Faith Seeking Understanding: A Podcast on Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

In this episode of "The Wesleyan Way," we interview Rev. Dr. Donna L. Fowler-Marchant on her book Mothers in Israel: Methodist Beginnings Through the Eyes of Women . Rev. Fowler has done Methodism a great service in writing this book. She demonstrates that women were indeed the backbone of the earliest Methodist movement. These Mothers in Israel as they were called (if you want to know why, read t...

In this last episode of 2022, Michael and Allan review some of the happenings of 2022 and think ahead to 2023. Among the topics discussed are Ukraine, politics, the economy, immigration and the current worker shortage, scientific discoveries, and the all important prediction of who will win the Super Bowl.

In this episode of Believing Is Seeing , we interview Dr. Jason Barnhart, Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. We discuss the topic of pietism, what it is and why heartfelt faith is not heavenly-minded humbug. Check out Jason's blog, "Brethren Contemplative," here . Learn more about Ashland Theological Seminary, here .

In this episode of Calmly Considered , Michael and Allan discuss how Christians might think about gift giving in the Christmas season and how to balance living in a culture of material abundance with a life of simplicity.

In this episode of Word Revisited , we interview Rev. Dr. David DeSilva, Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary (Ashland, Ohio) and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. The interview centers on his book, Introducing the Apocrypha: Message, Context, and Significance . We ask ask him why Protestants should read the Apocrypha and how...

In this premiere episode of The Wesleyan Way , Allan interviews United Methodist Bishop William H. Willimon on his latest book, Don't Look Back: Methodist Hope for What Comes Next .  They discuss such questions as "How have Methodists lost their essential character as a mission?" "What must be done to revitalize a Methodism that is currently aging out of existence?" "Why do Jurisdictional Con...

In this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the upcoming mid-term election. They offer some thoughts on the current political landscape and make some predictions, which are probably wrong. They also reflect on how Christians might think about voting as it relates to their faith.

In our premiere episode of "Word Revisited," we speak with Dr. Paul Anderson on the Gospel of John. Is John history? Is it theology? Both? Neither? How is the Fourth Gospel similar to and different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke? Dr. Anderson is Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. He also serves as Extraordinary Professor of Religion at North-West Un...

Michael and Allan discuss student loan forgiveness and how the followers of Jesus can posture themselves to think about it in a Christian manner.

In this premiere episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan interviews Thomas Jay Oord, theologian and cross-disciplinary scholar on his book, Open and Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas . In addition to the question of what God knows about the future, Allan asks Tom whether God is all-powerful and all knowing, and whether or not prayer matters. It is one fascinating hour-lon...

Michael and Allan discuss the nature of Christian Nationalism and ask such questions as Can a Christian be patriotic but not a Nationalist? What is the place of the Church in a Nationalist context? Would Jesus affirm Christian Nationalism? How does the New Testament inform the discussion? What about the Kingdom of God?

In this first episode of "Courageous Conversations," Dan Hawk is our guest. The topic of discussion is cultural narratives or the cover stories societies tell themselves to brand their history and minimize its unsavory events. What narrative lenses do we wear that assist us in crafting the myths of our place in the world? Check out Dan's latest book, The Violence of the Biblical God , here .

In the July 2021 installment of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss what causes inflation, who or what is responsible, and how might Christians respond to rising prices on the most vulnerable? Join us as we get beyond the memes and the political talking points in order to understand our current situation. The Web Portal to all things "Faith Seeking Understanding," can be found at allanr...

America is awash in gun violence. Why? What can be done about it? Is there a Christian response?

The Wonderful Life of Following Jesus. Last Sermon before Retirement.

A sermon on Pentecost and moving out in mission.

A sermon on the trouble-making nature of the gospel.

A sermon on the universal welcome of salvation.

A sermon on baptism and the Christian life.

Democracy is receding in the world and authoritarianism is on the rise. Why is this? What is authoritarianism and what are the circumstances that lead people to trust their futures to authoritarians? How do we recognize authoritarian figures? Is character necessary for good leadership? How might the Bible inform the discussion?

A sermon on hearing the voice of God

A sermon on witnessing the resurrection.

A sermon for Easter Sunday. 

A sermon for Maundy Thursday.

A sermon on God's generosity and our generous response.