The Seminary Explores

In the ongoing series of podcasts “Science for Seminaries”, Gettysburg Seminary board member Dr. Greg Yothers discusses his own faith and the connection he sees between his faith and his work as a researcher in clinical cancer trials. 

Astrophysicist Craig Foltz discusses dark matter, dark energy and the exciting new detection of gravitational waves that was announced in February.  No one makes physics more fun and interesting than Craig!

Dr. Kenneth Mott, Professor of Political Science at Gettysburg College explains that beginning with the nomination of Senator Barry Goldwater in 1964 and the passage of the Civil Rights Act shortly thereafter, the two parties have moved away from the “middle” and toward the “more purified” or ideological.  The reasons are complex but are mainly due to regionalism and segregation, as well as social media and an emphasis on individualism.

Award-winning, classically-trained sculptor Sarah Hempel Irani opens her studio for a conversation with Katy Giebenhain from Seminary Ridge Review. She specializes in sacred art and portraiture and works in clay, plaster, bronze, and marble. She has stood at the chalk “x” marking the spot where Michelangelo stood when selecting Carrara marble. Hempel Irani works from live models with oil-based clay and armatures. She studied Fine Art and Classical Studies at Hillsdale College with sculptor Anthony Frudakis and was apprenticed to Jay Hall Carpenter, former Artist-in-Residence at the Washington National Cathedral. Her M.A. in Humanities is from Hood College Graduate School, with a concentration in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. 

In this episode Dr. Largen chats with Jono Adams, Seminary student and volunteer firefighter.  They discuss his sense of calling as a member of the Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Department, and how that enhances and expands his calling to public ministry.

Recorded live at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, long time host, Dr. Gerald Christianson, talks with Dr. Elizabeth Wood, retired physician in private practice, about the decline of private practice in medicine.  Dr. Wood expresses concern that some important values are in danger of being lost: a single physician’s knowledge of the whole person; drug over-dose or contradicting prescriptions; lack of communication among specialists.  Much has been gained as well, but two universal issues remain open to debate: the delivery of quality care for all and end of life decisions.

Think you know everything there is to know about the founding of this country?  Think again!  This year, to celebrate July 4th, listen to this fascinating conversation with Gettysburg College history professor Tim Shannon as he talks about the role of Native Americans during the Revolutionary War, and their varied relationships with the British, the French and the Colonists.  Don’t miss the discussion of Jefferson and his views of Native Americans.

Dr. Kenneth Mott, Professor of Political Science, Gettysburg College; author of “The Supreme Court and the Living Constitution” takes us on a tour of the U.S. Constitution.  In addition to a structure and a process for an American government, the Constitution assumes a distinction between permanent principles and occasional demands, between the “permanent” will of the people and the “whim” of frequent change. Thus what is left unsaid is the key to the endurance of the Constitution. The role of the Supreme Court becomes critical in keeping this dialogue alive and well.

Sculptor Marlene Alt and Katy Giebenhain from Seminary Ridge Review talk about Alt’s sited sculpture outside the National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center in Gettysburg. “Traces: A Gathering Up” features wax imprints of horse hooves. How do we pay tribute? What is the difference between land and home? How can we imagine the scope of the Battle of Gettysburg? Aside from human casualties there were over 1,000 horses and mules killed here. Alt describes her installation project and her approach to other historical themes in her artwork. She is the May-June 2016 Artist-in-Residence at the Gettysburg National Military Park.