The Seminary Explores

Reconciling in Christ, the Purpose and the Process

Shirley Armstrong, Psychological Counselor and Peer Education Advisor at Gettysburg College describes the goals of The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations. RIC recognizes Lutheran communities that publicly welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender believers.  She discusses the need for churches to make a statement on the subject, but stresses that the main objective is to get people talking with each other, not simply taking votes.

Parish Ministry in this Time of Change

Pastor Brown discussed her week as Minister-in-Residence at Gettysburg Seminary with Dr. Strobert. She describes her conversations with students, preaching and presiding in chapel as well as attending and lecturing in seminary classes. Pastor Brown also discussed her context of parish ministry at Advent Lutheran Church in New York City. It has an immigrant population in addition to being in a gentrified neighborhood. Although a small congregation, the church is involved in broad social outreach in the community.

Mr. Lincoln's Religion

Dr. Christianson speaks with Dr. Bradley Hoch, Pediatrician and author of The Lincoln Trail in Pennsylvania about President Lincoln’s religious evolution. Lincoln developed throughout his life, beginning as (what his neighbors called) an “infidel” and moving on to a doctrine of “necessity” before coming to terms with Providence.  In 1862, probably because of the horrifying numbers of casualties and the death of his son Willie, the president began to affirm a personal deity. In the Second Inaugural he envisions a God who has purposes for humankind, although they may not be ours.

Cultural Changes that Church Leaders Cannot Afford to Miss

Dr. William O. Avery, Arthur O. Larson Professor Emeritus of Stewardship and Parish Ministry, Gettysburg Seminary speaks about the dramatic difference in the world of young people today, driven especially by technology, drives the question: how should the church respond?  Dr. Avery suggests some interesting ideas that might help meet the needs of Millennials who are looking for dialogue, new kinds of spirituality, and above all meaning.

The Conflict in Ukraine

Dr. Christianson speaks with Ambassador Lawrence Taylor who describes the current tensions in eastern Ukraine and suggests that the U.S. and NATO were surprised by Russia’s incursions. On the other hand, Vladimir Putin was not prepared for the resistance from the new government in Ukraine.  He suggests that we take seriously Russia’s claim to protect Russians everywhere and do so unilaterally, but also try to bridge the gap between the Old Europe (“Mother Russia”) and the New.

Unweaving Exile: One Artist’s Response to 9/11

The Poetry + Theology editor for Seminary Ridge Review speaks with internationally-exhibited fiber artist Laurie Wohl. Wohl’s traveling exhibit “Birds of Longing: Exile and Memory” came to Gettysburg Seminary in the fall of 2014. The 14-piece show integrates excerpts from Muslim, Jewish and Christian texts from the Convivencia and from contemporary Middle Eastern poets. Alluding to the oldest traditions of narrative textiles, the pieces in the exhibit include original iconography and mixed media as well as an audio soundscape.

Measuring the Costs of War in Human Relationships

The personal and political repercussions of the Battle of Gettysburg are illustrated by the conflict between Henry Stehle (a Democrat and suspected “Copperhead) and David Buehler (a “radical” Republican). The moral:  human nature runs deep, even among those we elevate as heroes.  Dr. Christianson and Speaks with Thomas Rutherford about the true cost of war in human relationships this week on The Seminary Explores.

Learn more at http://www.civilwar.org/

A View of the Church in Cameroon, Central Africa

Dr. Paul Déouyo, 2014 Norma Sweitzer Wood Lecturer at Gettysburg Seminary and Professor of Systematic Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Meiganga, Cameroon, Africa gives an overview of the issues confronting the people and church in Cameroon. The conversation include includes:

1. The responsibilities of pastors, evangelists, and catechists within the church.

2. The economic conditions of Cameroon.

3. The ethnic/cultural mix in congregations.

The Public Defender as Office and Ministry

Recorded before a live audience at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg PA,  Dr. Christianson disusses with Kristin Rice how her office is a ministry as well as an essential public service, balancing justice with a fair trial and compassion. Publically financed defenders were established as late as the 1963 when the Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment guarantees legal counsel to poor defendants in criminal cases. She believes that the next frontier in her field must be the improvement of mental health services, and she continues her opposition to the death penalty.

Why Lutherans Should Care about and for Creation

Dr. Largen spends this episode talking to The Rev. Dr. David Rhodes about the integral role creation plays in Lutheran Theology, and the resources available for individual Christians, public ministers and congregations who want to learn more about how to bring care for creation into their faith lives. 

www.lutheransrestoringcreation.org