Reflections on Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump and the Media with Andrew Donaldson | Episode 217

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yqjw7-17a1109 In this episode, I discuss early 2025 events with Andrew Donaldson, starting with the terrorist attack in New Orleans. We reflect on Jimmy Carter’s legacy, analyzing his faith-driven leadership amidst today's polarization and conservative evangelicalism. Our conversation transitions to the media's portrayal of crises, emphasizing sensationalism's dangers and local journalism's decline. We examine the... Continue Reading →

The Importance of Showing Up with Jim Mohr | Episode 216

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-y3thz-17926c7  I sit down with Jim Moore, an experienced Presbyterian pastor and current college chaplain at Westminster College, to discuss the profound impact of simply showing up in the lives of others. Jim shares insights from his journey in ministry, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities of campus life. We focus on his article, "Just... Continue Reading →

Brian Thompson is a Sinner of Christ’s Redeemer | Episode 215

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ergfv-177f3fe In this solo episode (and last for 2024), I analyze the tragic murder of Brian Thompson, former CEO of UnitedHealthcare, through a moral lens. This discussion leads to a broader critique of societal responses to violence and the need for humility and understanding in healthcare discourse and other issues.I conclude with a call for... Continue Reading →

The Culture War, the Working Class and Donald Trump with Luke Allen | Episode 214

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xqxmi-177bbff  I speak with Luke Allen, lead organizer for Michigan Faith in Action, about the intersection of faith, community organizing, and cultural change after recent elections. Luke shares his journey from rural roots to urban organizing, highlighting shared struggles among diverse groups in the working class.We discuss the importance of building relationships, particularly with faith... Continue Reading →

Sociology in the Age of Trump with Jesse Smith | Episode 213

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-w7xx3-176b003 I speak with Professor Jesse Smith from Benedictine College about his article "Sociology in the Age of Trump," focusing on the sociological perspectives of Trump voters. We discuss the political polarization in America, the impact of religion, and the need for empathetic research that respects voters' lived experiences. Jesse critiques the politicization of sociological... Continue Reading →

About the Purple Church Initiative with Beth Crissman | Episode 212

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-qeqyc-175c30c Beth Crissman is an ordained elder and a district superintendent in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Crissman is also behind the Purple Church Initiative, an effort by the Western North Carolina Conference working to get people on differing sides of the partisan divide in our country to see each... Continue Reading →

Discovering Dwelling in the Word with Tessa Pinkstaff | Episode 211

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5aeqt-17497ea Tessa works at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota as a program manager for Faith+Lead Academy. She is the co-author of Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future, published by Fortress Press in April 2023. We talk about the spiritual practice of Dwelling In the Word, what it’s all about and how... Continue Reading →

Congregational Renewal Through Listening with Liz Eide | Episode 210

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ywzxh-173c063 In this episode, Pastor Liz Eide discusses the renewal journey of the Lutheran Church of Peace in Maplewood, Minnesota, emphasizing the transformative power of listening. Since 2018, she has led efforts to deepen relationships through structured listening sessions, intertwining biblical narratives with personal stories to foster community bonds. Pastor Eide shares how this approach... Continue Reading →

Pre-post Election Thoughts | Episode 209

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-h9zsx-1734671 In this episode, Dennis shares a sermon he gave on the Sunday before the election, which might serve as thoughts on how we are to be Christians after the election.  For Dennis, the most important thing is that we love one another regardless of how one voted.  Give a listen.   Suggested Reading and... Continue Reading →

John Wesley’s Voting Advice with Drew McIntyre | Episode 208

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3q7kh-172a8cd On this second episode focusing on the upcoming Presidential election, we look at how Christians act during an election.  I talk with  Drew McIntyre about his recent article called “Sanctimony or Sanctification? John Wesley’s voting advice for today.”  Drew is the Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina and a host... Continue Reading →

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑