The Seminary Explores

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.

The Issues and Challenges for the Church in Northern Germany

Dr. Strobert talks with Gerhard Ulrich, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany about a wide variety of topics including:

• The relationship between the Lutheran Churches in Germany and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Theological education in Germany
• Who are we as Lutherans? What is our particular vocation?
• Examining the various cultures within the German Churches
• Unity versus uniformity
• Discussion of the new church structure in Northern Germany
• Issues within the church with the former Eastern Germany population

What is special about the new Seminary Ridge Museum?

Host Dr. Gerald Christianson talks with Barbara Franco, the Executive Director of the new Seminary Ridge Museum located atop Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. The new museum explores the topics of:

• the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg
• the care of the wounded and human suffering that took place within Schmucker Hall during its use as a field hospital
• faith and freedom and the moral, civic and spiritual debates of the Civil War era

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Hosts Dr. Nelson Strobert and Dr. Gerald Christianson discuss the history and the future of The Seminary Explores and the move from local radio to internet podcast.

The Sustainability of Seminary Education

Host Dr. Gerald Christianson explores the future sustainability of seminary education with The Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.