Theology &

S2:E11 Theology & Mental Health

What does it look like to integrate our emotional and mental health with our faith? We've likely all experienced, or ourselves said some things in this area that are unhelpful and even hurtful. On this episode we talk to theologian John Swinton and psychologist Peace Amadi to hear their thoughts on fruitful ways to consider our mental health in relationship to our minds, bodies, God, and others. Tune in to find out what we can learn about being human by paying attention to our emotions and t...

S2:E10 Theology & Human Sexuality

On this episode we begin to unpack what we mean by the term human sexuality, what desire is from a theological point of view, and how we can practice solidarity with those who identify, live, or think differently than us. Jeff and Emily are joined by theologian David Bennett and psychologist Mark Yarhouse. David Bennett is a theologian living in Oxford, England. As a celibate Christian, Dr. Bennett is seeking to be a fresh voice on the topics of love, desire, and sexuality in order to show ...

Theology & Peacebuilding

On this episode we talk about how violence and injustice affect our humanity, and about the possibility and practice of peacebuilding and reconciliation. Jeff and Emily are joined by Nina Balmaceda and Michael Battle. Dr. Nina Balmaceda is a scholar-practitioner whose work focuses on civic leadership development and education for peace and reconciliation. Nina is president of Peace and Hope International, a nonprofit that works through local organizations in Latin America to prevent and con...

S2:E9 Theology & Peacebuilding

On this episode we talk about how violence and injustice affect our humanity, and about the possibility and practice of peacebuilding and reconciliation. Jeff and Emily are joined by Nina Balmaceda and Michael Battle. Dr. Nina Balmaceda is a scholar-practitioner whose work focuses on civic leadership development and education for peace and reconciliation. Nina is president of Peace and Hope International, a nonprofit that works through local organizations in Latin America to prevent and con...

S2:E8 Theology & Human Migration

Migration is a reality of humanity and Scripture. Listen as Jeff and Emily discuss human migration in history, our current context, and what we learn about God, humanity, and migration in Scripture with Biblical scholar Daniel Carroll and professor of Chicana/o Studies Robert Chao Romero. Daniel Carroll is Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy at Wheaton College. Dr. Carroll is an Old Testament scholar whose research focuses on the prophetic literature and Ol...

S2:E7 Theology & Human Enhancement

Is a cyborg a human being? How might technological enhancement or therapy help us more fully participate in being human? In this episode we talk with theologian Victoria Lorrimar and neuroengineer Chris Rozell about artificial intelligence, human enhancement, and the questions this raises for us as human beings.  Victoria Lorrimar is a lecturer of Systematic Theology at Trinity College Queensland. Her research focuses on theological anthropology and how a theological understanding of what i...

S2:E6 Theology & Technology

We're on our phones and laptops constantly, and we talk about how technology is all around us--but what is it? Is it about our devices or something deeper? On this episode Jeff and Emily talk to sociologist Felicia Wu Song and theologian David Gill about technology, and how it shapes what it means to be a human being in the world--especially as we relate to others. Felicia Wu Song is Professor of Sociology at Westmont College and a cultural sociologist who studies the place of digital techn...

S2:E5 Theology & Community

What do we learn about being human by listening to those who are suffering or experiencing structural injustice in society? How do we live together with those who are different than us? In this wide-ranging conversation we end by discussing important virtues to help us come together as a society with attention to these questions. In this episode we talk to Dr. Morgan Liu and Dr. M Shawn Copeland. Dr. Liu is Associate Professor in Anthropology and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at The ...

S2E4: Theology & Work

What is the place of work in our lives? How does work shape our worship and vice versa? What does the way we work say now about what we think it means to be a human being? Join Jeff and Emily as they talk to theologian Cory Willson and sociologist Carolyn Chen about their research on work in the world. Cory Willson is the Jake and Betsy Tuls Associate Professor of Missiology and Missional Ministry at Calvin Theological Seminary. He is the co-author of Work and Worship: Reconnecting Our Lab...

S2E3: Theology & Identity

In this episode Jeff and Emily talk about the stories we hear and tell, and how that shapes the way we see ourselves and others in the world. To dig into the question of identity, we talk to two storytellers, practical theologian Joy J. Moore and sociologist Nancy Wang Yuen. Dr. Joy J. Moore is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, a Professor of Biblical Preaching, and she also serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, M...

S2E2: Theology & Human Flourishing

Human Flourishing is a growing topic of conversation in theology and the church. What do we mean exactly? What makes up human flourishing? In this episode Jeff Liou and Emily Hill talk to a public health scholar and practitioner, Dr. Jennifer Wortham of the Harvard Human Flourishing Project, and theologian Dr. Nadia Marais. We talk about what contributes to human flourishing, what inhibits our flourishing, and the role of church practices and church leaders. We do want to notify our listene...

S2.E1: What is Theological Anthropology?

Welcome to Season 2 of the Theology & podcast. This season we're exploring the question "What does it mean to be a human being?" In this episode, Jeff and Emily introduce the question and the field of theological anthropology. We also discuss some of our favorite episodes that you'll hear in the coming season, so get ready for some great conversations ahead!

Season 2 Trailer

Get ready for Season 2 of the Theology & podcast where we'll be discussing the question "What does it mean to be a human being?" Join Jeff Liou and Emily Hill as they continue to talk with theologians and other academics about their life, faith, and research as it pertains to some of life's big questions. Coming October 1st! Visit theologyandpodcast.com or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Bonus Episode: Caryn Reeder

In this bonus episode we are switching things up by talking to a biblical scholar, Dr. Caryn Reeder. Dr. Reeder is Professor of New Testament and Co-Coordinator of Gender Studies at Westmont. We talk to Caryn about how she understands biblical studies and its importance in the church, as well as her work on John 4 and the Samaritan woman. Check out her book The Samaritan Woman's Story: Reconsidering John 4 after #ChurchToo.

Bonus Episode: Veli-Matti Kärkäinnen

Check out this bonus episode recorded at the American Academy of Religion as Jeff and Emily talk to systematic theologian Veli-Matti Kärkäinnen. We talk about the Holy Spirit, what systematic theology really is, and how it helps expand our imaginations and minister to others. Veli-Matti Kärkäinnen is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of many books including most recently Christian Theology in the Pluralistic World: A Global Introduction (2019) an...

Bonus Episode: Erin Dufault-Hunter

In this bonus episode recorded at the American Academy of Religion, Jeff and Emily talk with Erin Dufault-Hunter.  Listen in as we talk about what it means that everyone is a theologian,  how to think about improvisation and the Christian life, and some of Erin's research and life experiences.  Erin Dufault-Hunter is an Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the author of The Transformative Power of Faith: A Narrative Approach to Conversion (2012) whi...

Bonus Episode: Jonathan Tran

This is our first bonus episode, featuring an interview with Jonathan Tran at the American Academy of Religion. Listen to this conversation to hear about Jonathan's experience as a theologian, how that shapes his own life, and his reflections on what it means to be settled and stretched as we live out our faith. We also discuss his book Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism. Dr. Jonathan Tran is an Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology and George W. Baines Chair of Rel...

What Is Theology?

In this episode Jeff and Emily are at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Conference in San Antonio, TX interviewing lots of theologians, Biblical scholars, and various other religious scholars. A couple of the big questions we’ve tried to address about on this podcast so far is “What is theology?” and “Why does it matter?” We took the opportunity to talk to as many people as we could while we were gathered at the conference to ask these questions and we hope ...

S1.E6: What Is Theology?

In this episode Jeff and Emily are at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Conference in San Antonio, TX interviewing lots of theologians, Biblical scholars, and various other religious scholars. A couple of the big questions we’ve tried to address about on this podcast so far is “What is theology?” and “Why does it matter?” We took the opportunity to talk to as many people as we could while we were gathered at the conference to ask these questions and we hope ...

S1.E6: What Is Theology?

In this episode Jeff and Emily are at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Conference in San Antonio, TX interviewing lots of theologians, Biblical scholars, and various other religious scholars. A couple of the big questions we’ve tried to address about on this podcast so far is “What is theology?” and “Why does it matter?” We took the opportunity to talk to as many people as we could while we were gathered at the conference to ask these questions and we hope ...

S1.E5: Theology & Disability

This episode invites us to be disrupted in our ideas of ourselves as human beings and as the church, and to be open to the Spirit’s work and gifts among all of us. In this episode Jeff and Emily are joined by Dr. Brian Brock and Dr. Devan Stahl to help us begin to understand disability. We also talk about how medicine and technology shape the ways we see the world and make decisions, as well as how the church can do better when it comes to speaking about and welcoming those with disabilities...

Theology & Disability

This episode invites us to be disrupted in our ideas of ourselves as human beings and as the church, and to be open to the Spirit’s work and gifts among all of us. In this episode Jeff and Emily are joined by Dr. Brian Brock and Dr. Devan Stahl to help us begin to understand disability. We also talk about how medicine and technology shape the ways we see the world and make decisions, as well as how the church can do better when it comes to speaking about and welcoming those with disabilities...

Theology, Race & Education

When you think of your own education, or the way you teach, what comes to mind? How does theology inform education, and how does education respond to race, culture, and community? Join Jeff and Emily as they talk to Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and Dr. La Mont Terry about some current norms in education and their vision for education that is more contextual, collaborative and responsive to the needs of the community. We talk about the implications of race and culture in the classroom, freedom...

S1.E4: Theology, Race & Education

When you think of your own education, or the way you teach, what comes to mind? How does theology inform education, and how does education respond to race, culture, and community? Join Jeff and Emily as they talk to Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and Dr. La Mont Terry about some current norms in education and their vision for education that is more contextual, collaborative and responsive to the needs of the community. We talk about the implications of race and culture in the classroom, freedom...

Theology, Race & the Church

So often God speaks to us as a group and we need to learn to see ourselves as a “we,” not just “me” when it comes to our lives as Christians. On this episode Jeff and Emily talk to a sociologist, Dr. Korie Little Edwards, and theologian Dr. Soong-Chan Rah about race and the church in the United States. We talk about the needs to listen to the gifts of everyone in the body, the impacts on leaders of color in multiracial churches, and various ways that we can all respond to the things we hear ...

S1.E3: Theology, Race & the Church

So often God speaks to us as a group and we need to learn to see ourselves as a “we,” not just “me” when it comes to our lives as Christians. On this episode Jeff and Emily talk to a sociologist, Dr. Korie Little Edwards, and theologian Dr. Soong-Chan Rah about race and the church in the United States. We talk about the needs to listen to the gifts of everyone in the body, the impacts on leaders of color in multiracial churches, and various ways that we can all respond to the things we hear ...

S1.E2: Theology & Politics

Does politics have to do with voting and divisive debates? Or is it something else? Is it possible to talk about religion and politics in a way that deepens our life together rather than creating more division and bringing conversation to a stop?   In this episode Jeff and Emily talk to Dr. Vincent Lloyd and Dr. Ned O’Gorman to discuss a better vision for politics and how theology can inform our life together. We talk about Hannah Arendt’s political vision, Martin Luther King Jr.’s theology...

Theology & Politics

Does politics have to do with voting and divisive debates? Or is it something else? Is it possible to talk about religion and politics in a way that deepens our life together rather than creating more division and bringing conversation to a stop?   In this episode Jeff and Emily talk to Dr. Vincent Lloyd and Dr. Ned O’Gorman to discuss a better vision for politics and how theology can inform our life together. We talk about Hannah Arendt’s political vision, Martin Luther King Jr.’s theology...

Lloyd & OGorman

S1.E2: Theology & Public Discourse

In this episode Jeff and Emily are joined by Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson and Dr. John Inazu to discuss public discourse and what we can learn about how to get along in a pluralistic society in such a divided time. How can we understand our unique point in history and how do we faithfully follow Christ and live that out in the world in our time and place? We talk about questions of political philosophy, formation, and practices for how we interact together.  Kristen Deede Johnson is the Profes...

Theology & Public Discourse

In this episode Jeff and Emily are joined by Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson and Dr. John Inazu to discuss public discourse and what we can learn about how to get along in a pluralistic society in such a divided time. How can we understand our unique point in history and how do we faithfully follow Christ and live that out in the world in our time and place? We talk about questions of political philosophy, formation, and practices for how we interact together.  Kristen Deede Johnson is the Profes...

S1.E0: Theology & Introductions

What exactly is the Theology & podcast? Join Jeff and Emily as they talk about what’s ahead for the podcast and get to know them as they interview each other about their own research in the area of theology, racial justice, and economics. They talk about why they love what they study, why think they it’s important, and what they hope future conversations on the podcast will be like.  Jeff Ming Liou is the National Director of Theological Formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. ...

Theology & Introductions

What exactly is the Theology & podcast? Join Jeff and Emily as they talk about what’s ahead for the podcast and get to know them as they interview each other about their own research in the area of theology, racial justice, and economics. They talk about why they love what they study, why think they it’s important, and what they hope future conversations on the podcast will be like.  Jeff Ming Liou is the National Director of Theological Formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. ...

Theology & Trailer

Check out the Theology & Podcast!  A new podcast where we host conversations at the intersection of theology, the academy, and important issues in our culture. Let's engage in conversations that bring our research to life and how it plays out in our everyday life. We'll engage with how academics engage with their faith and scholarship and talk to theologians about those same disciplines. These are conversations with academics but they are NOT academic conversations! Hosted by Dr. Emily Hill...