Dr. Denis Alexander: Current and Emerging Issues in Science and Theology
Today we are joined by Dr. Denis Alexander, who will soon teach a class on Current Issues in Science and Theology (May 26-30). Denis is known for his research as a molecular biologist, so we start this conversation by discussing theistic evolution, genetics, DNA, and the difference between mind and brain. He also probes the implications of emerging issues and fields such as neuroscience, transhumanism, and AI. We are grateful to engage with someone who thoughtfully and insightfully participates in the scientific world, bringing Christian faith and reflection to bear on emerging knowledge and realities. If you are unsure whether his class is for you, Dr. Alexander assures us that this course suits those with no science background! BioDr. Denis Alexander is a prominent molecular biologist and Christian thinker known for his extensive work in the dialogue between science and religion. In 2006, Dr. Alexander co-founded The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion with Professor Bob White to conduct research and promote dialogue between the scientific and religious communities. He was the journal Science & Christian Belief editor from 1992 to 2013. He has been an active member of organizations such as Christians in Science and the International Society for Science and Religion. Throughout his career, Dr. Alexander has been a vocal proponent of the compatibility between scientific inquiry and religious faith, contributing significantly to discussions on how these fields intersect and inform each other. He’ll join us from May 26-30 to teach on Current Issues in Science and Theology. He will also give an Evening Public Lecture in the Regent College Chapel on Monday, May 26, 2025.Previous Podcast AppearancesEvolution, Neanderthals and Original Sin (March 2021)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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1:09:42
Professor John Swinton: Understanding Mental Health, Theodicy, and Unresolved Suffering
We are joined again by Professor John Swinton, ahead of his summer class “Theology, Mental Health and the Problem of Suffering” (May 12-16). We discuss his recent research on systemic factors that contribute to mental health challenges, methods in practical theology and the issue of casual theodicy in Christian communities. We discuss the mystery of God’s hiddenness, sitting with the unresolved in church communities, and the importance of boundaries in friendship and caring for people with mental health challenges and disabilities. John also briefly mentions his album Beautiful Songs About Difficult Things, where he integrates his many years of theological reflection into artistic meditations for the church. We're hoping he'll sing a few songs for us in May!Bio Professor John Swinton is a Scottish theologian, ordained minister in the Church of Scotland, and a former mental health nurse. He holds the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen, where he specializes in practical theology and pastoral care. He has made significant contributions to disability theology and the theology of mental health. Throughout his career, John has emphasized the importance of understanding personhood and spirituality in the context of mental health and disability, advocating for more inclusive and compassionate approaches within religious communities and healthcare settings.Previous Podcast AppearancesA Thick Understanding of Mental Health (December 2022)I Have Never Met a Mentally Healthy Person (June 2019) Books ReferencedFinding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges (2020)Dementia: Living in the Memories of God (2012)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. Bruce and Carolyn Hindmarsh: At the Feet of Jesus: Encountering Christ in the Gospels
Bruce and Carolyn join Claire and Rachel to share about their new book At the Feet of Jesus: Encountering Christ in the Gospels, which will be released by IVP on April 25. They share about writing the book through many years of leading prayer retreats with students and church groups, the practice of Ignatian meditation and the joy of keeping our eyes on Jesus, as we follow the example of Mary of Bethany. Towards the end of the conversation, they also tell us about their upcoming En Route summer course in Italy, Martyrs, Monks and Mystics (May 18-31). BiosDr. D. Bruce Hindmarsh is the James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology and Professor of the History of Christianity here at Regent. He earned his PhD in theology from Oxford University. His scholarly work focuses on the history of early British evangelicalism. Bruce is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a past president of the American Society of Church History. He is also an active lay member of an Anglican Church in Vancouver. Carolyn Hindmarsh holds a DMin from Fuller Seminary. She teaches New Testament Greek and spiritual theology at Regent College and is a trained spiritual director. Together, Bruce and Carolyn have often taught at Regent College and led church retreats.Previous Podcast AppearancesCarolyn Hindmarsh and Shirley Sullivan on Biblical Languages (Oct 2016)Bruce Hindmarsh on Early Evangelical Spirituality (Feb 2018)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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1:08:55
Dr. Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn: Reading the New Testament Around the World
This week, we welcomed Dr Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn back to the podcast to share about her forthcoming book Reading the New Testament Around the World. Mariam is a beloved New Testament professor at Regent and in this conversation, she shares her enthusiasm for the New Testament, as well as the inspiration and process behind collaborating with global scholars to conduct situated exegesis. We talk about fresh insights from Scripture and student responses to advanced copies of the book. The volume incorporates essays on each book of the New Testament, with writers from across the world engaging with theological, social and political issues pertinent to their contexts. The book will be released on April 29, 2025 from Baker Academic. She will be teaching New Testament Foundations this summer (May 26–June 6) and launching her book in the Regent Chapel on May 21 at 7:30pm.BioDr. Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn is an Associate Professor of New Testament at Regent College. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Denver Seminary, and a PhD in New Testament from the University of St. Andrews. Mariam’s scholarly work focuses on the Epistle of James, the Gospel of Matthew, and the broader context of Jewish literature from the intertestamental period. She has co-authored a commentary on James for the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series and has contributed numerous articles and book chapters to the field. Previous Podcast AppearancesQuestions About the New Testament: Part 2 (December 2019)Rediscovering Biblical Faith (April 2019)The Epistle of James (March 2017)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. Prabo Mihindukulasuriya: Pre-Colonial Christianity in the Syriac Orient
The Regent College Podcast top faculty fan Dr. Prabo Mihindukulasuriya joined Claire and Rachel to talk about his upcoming summer class, “Ten Classics from Pre-Modern African and Asian Christianity” (June 30 - July 4). In the conversation, he discusses Syriac Christianity and its long and rich history in the East before the arrival of Western missionaries and the beginnings of the colonial period. He mentions some of his favourite texts from the Syriac tradition, different mediums for communicating theology (such as poetry), the challenges and opportunities of contextualization and the coexistence of Christianity with Islam and Buddhism in the region. Prabo’s infectious excitement is evident, and we hope it encourages you to join us this summer! BioDr. Prabo Mihindukulasuriya is Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity here at Regent College. He joined the faculty in 2022 after two decades of service at Colombo Theological Seminary (CTS) in Sri Lanka. He earned his Master of Christian Studies (MCS) from Regent College and completed his PhD at the University of Colombo. Dr. Mihindukulasuriya's areas of expertise encompass the history of Christianity, global Christianity, intercultural encounters, and the history of lay leadership in the Church. He has also contributed to discussions on the history of Christianity in South Asia.Previous Podcast AppearancesHistory of Christianity in South AsiaRegent 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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