In this wide-ranging, holistic conversation, we catch up with theologian and practitioner, Dr. Ruth Padilla-DeBorst, who discusses her experiences living between cultures and her understanding of justice and peace from a biblical perspective. She emphasizes the importance of integral mission and evangelicalism's struggle to integrate evangelism and justice work, as seen in her experience at the Lausanne Global Conference in 2024. She also reflects on how peace and justice go hand in hand. A member of the newly formed A Rocha Costa Rica, Ruth reflects on Casa Adobe's engagement with ecological justice and the impact of climate migration. She advocates for a Latin(o/a) perspective in reading Scripture and theology, reflecting on the fact that all theology is contextual. Finally, she calls for the Western church to learn from the resilience of global communities in our particular historical moment. 

Note: This podcast was recorded on Thursday, Jan 22, 2026.

Ruth's Bio

Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst is a theologian, scholar, and advocate for global justice, with a focus on mission, community development, and social engagement. Originally from Argentina, Ruth has dedicated much of her career to integrating the gospel with issues of poverty, inequality, and human dignity. She is the author of several key publications, including Reading the Bible Latinamente, and has contributed to numerous academic journals and books on faith, justice, creation care, and mission. Through her work, Ruth continues to shape global conversations around the intersection of faith and justice, with a particular focus on marginalized communities.

Previous Podcast Appearances:

Wise Leadership #3: Becoming Leaders in Community (March 2022)

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