The Seminary Explores

What is Liberation Theology?

Dr. Nelson Rivera, Professor of Theology and Ethics at United Lutheran Seminary, defines and describes the development of Liberation Theology. This theology places an emphasis on context of the people, especially the poor. Rivera gives an overview of the seminal work of Gustavo Gutiérrez and discusses the contributions of other Liberation Theologians. Rivera makes it quite clear that Liberation Theology is not Marxist. Dr. Rivera also shares how his interest in Liberation Theology developed and gives suggested readings for those in the listening audience who want to read more about this area of theology.

 

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera
Professor of Theology and Ethics
United Lutheran Seminary

 

Credits:

Thumbnail Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_Guti%C3%A9rrez#/media/File:Gustavo_gutierrez_(Peruvian_theologian).jpg

A Christmas Offering 2025

Tom Jolin and Julie Aha share music (hymns and carols) for the Christmas season from the global village. They present songs and music that originate from Canada, Belgium, United States, Native Americans, and Germany. A brief historical introduction to each piece helps to remind us of the hope and joy of the Christmas celebration around the world.

Join us for a "Small Writing Surface Concert" to ring in the holiday season.

On the Appalachian Trail

In this episode John Hartzell (retired attorney and Coast Guard Officer) talks about hiking the Appalachian Trail. He discusses his decision to undertake this life-long desire to experience this historic path. John talked about the planning that included his hiking partner, the difficulties along the trail, along with the diverse types of people he encountered. He shares the routine that developed during the experience including shelter, eating, purchasing food, and visiting the small towns along the way. John also shares the physical changes he experienced hiking along with the opportunity to reflect on life events during those alone moments. At the end, he gives suggestions for anyone who is considering hiking the Trail.

 

(Thumbnail Photo: https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/about-us/media-room/ )

Pope Leo XIV: A Pope for These Times

Dr. William Buckley, Adjunct professor-instructor in the Doctor of Liberal Studies Program in the School of Continuing Studies, Georgetown University, discusses the election and work of Pope Leo XIV. Buckley affirms that Pope Leo is a leader for these times. His missionary work in Peru, his graduate theological degrees including a doctorate in  Canon Law, pastoral work, and teaching make him prepared for the challenges of ecclesial leadership in the world in which we live. Throughout the interview Dr. Buckley makes us keenly aware of Pope Leo’s Augustinian roots which emphasizes mission and sensitivity to the poor and marginalized. Buckley, an active Roman Catholic theologian and ethicist, shares his hopes for Pope Leo as well as the challenges that he will encounter.

 

(Please note there are some minor audio dropouts due to phone connection instability, but they should not impact your enjoyment or understanding of this conversation.)

A Rumor of Black Lutherans

Dr. James Thomas, retired professor of Church, Ministry and Worship at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University, discusses various people he interviewed and researched for his book, A Rumor of Black Lutherans. He emphasizes the importance of telling and sharing their stories as members of Lutheran churches in the U.S. In addition, he notes that the lives of these Black giants in Lutheranism indicates their contribution to the life of the whole church and people do not know them. For example, he mentioned Jehu Jones, Daniel Payne, Rosa Young. He encourages future scholars to continue to research and share the stories of Black Lutherans who have made contributions to our lives from their secular work as involved Lutheran laypersons (doctors, teachers, etc.).

 

Pew Research data on the Racial and ethnic composition among members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

 

“Say the names our mothers gave us:” poems that power The Girl Singer by Marianne Worthington

The poems in Marianne Worthington’s The Girl Singer tap into music performance, audiences, family identity and cultural expectations from many directions. She joins Katy Giebenhain for a conversation about the book. Marianne’s work has appeared in Oxford American, The Louisville Review, Appalachian Review, Untelling, New Southerner, Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Salvation South and elsewhere. A graduate of Carson-Newman University and Ball State University, she is co-editor, with Silas House, of Piano in a Sycamore: Writing Lessons from the Appalachian Writers’ Workshop. This is a craft anthology from teachers at the renowned Workshop in Hindman, Kentucky from its first 40 years. She co-founded and was the poetry editor for the journal Still. Marianne is the author of the chapbook Larger Bodies than Mine. The Girl Singer received the Weatherford Award for Poetry from Berea College and The Appalachian Studies Association.

You can visit Marianne's website at: https://marianneworthington.com/

Photo Credit: Dereck Hammers

A Lifetime of Ministry Engagement

Pastor William Sowers received the Lifetime in Ministry Award from United Lutheran Seminary. He talks about the process of attending seminary and what factors informed him of his final decision to attend. Much of his years in ministry focused on social issues or social ministry. Pastor Sowers shared parts of his ministerial life.  He organized and developed the first CROP walk, studied Family Therapy, worked for Tressler Lutheran Services, and developed the program for families of gay children. He is thankful for the award and his years in ministry.

The Call to Serve: Reflections on a life in Public Ministry

Dr. Warren Eshbach is the recipient of the United Lutheran Seminary, Called to Lead – Excellence in Parish Ministry Award from the Alumni/ai Association. He talks about his Lutheran educational history although he is a member of the Church of the Brethren. He recalls his theological studies on the Gettysburg campus and their importance as he continued in ministry over the years. He emphasizes the importance of theology in helping one to think critically. Eshbach life in ministry included: parish pastor, District Executive Minister, and adjunct faculty member. For anyone contemplating ministry, he advises them to learn to listen; try to understand “the other.”

Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Forward to 2025

Pastor Fritz Foltz, Pastor emeritus St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, centered the conversation on the 2024 election of Donald Trump. He discusses the 2024 presidency and the support of Trump by many conservatives from the perspective of the Manhattan Declaration. It was a joint statement among Roman Catholics, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals pledging to work together to put common religious beliefs into civil law. Foltz explored the gap between the Trump administration and the call of the gospel. 

Walking the Way of St. James

Pastor A. J. Domines from Christ Lutheran Church, Elizabethtown, PA talks about his recently completed pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). He shares about his need to have time from the routines of ministry and become more prayerful and mindful of the presence of God in his life. He sees this pilgrimage to be helpful in reading and understanding scripture differently. He describes the history and legend of the pilgrimage along with the personal outcomes of the experience for himself. Domines also the planning and processes of undertaking this “way of St. James.” He sums the pilgrimage as “a walk of all Christians” longing for and experiencing the Kingdom of God.