Regent College Podcast

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 at Regent on May 28.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 i

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)

We sat down with Dr. Gordon T. Smith to talk about his upcoming summer class, Vocation, Work and Career (May 12-16). Gordon is no stranger to Regent and has been writing on the topic of vocation for many years. In this conversation, he shares about the importance of human agency in vocation, navigating vocational disappointment, working within institutions, holding multiple vocations, mid-career transitions, and balancing working with our heads and hands. Gordon repeatedly stresses the need for companions on the journey as we discern, and encourages us to adopt a posture of hope and resilience in the face of despair.BioGordon Smith is a Canadian theologian, author, and educator, currently serving as the Executive Director of Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC), an association of 34 Canadian Christian post-secondary institutions. Gordon was previously President and Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology at Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta. He has also teaches here at Regent and

Claire and Rachel caught up with Arts students Mo Hickman and Freeman Lam to discuss their Integrative Projects in the Arts and Theology (IPIAT). Freeman and Mo reflect on the integration of arts and theology in their respective projects, share detailed insights from their creative work and academic reflections, and recall the gifts and joys of being part of the Arts community at Regent. Mo has written and will perform a spoken word piece, while Freeman has created three spectacular robes that will be displayed in the Dal Schindell Gallery later this spring. Listen in to find out more about the theological significance of their art!BioMo Hickman is completing her MATS at Regent College with a concentration in Christianity and the Arts. Her final project is a "Word and Kitchen Table Party" inspired by her research on preaching through spoken word poetry. She is Canadian and has moved from coast to coast. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Creative Community at Vancouver First Church of the Nazaren

Dr. David Chao joined Claire and Rachel to share about his work in the field of Asian American theology. In this theologically rich conversation, David reflects on his Reformed heritage and systematic theological training, as well as his ethnographic and oral history work on the lived theology of Asian American Christians. David shares personally about the importance of Asian American mental health, reflected in his work on the annual Asian American Mental Health Conference at Princeton Theological Seminary. He also ends with words of encouragement for Asian theology students situated in predominantly White institutions.Bio Dr. David C. Chao is the Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary. In this role, he teaches courses on Asian American theology, organizes academic programming in Asian American theology and ministry, and mentors Asian and Asian American students. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, a Master of Divinity from Regent College, and b

In today’s conversation, we received wisdom and insight from Dr. Steve Porter about all things spiritual formation and transformation – in personal, pastoral and church contexts. Steve’s work at the intersection of philosophy, theology and psychology means that he brings multilayered insight into the conversation around growth and transformation. Shaped and informed by the spirituality of Paul and the insight of folks like Dallas Willard and Eugene Peterson, Steve reminds us of the spiritual realities available to us as persons in Christ. He encourages us to be aware of God’s presence, engaging in spiritual practices as windows that open ourselves to God. He also shares how we can internalize the love of God and how we as the church can support one another in making the invisible love of God visible and tangible, especially if we have struggled to experience that love in human relationships. We’re excited that Steve will be joining us at Regent in the summer to teach a class on Cultivating Formation-Minded Pa

In this episode, we talk with Regent alum, Dr. David C. Wang, a pastor, psychologist and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. We discuss trauma and its manifestations in our lives, in the church and theological institutions. David offers helpful insights and practical implications for those in pastoral ministry and anyone who walks alongside trauma survivors. He shares the gifts traumatized people bring to our churches and suggests ways of being with one another (and ourselves) in our pain.Note: In this conversation, we touch on issues related to trauma, spiritual trauma, and adverse childhood experiences. Please take care and decide whether this is helpful listening for you today.BioDr. David C. Wang is the Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is a licensed psychologist, pastor, and editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology. David has a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. H

In today’s conversation, the last in our Women in Theology series, we catch up with Regent’s own Library Director and Professor of the History of Christianity, Dr. Cindy Aalders. Cindy has recently published her thesis as a monograph, The Spiritual Lives and Manuscript Cultures of Eighteenth-Century Women (2024). In this conversation, we delve into the archives and lives of Methodist, Baptist and Anglican women in the eighteenth century, seeking to understand their friendship, kinship and spiritual development as demonstrated in their letter-writing and diary entries. Cindy’s work highlights the significant impact of women in relational spheres and religious communities. These women invested deeply in intergenerational friendships and spiritual kinship as they sought to be faithful to God. Cindy reminds us that we can learn much from them today as we strive to support one another in an increasingly isolated world. Cindy also shares her upcoming summer class, Children and Spiritual Identity (June 30–July 4).Bi

In our second in this mini-series on Women in Theology, we sit down with a powerhouse in the world of the History of Christianity, Dr. Beth Allison Barr. In her return to the podcast, Beth discusses her new book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry. Starting with Peter’s wife and walking through early church, Medieval, and Reformation history, we explore the evolving and shifting roles of women in the church. We also examine the roots and implications of contemporary complementarian theology and its influence on the rise of the pastor’s wife as a position of power in the church. Beth focuses on the history within her tradition, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and reveals the sobering reality of unaddressed clergy abuse which coincided with the revocation of women’s ordination in the SBC in the 1980s.Beth’s book is releasing on March 18, 2025 and will be available in the Regent Bookstore as well as other good bookstores.Note: This episode refer

We're kicking off Season 6 with a mini-series on Women in Theology! In this episode, we hear from Dr. Janet Soskice, who delivered the 2025 Laing Lectures at Regent (Feb 4-6, 2025) on the topic "God and Creation: An Urgent Teaching for Today." In this engaging conversation, Janet shares about her time as a Regent student, her work on the doctrine of creation and the names of God, and her experience as a woman in theology. BioDr. Janet Martin Soskice is the William K. Warren Distinguished Research Professor of Catholic Theology at Duke Divinity School. Raised in the West Kootenays in British Columbia, Dr. Soskice studied at Regent from 1973-74, before completing her Doctor of Philosophy in the philosophy of religion at the University of Oxford. Dr. Soskice spent over three decades at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Divinity. Her scholarly work focuses on the intersection of Christian theology and philosophy, with particular interests in religious language, the doctrine of creation,

The Regent College Podcast will be back soon with a new producer and co-host, Rachel Hanna. In this introductory conversation, Rachel shares about the role the podcast played in her journey to Regent, the ways in which she has integrated theological study with her existing academic background, and hopes for the next season.Stay tuned over the next few weeks for new episodes with current and visiting faculty, alumni, and students.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode, we turn the mic around to interview Christina Zacharias-Aji, Regent College Podcast producer and student. Christina reflects on her journey at Regent, her love for the Old Testament, and the challenges of navigating faith, mental health, and community. She shares highlights from her time on the podcast, including meaningful series like peace in Israel and Palestine, and offers heartfelt insights into what she’s learned along the way.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the fascinating topic of embedded genres in the New Testament. Jeannine discusses how recognizing literary forms within Scripture—like hymns, parables, and poems—can deepen our understanding of its message. We dive into case studies, the relationship between genre and theology, and the practical implications for preaching, teaching, and personal study. Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into the profound theme of divine presence in the Old Testament. Drawing from his extensive teaching and research, Matt explores how God’s presence is depicted in Scripture—from the Garden of Eden to the Tabernacle and Temple, and into the prophetic visions of restoration. We discuss how these ancient texts challenge and shape our understanding of God’s nearness and transcendence. Whether you’re wrestling with questions of faith, longing to experience God’s presence, or seeking fresh insights into the Old Testament, this conversation is full of wisdom and hope.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode, Dr. Tom Wright joins us to discuss his latest book, Jesus and the Powers, co-authored with Michael Bird. Tom explores how Jesus’ teachings challenge worldly power structures and reframe our understanding of politics and authority. He unpacks the New Testament’s depiction of “the powers” and what it means for Christians navigating the complex intersections of faith and government today. From the role of the church in society to contemporary issues, this conversation offers profound insights for living faithfully in a world marked by power and division. Join us for a timely discussion on the revolutionary implications of Jesus’ kingdom.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode, Dr. Jesse Nickel discusses his latest book, A Revolutionary Jesus: Violence and Peacemaking in the Kingdom of God, which examines Jesus's perspective on violence and its implications for his followers. We explore how Jesus's teachings and actions present a vision of God's reign defined by peace, contrasting with the eschatological violence prevalent in Second Temple Jewish expectations. Jesse also shares insights into how this understanding challenges contemporary Christian praxis and the church's role in peacemaking today. Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode, Nabil reflects on the current situation in Lebanon, the challenges facing the Lebanese society and the church, and the role of Christians in advocating for justice and peace in the region. We also explore current pressing theological questions such as Christian Zionism, the meaning of the temple in the New Testament and the relationship between Israel and the church.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

Dr. Accad shares insights from his own experience as a Lebanese Christian, offering a historical overview of the Lebanon-Israel conflict and the ongoing tensions shaping the region. We also explore the implications of Christian Zionism in Lebanon, its effect on Christian-Muslim relations, and how Middle Eastern Christians navigate the challenges of their existence in the face of apocalyptic prophecies. With his global perspective, Dr. Accad reflects on the global Christian response to the crisis and provides thoughtful reflections on justice, peacemaking, and the hope for reconciliation in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode of the Regent College Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Roosma to discuss her involvement with Women Wage Peace, a grassroots movement dedicated to fostering reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Jennifer shares her personal journey into peace advocacy, the history and mission of Women Wage Peace, and how followers of Jesus can contribute to the work of peacemaking. Join us as we explore the challenges and hopes of building bridges across deep divides in the pursuit of lasting peace.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe

In this episode of the Regent College Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Yohanna Katanacho, a Palestinian Christian theologian, to discuss his experience living in the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Yohanna shares his reflections on the challenges facing Palestinian Christians, the complexities of the ongoing violence, and how faith, grief, and hope shape his work in peacemaking. Join us as we delve into what it means to seek reconciliation and embody the love of Christ in a region marked by deep division.Thanks for listening!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.To learn more about our summer programs visit:https://www.regent-college.edu/summerSubscribe to our newsletter to hear all about Regent College:https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/subscribe