Theology in the Raw

Dr. Daniel Bannoura, a Palestinian Christian scholar of Islamic studies, joins a searching conversation on Christianity and Islam. They explore the Quran’s portraits of Jesus, the Trinity, crucifixion, and the role of Hadith. They also examine religious violence, colonialism, Muslim diversity, stereotypes, and competing visions for women’s treatment, while asking how Christians can love Muslim neighbors faithfully.

John Mark Comer, pastor, bestselling author, and founder of Practicing the Way, explores what constant noise does to the soul. He recounts a demanding 21-day solitude retreat, the pain silence can uncover, and Jesus’ rhythm of retreat and return. They also discuss embodied discipleship, practicing quiet amid busy lives, the difference between solitude and loneliness, and his small church’s commitment to shared spiritual practices.

Peter Beinart, a journalism and political science professor, New York Times opinion writer, and author of Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza, reflects on October 7 and the stories shaping Jewish identity. He discusses Palestinian displacement, Israel’s systems of control, comparisons with apartheid South Africa, America’s role, nationalism, and the personal cost of challenging communal assumptions.

Matthew Soerens, World Relief’s vice president of advocacy and policy, explores immigration through a Christian lens. He discusses Haitian families facing deportation, why legal pathways are often out of reach, immigrants’ economic impact, crime data, and the consequences of mass deportation. He also considers how churches can support vulnerable families and respond to the global refugee crisis.

David deSilva, a New Testament scholar and professor of New Testament and Greek, explores Revelation’s message to real churches under Roman rule. He discusses John’s prophetic vision, the throne room and the Lamb’s authority, the meaning of Babylon, and the danger of political allegiance eclipsing faithfulness to Christ. They also consider Revelation’s judgments, faithful witness, and the hope of the New Jerusalem.

Fariza Gulomikova, a Christian speaker and writer from Tajikistan, shares her journey from a Shia Ismaili upbringing to faith in Jesus. She recalls civil war, persecution, gender pressures, and the kindness that reshaped her view of Christianity. Fariza discusses family opposition, starting over in America, Muslim diversity, stereotypes, and how Christians can build genuine relationships with Muslim neighbors.

Dr. Gabriel Said Reynolds, a Catholic Qur’an scholar and Notre Dame professor, explores how the Qur’an compares with the Bible, how it formed, and Muhammad’s role in its development. They discuss early Islamic conquests, violence, women, and why Hadith are essential for understanding Muslim belief and practice. A fascinating look at interpretation, history, and competing views within Islam.

Javad Hashmi, a Muslim scholar, emergency physician, and Harvard Islamic Studies PhD candidate, explores Islam beyond stereotypes. He discusses Muhammad’s origins, early Christian-Muslim relations, Sunni, Shia, and Sufi traditions, Sharia, the Quran and Hadith, religious violence, ISIS, women’s roles, and Muslim views of Christians and Americans.

Dr. Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt, art historian, professor, and author, explores how visual culture shapes Christian ideas about womanhood. They discuss the Venus ideal, desirability, objectification, purity culture, motherhood, infertility, singleness, and why women outside narrow expectations are branded “monsters.” The conversation points toward a richer vision of Christian womanhood beyond beauty, sexuality, and biological motherhood.

Dr. Chinwé Williams, a licensed therapist, researcher, and youth mental health specialist, explores why anxiety, depression, and social avoidance are rising among young people. They discuss smartphones, social media, disappearing community spaces, frightening news, trauma, pornography, and fear of failure. The conversation also examines parental overprotection, resilience, co-regulation, cognitive flexibility, and healthier technology boundaries.