The Seminary Explores

Host Dr. Largen, Pastor Paul Hoffman and art therapist and licensed mental health counselor Donna Linn, talk about the adult faith formation program that was pioneered at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington.  They now travel the country educating Synods, Congregations and Seminary constituencies about that successful program.

Seminarian Lamar Bailey describes his background in public policy to Dr. Largen, and offers a compelling argument for the church to be more involved in the world:  “being a member of a congregation also means being a member of the community.”

Dr. Largen talks to Sara Gyson about her involvement with the community garden on the Gettysburg Seminary campus, and the ways in which a garden can foster a church’s mission in the world, and also strengthen Christian discipleship in ways large and small.

The Rev. Dr. Ted Peters, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union describes the important difference it makes in our lives when we give up our attempts at self-justification [which often includes scapegoating] and rely on God’s justification.

Dr. Largen Speaks with The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Peterson the Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Lutheran Seminary about what she calls a “spirit-breathed” ecclesiology, describing a new way of understanding the church for the 21st century.

Dr. Largen continues her discussion with Bhante Sujatha about the founding of the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock, Illinois, which caters specifically to Western Americans, and why Americans are drawn to meditation and the Buddha’s teachings.

Dr. Largen has a delightful conversation with Bhante Sujatha about his personal story of becoming a Buddhist monk at age 11 and his subsequent  journey from Sri Lanka to the United States.

Dr. Strobert continues the discussion around apocalyptic with Dr. Maria Erling by defining of the term apocalyptic from its biblical roots to its present expression in United States society.   Dr. Erling then moves on to identify events in American history that initiated apocalyptic themes from various denominations.

Dr. Largen continues her discussion with Rev. Shafer as he talks about the interfaith reality in which we live, and the way media technologies—including the news media—can foster both positive and negative attitudes about different religious traditions, including Christianity.

Dr. Largen speaks with Rev. Eric Shafer about the interface between religion and the media, particularly as it relates to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, both past and present.  He describes the historic openness of the Lutheran church to current media technologies, and expresses optimism for the future.