Dr. Carolyn Watts: Discovering God's Gentleness by Risking Rest
Regent College Podcast
In this episode, Regent grad and spiritual director Carolyn Watts shares about her life and learnings from serving as an obstetrician in Afghanistan until a debilitating chronic illness (POTS) ended her medical career. Reflecting on her memoir, Risking Rest, Carolyn shares how her obstetrical training gave her images for interpreting God's intimate care for us, as well as His invitations to us to rest from our labours. Carolyn also shares about the gifts of singleness, trusting God in challenging circumstances, and living a restful life with God amid pressures, demands and personal limitations. Throughout the conversation, she conveys God's gentleness and loving kindness, which continues to meet her in her limits, enabling her to relinquish her drivenness.
Carolyn's Bio
Carolyn Watts is an obstetrician, author, and spiritual director. She completed an MATS at Regent College, where she began working on Risking Rest: Embracing God’s Love Through Life’s Uncertainties. In her memoir, she shares her experience of living and working in Afghanistan, and her journey with chronic illness that prevented her from continuing to practice medicine, but led her deeper into the heart of God. Born in Ontario and raised in Nova Scotia, Carolyn is preparing to return to Nova Scotia after living in Vancouver for the past sixteen years.
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Dr. Carmen Joy Imes – Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters
Regent College Podcast
What is the biblical vision of the church, and what does it mean to be a family in Christ, adopted as brothers and sisters? Especially when family is messy. In this conversation with Dr. Carmen Imes, we broach a biblical theology of the church and Scripture's emphasis on the need to be in community across difference and despite previous experiences of harm. Carmen encourages us towards healthy interdependence, a diversity of opinions and perspectives, and honesty in our communal relationships. She believes the church can still be a force for good, and that God invites us to be his family so that we can share that welcome with others.
Carmen's Bio
Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends. Today, we are discussing the third (and final) book in her trilogy, Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters, released Oct. 28, 2025.
Previous Podcast Appearances
The Book of Exodus, Pharaoh's Hard Heart, Taking God's Name in Vain (March 2023)
Questions about the Old Testament Ep 4 (April 2021)
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Dr. Shelly Rambo: Twenty Years at the Intersection of Trauma and Theology
Regent College Podcast
Claire and Rachel caught up with Dr. Shelly Rambo, a theologian at Boston University, working in the areas of trauma, spiritual care and chaplaincy. Shelly’s book Spirit and Trauma is a seminal work in the field of trauma and theology, and she brings over twenty years of thought and exploration to the study of Scripture and the Christian tradition through the lens of trauma. We talk about the reality of trauma that remains, and how Jesus prepares us to live with the unresolved, what we can learn from Julian of Norwich about regaining inner spiritual authority, and the theological classroom as a site of post-traumatic growth. Shelly finishes by sharing insights from Howard Thurman on maintaining spiritual vitality in the midst of embodied threat. In a time when many are leaving institutional religion, Shelly brings wise insight into the reasons people leave and ways in which they can develop a sustaining spiritual community in the aftermath of harm.
Shelly's Bio
Dr. Shelly Rambo is a theologian and professor at Boston University School of Theology, whose work explores the intersections of trauma, theology, and spiritual care. Her research has shaped trauma-informed approaches to chaplaincy and theological education, particularly in seminary contexts. She is the author of Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining, and Resurrecting Wounds, and is a leading voice in rethinking how Christian theology engages suffering, survival, and the work of healing.
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Dr. Aubrey Buster: The Book of Daniel
Regent College Podcast
Do you have questions about the Book of Daniel? What’s going on with the Daniel diet? What about linguistic issues like the use of Hebrew and Aramaic in Daniel, and what it communicates about living as exiles in an oppressive empire? How do we understand God’s deliverance in the court tales and the apocalyptic imagery that comes later? We discuss all these topics and more with Dr. Aubrey Buster, who has been collaborating on a commentary series on Daniel with Dr. John Walton. Aubrey was with us at Regent in June, teaching on Daniel. We were grateful to mine her insights from exegetical study, as well as its applications to living today as we wait for the coming of Christ.
Aubrey's Bio
Dr. Aubrey E. Buster is an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois, where she has been a faculty member since 2018. She earned her Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Emory University. Dr. Buster's research focuses on the Psalms, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Daniel, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. She is the author of Remembering the Story of Israel: Historical Summaries and Memory Formation in Second Temple Judaism. Currently, she is co-authoring the Daniel volume for the New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) series with Dr. John H. Walton and the Ezra-Nehemiah volume for the Bible in God's World Series. Aubrey is here with us at Regent this week teaching a course on the Book of Daniel.
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Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred: Becoming Relatives through Reconciliation
Regent College Podcast
Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred joins Claire and Rachel to share his journey of faith and ministry, the spiritual work of healing and reconciliation, and the significance of Truth and Reconciliation Day/Orange Shirt Day in Canada. Ray’s generous pastoral heart and years of ministry experience are reflected in his commitment to developing empathy for the pain of others. Framing reconciliation through the lens of becoming relatives, he shares Indigenous perspectives on relationality, connecting them to insights from the life and passion of Jesus. Ray encourages us to rethink our understandings of repentance and holiness, portraying an expansive view of the life we are invited to in Christ. He provides practical steps for listening well and learning about Indigenous culture and history as we work to address injustices and develop a shared plan for the future.
Ray's Bio
Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred is a Cree theologian and ordained minister from Treaty 8. He serves as Director of the Indigenous Studies Program at Vancouver School of Theology, where he helps shape theological education through an Indigenous lens. Dr. Aldred’s work focuses on healing, reconciliation, and the integration of Indigenous spirituality and Christian faith. A respected speaker and writer, he has contributed to volumes such as Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry and Decolonizing Evangelicalism. He is deeply committed to helping the church reckon with the legacy of colonization while nurturing pathways toward justice, truth, and spiritual renewal.
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An Interview with President Dr. Paul Spilsbury: Rooted and Growing, A New Season at Regent
Regent College Podcast
Welcome back to the Regent podcast after our summer hiatus! We are kicking off Season 7 with our new President, Dr. Paul Spilsbury. In this conversation, we take some time to learn about Paul’s connections to Regent, his holistic vision for the College’s flourishing, which he describes as “Rooted and Growing,” and his plans to build on the College's strategic goals. We especially focus on building a healthy community, deepening formation, and growing enrollment. Paul’s interview is a must-listen for current and prospective students, offering helpful insights into life at Regent in this new era, characterized by Paul’s posture of listening and learning in humility.
Paul's Bio
Dr. Paul Spilsbury is Professor of New Testament and the new President of Regent College, a role which he began July 1, 2025. Before that, he served as the Academic Dean since 2015. He holds a PhD in early Christian and Jewish history from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Christian Studies from Regent College. A respected scholar of the New Testament and ancient Jewish texts, such as Paul’s letters, Flavius Josephus, and the Book of Revelation, Paul continues to teach in these areas. Beyond academia, Paul is also a watercolour artist and an active member of Tenth Church in Vancouver.
Previous Podcast Appearances
Who Was the Apostle Paul? (December 2022)
Let's Talk About the Book of Revelation (March 2019)
Please note: There is ongoing construction in the former parking lot at Regent. While we have tried our best to work our audio engineering magic, the complete removal of drilling sounds was not possible.
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Dr. James Smoker: Imagining Being Human with Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Regent College Podcast
Claire and Rachel are joined today by Dr. James Smoker, the Registrar at Regent College and the original instigator of the Regent College Podcast. We talk about his PhD research, which focused on the thought and theology of the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. A close friend of William Wordsworth, Coleridge is renowned for observing and learning from the natural world, grappling with life’s profound questions through fairy tale, and incorporating theological reflection into his work. As James shares, Coleridge has become a companion on his journey in a faith that holds questions. If this conversation piques your interest, consider joining James’s Fall class: “Imagining Being Human: The Theology and Poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.”
Listen to the end for an announcement about a short break in broadcasting! We’ll be back with more good conversations on a biweekly release schedule from September 12.
James's Bio
Dr. James Smoker serves as the Registrar at Regent College where he also contributes as a sessional lecturer. He holds both an MA and ThM from Regent College and earned his PhD from the University of St Andrews. James’s doctoral research focused on the works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834), exploring how imagination intersects with theological concepts such as knowing God, faith, and doubt. His academic interests also encompass the writings of Sara Coleridge (1802–1852), the interplay between popular culture and theology, and the role of imagination in environmental stewardship. He has contributed to scholarly journals and popular publications. James will be teaching a class on Coleridge this Fall, “Imagining Being Human: The Theology and Poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.”
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Dr. Karen Swallow Prior: You Have a Calling – Beyond Following Your Passions
Regent College Podcast
Today we are joined by a favourite past (and future) summer professor who teaches in the Literary Arts, Dr. Karen Swallow Prior. We are focusing on her new book, You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful, which releases on August 5, 2025. In our conversation, Karen dismantles some contemporary thought around calling (in the Instagram world) to present a vision of a good, true and beautiful life – even when we are not paid to do what we love. She brings years of mentoring and advising college students to her book, while drawing on her own recent experience with unexpected direction changes. Her extensive knowledge of literary characters who grapple with questions of work and vocation is also carefully woven in, giving helpful examples. Karen’s main premise is that in order to have a calling, you need to be called. She also identifies ways in which the culture around us is skewing our understanding of passion and purpose. Listen in and consider: who is calling you, and who are you calling into a true, good and beautiful life with God?
Karen's Bio
Dr. Karen Swallow Prior is a writer, speaker, and columnist for Religion News Service. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post, among others. She is well-known for bridging literature, faith, and ethics. A professor of English and Christian thought, she writes on the intersection of classic literature and contemporary culture. Her books include On Reading Well, Booked, and The Evangelical Imagination. Karen brings a unique voice that challenges and inspires listeners to think deeply and live with conviction. Karen taught a course on Christian Poetics here at Regent in summer 2024. Today we will be talking with her about her soon-to-be-released book You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful.
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Dr. David Robinson and Students: MA in Leadership, Theology and Society (MALTS)
Regent College Podcast
What is the Masters of Arts in Leadership, Theology and Society (MALTS)? What might it involve, how does theology integrate with the workplace, and what’s it like to study while continuing to work in a leadership context? In this episode, we catch up with Dr. David Robinson and three MALTS students, Israel, Jonathan and Zelna, to hear more about the 2-year cohort-based program. David helpfully frames the vision and ideas behind MALTS and the students bring it to life, sharing examples from their experiences of the classroom, peer support, and mentorship. They also share about their integrative projects, applied to specific contexts in New Zealand, Singapore and Australia. Join us for our broadest ever range of accents, contexts and perspectives in one podcast episode – maybe it will tempt you to be in the next cohort!
Faculty and Student Bios
Dr. David Robinson
Dr. David Robinson is the R. Paul Stevens Assistant Professor of Marketplace Theology and Leadership here at Regent College. He directs the Master of Arts in Leadership, Theology, and Society program, and his work explores the intersection of faith, work, ethics, and public life. David holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of Edinburgh and an MDiv from Regent College. He’s passionate about helping people think theologically about leadership, culture, and everyday life.
Israel Cooper
Israel and his wife Jessica are Co-Founders of Home, a national development and construction company that is on a mission to end homelessness. He is an accountant and economist, and has worked for organisations such as PwC, Massive Software, and Rex Bionics. He lives in Christchurch with his wife Jessica and three children.
Jonathan Huang
Jonathan Huang is the Director of Administry in Wesley Methodist Church, the oldest and largest Methodist Church in Singapore. He grew up in a minister's family and worked in an investment firm before pursuing an MDiv. He has served in the Worship, Youth and Young Adult ministries in his church.
Zelna van den Heever
Zelna van der Heever was born and raised in South Africa. She and her husband Philip emigrated to Australia over 20 years ago. She serves as one of the finance managers at the Pacific Group of Christian Schools where her boys attend school. She seeks to bring glory to God through the work she does there.
Interested in MALTS?
Contact Dr. David Robinson or Petro Kovaliv for more information.
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Dr. George Kalantzis: The First Christian Centuries
Regent College Podcast
What was it like to be a Christian in the earliest centuries after the resurrection of Christ? How did theological thinking and the understandings of authority develop? Dr. George Kalantzis helps us consider the layers of complexity that early Christians wrestled with as the church was established. George points out the important place of canon, creeds, apostolicity and ethics, underpinned by submission to the Holy Spirit. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, George brings a unique perspective to the study of the patristic period, so bring your questions into the classroom for “The First Christian Centuries” (July 28–Aug 1). You can also catch his Evening Public Lecture on July 28 at 7:30 pm: Migration and Refugees (and the Re-humanizing Role of the Church).
Note: At 49:50, Dr. Kalantzis references Project 1611, but he intended to say Project 1619 and the 1776 Commission when reflecting on competing historical narratives in the United States.
George's Bio
Dr. George Kalantzis is Professor of Theology and Director of The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies at Wheaton College. A native of Athens, Greece, he specializes in historical theology with a focus on early Christianity, particularly the development of Christological and Trinitarian thought, ecclesial ethics, and the Church’s engagement with Greco-Roman culture. Dr. Kalantzis is the author and editor of several volumes, including Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Senior Fellow with the International Association for Refugees, where his work intersects theology and humanitarian advocacy. George will be joining us here in the last week of July to teach “The First Christian Centuries.” He will also be giving an Evening Public Lecture on Monday July 28, titled Migration and Refugees (and the Re-humanizing Role of the Church).
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Resources Mentioned
Visual Museum of Women in Christianity
International Association for Refugees
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Dr. John M. Owen IV: Christian Political Engagement – Past, Present and Future
Regent College Podcast
How do we thoughtfully engage with the political realms in which we find ourselves, and what might we learn from our forebears in how they tackled the division of church and state? In this conversation, we learn from Dr. John M. Owen IV about the Catholic, Lutheran, Anabaptist and Reformed traditions and their approaches to political engagement. After tracing through points in history, we return to the present day, considering what it means to engage politically when global democracy appears to be stalling. John thoughtfully reflects on the causes of authoritarianism and rising nationalism and shares his perspective on the future of democracy. If this conversation piques your interest, join us for “Christianity and Politics” from July 21-25. You can also catch John’s recent Evening Public Lecture “What’s Wrong with Democracy?” on our Youtube channel.
(Note: This podcast conversation was recorded on Friday, June 13, 2025)
Bio
Dr. John M. Owen IV is the Ambassador Henry J. and Mrs. Marion R. Taylor Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture and the Miller Center for Public Affairs. Dr. Owen earned his MA and Ph.D. from Harvard University. His scholarly work focuses on international relations, with particular attention to the interplay between ideology and international order. He has authored several books, including The Ecology of Nations: American Democracy in a Fragile World Order (2023). John brings a nuanced perspective to discussions on international relations, emphasizing the significance of ideas and ideologies in shaping global dynamics. John will be back with us at Regent this summer, teaching “Christianity and Politics” from July 21-25. He will also be giving an evening public lecture on July 7, titled “What’s Wrong with Democracy?”
Previous Podcast Appearances
Christianity, Politics and Liberalism (June 2022)
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Dr. Susan Currie: A Rule of Life for a Way of Life
Regent College Podcast
Today Claire and Rachel have a wonderfully rich conversation with Dr. Susan Currie, a Spiritual Director and Minister of Spiritual Formation at Leadership Transformations, Inc. Susan brings her experience of theological education, spiritual direction and training spiritual directors to her understanding of a Rule of Life. She shares about her own journey to becoming a spiritual director, the history of a Rule of Life, individual and communal rules, Jesus’ rhythms, and the underpinning goal of growing in company with Jesus. We consider the importance of seasons and discernment in crafting a rule of life, then conclude the episode with a guided examen, where Susan graciously invites us to notice God’s presence in our daily lives. Prepare to enter a spacious place, and consider joining us next week for “A Rule of Life for a Way of Life.”
Susan's Bio
Dr. Susan Porterfield Currie is a distinguished spiritual director and educator specializing in spiritual formation. She holds a Master of Arts from Bryn Mawr College, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Susan serves as the Director of the Selah Certificate in Spiritual Direction and is a Minister of Spiritual Formation at Leadership Transformations, Inc. Susan and her husband, David, are active members of the Anglican church.
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Dr. Jeff Greenman: Looking Back – 10 Years As President of Regent College
Regent College Podcast
Claire and Rachel take some time with outgoing Regent President and resident penguin fanatic, Dr. Jeff Greenman to look back on his tenure since 2015. They hear about Jeff’s student experience at Regent, the joys and challenges of leadership, why he loves Regent students, the projects that he has spearheaded and seen to fruition – from student housing projects to the Master of Arts in Leadership, Theology and Society, and some of his quirkier traits and trademarks! It is a deeply hopeful conversation, which emphasises the importance of theological education and humble leadership in our contemporary moment.
Jeff's Bio
Dr. Jeffrey P. Greenman is a distinguished theologian and educator, currently serving as the President and Professor of Theology and Ethics at Regent College. He is the first alumnus to hold this position, having earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Regent College in 1988. His academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College, a Master of Arts from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in Religious Ethics from the University of Virginia. Before becoming President in 2015, Jeff held significant roles at Regent College, including Academic Dean and Executive Vice President. In 2024, Jeff Greenman announced his decision to retire in June 2025, concluding a decade of leadership at Regent College. He continues to be actively involved in teaching, writing, and speaking engagements, focusing on Christian ethics, spiritual formation, and leadership development. Today, we will be reflecting with Jeff on his time as President, as well as his many years of connection with Regent.
Previous Podcast Appearances
The Pedagogy of Praise (Jan 2022)
The food industry, gluttony and theology, with Whitney Buckner (May 2019)
Rethinking Education, with Raphael Haeuser (May 2018)
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Dr. Everett Hamner: Climate Theology and Storytelling
Regent College Podcast
What does climate have to do with theology and where does storytelling come in? Today, we sat down with Dr. Everett Hamner to talk about his interdisciplinary journey at Regent, and how it has shaped his interests in ecotheology, climate literature, and responding to the very real crisis we are facing globally as a result of our consumption. By delving into stories that create and envision alternative futures, such as Playground by Richard Powers, Everett weaves together science, faith and art to engage us with realistic and truthful approaches to these big issues. If you’re interested in learning more, join us from July 7-11 for “Climate Theology and Storytelling.”
Everett's Bio
Dr. Everett Hamner is a Professor of English at Western Illinois University (WIU), where he has been a faculty member since 2008. He holds a Master of Christian Studies from Regent College and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa, completed in 2008. Dr. Hamner's interdisciplinary academic background encompasses literature, science, and religion. His research interests include American literature, speculative fiction, and the intersections of science and religion in contemporary culture. He is the author of Editing the Soul: Science and Fiction in the Genome Age, which examines the portrayal of genetics in literature and popular media.
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The Anachronists: Augustine's Confessions
Regent College Podcast
Claire and Rachel caught up with Regent alums Andrés Pérez González, Corey Janz, and Jonathan Lipps, also known as the Anachronists, to talk about their beautiful new indie-folk EP Confessions, based on Augustine’s famous work of the same name. In this special podcast episode, we hear excerpts from the songs, their process of writing and reflecting on the Confessions over Zoom during COVID, and we get the chance to hear the world premiere of “All of Our Decayed Parts.” They also reflect on the importance of artistic reflection in our interpretation of, and engagement with, theology. It’s a beautiful, Regent-y conversation. Enjoy!
(Post-production for this episode by Jonathan Lipps)
Biography
The Anachronists are Andrés Pérez González, Corey Janz, and Jonathan Lipps, all accomplished musicians and songwriters in their own right. Hailing from three different countries (Mexico, Canada, and the US, respectively), they met as theology students here at Regent College. Having already collaborated for some time on music for College events, and faced with the lockdown environment of the early Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the three friends decided to work on this project together. Fueled by a shared love for deep theological reflection as well as intelligent and soulful songwriting, Anachronists were formed as a way to introduce their colleagues and contemporaries to a new mode of engaging with ancient thinkers; they set out to write music that would satisfy the mind and the discerning music aficionado’s ear, as well as the heart. Today, we will be talking with them about their album Confessions, based on St. Augustine’s writings of the same name.
Find all the information about the EP and the Anachronists here.
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Dr. Amy Brown Hughes: Understanding Theology as the Church in Dialogue – From the Patristics to Today
Regent College Podcast
Have you ever felt intimidated by theological conversations? Today, we talked to Dr. Amy Brown Hughes about the role of dialogue in generating theology in the early church. Famous theologians like Methodius, Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine published conversations with others, including prominent women in their lives, such as Thecla, Macrina and Monica. Amy argues that theology was not an elite genre or closed discussion then – nor should it be so today! She thoughtfully engages with many issues surrounding our engagement with God and invites us to enter into theology as a hospitable conversation. We’d encourage you to listen and discover aspects of the patristic period that may surprise and challenge your preconceptions – and then come join the dialogue in the classroom from July 14-18 at Regent.
Bio
Dr. Amy Brown Hughes is an Associate Professor of Theology at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. She earned her Ph.D. in historical theology with an emphasis in early Christianity from Wheaton College in 2013. Dr. Hughes specializes in early Christianity, focusing on Trinitarian and Christological thought, theological anthropology, and the role of women in early Christian history. She co-authored the book Christian Women in the Patristic World with Lynn H. Cohick. We’re excited that Amy will be joining us at Regent from July 14-18 to teach a class on Theology as Dialogue in Early Christianity.
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Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Sarah C. Williams: Marriage, Sex and Gender in Historical Perspective
Regent College Podcast
Claire and Rachel are joined by Dr. Sarah C. Williams for an engaging conversation about marriage, sex and gender throughout Christian history. Beginning with reflection on the 1960s to today, Sarah shares some insights from her upcoming summer class on the relationship between Christianity and the ever-shifting cultural matrix of political, societal and phenomenological values that shape our understanding of marriage, celibacy, sex and gender identity. In particular, Sarah reflects on the commodification of sex and the pornography industry from systemic perspectives that move beyond pastoral conversations around personal addiction. She also shares a little about her recent work on Josephine Butler, When Courage Calls, which she will launch with us on July 2.
Sarah's Bio
Dr. Sarah C. Williams is a historian, writer, and storyteller, specializing in 19th- and 20th-century cultural and religious history. Sarah trained as a historian at the University of Oxford, where she subsequently taught for seven years. In 2005, Sarah moved with her family to Vancouver to teach the History of Christianity at Regent College. After teaching at Regent full-time for over a decade, Sarah returned to the UK with her husband, Paul, to live in the Cotswolds, where she continues to write and research. Sarah is a passionate and committed teacher who is much loved by her students. She has written and edited numerous academic articles and books. Her most recent book is When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women (Hodder & Stoughton, 2024). She’ll be joining us in July (7-11) to teach Marriage, Sex and Gender in Historical Perspective.
Previous Podcast Appearances
A New Language for the Sexual Crisis of Our Generation (July 2019)
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Dr. Brad East: The Doctrine of Scripture
Regent College Podcast
This week, Dr. Brad East joins us for a deep dive into the Doctrine of Scripture and its implications for how we read and interpret the Bible, engage with church tradition and confess weekly that “This is the Word of the Lord.” How did we get there? Brad talks about inspiration, canonisation, and the Scriptures in the life of the church. He also delves into different denominational approaches to Scripture, touching on infallibility, perspicuity and sufficiency, amongst other topics. Finally, Brad offers encouragement to those who seek to foster thoughtful reading practices in a post-literate generation. He’ll be joining us from Jun 9-12 to teach “The Doctrine of Scripture.” We’d love for you to join us!
Brad's Bio
Dr. Brad East is an associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University (ACU) in Abilene, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University in 2017. Brad’s scholarly work focuses on theology and ecclesiology. He is the editor of The Triune Story: Collected Essays on Scripture by Robert Jenson (Oxford University Press, 2019) and the author of several books, including: The Doctrine of Scripture (Cascade, 2021). His research interests include the relationship between scripture and the church, as well as the role of theology in contemporary Christian practice. Dr. East will be joining us here at Regent this summer, teaching a class on the doctrine of scripture.
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Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Amy L. Peeler: Gender in the New Testament
Regent College Podcast
Dr. Amy Peeler joined us to share about her upcoming class, "Gender and the New Testament" (June 30-July 4). Dr. Peeler is a New Testament scholar who brings years of thoughtful study and personal questions to the conversation around the value of femaleness in Scripture and theology. Starting with an exploration of the role of Mary in Christianity, Amy provides an insightful perspective on God’s inclusion of women, an aspect of our faith often forgotten or diminished in Protestant Christianity. We also discussed the maleness of Jesus and the Fatherhood of God and Paul’s perspective on women in 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11. Amy’s winsome approach to these divisive and charged issues was truly encouraging and inspiring.
Bio
Dr. Amy L. Peeler is the Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois. She earned her MDiv and PhD in Biblical Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary. In addition to her academic role, Dr. Peeler serves as an Associate Priest at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva, Illinois. Her research interests include the Epistle to the Hebrews, ancient rhetoric, the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, Israel's sacrificial system, atonement, and familial language in the New Testament. She has written several books, including Women and the Gender of God (Eerdmans, 2022).
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Madison N. Pierce: Scripture's Use of Scripture
Regent College Podcast
Claire and Rachel are joined by Dr. Madison N. Pierce, who shares her love of the book of Hebrews and reflects on Scripture’s use of Scripture. The conversation covers the wide-ranging presence of the Old Testament in the New, and the reasons for that, as well as exegetical and hermeneutical methods and the Hebrew and Greek contexts in which the Scriptures were written. If this conversation piques your interests and you want to delve deeper into scriptural allusions and quotations, Madison will be teaching “Scripture’s Use of Scripture” from June 2-6.
Bio
Dr. Madison N. Pierce is an Associate Professor of New Testament at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. She earned her Ph.D. from Durham University, where she focused on the Book of Hebrews, the use of Scripture within Scripture, and the Catholic Epistles. Dr. Pierce's notable publications include her monograph, Divine Discourse in the Epistle to the Hebrews, which explores the recontextualization of spoken quotations of Scripture in Hebrews. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Pierce serves as the New Testament Editor for Reviews of Biblical and Early Christian Studies and co-hosts The Two Cities podcast. She is actively involved in her local church and enjoys engaging with the broader community through preaching and teaching.
Summer Listener Survey
Please fill out our Listener Survey before the end of July for the opportunity to win a $100 Regent College Bookstore Gift Card.
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Quentin Genuis: Ethical Issues in Healthcare – Human Dignity, Death and Dying and Addictions
Regent College Podcast
In today’s podcast, Claire and Rachel chat with Dr. Quentin Genuis, an Emergency Physician at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Quentin weaves together his experience in the emergency room with theological reflection, responding to tough and tender issues that face all of us, whether we like to admit it or not: human dignity, death and dying, and addiction. Quentin repeatedly invites us into the place of compassion, or co-suffering, with human persons. He will teach Healthcare and the Christian Life (June 9-13) in just a few weeks. There’s still time to join us!
Bio
Dr. Quentin Genuis is an Emergency Physician at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver and serves as the Physician Ethicist for Providence Health Care. He holds a Master of Letters in Theology from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, focusing his research on bioethics. His academic interests include palliative care, end-of-life care, biomedical ethics, personal autonomy, addiction, and theology. Dr. Genuis has contributed to scholarly discussions on the autonomy debates, end-of-life care, compassion, human dignity, and theological anthropology. He is the author of a forthcoming book on Addiction and the Church. Quentin will be with us this summer, teaching "Healthcare and the Christian Life" from June 9-13.
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Ross Hastings: The Ascension and the High Priesthood of Christ
Regent College Podcast
Today, we caught up with Dr. W. Ross Hastings, Professor of Theology at Regent. Ross tells us about his book on the Ascension (to be released in November 2025), which forms the basis of his forthcoming summer class, “The Ascension and the High Priesthood of Christ” (May 26-30). In this conversation, he reflects on the christological, ecclesiological, pneumatological and eschatological significance of the Ascension and the pastoral implications of the reality that we have a High Priest who intercedes for us, and leads us in worship. As Ross says, we hope listening to and reflecting on this episode and its implications for your life will add a spring to your step today.
Bio
Dr. W. Ross Hastings is the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology at Regent College. Born to Scottish missionary parents, he spent his early years in Scotland and Zimbabwe. He holds two PhDs: one in chemistry and another in theology. He also pastored churches in BC and Quebec before joining the Regent faculty in 2006. His research interests include Trinitarian theology, pastoral theology, the theology and spirituality of mission, ethics, and the interface between science and theology. Ross has written many books – too many to mention, and he will tell us a bit about his forthcoming publication on the Ascension. We will also be diving into his summer class: The Ascension and the High Priesthood of Christ (May 26-30).
Previous Podcast Appearances
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (February 2022)
Theological Ethics (April 2021)
Pain, Suffering and Depression in the Life of the Believer (April 2019)
Christian Ambassadors (with Andre Freitas) (March 2018)
Ambassadors: Christ in the Public Square (with Darrell Johnson) (March 2018)
Books Referenced
The Glory of the Ascension: Celebrating a Doctrine for the Life of the Church (forthcoming, IVP Academic)
Total Atonement: Trinitarian Participation in the Reconciliation of Humanity and Creation (2019)
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Exploring Its Theological Significance and Ongoing Relevance (2022)
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Denis Alexander: Current and Emerging Issues in Science and Theology
Regent College Podcast
Today we are joined by Dr. Denis Alexander, who will soon teach a class on Current Issues in Science and Theology (May 26-30). Denis is known for his research as a molecular biologist, so we start this conversation by discussing theistic evolution, genetics, DNA, and the difference between mind and brain. He also probes the implications of emerging issues and fields such as neuroscience, transhumanism, and AI. We are grateful to engage with someone who thoughtfully and insightfully participates in the scientific world, bringing Christian faith and reflection to bear on emerging knowledge and realities. If you are unsure whether his class is for you, Dr. Alexander assures us that this course suits those with no science background!
Bio
Dr. Denis Alexander is a prominent molecular biologist and Christian thinker known for his extensive work in the dialogue between science and religion. In 2006, Dr. Alexander co-founded The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion with Professor Bob White to conduct research and promote dialogue between the scientific and religious communities. He was the journal Science & Christian Belief editor from 1992 to 2013. He has been an active member of organizations such as Christians in Science and the International Society for Science and Religion. Throughout his career, Dr. Alexander has been a vocal proponent of the compatibility between scientific inquiry and religious faith, contributing significantly to discussions on how these fields intersect and inform each other. He’ll join us from May 26-30 to teach on Current Issues in Science and Theology. He will also give an Evening Public Lecture in the Regent College Chapel on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Previous Podcast Appearances
Evolution, Neanderthals and Original Sin (March 2021)
Regent College Podcast
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Professor John Swinton: Understanding Mental Health, Theodicy, and Unresolved Suffering
Regent College Podcast
We are joined again by Professor John Swinton, ahead of his summer class “Theology, Mental Health and the Problem of Suffering” (May 12-16). We discuss his recent research on systemic factors that contribute to mental health challenges, methods in practical theology and the issue of casual theodicy in Christian communities. We discuss the mystery of God’s hiddenness, sitting with the unresolved in church communities, and the importance of boundaries in friendship and caring for people with mental health challenges and disabilities. John also briefly mentions his album Beautiful Songs About Difficult Things, where he integrates his many years of theological reflection into artistic meditations for the church. We're hoping he'll sing a few songs for us in May!
Bio
Professor John Swinton is a Scottish theologian, ordained minister in the Church of Scotland, and a former mental health nurse. He holds the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen, where he specializes in practical theology and pastoral care. He has made significant contributions to disability theology and the theology of mental health. Throughout his career, John has emphasized the importance of understanding personhood and spirituality in the context of mental health and disability, advocating for more inclusive and compassionate approaches within religious communities and healthcare settings.
Previous Podcast Appearances
A Thick Understanding of Mental Health (December 2022)
I Have Never Met a Mentally Healthy Person (June 2019)
Books Referenced
Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges (2020)
Dementia: Living in the Memories of God (2012)
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Bruce and Carolyn Hindmarsh: At the Feet of Jesus: Encountering Christ in the Gospels
Regent College Podcast
Bruce and Carolyn join Claire and Rachel to share about their new book At the Feet of Jesus: Encountering Christ in the Gospels, which will be released by IVP on April 25. They share about writing the book through many years of leading prayer retreats with students and church groups, the practice of Ignatian meditation and the joy of keeping our eyes on Jesus, as we follow the example of Mary of Bethany. Towards the end of the conversation, they also tell us about their upcoming En Route summer course in Italy, Martyrs, Monks and Mystics (May 18-31).
Bios
Dr. D. Bruce Hindmarsh is the James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology and Professor of the History of Christianity here at Regent. He earned his PhD in theology from Oxford University. His scholarly work focuses on the history of early British evangelicalism. Bruce is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a past president of the American Society of Church History. He is also an active lay member of an Anglican Church in Vancouver.
Carolyn Hindmarsh holds a DMin from Fuller Seminary. She teaches New Testament Greek and spiritual theology at Regent College and is a trained spiritual director. Together, Bruce and Carolyn have often taught at Regent College and led church retreats.
Previous Podcast Appearances
Carolyn Hindmarsh and Shirley Sullivan on Biblical Languages (Oct 2016)
Bruce Hindmarsh on Early Evangelical Spirituality (Feb 2018)
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Carolyn Watts: Discovering God's Gentleness by Risking Rest
52:59
Dr. Carmen Joy Imes – Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters
58:14
Dr. Shelly Rambo: Twenty Years at the Intersection of Trauma and Theology
1:12:10
Dr. Aubrey Buster: The Book of Daniel
54:41
Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred: Becoming Relatives through Reconciliation
54:45
An Interview with President Dr. Paul Spilsbury: Rooted and Growing, A New Season at Regent
1:03:03
Dr. James Smoker: Imagining Being Human with Samuel Taylor Coleridge
1:09:03
Dr. Karen Swallow Prior: You Have a Calling – Beyond Following Your Passions
56:11
Dr. David Robinson and Students: MA in Leadership, Theology and Society (MALTS)
54:38
Dr. George Kalantzis: The First Christian Centuries
1:09:20
Dr. John M. Owen IV: Christian Political Engagement – Past, Present and Future
1:18:52
Dr. Susan Currie: A Rule of Life for a Way of Life
1:06:35
Dr. Jeff Greenman: Looking Back – 10 Years As President of Regent College
1:14:13
Dr. Everett Hamner: Climate Theology and Storytelling
1:12:18
The Anachronists: Augustine's Confessions
1:15:48
Dr. Amy Brown Hughes: Understanding Theology as the Church in Dialogue – From the Patristics to Today
1:26:36
Dr. Sarah C. Williams: Marriage, Sex and Gender in Historical Perspective
51:07
Dr. Brad East: The Doctrine of Scripture
1:06:41
Dr. Amy L. Peeler: Gender in the New Testament
1:07:33
Dr. Madison N. Pierce: Scripture's Use of Scripture
59:53
Dr. Quentin Genuis: Ethical Issues in Healthcare – Human Dignity, Death and Dying and Addictions
1:09:45
Dr. Ross Hastings: The Ascension and the High Priesthood of Christ
1:02:35
Dr. Denis Alexander: Current and Emerging Issues in Science and Theology
1:09:42
Professor John Swinton: Understanding Mental Health, Theodicy, and Unresolved Suffering
55:15
Dr. Bruce and Carolyn Hindmarsh: At the Feet of Jesus: Encountering Christ in the Gospels
1:08:55