Our Church Speaks

Ben and Dan talk about Chinese Christianity, its history from ancient times to today, and the incredible witness of three 19th century Chinese women who helped to expand the Chinese church at the cusp of a wave of modern evangelization.  ----------- ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Cover art by Ben Lansing.

Ben and Dan talk about the courage of the 20th century African martyr, Janani Luwum and what it means to submit to governing authorities while living in the freedom of the Gospel. ----------- Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

Ben and Dan chat about the Roman priest Valentine and the Eastern European missionaries Cyril and Methodius and they discuss why these three saints are often associated with each other and why their unique witness reveals what true love is. Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

Recorded the week of July 4, this episode focuses on Absalom Jones, an American revolutionary-war era minister and one of the first African Americans ordained in the United States. Ben and Dan discuss the historical context of the American revolutionary war and how it created the world in which Absalom Jones served as a minister. The conversation meditates on the purpose of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.  Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

“I am definitively loved and whatever happens to me, I am awaited by this love. And so my life is good.” - Josephine Bakhita (c. 1867-1947), Monastic & Prophetic Witness   Ben and Dan talk about the profound faith of the African saint, Josephine Bakhita, and the hope and trust that she placed in Jesus Christ after a life of heartbreak and trauma. They reflect on what Jesus means when he calls someone blessed and how our lives are defined, not by our circumstances, but by what Jesus says about us. ---Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

Ben and Dan talk about the introduction of Christianity in Japan in the 16th century. They specifically focus on the life of the evangelist Paul Miki, a Japanese Christian who lived and died for Christ in Japan and preached his final sermon from his own cross before an audience of his fellow Japanese citizens. ----------- Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2024), support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

Explore the remarkable journey of Thomas Aquinas, from being dismissed as a 'dumb ox' to becoming a pivotal figure in Western theology. Discover his struggle against family opposition and isolation, where he cultivated a deep intellectual faith. Delve into his scholastic approach that bridged reason and spiritual experience, culminating in the ambitious Summa Theologica. Experience the transformative moment of his Eucharistic vision and his profound belief in balancing intellect with devotion, ultimately reflecting on the enduring mystery of God.

"Lord, the task is impossible for me, but not for thee. Lead the way and I will follow." - Mary Slessor (1848-1915), Missionary in West AfricaBen and Dan discuss the inspiring life of Mary Slessor. Born to an impoverished family in Scotland and raised in the textile mills of the industrial revolution, Slessor was called to serve in complex and dangerous circumstances in Nigeria.  Ben and Dan's conversation nuances the complexities of 19th century missionary movements and reflects on the Christian valuation of every human life as made in the image of God.  Cover art by Ben Lansing. ORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2024), support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. 

Discover the fascinating life of Gregory of Nazianzus, a pivotal figure in early Christianity. Learn how his background and friendships with Basil and Julian shaped his ministry. Explore the Cappadocian Network and their combined influence on theology and social work. Dive into Gregory's significant role in shaping the Nicene Creed and clarifying the Holy Spirit's place in it. Finally, unpack the practical implications of Trinitarian doctrine for relationships and community today, all while appreciating Gregory's poetic spirit.

"From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.Alleluia, Alleluia!" - Hymn, "For All the Saints"Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta introduce the podcast and their upcoming book, "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place," published by InterVarsity Press Oct. 29, 2024 (Preorders available today). Topics include the contrast between saints and celebrities and the relevance of the historic church to our complex contemporary world. Website: www.ourchurchspeaks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourchurchspeaks Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ourchurchspeaks