Gravity Commons Podcast

White boys and men are dangerous, AND white boys and men are struggling. By far, most large-scale mass shooters are white men, AND white men also die by suicide more often than any other demographic. We talked about this issue with journalist, mother, and pastor Angela Denker, who wrote Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, a sensitive, searing, and unsparing look at the rise in radicalization among young white men in America, especially focused on the role of right-wing Christianity in the increase of religious-based hatred and violence.Rev. Angela Denker is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a veteran journalist. Her first book, Red State Christians, was the silver winner in political and social sciences for the 2019 Foreword Indies Book of the Year awards. She is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and Fortune magazine. She has also appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews, and NPR. Pastor Denker lives with her husband, Ben, and two sons in Minneapolis, where she is a sought-after speaker on Christian nationalism and its theological and cultural roots.You can connect with Angela and her work at her website: angeladenker.com.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Philip Christman, an author and essayist teaching at the University of Michigan, discusses the intersection of Christian faith and leftist politics. He argues how the Sermon on the Mount calls for solidarity, making the case for progressive political engagement. Christman challenges the notion that church charity can replace political action, emphasizing the need to address systemic injustices. He highlights the importance of naming enemies to clarify commitments and critiques capitalism’s impact on work, urging a reexamination of motivations beyond mere survival.

Dr. Paul T. Sloan, an Associate Professor of Early Christianity and author of Jesus and the Law of Moses, challenges the common view that Jesus dismissed the Law of Moses. He argues that Jesus actually aimed to restore the covenant, rather than abolishing it. The conversation explores how Protestant interpretations have misconceived the role of Torah, and how Jesus’ teachings align with broader Jewish thought. Sloan also addresses the complexities of Jesus' actions on the Sabbath and implications for Gentiles in the context of the Law.

We talked with Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar about how prayers, rituals, and liturgies help to sustain movements for social change. Their book We Pray Freedom is full of prayers, resources, and stories that grew out of communities committed to abolishing poverty.Dr. Charon Hribar (Cha-Ron Reebar) is a visionary leader, musician, and scholar. She serves as the Director of Cultural Strategies for the Kairos Center and Co-Director of Theomusicology and Movement Arts for the Poor People's Campaign. With over two decades of experience, she empowers leaders and integrates rituals and arts into organizing efforts.Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis is the Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religion, Rights and Social Justice and co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. She teaches at educational institutions across the country, including Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Episcopal Divinity School in Austin, Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and more.SHOW NOTES:We mentioned Liz Theoharis's book Always With Us? What Jesus Really Said About the Poor.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We talked with theologian Hanna Reichel about their book For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional, which is a guide for ordinary Christians seeking to live faithfully in our era of political polarization, eroding democratic norms, and rising authoritarianism. It is a timely resource for believers seeking spiritual grounding amid societal upheaval.Hanna Reichel is Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Raised an ecumenical Lutheran, Reichel serves as a ruling Elder in the PC(USA) and on the Theology Working Group of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Their work has won academic honors, including the Lautenschläger Award for Theological Promise and the Ernst Wolf award.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hillary McBride, a registered psychologist and author of *Holy Hurt*, delves into the complexities of spiritual trauma and its profound effects on individuals. She passionately defines spiritual trauma, addressing how religious settings can unintentionally inflict harm. McBride highlights the importance of emotional healing and reconnecting with one's feelings. The conversation also emphasizes practical ways to support others in their pain and the need for diverse voices in healing, shedding light on the intricate links between trauma, grief, and spirituality.

In this engaging conversation, author Michelle Van Loon shares her journey from a Jewish background to her profound Christian faith. She emphasizes the urgent need for evangelicalism to shed nonessential practices that hinder authentic spirituality. Discussing concepts from her book, she critiques harmful movements like the prosperity gospel and stresses the importance of discerning fruitful traditions from empty rituals. Michelle encourages personal reflection and community engagement as pathways to cultivate a more meaningful faith.

Ben Wyatt, an Episcopal priest, psychotherapist, and author, dives into the intriguing history of the Nicene Creed. He discusses its origins, highlighting how political and theological tensions shaped its development. Wyatt also explores the implications of trauma and heated debates during its formation. He reveals how creeds serve as minimalist statements and elucidates the significance of the Filioque clause. Additionally, he shares intriguing anecdotes from his book, weaving together drama and doctrine to connect ancient conflicts to modern church discussions.

Beth Allison Barr, the James Vardaman Endowed Chair of History at Baylor University, delves into the intricate history of the pastor's wife role, highlighting how it evolved from ancient ordination practices to a modern expectation tied to marriage in ministry. She discusses historical figures like St. Milberga and Delilah Morrill, illustrating how women once held significant leadership roles that were later diminished. Barr also addresses the damaging effects of gender hierarchies in church culture and shares advice for women navigating these complex dynamics.

Will Harrison Jr. is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker living with Moebius Syndrome, who shares his journey navigating faith and disability. He reflects on his Southern Baptist upbringing and the disconnect he faced in ministry roles due to his condition. Discussing his shift from church work to social work, Will emphasizes the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fostering community understanding. Additionally, he highlights how relationships with diverse groups have transformed his perspectives and faith.