The Seminary Explores

Continuing our focus on “Science in the Seminary” this year, in this episode, Dr. Stephenson offers a basic description of physics and the kinds of things physics teaches us about the world.   Then moving into some specific theories about creation, the universe and how it all matters to our understanding of God.

Pastor Paul Mundey, Senior Pastor at the Frederick Church of the Brethren, discusses the issues of retirement for the clergy. What does retirement mean for the pastor? What are the issues for the congregation? Mundey shares his process of transition into retirement as an example and highlights some of the research and scholars on retirement and transitions in the parish.

Dr. Leonard Hummel, Co-editor of Gettysburg: The Quest for Meaning, discusses the new book, published by Seminary Ridge Press and its purpose: to examine religion and the Civil War, including the Bible and slavery, ghost tours and pilgrims, the “lost cause” of the Confederacy, forgetting and remembering why it started, and how all this informs our search for a just and equitable America.

In this episode, which kicks off our year of “Science in the Seminary,” Kristin Largen talks with Kristin Stuempfle about the importance of dialogue between science and religion.  Kris uses the example of her father, Herman Stuempfle who was the President of Gettysburg Seminary from 1976 to 1989.  In particular she references the hymn he wrote for her, “Go Forth in Search of Truth.”

Dr. Leonard Hummel, Co-editor of Gettysburg: The Quest for Meaning, discusses the new book, published by Seminary Ridge Press and its purpose: to examine religion and the Civil War, including the Bible and slavery, ghost tours and pilgrims, the “lost cause” of the Confederacy, forgetting and remembering why it started, and how all this informs our search for a just and equitable America.

Will Lane, Director of the Writing Center, Gettysburg College and former Chair, Adams-Hanover Health Care for All discusses the current status of healthcare in America with host Dr. Christianson.  Mr. Lane says the health care is slowly improving under The Affordable Care Act, but the goal is still to cover everyone with affordable health care. The obstacles today are political and not value or workable solutions.   Two models to meet the goal are regulated private companies and the expansion of Medicare for everyone. 

In this episode, a theologian, Dr. Largen, and a historian, Rev. Dr. Maria Erling, talk about the construction of Lutheran identity, and how it relates both to theological doctrines and also social, historical context.  The issue of slavery is discussed as one example of such identity construction.

The Rev. Dr. Mark Oldenburg shares with Dr. Largen two “horror stories” involving 4th of July Sunday morning worship services as a way to talk more constructively about how to balance “secular religion” and Sunday worship services. The goal is to both recognize and celebrate the things that matter in our daily lives—like our country, but also honor and worship God as the absolute center of our life. Public ministers, you don’t want to miss this one!