Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived

This is a special feature of the episode  Mindfulness, Meditation, and Martin Luther . Dr. Douglas Rutt reads a Scripture-based meditation in Spanish. The meditation is from William Hulme's book Let the Spirit In: Practicing Christian Devotional Meditation . Enjoy!

Holistic wellness includes multiple areas of health. Dr. Rick Marrs, professor of Practical Theology, speaks with Dr. Tim Saleska, dean of Ministerial Formation, discuss the concept of holistic wellness. Marr's new Bible study, "The Wholeness Wheel" explores seven aspects of health. Tune in for a discussion about how to care for and use God's embodied gifts in our daily lives.

The Mudge family is striving to build a grace-focused home where kids aren't afraid to ask questions. This family of 8 have lived in multiple cultures, both in the United States and in Africa. Join in this conversation between Dr. Ron Mudge, provost at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and his son Isaiah, as they describe living as a Christian family in world that needs Christ.

J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his fantasy novels "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. While not allegories, the narratives are thick with theology. Join Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Kent Burreson as they discuss the ways Tolkien weaves eternal truths into his fairy stories.

Join us in a discussion about the Sabbath with systematic professors Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto. Biermann's newly published book, Day 7: for Work, Rest, or Play , has a unique take on the seventh day and what it means to keep the Sabbath. Don't miss it!

Dr. Tim Saleska, Old Testament scholar and professor of exegetical theology, explores the book of Ecclesiastes. He presents the idea that Job and Ecclesiastes are better understood in light of each other. "Job asks for an answer to suffering. Ecclesiastes puts us on the edge of meaninglessness," said Saleska. "They inform each other, both deal with a God who doesn't seem to care very much about hu...

The first few chapters of Genesis are ancient history, yet they reveal essential truths about our present and future. Join us as Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis answers questions about Genesis 1 – 11. He shares the significance of primeval history in the understanding of Christ. "Does God have the power to raise my loved ones from the grave? What hope could there possi...

"I think our students would all agree that we are justified by faith, but it doesn't look like they actually believe that," said Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology. "The critical question is, why does God like me today? Our students are having a particularly hard time, struggling to get there," said Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emeritus. Join us as we explore the complex and nuanced...

The wisdom in the book of Job often gets tangled with platitudes of our own making. Which is which? "Job is dealing with the idea of a kind of a suffering that's incomprehensible and he gives us permission to speak very differently to and about God," said Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology. Join us as Dr. Saleska faces Job head-on.

In this new series of episodes, professors explore the theological impact of their favorite pieces of literature. "Literature can help us to see the transcendent truths of the gospel anew," said Dr. Ryan Tinetti, professor of Practical Theology. "It can help us deepen our experience, our understanding and our sympathy for folks from all walks of life and experiences," said Dr. Kent Burreson, profe...

Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, professor of systematic theology and Dr. Jeff Oschwald, professor of exegetical theology, discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke. "You've got to 'land the dove,' listening to what the Spirit was doing in the life of Jesus and in our lives," said Sánchez. "The presence of God is in Jesus in a completely unique way, and yet he draws us into that by the gift o...

How should the church respond to its declining influence in today's culture? Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they continue the discussion about Lakies's new book How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times .

"I've been reading Luther's mail for a long time now," said Dr. Stephen Pietsch, associate professor of Practical Theology. "Martin Luther was not only a bull-headed reformer — but also a gentle, wise correspondent." Join Pietsch and Dr. Jason Lane, associate professor of Historical Theology, as they discuss Pietsch's research into the letters that Luther wrote to comfort those who were suffering...

Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they discuss "insider versus outsider" mentality and explore some ways to build positive relationships with those on the other side of the fence.

World-renowned archeologist Dr. Jodi Magness shares her findings from decades of excavations in Israel. "The world of Jesus 2000 years ago was as alien to us as life on Mars. It was a completely different world," said Magness in this discussion with Professor of Exegetical Theology Dr. David Adams.

Is social media changing the factors that contribute to the formation of sexual identity? Join this discussion between three church workers as they share their experiences working with tech-savvy youth. 

Technology is an apparent force in the world, but it's nothing new. From scrolls to screens, innovations have shaped how we interact with God's Word and each other. How will technology influence the church in the future? Listen to Dr. Bernard Bull and Dr. David Maxwell as they discuss their research and experience.

Hosea lived out God's message of redemption in a very tangible way. What does this minor prophet from the eighth century BC have to say to us today? Dr. Kevin Golden shares his research discoveries in a discussion with Dr. David Lewis about the incredibly relevant book of Hosea.

Widespread anxiety and high stress levels among Americans has led many mental health professionals to recommend mindfulness exercises. How should Christians respond? LCMS pastor, seminary professor, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Rick Marrs shares his experience and research about the use of meditation.

This is a special feature of the episode Mindfulness, Meditation, and Martin Luther . Dr. Rick Marrs reads a Scripture-based meditation that he modified from William Hulme's book Let the Spirit In: Practicing Christian Devotional Meditation . Enjoy!

There are currently 300 million people migrating in the world. The ways in which Christians respond to these immigrants can change the church forever. "We have a unique opportunity to embody Yahweh's own concern for the strangers among us. Even today." says Dr. Leo Sánchez. Tune in to this conversation between Dr. Leo Sánchez and Dr. Douglas Rutt about ministry in the age of migration.

Grief comes during times of transition, even when the change is a good one. Deaconess Dorothy Glenn and Rev. Micah Glenn share their experience moving their family to follow a new call. Tune in to this transparent conversation about mourning good-byes while welcoming hellos.

In part two of this series, Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto discuss the role of the church vs. the role of individual Christians in political engagement. They don't offer a list of directions, but a framework in which to make the choices for yourself. Tune in! Their conversation will challenge you to think beyond the easy answers.

Face to Face: Martin Luther's View of Reality is a culmination of Dr. Robert Kolb's years of research and in-depth study. Kolb's newly published book looks at Luther's theology from a new perspective. "Luther's insights into the nature of what it means to be human as a relational being and to understand God, who is always in relationship, helps with living in the 21st century," said Kolb. "Luther...

The next three years mark the largest number of retirement-age Americans in history. "The church didn't prepare me for it," said Dr. Dale Meyer as he and Dr. Robert Kolb discuss the difficulties and surprises of retirement in the 21st century.