Theology in the Raw

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, a renowned Canadian singer and the first black recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Classical Music, shares her journey of faith and healing. She discusses her experiences with trauma, emphasizing the importance of supportive communities and open dialogues around abuse. The conversation delves into the intertwining of faith, identity, and music, while exploring gender roles in theology, personal growth through love and suffering, and the challenges of representing Christianity authentically in Canadian literature.

Dr. Daniel Bannoura, a Palestinian theologian with a PhD from Notre Dame, shares profound insights on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasizes the responsibility of American Christians to engage with these issues. Bannoura highlights a shift in younger generations' attitudes towards the conflict and critiques the disconnect between political leaders and grassroots supporters of Israel. He calls for a return to Christ's teachings of love and empathy amid these turbulent times.

Dr. Ed Uszynski (PhD, Bowling Green State University) has been working with collegiate and professional athletes in various roles with Athletes in Action since 1992. He’s the author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters (IVP) and his most recent book, Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, coauthored with Brian Smith. To listen to our "extra innings" conversation, head over to Theology in the Raw's Patreon page to become a member of the Theology in the Raw community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Daniel Lee Hill, an assistant professor of Christian theology and author of 'Bearing Witness,' dives into the inspiring world of early abolitionists like David Ruggles and Maria Stewart. He explores how their evangelical motivations fueled diverse activism against slavery, connecting it to today's social justice issues. Hill emphasizes the legacy of slavery and the essential role of Christian values in navigating political activism. He urges the church to engage empathetically with modern societal challenges, advocating for compassion over outrage.

Dr. Thomas Tweed, a renowned historian and professor at Notre Dame, explores America's intricate religious landscape. He discusses the ancient religious practices uncovered through archaeology, revealing complex belief systems of indigenous cultures. Tweed addresses the biases of written history against the objective insights of artifacts. The conversation also touches on the cultural clashes during colonization and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices for reconciliation. Finally, he reflects on the ideals of independence alongside the critical examination of American history.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of women's roles in church leadership. Explore parallels between egalitarian arguments and LGBTQ issues, challenging traditional views. Discover insights on biblical interpretations, highlighting the significance of historical context. Delve into the nuanced tension surrounding scripture that addresses women's teaching roles, all while questioning cultural distinctions in biblical mandates. This enlightening dialogue encourages reform and a deeper understanding of faith in a modern context.

Dr. Sandy Richter, the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, offers an engaging dive into women’s roles in ministry. She navigates her personal journey through gender roles and the competitive PhD landscape at Harvard. Challenging traditional views, Sandy advocates for a scripture-centric approach to women in biblical leadership, showcasing key figures like Priscilla. The conversation also explores early Christian teachings and the cultural context of women's authority, shedding light on how these dynamics impact today's discussions on ministry.

Lila Rose, an influential anti-abortion activist and founder of Live Action, shares her personal journey towards becoming a pro-life advocate, sparked by a transformative childhood experience. She articulates a compelling moral argument against abortion, delving into the complexities of consciousness, personhood, and the ethical implications of aborting unborn children diagnosed with disabilities. Lila also tackles the intersection of systemic racism and abortion, urging empathy in dialogues about this contentious issue while challenging the pro-life movement to support families post-birth.

Dive into the fascinating debate on whether spiritual gifts are still relevant today, as perspectives shift from cessationism to continuationism. Explore the intriguing rise of Catholicism and Pentecostalism in modern conversions. Discover thoughts on Open Theism and how Western Christians can engage with Eastern traditions like the miracle of holy fire. Plus, tackle questions about marriage, biblical interpretations of Genesis, and the unique challenges fathers face raising daughters.

Joey Dodson, the Dr. Craig L. Blomberg Endowed Chair of New Testament at Denver Seminary, dives deep into Paul's Letter to the Romans. He discusses four scholarly lenses used to interpret this complex text, including the significance of justification and faith. The conversation also touches on the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the new covenant, emphasizing how Paul's message promotes church inclusivity. Additionally, they explore the radical implications of Paul's writings on justice within the context of Roman society.