New Creation Conversations 034 - Dr. Brian Lugioyo on the Nature of the Body and Soul, the Relationship between Systematic and Biblical Theology, Lamenting Racism, and Reading and Teaching the Song of Songs

Welcome to episode thirty-four of New Creation Conversations. In today’s conversation I am joined by very good friend and a former partner in crime with me from my Azusa Pacific Seminary deanship days – Dr. Brian Lugioyo. Brian is a graduate of Westmont University. He has a Master’s Degree in Theology from Fuller Seminary and a PhD in Theology and Ethics from the University of Aberdeen. Brian has taught at both Spring Arbor University and Azusa Pacific University and Seminary and has just recently become the Dean of the School of Theology and Seminary at Seattle Pacific University. Brian’s research focuses on neuroscience and Christian anthropology, the role of liturgy and ethics, and the life and work of the protestant reformer, Martin Bucer.

 As you will hear, Brian comes from a Cuban-American family of Presbyterian ministers and theologians. He has written a handful of books, including: Martin Bucer’s Doctrine of Justification; Reconsidering the Relationship Between Biblical and Systematic Theology in the New Testament; and a recent multi-piece work entitled Lamenting Racism: A Christian Response to Racial Injustice.

Brian and I are kindred spirits on all kinds of ways. We spent a lot of time in one another’s offices talking about theology, ethics, worship practices, and what theological education ought to look like into the future. We talk about a number of topics including his interest in understanding the complexity of human nature and his unique interest in the Song of Solomon. I am excited that Brian has emerged as a young leader in theological education and excited that I get to introduce him to you through this conversation. Here is my conversation with Dr. Brain Lugioyo.