GEORGE FOX TALKS

If you've spent much time reading the Bible, you know that it is no children's book. What are we supposed to do with Scriptural texts that describe terrible acts of violence--sometimes even commanded by God? Dr. Brian Doak offers a few possible ways to deal with this reality while holding fast to the Christian assurance that violence was not part of God's plan for the world. Dr. Brian Doak is a pr...

David and Nick continue their conversation on world missions: is it still necessary or important for North American Christians to raise local support and move to a foreign country to teach the Gospel? Tune in for two differing perspectives about missionaries from a former long-term missionary in Tanzania and a third culture kid who grew up with missionary parents in Spain. Dr. Martínez directs Geo...

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to be negative than to stay positive? What’s up with that? Jaydee and Mary dive into the research behind happiness and the four areas of life we can prioritize to increase life satisfaction. Stick around to learn about the “negativity bias” and to discover “quick fixes” for a high-stress life. Dr. Jaydee Romick is a physical therapist with expertise in o...

Dana Robinson is interested in the daily lives and religion of ordinary Christians in the post-Constantine era. What better way to examine their experience than to learn about how they shared meals? This episode is full of historical insights into early Christians’ relationship with food—from banquets to animal sacrifices to the Eucharist. “I think what people do in their understanding of Christia...

Theodicy: the problem of evil. Jesse Peterson examines the history of people wrestling with the existence of evil in the world. What does the Bible actually say about evil, and what can we learn from the people in the Old Testament's response to evil and suffering? Dr. Jesse Peterson is an assistant professor of Biblical Studies at George Fox University with special interest in philosophy in dialo...

Think you're immune to culture shock? What about reverse culture shock? Listen in to hear how these phenomena took even an experienced traveler by complete surprise and changed the direction of his life. David & Billy offer wisdom and stories from years of guiding students through travel experiences. If you're thinking of studying abroad, or if you know someone who is, you won't want to miss t...

“What you eat matters; it can either calm, cure, or cause disease.” But have you ever faced total decision fatigue in the grocery aisle? Listen in as health experts Jaydee and Kim share their practical tips on how to eat well in the age of processed foods and an overabundance of sugary options. Jaydee is a physical therapist with expertise in orthopedics, health and wellness, and nutrition. Kim te...

The mystery of God’s incarnation stretches even into our imagination about Who the Son of Man & the Son of God was and what He was like in space and time. Jay & Jessica 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 Religio...

Trevor Hudson is the inaugural recipient of the Richard J. Foster Award in Spiritual Formation , an award that recognizes those whose intellectual and practical work helps others come into an ongoing transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. Tune in to hear Trevor’s experience of apartheid in South Africa and what he’s learned about “practicing resurrection in a crucifying world.” Trevor ha...

Discomfort, awkward interactions, life-threatening danger—All possibilities when venturing out of your bubble and into an unfamiliar culture. David & Nick are here to address all of these topics and more while sharing their first-hand experiences of things NOT going according to plan. Dr. Martínez directs George Fox University's Study Abroad program and teaches Spanish. Nick Forrest is a pasto...

There's one thing that affects almost everything about your day: how much and what quality of sleep did you get last night? Did you know your sleep is closely related to the breathing habits your body has developed? Jaydee and Kim dig into that relationship and offer a series of breathing exercises and "sleep hygiene" tips to help you get your best rest. Jaydee is a physical therapist with experti...

Have you ever been so moved by watching a film that you'd call it a religious experience? Jay & Joel take a look at the movies that refuse to adhere to our common labels of "sacred" and "secular", yet still have potential to move us closer to God and truth. Tune in to hear how watching a certain movie helped Joel realize his familial identity; stick around for "beginner" movie recommendations...

Isaac & Joel dive into the intersection of theology, philosophy, and science. How should we understand the creation narratives recorded in the Bible? Can intellectual integrity and humility be held at the same time? Dr. Isaac Choi is a theologian and philosopher who holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Harvard College. He directs the George Fox U...

Would you rather eat dog as the main course of your meal or risk offending your hosts in an unfamiliar culture? Listen in to catch David and Billy recounting some of the strangest dishes they've tried--and enjoyed--during their wide travels abroad. Dr. Martínez directs George Fox University's Study Abroad program and teaches Spanish. Billy Stevenson is the Senior Director of International Programs...

"Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease, like heart disease and stroke, cancer, or diabetes." What do we do with numbers like that, and how can we avoid being on the wrong end of those statistics? Listen in as Dr. Jaydee Romick & Dr. Kim Eppen talk movement, daily habits, and the difference between "health-care" and "sick-care." Jaydee is a physical therapist with expertis...

What are we supposed to do when our beloved Christian brothers and sisters hold completely different political convictions than we do—and support opposing candidates, too? Curtis Chang uncovers the mystery & history of the partisan mind, explains why America needs to get reinvolved in nonpolitical activities like pickle ball, and reveals the secret to always having a place at the campfire. Cur...

Dr. Jessica Hughes gives a compelling example of what it's like to really read the Bible as a work of literature, following details and paying attention to people's actions and reactions in the text--and how they responded to God. Have we forgotten what it is to be moved by the accounts in Scripture? Listen with fresh ears to the story of Abraham & Isaac along with hundreds of college students...

David Martínez & Nick Forrest chat about the harm that can be done through careless short-term mission work--as well as the deeply beneficial & life-changing effect it can have on participants. Tune in to learn the Swahilian phrase for a chronic complainer, hear David's story about traveling to the US after being a missionary kid in Spain, get Nick's & David's book recommendations on t...

From our own scholars and mentors at George Fox, we bring you a sampling of university conversation – smart, faithful perspectives that may push you to think more broadly, deeply and critically. In a world full of paradox and polarization, we all must amplify the need to think for ourselves and be shaped by others, leaning ever toward Christ as our guide.

Dear listeners, thank you for joining us on the first season of the George Fox Talks podcast! After celebrating 46 weekly episodes, we’ll be taking a hiatus while looking forward to a forthcoming second season. Email Brian with your thoughts to get a free George Fox Talks t-shirt: bdoak@georgefox.edu Don’t forget to include your shirt size and mailing address. Sign up for the George Fox Talks mail...

In this episode, Abigail Favale talks with professor of economics Luke Petach. What is an efficiency/equality trade off? What is the truth about the minimum wage and income disparity? What are the long term economic effects of recent government dividends and labor shortages? Dr. Luke Petach is an Assistant Professor of Economics in the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University. Orig...

In this episode, Abigail Favale talks with author and Washington Post columnist Christine Emba about sex culture in modern times. The sexual liberation movement drastically changed the landscape of sexual norms and engagement; what are the tangible outcomes of that change? What kind of correlation can be drawn between high rates of pornography addiction and dysfunctional sex culture? How can we th...

In this episode, Joseph Clair talks with Dr. Lydia Dugdale about shifts in cultural perception of the end of life. They discuss the immense medical advances and major historical events of the last century that have profoundly affected people’s attitude toward death. Does Christian belief in life after death alleviate the fear of it? In a culture that keeps death at a distance, what practices can h...

In this episode, Abigail Favale talks with author, teacher, and philosopher Peter Boghossian about the culture wars. In a time of cancelling and defunding, critical theories and political extremism, tolerance and moral orthodoxy, how do we navigate the turbulent social and political scene we find ourselves in? Does the standard of reality depend upon individual experience or on hard data? What rol...

In this episode, Daniel Kang talks with Dr. Rebecca Yazzie about pursuing restorative justice and holistic wellness in the area of social work. What does it mean to seek wellness for those who are in the process of social rehabilitation? How does the Gospel’s focus on restoration influence the way we think about social work? How can we maintain hope while continually engaging in restorative work?...