Theology in the Raw

Shane Claiborne, author, activist, and co-founder of Red Letter Christians, joins a searching conversation on capital punishment. They explore biblical law, Jesus’ teaching, the early church, and Romans 13. Shane also shares encounters with death row prisoners, exonerees, victims’ families, and an executioner, while wrestling with redemption, forgiveness, racial injustice, and restorative justice.

Hannah Miller King, an Anglican priest and author of Feasting on Hope, explores whether communion is more than a symbol. She compares Catholic, Protestant, and Anglican views of Christ’s presence, and discusses grief, embodiment, trauma, healing, and belonging at the table. Hannah also reflects on women’s ordination, unity amid disagreement, and why evangelicals are drawn to liturgical churches.

Bonnie Kristian, a journalist, author, and Christianity Today editor, offers a nuanced defense of evangelicalism. She explores what the label really means, whether it is inseparable from Trump and Republican politics, and how voting faith-informed values differs from Christian nationalism. They also discuss war, torture, political criticism, and the debate sparked by Jesus and John Wayne.

Cameron Horner, a quadriplegic pastor and disability advocate, and Annie Horner, a mental health therapist, share their unexpected love story and life in an interabled marriage. They discuss faith when healing never comes, spiritual abuse, vulnerability, and the church’s responsibility to create genuine belonging. The conversation explores accessibility, disabled leadership, inclusive language, and the beauty of dependence and interdependence.

Joshua W. Jipp, a New Testament scholar at the University of Notre Dame and author of How (Not) to Be a Tyrant, examines when spiritual authority becomes manipulation. They explore biblical warnings about power, why charisma and success can mask unhealthy leadership, how fear and “God told me” claims silence dissent, and when Christians should submit, push back, or leave.

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.