GEORGE FOX TALKS

What makes a book “great?” Who gets to choose which literature is or isn’t allowed into a canon, and should we question those decisions? What is the real value of reading traditionally classic literature today in the 21st century? Brian & Jay examine the idea of a classics-centered education and discuss how the George Fox University Honors Program answers these questions and more. Dr. Brian Do...

Joseph John Gurney was massively influential to the Friends community, but his story, theology, and values stood out from those of other influential Quakers like William Barclay and George Fox. Listen in for Jay and Jamie’s take on Gurney’s life and times, and how they informed the modern experience of Quakerism and Christian faith as a whole. Dr. Jay David Miller teaches English at George Fox Uni...

Author & professor Leah Payne and public theologian Ekemini Uwan talk about formative Christian music, podcast controversy, and doing theology in the public eye. As co-host of the Truth’s Table podcast, Ekemini has faced a measure of resistance; Leah asks how she has faced backlash and continued in her work. Check out Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation Ekemini i...

Why is it so hard to write a novel about Jesus that reveres His deity while honestly reckoning with His humanity? Dr. Jay Miller & Dr. Jessica Hughes unpack some of the problems authors have faced while trying to portray Jesus through literature. Dr. Jay David Miller teaches English at George Fox University and serves as an associate editor for the journal Quaker Religious Thought. Dr. Jessica...

Professor Brian Doak shares the brutal details of his severe shoulder fracture - and his long, trying path to recovery through surgery and physical therapy. Dr. Jaydee Romick offers some more-than-physical tips for reclaiming wellness after a major injury. If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube ! We also have a web page...

Professor Brian Doak talks with the Director of the Center for Study Abroad at George Fox University, David Martínez , about travel strategies: spontaneity or careful planning? Overpacking or minimalism? Frequent moving or putting down deep roots? David advocates for slowness in both travel and living, and Brian shares his most recent "travel miracle". Matthew 10:9-10 “Don’t take any money in your...

Former CEO of Intel Pat Gelsinger and Professor Brian Doak talk about our current technological moment. How does the advancement of generative AI compare to the arrival of the internet? What brand new possibilities does quantum computing unlock? Are Christians meeting the challenge of shaping these developments—as forces for good? Check out Gloo . If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks pod...

Why have the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis remained so relevant and present in Christian thought through the 20th century and well into the 21st? Old Testament scholar Brian Doak joins president  Robin Baker , theology & literature professor Jason Lepojärvi , and English professor Gary Tandy to examine their friendship, their broad appeal, and the themes of their writings. C.S. Lewis...

Scottish photographer Kieran Dodds and biblical scholar Brian Doak talk about the making and viewing of photographs. How do photos shape the narratives we hold about the world around us, and how can they be used to subvert those narratives? What does it mean to tell a story with a picture—and what would it mean to tell a lie with a camera? Kieran Dodds is a Scottish non-fiction photographer known...

Christian activist Jason Fileta and Biblical scholar Brian Doak talk about the state of Christianity in the United States in light of the Trump administration’s emerging policies. How are Christians responding to the current political climate? What is it like to be a "DEI" professional in a Christian environment right now? Atlantic article: Is This What Cancel Culture Achieved? We Have Never Been...

Ekemini and Brian dig into the reparations conversation, advocating for a spiritual category for both racial evil and restitution. What is the formal definition of the term reparations? How can we know who the process of reparations might apply to? Can every person of a given color be considered either equally liable or equally entitled? The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates Between the Wor...

Debrianna and Ekemini talk singleness - what is it like to be a single black woman in the United States? Why does physical attractiveness so often turn out to be a scam? If you're single and lonely, should you be asking God for marriage? Ekemini Uwan is a public theologian and author. Check out Ekemini's book: Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation Debrianna DeBolt serv...

Do you feel the pressure to clearly know your own purpose, to identify your personal mission in this world? Ekemini and Brian discuss the anxiety many young people feel around this issue, placing the conversation in context of the volatile environment in which young people are growing up. Is the intense focus on the individual’s unique purpose an artifact of our modern time, or does it run deeper...

Substance abuse, mental health, lack of trauma-informed care - what is at the root of the homeless crisis in United States cities? Can changes in social policy fix the problem? Dr. Brian Doak and social worker Steffanie Altenbern discuss the barriers to overcoming poverty and the mindsets that tend to keep people stuck there. Check out Bridges out of Poverty . Steffanie Altenbern is a social worke...

Dr. Brian Doak talks with film critic and theology professor Dr. Joel Mayward about art, faith, incarnation, and the image of the Divine in humanity’s creativity. Can the word “Christian” be used as an adjective to describe any kind of art? How should Christians discern what kind of films or music to engage with, and are there any that should be avoided outright? Is art necessary? Check out Franci...

“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). How can Christian students and scholars reconcile statements like this with the earnest pursuit of understanding that is encouraged elsewhere in the Bible? Is it possible to openly engage with the honest exchang...

Has the average church-kid Christian college student actually read through the Bible? Brian talks with theologian and professor Lindsey Hankins about the University's role in catechizing young people toward a thoughtful and durable life of faith. How is the decline in church attendance affecting students' Biblical literacy and understanding of Church history? What should professors expect their fr...

Why is there evil and suffering in a world governed by an omnipotent, benevolent God? Filmed live in an introductory theology class at George Fox University, Dr. Brian Doak defines the problem of suffering and examines the Bible's several responses to this question with which humanity has struggled from the beginning. Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor. If you enjoy listening...

Brian talks with apologist Andrew del Rio about the experience of doubt in a life of faith. What are Christian parents supposed to do when their children begin to evaluate faith for themselves? What does the Bible say about doubt, and is it a sin? Is apologetics really about defending the faith, or is it about helping Christians to navigate their own questions? Dr. Andrew del Rio directs the Apolo...

Old Testament scholar Dr. Brian Doak talks “sista-matic” theology with public theologian and author Ekemini Uwan . Why are ordinary Christians sometimes suspicious of trained theologians? How does racial identity affect the way people study and teach theology - particularly what is perceived as “normative” theology? How can we think about “whiteness” or “blackness” from a Biblical perspective? Che...

Public theologian Ekemini Uwan and Christian activist Jason Fileta discuss the significance of this moment in United States history: a woman of color has been nominated by the Democratic Party to run for the Presidency. They discuss Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to run for president in 1972, and the impact Kamala Harris' running in 2024 will have on young women of every demographic in ou...

Brian talks with political advisor & author Michael Wear about the moral weight of the American vote. If the average American is really opposed to inflammatory campaign strategies and provocative public discourse, why do we keep seeing increasingly harsh political ads and growing polarization? Does moral knowledge have a place in our government? Where can a Christian find a home in our politic...

George Fox Talks brings you smart, Christian perspectives on our wild world and our place in it as people of faith. Politics and theology, ethics and big tech, loving God and loving your neighbor—tune in to hear professors, spiritual leaders, and faithful friends challenge and sharpen your thoughts on these topics and more. If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to w...

In this reissue episode, Sho and Brian dig into theology and tech. AI is booming and we’re on the verge of significant integration between our bodies and our technology (read: Neuralink). In response to this new era of consciousness, it’s time for Christians to revisit the eternal values and principles found in scripture and allow our reactions to be shaped by the things that do not change. Dr. Br...

With the first female VPOTUS in history running in the US presidential race, Lindsey and Brian dig into the cultural implications of electing a woman as the executive head of our nation. Does competency speak louder than identity? Do thoughtful Christians need to step away from their moderate political posture and start picking sides? How can we avoid an anti-intellectual attitude in our faith? Dr...