The Seminary Explores

From Dublin Bay to Seminary Ridge: Poet Micheal O’Siadhail

The Poetry + Theology editor for Seminary Ridge Review speaks with Irish poet Micheal O’Siadhail about his friendship with theologians, his poetry, and whether or not faith is a thing to be kept private. O’Siadhail gave a public reading on the Gettysburg Seminary campus as part of his U.S. book tour for Collected Poems (Bloodaxe Books, 2013).

The Role of the Liberal Arts College in Contemporary Society

Dr. Christianson speaks with Dr. Baird Tipson, former president of Wittenberg University, Ohio and Washington College, Maryland on the important role that the Liberal Arts College plays in contemporary society despite the emphasis on technical capacities in fields as varied as medicine, law, or computers Technical skills are best learned in the context of the liberal arts which emphasize the whole person, including fundamental questions of who we are as humans, and how best to serve humanity in a changing world. The church continues to have a role in the Liberal Arts College, even though this role is evolving. Perhaps most important, church-related colleges have the opportunity as nowhere else to raise the ultimate question of who we are in relation to God.

Equality for Women

Dr. Christian speaks with Kate Michelman, past President of Pro-Choice America and author, With Liberty and Justice for All.  She believes that a woman’s reproductive rights are fundamental but that these rights suffer more restrictions today than at any time since the Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade. Some progress is evident in wages and career opportunities for women, but far short of the goal of total equality.

Ms. Michelman’s passion for women’s equality and reproductive choice began with her own experience of attempting to terminate a fourth pregnancy after giving birth to three daughters in three years and then being abandoned by her husband.

Ecotheology in Indonesia

Dr. Whitney Bauman talks about his current research in Indonesia, where he is gaining a new perspective both on environmental concerns and also inter-religious dialogue.

The Work and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Strobert talks with Dr. Charles Brown, Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics at Payne Theological Seminary about the background, work and continuing legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Apocalyptic in the New Testament

Dr. Richard Carlson, Glatfelter Professor of Biblical Studies at Gettysburg Seminary, discusses apocalyptic in the New Testament, first by showing how it grew as a response to the failure of wisdom literature (e.g. Proverbs) to satisfy the religious needs of Israel in the century and a half before Jesus. In the New Testament Carlson uses examples from Paul and Mark to show how apocalyptic was changed by the coming of Christ through an emphasis on the “already, but not yet” and on hope for things to come. As a means of understanding evil apocalyptic encourages perseverance in the face of what Paul calls the powers of sin and death and the new life “in Christ.” 

The 10 Top Stories in Religion for 2013

Dr. Strobert speaks with Dr. Eric Crump about the top ten stories in religion for 2013.

The top stories included:

• The resignation of the Pope Benedict
• The election of Pope France and his emphasis on the poor and the reforms in the Curia
• The election of the first woman presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• And more...

Christmas: Where It All Began

Dr. Christianson talks with the Dr. Mark Vitalis Hoffman, Professor Of Biblical Studies at Gettysburg Seminary about Christmas and where it all began. 

Did you know only Matthew and Luke have Christmas stories and even these have some differences? Learn about the role of the shepherds, angels, wise men and manger. We will also explore the purpose of the birth narratives: Emmanuel, “god with us”; and “go and tell”.

Historical Artist Dale Gallon

Dr. Christianson talks to Historical Artist Dale Gallon from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania about the challenges of historically accurate painting as well as his ten painting commission for the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg.

The Work of a Systematic Theologian

Dr. Strobert interviews systematic theologian Dr. Kristin Largen about her work at Gettysburg Seminary which focuses on the importance of comparative (inter-religious) theology.

 

Dr. Largen shares her experiences of immersion into four non-Christian religious traditions and what that means not only to her but to Christians everywhere who are seeking a better understanding of their own and other faiths.