Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived

Technology is an apparent force in the world, but it’s nothing new. From scrolls to screens, innovations have shaped how we interact with God’s Word and each other. How will technology influence the church in the future? Listen to Dr. Bernard Bull and Dr. David Maxwell as they discuss their research and experience.

Hosea lived out God’s message of redemption in a very tangible way. What does this minor prophet from the eighth century BC have to say to us today? Dr. Kevin Golden shares his research discoveries in a discussion with Dr. David Lewis about the incredibly relevant book of Hosea.

Widespread anxiety and high stress levels among Americans has led many mental health professionals to recommend mindfulness exercises. How should Christians respond? LCMS pastor, seminary professor, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Rick Marrs shares his experience and research about the use of meditation.

This is a special feature of the episode Mindfulness, Meditation, and Martin Luther. Dr. Rick Marrs reads a Scripture-based meditation that he modified from William Hulme’s book Let the Spirit In: Practicing Christian Devotional Meditation. Enjoy!

There are currently 300 million people migrating in the world. The ways in which Christians respond to these immigrants can change the church forever. “We have a unique opportunity to embody Yahweh’s own concern for the strangers among us. Even today.” says Dr. Leo Sánchez. Tune in to this conversation between Dr. Leo Sánchez and Dr. Douglas Rutt about ministry in the age of migration.

Grief comes during times of transition, even when the change is a good one. Deaconess Dorothy Glenn and Rev. Micah Glenn share their experience moving their family to follow a new call. Tune in to this transparent conversation about mourning good-byes while welcoming hellos.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Joel Biermann, a systematic theology professor and author, and Dr. Joel Okamoto, also from Concordia Seminary, delve into the complex relationship between the church and political engagement. They challenge the notion of Christian nationalism, emphasizing that authentic faith must guide engagement rather than worldly agendas. The conversation highlights the importance of faithful witness, personal relationships, and the need to combat the quietism in the church while focusing on the mission of spreading the gospel.

Face to Face: Martin Luther’s View of Reality is a culmination of Dr. Robert Kolb’s years of research and in-depth study. Kolb’s newly published book looks at Luther’s theology from a new perspective. “Luther’s insights into the nature of what it means to be human as a relational being and to understand God, who is always in relationship, helps with living in the 21st century,” said Kolb. “Luther is a man for our time.” Join the conversation!

The next three years mark the largest number of retirement-age Americans in history. “The church didn’t prepare me for it,” said Dr. Dale Meyer as he and Dr. Robert Kolb discuss the difficulties and surprises of retirement in the 21st century.

For a year, seminary student Drew Oswald spent 10 hours a week sitting in a coffee shop. He said the people he met have enriched his ministry and his life. Dr. Ely Prieto joins the conversation to discuss the vocation of shared spaces.