Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived

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.

Coping with hurt by ignoring it or reliving it can lead us to sink deeper into bitterness. Ted Kober and Dr. Mark Rockenbach share the radically different approach that Jesus offers. Their new book “Unforgivable?” explores the psychological and spiritual impact of forgiveness.

Dr. Joel Okamoto and Dr. Charles Arand, professors of systematic theology, discuss the difference between knowing a lot of theology and having good theology. Their conclusion might surprise you.

The topic of Christian nationalism is hot in the media. How does our theology influence our political involvement? “Luther is brilliant in his understanding of the two realms,” says Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of systematic theology. “It's one of the most substantial areas where we see the tangible reality of theology hitting life.”

Dr. Michael Fieberkorn’s new book Battle of the Soul: Luther Reforms Vice and Virtue explores our perception of sin and our role in developing virtue. “We don’t need to be afraid that we're selling out our Lutheran faith tradition…the more seriously you take sin, the more seriously you need to take the reality that Christ said it is finished.” Dr. Michael Fieberkorn

What started as a pastor’s personal interest grew to a community of neighbors working together and growing closer. Hear the story of an urban church that’s reaching out in a surprising way.  "Our passion for beekeeping has really connected us with lots of people…people you may never see in the pew." - Rev. Bill Wilson

Jessica Bordeleau speaks with Dr. Michael Zeigler, speaker of The Lutheran Hour, about his book “Christian Hope Among Rivals” and what he’s learned from people outside of the church. Zeigler spoke on the topic at the 2023 Theological Symposium at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. “It isn't just giving them the right information or telling them the right things to do. It’s showing them the faithfulness of Jesus in our actions.” - Dr. Michael Zeigler