on Social Media: Handling Online Conflict in Redemptive Ways
Douglas S. Bursch (DMin, George Fox Evangelical Seminary) shares different ways that social media impacts us, how to respond to criticism and trolling behaviors, ways to develop more empathy for those who disagree with us, why it’s important to think about our motivations when posting content on social media, ways to create more loving and helpful content, and why need to be aware of the echo chambers that we might be drawn to. [Video]
EP32: Autism, Disability & The Church: A Vision for Diversity & Inclusion
Dr. Lamar Hardwick (DMin, Liberty University) shares what it feels like to grow up with undiagnosed autism and what led him to pursue autism testing in his mid-thirties. He talks about what it meant to receive the autism diagnosis and ways he processed the information. He discusses the autism grief cycle, how to love and care for people with autism, and how to combat the stigma of autism at church. Dr. Hardwick also provides key insights for ministry leaders on ways to remove barriers at church for those with invisible disabilities and how disability theology gives us an important lens for viewing God and our Bibles. [Video]
EP31: Reading Our Bible Through the Lens of Trauma & Emotional Healing
Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis (PhD, Duke University) shares how trauma impacts our view of Scripture, ways to overcome the silent stigma of mental health at church, how to see gender oppression in our denominations, ways to better read and understand traumatic stories in Bible (especially when the offender is seen as the Biblical hero), and how to better love and care for trauma survivors in our church communities. [Video]
EP30: A Christian Case for Reparations & Dismantling White Supremacy
Duke L. Kwon (MDiv, ThM, Gordon-Conwell) and Dr. Gregory Thompson (PhD, University of Virginia) talk about why Christians debate the reparations issue, ways church leaders and pastors can properly address systemic sins at church, how white supremacy is a theft of truth, power, and wealth, ways to talk with children about racism, and what the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us about love and reparations. [Video]
EP29: How to Study (And Understand) Our Catholic Epistles
Dr. Darian R. Lockett (PhD, St Andrews University) discusses how the Catholic Epistles provide unique window into early Christian theology and practice. He discusses how the Catholic Epistles are thematically connected and how the New Testament canon was formed. He also gives advice for those of us who struggle with difficult scriptures and how to read our Bibles critically and devotionally. [Video]
EP28: On Writing, Coming Out & Finding Belonging
Gregory Coles (PhD, Penn State University) talks with us about his love of writing, pursuing his Ph.D. in English literature, how he came out to his church, why he wrote “Single, Gay, Christian,” how he’s dealt with criticism from Christians about his sexual identity, how he’s processed pain and grief, how to support our loved ones when they come out, and how to find a church when you don’t feel like you fit in. [Video]
EP27: Ancient African Christianity, The Black Church & Dismantling White Supremacy
Dr. Vince Bantu (PhD, The Catholic University of America) talks with us about his calling to ministry and what led him to pursue academic research on ancient African Christianity and African American theology. He discusses the need for ethnic representation in our churches, the sins and destructive impact of systemic racism and white supremacy in our church history, ways for us to better support our BIPOC church communities during times of tragedy and trauma, and the powerful faith and example that our Black church has set for all Christians. He also discusses ways that parents can help raise anti-racist children. [Video]
EP26: Prayers During Dark Nights: Prayer Practices When Feeling Faithless
Rev. Tish Harrison Warren talks about how her prayer life has evolved and ways that all of us can develop our own prayer practices. She shares advice on ways to pray when faithless, how to be open and vulnerable to God, ways to practice silence before God, the benefits of praying liturgical prayers, and how prayer shapes our hearts and minds. [Video]
EP25: When God Seems Absent: Divine Absence in Esther & Song of Songs
Dr. Chloe T. Sun (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) discusses the theology of divine absence — and how this theology is portrayed in the biblical canon. She shares ways theologians and academics approach divine absence in Esther and The Song of Songs. Dr. Sun also talks about why many Christians read Song of Songs metaphorically as a story of God’s love for the church and/or Israel, even though that’s not a literal reading. She gives advice for anyone who is studying the Bible and how to personally deal with God’s absence in our lives. [Video]
EP24: God’s Heart for Immigrants & Refugees: A Biblical Ethic of Kinship
Dr. Mark R. Glanville (PhD, Bristol University) and Dr. Luke Glanville (PhD, University of Queensland) talk with us about their new book “Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics.” They discuss Biblical passages dealing with marginalized and displaced people and God’s command to extend kinship, compassion and love to hurting communities They also address arguments from those who want closed borders and stricter immigration policies due to ways immigration might impact economics, national security and culture. [Video]
EP23: Generational Views of Spirituality & Parenting Generation Z
Rev. Dr. James Choung (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) talks about his academic research on generational views of spirituality and the key gateway questions asked by each generation. He talks about how these key spiritual questions dealing with what’s real, true, and beautiful are important for all of us to know how to answer. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 and increased visibility of hate and racism and how it is impacting our children. He provides parenting advice for those raising Generation Z kids. He also discusses ways to talk with our Asian and Asian American children about racism and discrimination. [Video]
EP22: On Faith, Fatherhood & Spiritual Awareness
Rev. Dr. James Choung (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) talks with us about teaching and creating spiritual spaces during COVID-19, why he has a growth-mindset and seeks out mentorship on a regular basis, ways he cultivates self-awareness, how he determined his calling to pursue work in Christian ministry, how his father impacted his spirituality and modeled ways to be a great dad and husband. [Video]
EP21: Asian American Identity, Theology & Racial Justice
Dr. Russell Jeung (PhD, University of California, Berkeley) talks with us about the history of Asian American studies, the birth of Asian American theology, how oppression and marginalization of Asian Americans has led to a theology of exile, the disturbing rise of Christian nationalism along with Anti-Asian Racism, why he launched the STOP AAPI HATE project to track COVID-19 related racism and discrimination and the four stressors impacting Asian Americans during COVID-19 (and how churches can help). [Video]
EP20: Finding God in Our Pain: Reconciling Body & Spirit
Liuan Huska (M.A., University of Chicago) talks about her spiritual journey, struggles with chronic pain and feeling misunderstood, the spiritual pain of feeling dismissed by God, managing her mental health, how disability theologians address wholeness, ways our understanding of God can change during these darkest moments, and ways to better listen to those who are hurting around us. Liuan writes for Christianity Today, Sojourners, Hyphen and other publications focused on faith, culture, sexuality and justice. [Video]
EP19: The Life, Theology & Faith of J.I. Packer
Dr. Alister E. McGrath (PhD, Oxford University) discusses why he decided to write a biography on Packer’s life and faith and his process for telling his fascinating story. He discusses Packer’s thoughtful decision to teach at Regent College, why his book “Knowing God” became a bestseller and helped many Christians, why Packer loved reading the Puritan writers, his thoughts on theistic evolution, inspiration vs. inerrancy, why he signed the evangelical and catholics together document and his views on aging and losing sight due to macular degeneration. [Video]
EP18: Social Justice, Latinx Theology & Role of the Brown Church
Dr. Robert Chao Romero (PhD, University of California, Los Angeles) talks with us about the role that the Brown church has played to fight oppression throughout history. He discusses why a percentage Hispanic voters supported Trump, despite his policies and ideas that have been used to hurt Brown communities. He addresses the history of racism and colonialism in Latin America and tells the story of Antonio de Montesinos, a Dominican Friar who preached sermons to denounce colonists who were enslaving and abusing indigenous people in the Caribbean back in 1511. He talks about the role of faith in the life of Cesar Chavez. He also shares why there are biases against Christianity in Ethnic academic studies due to the abuses and trauma cased by our churches throughout history. [Video]
EP17: Meditating on the Gospels: Lyrical Reflections on the Life of Jesus
Michael Card talks with us about simmering on scripture and ways to thoughtfully analyze and understand the gospel accounts of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. He talks about why he has been focused on studying the gospels and how he has used music and his theological writings to connect others to the life of Jesus. He describes how each gospel writer differs in the way they write about Jesus. He also shares how the parables and gospel accounts encourage us to use our imaginations to connect our hearts and minds to scripture. Michael also provides us with actionable advice on how we can become better readers of the Gospels as well as his favorite Bible study tools. [Video]
EP16: Art & Faith: A Theology of Making
Makoto Fujimura discusses ways art and faith interplay, the flow state of creating art, developing a discipline of writing, dealing with trauma and continuing to create art, how the church has failed to address trauma, and ways to cultivate more empathy. We also discuss his book “Art and Faith: A Theology of Making” published by Yale University Press. [Video]
EP15: African American Readings of Paul: Reception, Resistance and Transformation
We learn from Dr. Lisa M. Bowens (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) about ways African Americans understood Paul’s writings in early America —especially the verse in Ephesians directing slaves to obey their masters, which played an enormous role in promoting slavery and justifying it as a Christian practice. [Video]
EP14: Biblical & Systematic Theology for Women’s Ordination
Dr. Witt (PhD, Notre Dame) shares with us why it was important for him to write a systematic theology in favor of women’s ordination, the challenges women face in earning ordinations and finding employment within many denominations, why Protestants and Catholics approach this topic differently, and why some strict evangelical communities won’t even allow women to teach men in college seminary courses. Dr Witt also breaks down the primary arguments used to oppose woman’s ordination in Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 10 and reveals why there are many other ways to understand Paul’s view of headship, submission and head coverings. [Video]
EP13: Importance of Early Church Writings for Biblical Interpretation
Dr. Matthew Thomas (PhD, Oxford University) talks with us about why early church writings (especially texts written in the second century) provide us keys to earliest understandings of the Bible. He discusses writings by Irrenaeus (who was a disciple of Polycarp — who was discipled by John), the Epistle to Diognetus, Justin Martyr’s First Apology and Dialogue with Trypho, and the problem with Christian churches that aren’t linked to denominations — and why early church writings can help Christians understand their foundational theological identity. The episode ends with a detailed explanation of Paul’s meaning of faith and works. [Video]
EP12: Beyond Old & New Perspectives on Paul
Dr. Matthew Thomas (PhD, Oxford University) talks with us about writing his latest book, which digs into what the early church understood by Paul when he referred to works of the law. He also shares his spiritual journey into faith, his academic studies on scripture and the early church, ways that theologians have divided over this pivotal issue of justification by faith vs. faithfulness, how reformers like Calvin and Luther diverged from early church fathers, and why second-century writers can give us the clearest view of how these perplexing Biblical passages were meant to be understood. [Video]
EP11: Dangerous Religious Ideas in Judaism, Christianity & Islam
Rabbi Mikva (PhD, Jewish Theological Seminary) talks with us about why she has been studying and teaching courses on dangerous religious ideas, ways for us to cultivate empathy for each other’s religious traditions, the challenges of sola scriptura (and self-directed Bible study), the role of doubt, what the commandment about “eye for an eye” really means, and ways texts of terror have been use to oppress (or even justify violence) toward women and marginalized communities. [Video]
EP10: Jewish & Christian Views on Monotheism, Original Sin & Use of Torah
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine (PhD, Duke University) and Dr. Marc Brettler (PhD, Brandeis University) discuss Jewish and Christian perspectives on the doctrine of original sin, how we pick and choose what Biblical laws to follow, and examples of monotheism and polytheism in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. [Video]
EP09: How Jews & Christians Read the Same Stories Differently
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine (PhD, Duke University) and Dr. Marc Brettler (PhD, Brandeis University) talk with us about the importance of empathy and growing in awareness for the different biases and filters we all use when reading the Bible (even when we try to be objective). They also share with us about the importance of learning how different religious traditions interpret their Bibles — and why we all need to become more familiar with each other’s perspectives. Dr. Levine also talks with us about how the Bible isn’t just a dialogue to engage in — but a trialogue. [Video]
EP08: Spiritual Direction, Dealing with Dark Nights & Psalm Reading
N.T. Wright talks with us about the benefits of working with a spiritual director — and ways they can assist us in understanding how God may be working in our lives. Spiritual directors can track your spiritual seasons and assist during dark nights of the soul and periods when you are feeling broken or distraught. Dr. Wright also shares why daily Psalm reading is a helpful practice to see the spiritual highs and lows that are part of the Christian life. [Video]
EP07: Self-Knowledge, Gnosticism & Broken Spirituality
N.T. Wright discusses his motivations for writing “Broken Signposts” and shares insights into ways spirituality has become fractured in society, along with a rise in gnosticism and narcissism. He also discusses ways to practice healthy forms of spirituality — and the importance of regular prayer. At the end of the episode, Wright provides insights into ways to understand our Bible and the need for prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit. [Video]
EP06: Reading the Old Testament Critically & Devotionally (Part 2)
Dr. Moberly (PhD, Cambridge University) talks with us about the importance of grief and laments in the Old Testament — and how these passages can speak to us during our own grieving processes. He also shares why Scripture reading should be an adventure and how the Bible expresses truth in a variety of ways: poetry, narrative, stories, humor and even through intentional contradictions. Toward the end of our conversation, Dr. Moberly gives advice for some favorite Old Testament books to read first — as well as some encouraging words about returning to a second simplicity. [Video]
EP05: Reading the Old Testament Critically & Devotionally (Part 1)
We chat with Dr. Moberly (PhD, Cambridge University) about his spiritual journey — and what led him from studying the classics and ancient languages to pursue Biblical studies and ordination in the Church of England. He also talks with us about how he applies critical analysis to the Bible — while also understanding the Bible spiritually. He then shares with us examples of how he applies his academic and spiritual insights to Old Testament stories like the Conquest of Canaan, The Story of Rahab, The Book of Jeremiah and the Laments in the Psalms. It’s a blessing to hear how he has prayerfully read and applied scholarly analysis to these popular Biblical passages. [Video]
EP04: New Perspectives on Paul & Letter to Galatians (Part 2)
Dr. Barrier (PhD, Texas Christian University) continues talking with us about why Paul may have thought the Galatians were under some sort of spell or curse — and how the letter could partly be a counter-curse to help the Galatians break free from thinking they could be righteous through being under the law — especially circumcision. It’s a riveting way to read Galatians — and brings new meaning to Paul’s words when he says “Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?” [Video]
EP03: New Perspectives on Paul & Letter to Galatians (Part 1)
Dr. Barrier (PhD, Texas Christian University) talks with us about his research studying “The Acts of Paul and Thecla,” which was an ancient text passed around in the early churches providing insight into Paul’s travels with Thecla — a woman who preached the gospel and later martyred. It’s a fascinating story that shows the faith and preaching power of a woman in the early church, which many don’t know about. He also shares some of the insights into what motivated Paul to write his letter to the churches in Galatia — and why the letter is much more than just a letter to correct them on their use of the law. [Video]
EP02: Dr. John Barton: A History of the Bible (Part 2)
We learn from Dr. Barton (Emeritus Professor, University of Oxford) about ways to understand discrepancies in the Gospel accounts, how to deal with obscure and upsetting texts, how to find trustworthy Biblical research, and how to know what we can trust in the Bible. [Video]
EP01: Dr. John Barton: A History of the Bible (Part 1)
We talk with Dr. Barton (Emeritus Professor, University of Oxford) about his purpose for researching and writing his latest book– and also discuss: why the Apocrypha is important, why there disputes over the canon of scripture, how to deal with discrepancies in the Bible, some of the problems of Biblical authorship, differences between central doctrines of the Bible and essential doctrines in churches, and where to get started reading the Bible. [Video]
Mission
Creating a safe place for open and honest dialogue about ideas that challenge us and help us grow in compassion for each other. Conversations are focused on ways spirituality, faith and our religious identities impact our understandings of justice, race, sexuality, gender, culture and religious texts. We want to help others grow in empathy, compassion and help others feel less alone on their journey.
Diversity
Diversity of thought is key to helping us expand our knowledge. It’s also vital for helping us improve our understanding of different ideas. We are intentionally featuring scholars and thinkers with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences in academia, arts, religious traditions, politics, etc.
Accessibility
To maximize accessibility and visibility of shows, each episode is available as a YouTube video with automated subtitling, audio podcast, short-form video clips, infographics and blog posts linking to our guest’s websites, social profiles and work.
Contact
Please reach out on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram or YouTube to share suggestions on topics and guests for future shows.
