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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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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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.
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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.
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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)
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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. Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn: Reading the New Testament Around the World
Regent College Podcast
This week, we welcomed Dr Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn back to the podcast to share about her forthcoming book Reading the New Testament Around the World. Mariam is a beloved New Testament professor at Regent and in this conversation, she shares her enthusiasm for the New Testament, as well as the inspiration and process behind collaborating with global scholars to conduct situated exegesis. We talk about fresh insights from Scripture and student responses to advanced copies of the book. The volume incorporates essays on each book of the New Testament, with writers from across the world engaging with theological, social and political issues pertinent to their contexts. The book will be released on April 29, 2025 from Baker Academic. She will be teaching New Testament Foundations this summer (May 26–June 6) and launching her book in the Regent Chapel on May 21 at 7:30pm.
Bio
Dr. Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn is an Associate Professor of New Testament at Regent College. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Denver Seminary, and a PhD in New Testament from the University of St. Andrews. Mariam’s scholarly work focuses on the Epistle of James, the Gospel of Matthew, and the broader context of Jewish literature from the intertestamental period. She has co-authored a commentary on James for the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series and has contributed numerous articles and book chapters to the field.
Previous Podcast Appearances
Questions About the New Testament: Part 2 (December 2019)
Rediscovering Biblical Faith (April 2019)
The Epistle of James (March 2017)
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Prabo Mihindukulasuriya: Pre-Colonial Christianity in the Syriac Orient
Regent College Podcast
The Regent College Podcast top faculty fan Dr. Prabo Mihindukulasuriya joined Claire and Rachel to talk about his upcoming summer class, “Ten Classics from Pre-Modern African and Asian Christianity” (June 30 - July 4). In the conversation, he discusses Syriac Christianity and its long and rich history in the East before the arrival of Western missionaries and the beginnings of the colonial period. He mentions some of his favourite texts from the Syriac tradition, different mediums for communicating theology (such as poetry), the challenges and opportunities of contextualization and the coexistence of Christianity with Islam and Buddhism in the region. Prabo’s infectious excitement is evident, and we hope it encourages you to join us this summer!
Bio
Dr. Prabo Mihindukulasuriya is Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity here at Regent College. He joined the faculty in 2022 after two decades of service at Colombo Theological Seminary (CTS) in Sri Lanka. He earned his Master of Christian Studies (MCS) from Regent College and completed his PhD at the University of Colombo. Dr. Mihindukulasuriya's areas of expertise encompass the history of Christianity, global Christianity, intercultural encounters, and the history of lay leadership in the Church. He has also contributed to discussions on the history of Christianity in South Asia.
Previous Podcast Appearances
History of Christianity in South Asia
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Gordon T. Smith: Vocation and Human Agency as Antidote to Despair
Regent College Podcast
We sat down with Dr. Gordon T. Smith to talk about his upcoming summer class, Vocation, Work and Career (May 12-16). Gordon is no stranger to Regent and has been writing on the topic of vocation for many years. In this conversation, he shares about the importance of human agency in vocation, navigating vocational disappointment, working within institutions, holding multiple vocations, mid-career transitions, and balancing working with our heads and hands. Gordon repeatedly stresses the need for companions on the journey as we discern, and encourages us to adopt a posture of hope and resilience in the face of despair.
Bio
Gordon Smith is a Canadian theologian, author, and educator, currently serving as the Executive Director of Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC), an association of 34 Canadian Christian post-secondary institutions. Gordon was previously President and Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology at Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta. He has also teaches here at Regent and formerly served as Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology and Academic Dean. Throughout his career, Gordon has focused on fostering a thoughtful Christian faith among readers and students, emphasizing the integration of spiritual formation with academic rigour.
Previous Episodes
Gordon T. Smith: Wisdom in a Secular Age
Gordon T. Smith: Conversion and Evangelism
Related Books
Your Calling Here and Now (2022)
Courage and Calling (1999)
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Mo Hickman and Freeman Lam: Integrative Projects in the Arts and Theology
Regent College Podcast
Claire and Rachel caught up with Arts students Mo Hickman and Freeman Lam to discuss their Integrative Projects in the Arts and Theology (IPIAT). Freeman and Mo reflect on the integration of arts and theology in their respective projects, share detailed insights from their creative work and academic reflections, and recall the gifts and joys of being part of the Arts community at Regent. Mo has written and will perform a spoken word piece, while Freeman has created three spectacular robes that will be displayed in the Dal Schindell Gallery later this spring. Listen in to find out more about the theological significance of their art!
Bio
Mo Hickman is completing her MATS at Regent College with a concentration in Christianity and the Arts. Her final project is a "Word and Kitchen Table Party" inspired by her research on preaching through spoken word poetry. She is Canadian and has moved from coast to coast. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Creative Community at Vancouver First Church of the Nazarene. Mo is passionate about offering a hopeful story to a hurting world.
Freeman Yan Nok Lam is a Canadian-born Chinese artist who works mainly with textiles, exploring Traditional Chinese designs and aesthetics in contemporary fashion. For Freeman, textile art provides him with the agency to understand his ethnic identity within a predominantly White-European society. Freeman is interested in exploring art as a point of connection which generates creativity and life within community.
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. David C. Chao: Lived Theology in Asian America
Regent College Podcast
Dr. David Chao joined Claire and Rachel to share about his work in the field of Asian American theology. In this theologically rich conversation, David reflects on his Reformed heritage and systematic theological training, as well as his ethnographic and oral history work on the lived theology of Asian American Christians. David shares personally about the importance of Asian American mental health, reflected in his work on the annual Asian American Mental Health Conference at Princeton Theological Seminary. He also ends with words of encouragement for Asian theology students situated in predominantly White institutions.
Bio
Dr. David C. Chao is the Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary. In this role, he teaches courses on Asian American theology, organizes academic programming in Asian American theology and ministry, and mentors Asian and Asian American students. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, a Master of Divinity from Regent College, and both a Master of Theology and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Chao has extensive pastoral experience with Chinese American, Korean American, and pan-Asian churches and ministries and is an active member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Through his academic and pastoral work, Dr. Chao explores the complex identities and lived experiences of Asian American Christians, aiming to amplify their voices and stories, and examining how their faith informs their engagement with social justice, identity, and community resilience.
Referenced works
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Dr. Steve L. Porter: Cultivating Formation-Minded Christians, Pastors and Churches
Regent College Podcast
In today’s conversation, we received wisdom and insight from Dr. Steve Porter about all things spiritual formation and transformation – in personal, pastoral and church contexts. Steve’s work at the intersection of philosophy, theology and psychology means that he brings multilayered insight into the conversation around growth and transformation. Shaped and informed by the spirituality of Paul and the insight of folks like Dallas Willard and Eugene Peterson, Steve reminds us of the spiritual realities available to us as persons in Christ. He encourages us to be aware of God’s presence, engaging in spiritual practices as windows that open ourselves to God. He also shares how we can internalize the love of God and how we as the church can support one another in making the invisible love of God visible and tangible, especially if we have struggled to experience that love in human relationships. We’re excited that Steve will be joining us at Regent in the summer to teach a class on Cultivating Formation-Minded Pastors and Churches (July 21-25). We'd love for you to join us!
Bio
Dr. Steven L. Porter is the Senior Research Fellow and Executive Director of the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture at Westmont College. He is also an affiliate professor of theology and spiritual formation at Biola University's Institute for Spiritual Formation and Rosemead School of Psychology. Dr. Porter earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California under the mentorship of Dallas Willard and holds an M.Phil. in philosophical theology from the University of Oxford. His academic work focuses on Christian spiritual formation, the doctrine of sanctification, and the integration of psychology and theology. Additionally, he serves as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care.
Publications Referenced
Steven L. Porter. “Internalizing the Love of God: A Theological Psychology of Receiving and Resisting Love.” Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 17, no. 1 (2024): 25-35.
Steven L. Porter. "The Future of Spiritual Formation." Journal for Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 16, no. 1 (2023): 3-13.
Steven L. Porter. "Biblical Spirituality and Contemplative Spirituality." In Embracing Contemplation: Reclaiming a Christian Spiritual Practice, edited by John H. Coe and Kyle Strobel, 139-165. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2019.
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. David C. Wang: Trauma and Spiritual Formation in Churches and Theological Institutions
Regent College Podcast
In this episode, we talk with Regent alum, Dr. David C. Wang, a pastor, psychologist and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. We discuss trauma and its manifestations in our lives, in the church and theological institutions. David offers helpful insights and practical implications for those in pastoral ministry and anyone who walks alongside trauma survivors. He shares the gifts traumatized people bring to our churches and suggests ways of being with one another (and ourselves) in our pain.
Note: In this conversation, we touch on issues related to trauma, spiritual trauma, and adverse childhood experiences. Please take care and decide whether this is helpful listening for you today.
Bio
Dr. David C. Wang is the Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is a licensed psychologist, pastor, and editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology. David has a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. He also holds a Th.M. in Spiritual Theology from Regent College. Dr. Wang oversees the Seminary Formation Assessment Project, a program funded by the John Templeton Foundation, which is conducting longitudinal empirical research on the human and spiritual formation of students enrolled in various North American seminaries. Dr. Wang's multivocational career reflects his commitment to integrating psychological principles with spiritual formation to foster emotionally healthy leadership within the Christian community. His academic and applied work has focused on the holistic formation of Christian leaders, emphasizing emotional health and resilience alongside intellectual and spiritual development.
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Cindy Aalders: Women Writing Religious Communities in Eighteenth Century England
Regent College Podcast
In today’s conversation, the last in our Women in Theology series, we catch up with Regent’s own Library Director and Professor of the History of Christianity, Dr. Cindy Aalders. Cindy has recently published her thesis as a monograph, The Spiritual Lives and Manuscript Cultures of Eighteenth-Century Women (2024). In this conversation, we delve into the archives and lives of Methodist, Baptist and Anglican women in the eighteenth century, seeking to understand their friendship, kinship and spiritual development as demonstrated in their letter-writing and diary entries. Cindy’s work highlights the significant impact of women in relational spheres and religious communities. These women invested deeply in intergenerational friendships and spiritual kinship as they sought to be faithful to God. Cindy reminds us that we can learn much from them today as we strive to support one another in an increasingly isolated world. Cindy also shares her upcoming summer class, Children and Spiritual Identity (June 30–July 4).
Bio
Dr. Cindy Aalders is the Director of the John Richard Allison Library and Associate Professor of the History of Christianity at Regent College. She earned a Bachelor of Science from The King's University, a Master of Christian Studies and a Master of Theology in Spiritual Theology from Regent College. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy in History at the University of Oxford in 2014, focusing her research on eighteenth-century British women's spiritual lives and manuscript cultures. Cindy’s doctoral thesis, The Spiritual Lives and Manuscript Cultures of Eighteenth-Century English Women, was recently released by Oxford University Press. She has just returned to Regent from research leave, where she focused on girlhood and religious life in the long eighteenth century, digging through various archives in the process!
Cindy's Publications
The Spiritual Lives and Manuscript Cultures of Eighteenth-Century Women (2024)
To Express the Ineffable: The Hymns and Spirituality of Anne Steele (2009)
Previous Podcast Appearances
Child Centred Theology and the Spiritual Formation of Children in the 18th Century
Called to Be Friends (with Dr. David Robinson)
Friendship Recentred (with Dr. Maxine Hancock)
Puritan Treasures (with Jenny-lyn de Klerk)
Regent College Podcast
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Dr. Beth Allison Barr: The Rise of the Pastor's Wife and the Diminishment of Women's Ordination
Regent College Podcast
In our second in this mini-series on Women in Theology, we sit down with a powerhouse in the world of the History of Christianity, Dr. Beth Allison Barr. In her return to the podcast, Beth discusses her new book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry. Starting with Peter’s wife and walking through early church, Medieval, and Reformation history, we explore the evolving and shifting roles of women in the church. We also examine the roots and implications of contemporary complementarian theology and its influence on the rise of the pastor’s wife as a position of power in the church. Beth focuses on the history within her tradition, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and reveals the sobering reality of unaddressed clergy abuse which coincided with the revocation of women’s ordination in the SBC in the 1980s.
Beth’s book is releasing on March 18, 2025 and will be available in the Regent Bookstore as well as other good bookstores.
Note: This episode references clergy abuse and domestic violence. Please take care and determine whether this is beneficial listening for you today.
Bio
Dr. Beth Allison Barr is the James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Her research focuses on women and religion in medieval and early modern England, with particular attention to vernacular sermons and devotional literature. In her work, she also examines how the advent of Protestantism affected women in Christianity and explores medieval perceptions of women in religious literature across the Reformation era.
Publications
Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry (2025)
The Making of Biblical Womanhood (2021)
The Pastoral Care of Women in Late Medieval England (2008)
Previous Podcast Appearances
The Cost of Forgetting Women in Church History (April 2024)
Regent College Podcast
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