Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived

"I'm a sports page guy… very unpoetic," says Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. "I came to discover the power that certain poems have on me. How they can influence and change me; make me think about my life, my relationship with our Lord differently or deepen it." Join us as we explore the power of poetry and discuss Mary Karr's poem "Disgraceland."

"The book of Psalms is not just about Christ, but also on his own lips; his own prayers, praises, and thanksgivings." said Dr. Adam Hensley, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. This thought-provoking episode will give you a fresh perspective of the book of Psalms. Join us as Hensley goes on to explore the Psalms with the presence of Christ in mind.

Join us in a conversation about the purpose of archaeology and what recent discoveries have unearthed concerning King David. Dr. Yosef Garfinkel, professor of biblical archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Dr. David Adams, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, discuss the role of archaeology and its relevance to biblical studies. Tune in as Garfinkel shares the archaeological data that has shed new light on the evidence of a historical King David.

"Whether by desperate busyness or desperate surrender, hope keeps leaking from the hearts of people," writes Dr. Ryan Tinetti, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary. Join the conversation as we get a sneak peek at his soon-to-be released book, The Quiet Ambition. Insightful and engaging, this book explores the restlessness we are often afraid to face.

When 20,000 members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod gather in the same city for five days, we can't help but notice. What happens at the LCMS Youth Gatherings and what is the theology behind it? Join Dr. Michael Zeigler, speaker of "The Lutheran Hour," and Dr. Peter Nafzger, associate professor of Practical Theology, as they discuss the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering.

Christians are not immune to horrible circumstances; bad things happen to all people. Where is God when we are hurting? Join Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology, and Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology as they engage in a conversation that leads students and laity to a deeper understanding of the theology of the cross.

In which ways does music inform the spiritual development of children? Concordia Seminary, St. Louis has received a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Children in Worship Initiative. "We learn things as children, especially musically because it gets inside of us," said Dr. Samuel Eatherton, professor of practical theology and Kantor at Concordia Seminary, "we have it for a lifetime because we learned it as children." Join the conversation between Dr. Samuel Eatherton and Mrs. Lois Eatherton, project coordinator for the recently awarded grant as they discuss music and faith formation.

What is the significance of Greek for English-speaking Christians? Greek linguist Dr. James Voelz and Dr. David Lewis, professor of exegetical theology, make a case for studying the Bible in its original languages. "Reading the Greek is like going to a ball game instead of watching it on television," said Voelz, "it was so amazing being at the game for the first time." Join the discussion as Voelz and Lewis share their point of view. "We've got to take our Bible study groups to the ball game!" said Voelz.

Flannery O'Connor's perspective as a devout Catholic writing in mid-century Georgia is observant and powerful. The theology intertwined into the narratives of her stories set her apart as an author. Dr. David Schmitt, professor of practical theology, and Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of systematic theology, discuss her influence and make a case for reading her work.

Does God speak to us today? Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology, and Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology, discuss the practical significance of Theology of the Spoken Word. The unique format of this episode allows Kolb and Okamoto the opportunity to make a challenging concept come alive for students and laity.