Creation Stories: How Ancient Cultures Explained Humanity’s Origin Story – Dr. Anthony Aveni

Are you curious about the development of creation myths around the world?

Today, we’re honored to learn from Dr. Anthony Aveni about his insightful research on the ways ancient cultures explained our origins — and how these creation stories were influenced by natural landscapes. It’s the topic of Dr. Aveni’s awesome new book: “Creation Stories: Landscapes and the Human Imagination,” which is published by Yale University Press.

Drawing from a vast array of creation myths—Babylonian, Greek, Aztec, Maya, Inca, Chinese, Hindu, Navajo, Polynesian, African, Norse, Inuit, and more—his insightful book uncovers both the similarities and differences in our attempts to explain the universe.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Aveni 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 account in Genesis.

Dr. Anthony Aveni, the Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Anthropology and Native American Studies at Colgate University, helped develop the field of archaeoastronomy and is widely considered one of the founders of Mesoamerican archaeoastronomy. He is the author of Star Stories: Constellations and People and In the Shadow of the Moon: The Science, Magic, and Mystery of Solar Eclipses.

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Rediscovering Jonah: Academic & Theological Approaches to Understanding the Defiant Prophet – Dr. Amy Erickson

Are you curious on the different ways Christians, Jews and Muslims understand the Book of Jonah in our Hebrew Bible?

Today, we’re honored to learn from Dr. Amy Erickson about her insightful and detailed commentary on the book of Jonah — and ways to better appreciate this story through academic and various theological lenses.

In this podcast on Jonah, Dr. Amy Erickson talks about Christian and Jewish understandings of Jonah, why Jonah has been viewed as both the villain and a type of Christ, she talks about why Jonah has a theological problem with God, she discusses 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.

Dr. Amy Erickson is associate professor of Hebrew Bible and the director of the Masters of Theological Studies program at the Iliff School of Theology. Learn more about her new commentary on Jonah at Eerdmans Publishing.

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Ancient Hebrew Literature & Judean Conceptions of God – Dr. Dalit Rom-Shiloni

Are you curious about the development of ancient Hebrew literature and how some of these texts became sacred? And are you curious about how ancient Judeans thought about God?

In this podcast, we learn from Dr. Dalit Rom-Shiloni about 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 why God was portrayed as warrior and enemy in the Hebrew Bible.

She also discusses ways ancient Judeans thought about God amid times of pain, suffering and destruction, which is the subject featured in her important new book: “Voices from the Ruins: Theodicy and the Fall of Jerusalem in the Hebrew Bible,” published by Eerdmans.

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Pursuing Reconciliation on Social Media & Handling Online Conflict in Redemptive Ways – Douglas S. Bursch

How should we use social media channels in redemptive ways? And how do we seek peace and reconciliation on social media when we get criticized for our ideas?

Douglas S. Bursch’s awesome new book “Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us And What We Can Do About It” provides insights into our polarized social media streams, how social media impacts our thinking, and ways we can use more empathy in our social media conversations. He also provides us with a powerful framework on how to be peacemakers on social media — and how to seek reconciliation (even with those who we deeply disagree with). He says:

“Our ability to instantly respond or comment about anything and everything makes social media a highly charged, emotionally visceral enivronment. Wisdom and thoughtfulness thrive in contemplation, meditation, prayer, and introspection over time. However, the internet rarely encourages contemplative processing.”

This book convicted and challenged me to think more deeply about my own social media posts — and to think critically about my motivations for sharing certain viewpoints. He reframed my thinking on how I think about negativity on social media and trolling behaviors. He also revealed the selfish ways that I use social media (and often stay in my own echo chambers) — which doesn’t help me build empathy for those that I disagree with.

His pastoral perspective on social media helped me to see the ministry work that I need to pursue. He says:

“We must embrace our vital, sacred calling to live out the ministry of reconciliation in our social media contexts and recognize the strategic role we play in the formation of social media culture. To transform the culture, we need to be intentional in all of our online encounters.”

This book provided me with helpful insights on ways to think critically about every like, share and comment — and to remember my calling to pursue peace and reconciliation.

You can get your copy of Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us & What We Can Do About It from InterVarsity Press or any of your favorite online booksellers. You can also learn more about his ministry at FairlySpiritual.com.

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Autism, Disability & The Church: A Vision for Diversity & Inclusion – Dr. Lamar Hardwick

What can we do to make our churches more inclusive for our disabled and neurodiverse communities?

Dr. Lamar Hardwick’s fantastic book “Disability And The Church: A Vision For Diversity And Inclusion” provides insights into the life of a pastor with autism and ways that churches can begin removing barriers for people on the autism spectrum or those with any other disability.

Dr. Hardwick reminds us that “people with disabilities live in a world that is not built for them. And the vast majority of churches are not built with disabled bodies in mind.”

His book provides insights into many of the barriers that churches have unintentionally created for people with disabilities (especially invisible disabilities) — and steps that churches need to take to build a more empathetic church culture.

Dr. Hardwick says “affirmation of people with disabilities in the church begins with making the type of accommodations necessary for them to be able to pursue their God-given calling (172). And his book is chockfull of practical insights for ministry leaders who want to make their spiritual homes more inclusive for disabled people (and how to get funding for disability ministries).

Dr. Hardwick doesn’t just provide a strategies for church leaders on ways to build more inclusive spiritual homes, he also provides us with a view of church and spirituality through the eyes of disability. He writes about the importance of disability theology and reminds us on how the crucifixion of Jesus reveals a God who is disabled (and what the permanent scars after the resurrection signifies).

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Reading Our Bible Through the Lens of Trauma & Emotional Healing – Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis

How we understand our Bible can depend on our cultural viewpoints, church traditions, theological background, and personal experiences.

Our view of Scripture can also be largely shaped by any sort of trauma we’ve experienced (and this includes trauma inflicted on us by spiritual leaders and/or churches).

In today’s podcast, we’re honored to learn from Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis about how trauma impacts us, ways to overcome the silent stigma of mental health at church, ways to see gender oppression in our denominations, how to better read and understand traumatic stories in Bible (especially when the offender is seen as the Biblical hero), and ways that we can better love and care for trauma survivors in our life.

Dr. Thema also provides key insights into ways to read several traumatic Bible stories; including: The Story Hagar, The Trauma & Silencing of Tamar, and seeing Bathsheba as victim (instead of David’s seductress).

These disturbing and traumatic stories in Scripture are tough (and not easy for any of us to read). Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis shares powerful insights on the types of questions we should be asking ourselves when we encounter trauma in the Bible. Her empathetic and healing approach to read these tough passages in our Bibles will forever change the way you read and discuss these stories with others.

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist who has worked nationally and globally to provide relief and empowerment to marginalized persons. Dr. Thema, a professor at Pepperdine University, is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women. Her contributions to psychological research, policy, and practice have been honored by national and regional psychological associations. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. You should also subscribe to the Homecoming Podcast, focused on providing you with weekly inspiration and health tips.

I pray this conversation encourages us to become more empathetic readers of our Bibles and help us to love and care for the trauma victims in our own lives.

Please be aware that this podcast episode includes conversations on assault and abuse in the Bible, which may be hurtful and/or upsetting.

You can subscribe or download this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.

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A Christian Case for Reparations & Dismantling White Supremacy – Duke L. Kwon & Dr. Gregory Thompson

Are you curious on how to better love and support our hurting Black communities?

Pastors Duke L. Kwon and Dr. Gregory Thompson build a  historical and theological case for reparations — and address the various thefts of white supremacy that continue to hurt our Black communities in their latest book: Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair.

This is a book that will open your eyes to the systemic sins of racism and white supremacy in the United States, which continue to cause racial brokenness and social inequities.

It’s also a book that will bring you awareness of Black pain and the Christian calling to bring about healing and reconciliation.

The complicated and sinful history of racism in the United States and impact today doesn’t have an easy solution.

This isn’t a book designed to give you step-by-step directions on how reparations should work; it’s theological framework to help you think creatively on how to love and care for our oppressed and marginalized communities hurting due to racial brokenness.

No doubt, there are dozens of arguments against reparations — and many Christian leaders debate this issue.

Some critics argue that reparations is unjust (and therefore immoral) to require people who had nothing to do with slave ownership or racial injustices of the past to be liable for those sins today. Others argue that it’s impractical to figure out economically who should be compensated (along with who should pay and for how long).

Many of the arguments in favor or against reparations use justice as the chief aim. How do we determine a just way to address systemic sins and racial injustice?

Duke L. Kwon and Dr. Gregory Thompson reveal how the Christian’s call to bring about racial healing is more than an economic conversation — and moves far beyond what is the most equitable response. They provide a Christian vision of compassion, love and why the church ought to be caring for those who are hurting. It’s about opening our eyes and hearts to the Black pain around us and finding ways to bring healing in our own communities.

In this podcast episode, Duke L. Kwon and Dr. Gregory Thompson talk about why they need to write a theological case for reparations, why it’s important to support and love hurting communities, reasons 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.

“Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair” is published by Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I pray this conversation encourages us to develop more empathy and find ways to help our hurting Black communities.

You can subscribe or download this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.

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How to Study (And Understand) Our Catholic Epistles – Dr. Darian Lockett

Are you curious on how to better understand the Catholic epistles and ways the early church read them?

In Letters for the Church, Dr. Darian R. Lockett provides us with rich insights into early church theology and practice through a deep study into the seven letters of James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude.

He provides fascinating insights into the background and context of each letter, and ways to see how these scriptural writings are thematically connected.

Each chapter outlines the author, audience, and genre of one of the epistles, traces its flow of thought, and explores shared themes with the other Catholic Epistles.

In this podcast, Dr. Darian Lockett discusses his conviction to write a book focused on the Catholic epistles. He shares different scholarly interpretations, thematic connections, and how to study these letters critically and devotionally. He also gives advice for those of us who struggle with difficult scriptures and ways to deal with scholarly debates on New Testament passages.

Darian R. Lockett (PhD, St. Andrews) is professor of New Testament at Biola University. His many publications include Letters from the Pillar Apostles, Understanding Biblical Theology, and An Introduction to the Catholic Epistles.

I pray this conversation encourages us to better students of scripture.

You can subscribe or download this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.

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On Writing, Coming Out & Finding Belonging – Dr. Gregory Coles

During this podcast season, we’ve been exploring ways our ethnic identity, church traditions and personal experiences can impact our theology, scriptural understanding, and the churches we attend.

Last week, Dr. Vince Bantu talked with us about ancient African Christianity, the Black church and the importance of diverse representation in church leadership (and why that’s key to building an inclusive church culture where everyone feels like they belong).

Today, we’re going to continue digging into this theme of belonging by exploring ways our sexual identities can cause us to feel excluded from churches and loved ones.

And we’re going to specifically address why our LGBTQ+ community can struggle to belong in our churches — and what we need to do to make our churches a more safe and inclusive sanctuary for all, especially for those with marginalized identities.

In this episode, we learn from Dr. Gregory Coles about his love of literature, reciting Hamlet when he was eight years old, pursuing a PhD in English Literature, how he came out to his loved ones and 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 when coming out, and what led him to write his latest book: “No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation,” published by InterVarsity Press.

He also shares awesome advice for finding a church when you don’t feel like you belong — and provides helpful insights on ways to love and care for those who come out to us.

I pray this conversation encourages and empowers all of us to create more loving, safe, and inclusive spiritual homes for all.

You can subscribe or download this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.

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Ancient African Christianity, The Black Church & Dismantling White Supremacy – Dr. Vince Bantu

Most of the theology and church history that I’ve studied (and been exposed to) was passed along from the Western church tradition.

And I’ve been blessed to learn a lot from various theologians and thinkers like Julian of Norwich, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Thomas Merton, C.S. Lewis, and N.T. Wright.

However, I never knew about the early church history and Christian tradition that developed in Africa, the Middle East and Asia — and how the beautiful Christian theology and spiritual traditions in these regions reveals how Christianity is not a product of the Western world.

In this podcast, Dr. Vince Bantu talks with us about early African Christianity and what led him to pursue academic research into the origins of Christianity in Egypt, Nubia and the continent of Africa.

He also 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 shares ways that parents can help raise anti-racist children.

You can subscribe or download this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.

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