Regent College Podcast

In today’s podcast, Claire and Rachel chat with Dr. Quentin Genuis, an Emergency Physician at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Quentin weaves together his experience in the emergency room with theological reflection, responding to tough and tender issues that face all of us, whether we like to admit it or not: human dignity, death and dying, and addiction. Quentin repeatedly invites us into the place of compassion, or co-suffering, with human persons. He will teach Healthcare and the Christian Life (June 9-13) in just a few weeks. There’s still time to join us!BioDr. Quentin Genuis is an Emergency Physician at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver and serves as the Physician Ethicist for Providence Health Care. He holds a Master of Letters in Theology from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, focusing his research on bioethics. His academic interests include palliative care, end-of-life care, biomedical ethics, personal autonomy, addiction, and theology. Dr. Genuis has contributed to scholarly discussi

Today, we caught up with Dr. W. Ross Hastings, Professor of Theology at Regent. Ross tells us about his book on the Ascension (to be released in November 2025), which forms the basis of his forthcoming summer class, “The Ascension and the High Priesthood of Christ” (May 26-30). In this conversation, he reflects on the christological, ecclesiological, pneumatological and eschatological significance of the Ascension and the pastoral implications of the reality that we have a High Priest who intercedes for us, and leads us in worship. As Ross says, we hope listening to and reflecting on this episode and its implications for your life will add a spring to your step today.BioDr. W. Ross Hastings is the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology at Regent College. Born to Scottish missionary parents, he spent his early years in Scotland and Zimbabwe. He holds two PhDs: one in chemistry and another in theology. He also pastored churches in BC and Quebec before joining the Regent faculty in 2006. His research interes

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

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 practi

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 Hind

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