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Dr. John M. Owen IV: Christian Political Engagement – Past, Present and Future
How do we thoughtfully engage with the political realms in which we find ourselves, and what might we learn from our forebears in how they tackled the division of church and state? In this conversation, we learn from Dr. John M. Owen IV about the Catholic, Lutheran, Anabaptist and Reformed traditions and their approaches to political engagement. After tracing through points in history, we return to the present day, considering what it means to engage politically when global democracy appears to be stalling. John thoughtfully reflects on the causes of authoritarianism and rising nationalism and shares his perspective on the future of democracy. If this conversation piques your interest, join us for “Christianity and Politics” from July 21-25. You can also catch John’s recent Evening Public Lecture “What’s Wrong with Democracy?” on our Youtube channel. (Note: This podcast conversation was recorded on Friday, June 13, 2025)BioDr. John M. Owen IV is the Ambassador Henry J. and Mrs. Marion R. Taylor Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture and the Miller Center for Public Affairs. Dr. Owen earned his MA and Ph.D. from Harvard University. His scholarly work focuses on international relations, with particular attention to the interplay between ideology and international order. He has authored several books, including The Ecology of Nations: American Democracy in a Fragile World Order (2023). John brings a nuanced perspective to discussions on international relations, emphasizing the significance of ideas and ideologies in shaping global dynamics. John will be back with us at Regent this summer, teaching “Christianity and Politics” from July 21-25. He will also be giving an evening public lecture on July 7, titled “What’s Wrong with Democracy?”Previous Podcast AppearancesChristianity, Politics and Liberalism (June 2022)Summer Listener SurveyPlease fill out our Listener Survey before the end of July for the opportunity to win a $100 Regent College Bookstore Gift Card.Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube Keep in Touch Regent College Summer Programs Regent College Newsletter
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Dr. Susan Currie: A Rule of Life for a Way of Life
Today Claire and Rachel have a wonderfully rich conversation with Dr. Susan Currie, a Spiritual Director and Minister of Spiritual Formation at Leadership Transformations, Inc. Susan brings her experience of theological education, spiritual direction and training spiritual directors to her understanding of a Rule of Life. She shares about her own journey to becoming a spiritual director, the history of a Rule of Life, individual and communal rules, Jesus’ rhythms, and the underpinning goal of growing in company with Jesus. We consider the importance of seasons and discernment in crafting a rule of life, then conclude the episode with a guided examen, where Susan graciously invites us to notice God’s presence in our daily lives. Prepare to enter a spacious place, and consider joining us next week for “A Rule of Life for a Way of Life.”Susan's BioDr. Susan Porterfield Currie is a distinguished spiritual director and educator specializing in spiritual formation. She holds a Master of Arts from Bryn Mawr College, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Susan serves as the Director of the Selah Certificate in Spiritual Direction and is a Minister of Spiritual Formation at Leadership Transformations, Inc. Susan and her husband, David, are active members of the Anglican church.Summer Listener SurveyPlease fill out our Listener Survey before the end of July for the opportunity to win a $100 Regent College Bookstore Gift Card.Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube Keep in Touch Regent College Summer Programs Regent College Newsletter
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1:06:35
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1:06:35
Dr. Jeff Greenman: Looking Back – 10 Years As President of Regent College
Claire and Rachel take some time with outgoing Regent President and resident penguin fanatic, Dr. Jeff Greenman to look back on his tenure since 2015. They hear about Jeff’s student experience at Regent, the joys and challenges of leadership, why he loves Regent students, the projects that he has spearheaded and seen to fruition – from student housing projects to the Master of Arts in Leadership, Theology and Society, and some of his quirkier traits and trademarks! It is a deeply hopeful conversation, which emphasises the importance of theological education and humble leadership in our contemporary moment.Jeff's BioDr. Jeffrey P. Greenman is a distinguished theologian and educator, currently serving as the President and Professor of Theology and Ethics at Regent College. He is the first alumnus to hold this position, having earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Regent College in 1988. His academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College, a Master of Arts from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in Religious Ethics from the University of Virginia. Before becoming President in 2015, Jeff held significant roles at Regent College, including Academic Dean and Executive Vice President. In 2024, Jeff Greenman announced his decision to retire in June 2025, concluding a decade of leadership at Regent College. He continues to be actively involved in teaching, writing, and speaking engagements, focusing on Christian ethics, spiritual formation, and leadership development. Today, we will be reflecting with Jeff on his time as President, as well as his many years of connection with Regent.Previous Podcast AppearancesThe Pedagogy of Praise (Jan 2022)The food industry, gluttony and theology, with Whitney Buckner (May 2019)Rethinking Education, with Raphael Haeuser (May 2018)Summer Listener SurveyPlease fill out our Listener Survey before the end of July for the opportunity to win a $100 Regent College Bookstore Gift Card.Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube Keep in Touch Regent College Summer Programs Regent College Newsletter
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Dr. Everett Hamner: Climate Theology and Storytelling
What does climate have to do with theology and where does storytelling come in? Today, we sat down with Dr. Everett Hamner to talk about his interdisciplinary journey at Regent, and how it has shaped his interests in ecotheology, climate literature, and responding to the very real crisis we are facing globally as a result of our consumption. By delving into stories that create and envision alternative futures, such as Playground by Richard Powers, Everett weaves together science, faith and art to engage us with realistic and truthful approaches to these big issues. If you’re interested in learning more, join us from July 7-11 for “Climate Theology and Storytelling.”Everett's BioDr. Everett Hamner is a Professor of English at Western Illinois University (WIU), where he has been a faculty member since 2008. He holds a Master of Christian Studies from Regent College and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa, completed in 2008. Dr. Hamner's interdisciplinary academic background encompasses literature, science, and religion. His research interests include American literature, speculative fiction, and the intersections of science and religion in contemporary culture. He is the author of Editing the Soul: Science and Fiction in the Genome Age, which examines the portrayal of genetics in literature and popular media. Summer Listener SurveyPlease fill out our Listener Survey before the end of July for the opportunity to win a $100 Regent College Bookstore Gift Card.Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube Keep in Touch Regent College Summer Programs Regent College Newsletter
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1:12:18
The Anachronists: Augustine's Confessions
Claire and Rachel caught up with Regent alums Andrés Pérez Gonzálz , Corey Janz, and Jonathan Lipps, also known as the Anachronists, to talk about their beautiful new indie-folk EP Confessions, based on Augustine’s famous work of the same name. In this special podcast episode, we hear excerpts from the songs, their process of writing and reflecting on the Confessions over Zoom during COVID, and we get the chance to hear the world premiere of “All of Our Decayed Parts.” They also reflect on the importance of artistic reflection in our interpretation of, and engagement with, theology. It’s a beautiful, Regent-y conversation. Enjoy!(Post-production for this episode by Jonathan Lipps)BiographyThe Anachronists are Andrés Pérez Gonzálz , Corey Janz, and Jonathan Lipps, all accomplished musicians and songwriters in their own right. Hailing from three different countries (Mexico, Canada, and the US, respectively), they met as theology students here at Regent College. Having already collaborated for some time on music for College events, and faced with the lockdown environment of the early Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the three friends decided to work on this project together. Fueled by a shared love for deep theological reflection as well as intelligent and soulful songwriting, Anachronists were formed as a way to introduce their colleagues and contemporaries to a new mode of engaging with ancient thinkers; they set out to write music that would satisfy the mind and the discerning music aficionado’s ear, as well as the heart. Today, we will be talking with them about their album Confessions, based on St. Augustine’s writings of the same name.Find all the information about the EP and the Anachronists here.Summer Listener SurveyPlease fill out our Listener Survey before the end of July for the opportunity to win a $100 Regent College Bookstore Gift Card.Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube Keep in Touch Regent College Summer Programs Regent College Newsletter
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1:15:48
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1:15:48