Our Church Speaks

Dive into the incredible life of Josephine Bakhita, an African saint who turned trauma into triumph through profound faith. Explore her harrowing journey from slavery to the serenity of convent life, where she chose love over independence. Discover how her experience illustrates the Beatitudes, highlighting the paradox of being blessed even in suffering. The discussion also delves into the differences between physical and spiritual enslavement, emphasizing the power of definitive love in defining our lives.

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.

Explore the extraordinary life of Mary Slessor, who transcended poverty in Scotland to become a fearless missionary in Nigeria. The hosts delve into her unwavering faith and dedication as she learned local languages and built schools. Discover her groundbreaking efforts to rescue abandoned twins and defend human dignity amid a legacy of trauma. They also discuss the complexities of 19th-century missions, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect and love as the foundation for impactful evangelism.

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.

The hosts delve into the inspiration behind their saints artwork, sparked by pandemic lockdowns. They explore the contrast between humility in saints and modern celebrity culture. The discussion highlights the importance of church history, showing how understanding past figures can inform contemporary faith. Notable topics include the origins of commemorating saints, the experiences of modern martyrs, and how reflecting on the hymn 'For All the Saints' connects listeners to a broader spiritual family. They emphasize the relevance of saints' stories in today's world.

Our Church Speaks: A podcast of saints from every era and place. Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta introduce themselves, their upcoming book (published by InterVarsity Press), and the overall "Our Church Speaks" project. 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.