Norman Wirzba: Theologies of Hope in a Time of Crisis
Homebrewed Christianity
Intro
This chapter dives into the thrilling atmosphere of the NBA playoffs, blending sports betting insights and personal stories. It also highlights spring preparations and the significance of hiring services to aid listeners in their careers and personal lives.
For this deeply philosophical conversation, I am joined by Norman Wirzba as we discuss his new book Love's Braided Dance and explore the concept of hope in our modern crisis-filled world. Wirzba explains that many young people view hope with suspicion, often because modern culture promotes shallow optimism over genuine hope. He argues that true hope isn't passive waiting but active participation in loving engagement with others and the world. Wirzba contrasts our modern society's obsession with control, acceleration, and technological solutions with the need for deeper resonance, meaningful connections, and the willingness to embrace friction in relationships. He emphasizes that hope emerges through community and solidarity rather than individual heroism, and requires practices of forgiveness, listening, and Sabbath rest to counteract our culture's demands for constant productivity and consumption.
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
Norman Wirzba is a distinguished professor at Duke University who specializes in theology, philosophy, and environmental ethics. His interdisciplinary work explores the intersections of faith, ecology, and community life, with particular emphasis on how religious traditions can inform sustainable ways of living. Wirzba is known for his thoughtful examination of prayer, hope, and humanity's relationship with the natural world. He has authored numerous books, including Agrarian Spirit and Love's Braided Dance, which examines hope in times of crisis. His scholarship frequently challenges modern assumptions about progress, consumption, and individualism while offering alternative visions rooted in attentiveness, community, and care for creation.
Previous Episodes with Dr. Wirzba
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 ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today
The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"
Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.
Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.
As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!
_____________________
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
The AI-powered Podcast Player
