Our Church Speaks

Ben and Dan have a conversation about Athanasius of Alexandria, one of church history's greatest theologians of the Trinity and his role at the Council of Nicaea. They then talk about the significance of the Nicaea and mark its 1700 year anniversary in 2025. Cover art by Ben Lansing. More about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at ourchurchspeaks.com If you've benefited from this podcast, consider supporting us at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Ben and Dan talk about the 14th century Italian prophetic witness of Catherine of Siena, who was empowered through a life of prayer to speak truth to the most powerful figures of her day. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Learn more about the Our Church Speaks book and the Our Church Speaks project at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. If you've benefited from this podcast, consider supporting the hosts at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks?new=1

Ben and Dan discuss the Mohawk saint Keteri Tekakwitha, her conversion to Christianity through Jesuit missionaries, and her remarkable life as an intercessor in prayer for her people. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to contact the podcast with feedback at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

Discover the remarkable life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor whose courage shone in the dark days of Nazi Germany. Delve into his challenge against 'cheap grace' and the call for authentic discipleship. Hear about his decision to remain in Germany, leading a resilient underground community while facing grave dangers. Reflect on his profound insights linking suffering to faith and draw hope from his journey amidst adversity. This discussion weaves together his legacy of resistance and unwavering commitment to Christ.

The dramatic life of Mary of Egypt unfolds, revealing her transformation from a rebellious past to a figure of deep faith. The discussion explores the allure of temptation and the struggle between personal desires and spiritual commitments. Her miraculous conversion at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre emphasizes redemption's power. The hosts reflect on God's unconditional love and the need for spiritual connection, illustrating how struggles with desire can lead to true fulfillment.

Ben and Dan welcome special guest David Bailey, a public theologian from Richmond, Virginia. Together, they discuss the life and witness of Latin American bishop and martyr Oscar Romero. | Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about David Bailey and his ministry at https://arrabon.com/ | More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. | Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

Celebrate the real St. Patrick beyond the clichés! Discover his remarkable journey from captivity to missionary work in Ireland and the divine guidance that shaped his life. Dive into the power of his prayer, emphasizing protection and connection to God. Compare St. Patrick's response to divine calls with Jonah's reluctance, prompting reflections on acceptance in our communities. Lastly, explore his impactful legacy in Irish Christianity and the importance of embracing marginalized voices.

Ben and Dan talk about Harriet Tubman, a prophetic witness in the American church and the liberator of many African American slaves. Ben and Dan take a significant portion of the episode parsing out what Scripture says about slavery and how it compares to the corrupt teachings that were commonly taught by ministers in Harriet Tubman's childhood. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to contact the podcast with feedback at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

Ben and Dan talk about the early African martyrs, Perpetua and Felicity whose story is recorded in the earliest known Christian writing by a female author. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Lanta Davis, a Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University and author of "Becoming by Beholding," delves into the impact of Christian art on spiritual formation. She explores how imagination enriches faith and emphasizes the need for truthful representations in modern Christian art. The conversation reveals the unsettling beauty found in faith and the vital role of saints, particularly women, in inspiring believers. They tackle how art nurtures community and invites deeper connections to divine love, urging a reevaluation of beauty in spirituality.