Currents in Religion

In this episode we are featuring more work from participantsof the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable which you will hear often as BSIR for short. We’ve had some episodes highlighting BSIR before and you can find links to some of those in the episode description. Joao Chavez will be ourguest host for this episode. Dr. Chavez is a professor is an Assistant Professor of the History of Religions in the Americans at Baylor University. He specializes in the history of religion in the Americas, US Protestantism’s impact in Latin America, and Latin American/Latinx religious networks in the U.S. He has authored several books, including Migrational Religion and many others. He’s also a co-director of BSIR. He speaks with a researcher with BSIR, Grace Vargas. Dr. Grace Vargas is currently an Assistant Professor of Latinx Religious Traditions at Texas Christian University. Inspired by Rubem Alves, Dr. Vargas sees the task of history as one of recovery and sacramental dissemination. Her work centers on the history of Christianity in Latin America, particularly the Protestant Church.

In this episode, Zen speaks with Katherine Ellis about gettinga PhD in Baylor's Religion Department. We talk about the various stages of the program, from course work to dissertation. We talk about funding and what it's like to be at an R1 institution in Waco. Katherine also confirms that I am the most fun person in the Department. This episode will be of interest to prospective students who would like to know more about our doctoral program. If you still have questions, you can email the new host at claire_mummert1@baylor.edu.Katherine Ellis is an alumni from Baylor University's Religion Department. She has a Ph.D. in theology.

Are you applying to PhD programs in religion? Or thinking about it? This episode is for you.In this episode, Zen shares about the process for applying to Baylor's graduate program in religion. He speaks with current students, Lanie Walkup and Tyler Fulcher, and Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, a graduate faculty member. They discuss how to write a strong application and how to survive the process.The episode also includes a promo for "The End of Civility" by Ryan Andrew Newson, a new book from Baylor University Press. Learn more here.

In today’s episode, Claire is joined by Baylor faculty member and GPD Deirdre Fulton. She is a zooarchaeologist that specializes in animal bones in the Southern Levant. Her excavations in Ashkelon, Tel Shimron and as part of the Jezreel Valley Regional Project help inform questions related to diet, sacrifice, and economy. Learn more about this branch of study and how “man’s best friend” shows up in ancient Near Eastern archaeology.Deirdre Fulton joined the Department of Religion at BaylorUniversity in the fall semester 2013. Her area of research focuses on the Persian Period, specifically the books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Fulton is also interested in zooarchaeological related research, connecting text and artifact. She is involved in several ongoing excavations in Israel, including the Leon Levy Ashkelon Excavations, Tel Shimron Excavations, and also the Jezreel Valley Regional Project. Her interest in archaeology helps inform questions related to diet, sacrifice, and economy.Deirdre is a member of the Steering committees on Literature and History of the Persian period for the Society of Biblical Literature and the Feasting and Foodways for the American Schools of Oriental Research. She is also a member of the Catholic Biblical Association and American Institute ofArchaeology. 

Have you ever wondered what happened between the time of the early church and figures like Paul and later Christianity as represented by Augustine? Second-Century Christianity is an often-neglected time period but full of exciting changes in biblical theology, heresiology, and more. Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, and Polycarp are just a few of the prominenttheologians of this time period. In this episode, Claire is joined by Mike Bird and Scott Harrower editors of A Handbook to Second-Century Christianity a forthcoming book from Baylor University Press. Michael Bird is an Australian biblical scholar and Anglicanpriest who writes about the history of early Christianity, theology, and contemporary issues. He is Deputy Principal and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of over thirty books including Evangelical Theology, Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew About the Bible, Romans (SGBC), The Gospel of the Lord: How the Early Church Wrote the Story of Jesus, What Christians Ought To Believe, and with N.T. Wright, The NewTestament in its World.Scott Harrower is a lecturer in Christian Thought at RidleyCollege in Melbourne, Australia and an ordained Anglican minister. He was brought up by missionary parents in Argentina and has wide-ranging ministry experience in several countries. He has published articles on SyrianChristianity, comparative hagiography, and Augustine of Hippo, as well as books on women in the early church and the Trinity. Scott is also a former nurse and has written extensively on how we can relate psychological science and theology for the sake of human flourishing in our churches, including Dawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe Churches, and God of All Comfort: A Trinitarian Response to the Horrors of this World.

In a previous episode, Cynthia Shafer-Elliott, a field archaeologist and professor in Baylor’s Department of Religion, discussed household archaeology and household religion. In this episode, she discusses household worship and figurines in more detail. She further illuminates the place of women within the household structure and how they held a prominent place in subsistence living households. While some only see women as oppressed figures in this society, women had a vital role.

In this episode I am joined by Bruce Longenecker to discuss his upcoming Baylor University Press book, The Materiality of Early Christ Devotion: Artistic Innovation at Four Archaeological Sites. He explains how the sites of Ostia,  Dura-Europos, Smyrna, and Pompeii offer an exciting glimpse into the creativity and imagination that these Christfollowers used to express their devotion. They are clever, creative, and at times cryptic with how they convey this devotion.Our Guest:Dr. Bruce Longenecker specializes in the origins of Christianity, including the following emphases: Early Christianity in its Greco-Roman context; Pauline theology and chronology; women in early Christianity and the Greco-Roman world.He joined the Baylor faculty in August 2009, having taught previously at St Andrews University (Scotland, 1999-2009), Cambridge University (England, 1995-1999) and Durham University (England, 1991-1995). 

In this episode, Zen speaks with Claire Mummert, the incoming host and producer of Currents in Religion.Our GuestClaire is a second year PhD student at Baylor University, specializing in the Hebrew Bible.

Show SummaryIn this episode, I am joined by Michelle Knight, author of The Prophet’s Anthem: The Song of Deborah and Barak in the Narrative of Judges, which was recently published by Baylor University Press (link below). We talk about how the story of Deborah in Judges 4 relates to the song of Deborah in Judges 5, and how both function as a critical interpretive key to the whole narrative of Judges. We also talk a little about the way Deborah, as a judge, stands out among the others—as an exemplary leader in the history of Israel. Our GuestMichelle Knight is Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She also serves as Senior Reviewer for the Historical Books for the New Living Translation. Find her book here: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481321594/the-prophets-anthem/Other Relevant EpisodesThe book of...Judges? with Julian Chike: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oKFIaMTUGBmFW7kQWZ5bl?si=CzqDe3WzQ8WfpqhtnD04EwTrauma, Resilience, and the Psalms with Rebecca Poe Hays: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0B475O1XqN0hA0795xWCWL?si=gQ4idTWeQqCx9VRP9d316QClimate Change, Preaching, and the Apocalypse of Place with Jerusha Neal: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79uXLCcysx7MHR4DpyIQUR?si=mN8wEoN2QQOe6czbVMMqdQ

In this episode, I speak with Blake Burleson about his long career of studying and teaching world religions at Baylor University. He tells the story of how he became a scholar of world religions and how studying world religion has shaped his own spiritual practices. He also shares why he thinks studying world religions is critical for the present moment. I especially enjoyed hearing Blake talk about how meditative learning activities can equip students to listen well in this age of distraction and contention. I think you’ll find this conversation insightful and challenging, sobering and encouraging and, perhaps, a little provocative. Blake Burleson has been at Baylor for more than forty years. Among other roles and accomplishments, Blake has served as a senior lecturer and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. He contributes regularly to the Waco Tribune. The Spring of 2024 will be his final semester at Baylor as he enters retirement. Relevant EpisodesBlack Contemplative Preaching with E. Trey Clark: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Nf1w59GeWEtLstDRerk9t?si=xvCcecIqTM-9SJDEgGQudATheology, Ethics, and a Church in Conflict: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DXKtwkSWGOMhkLQKuMqUp?si=KWvca3c-TVG_KelW8KLlHgInterdisciplining Theology: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1F7vdM2k59iVygibvhWQq4?si=FQc75otnRKmoT67ojZBHpQ

In this episode, we feature the work of three scholars affiliated with the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable (BSIR). They discuss the collegial process of BSIR and their research on northern Baptist women and their missions. Our GuestsDr. Laine Scales is the guest host for this episode. Laine is a professor and the PhD program director in the Diane R. Garland School of Social Work here at Baylor. She is also a co-director of BSIR.Nadia Andrilenas is a PhD candidate in the Department of Religion in Historical Studies at Baylor University. Her research examines women’s experiences in Christianity, especially in East and Southeast Asia, and draws from World Christianity methodologies. Her dissertation will investigate how women and gender shaped early 20th century Vietnamese evangelicalism.Dr. Laura Rodgers Levens. Laura is the Associate Professor of Christian Mission and the Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry Studies Program at BSK Theological Seminary. She specializes in interdisciplinary courses that integrate multiple academic disciplines for practical theological inquiry and training. In addition to teaching, Laura has written for numerous publications, serves on various academic and ecclesial committees, and regularly guest preaches in local churches. Other Episodes Featuring BSIRJoão Chaves and Ronilso Pacheco: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5w8Py2063b3uYrRXBEaw9D?si=twyX2DkjS5icXL4sVCUlhgLaine Scales, David Goatley, and Brad Creed: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ix2UztGrdZXAs5xspNfSs?si=TgdbDgq_RWqUR_T8hmCkJgJoão Chaves, Felipe Hinojosa, and Stephen Di Trolio: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Zg9lJjGr2sA581pfQosv5?si=tk9LFYZERRawusevrWFxtQLaine Scales and João Chaves: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qABw70AEevYv9OwXDtDMY?si=CDVwcFIGQ5S3X4kYHhBkjw

In this episode, Zen speaks with several people who contributed to a new Baylor University Press book called God of the Whirlwind. The book collects stories and reflections from the Black Waco community that revolve around the Black storytelling tradition in Waco related to two significant events: a lynching and a deadly tornado.GuestsLinda Jann Lewis describes herself as a 1960's Baby Boomer who worships at the altar of Voting Rights and Civil Rights. She is a writer, having contributed to the Austin Villager, Nokoa, and multiple books. She has been featured in a film about Molly Ivins. And she helped found and remains involved with Austin Community Radio’s kazifm.org.George Oliver is the Assistant Director of Huntsville Hornet Drama, a 1998 graduate of Huntsville High School, received his BFA in Theatre from Sam Houston, and earned a MDiv from Andover Newton Seminary (at Yale Divinity School). George is Co-Producer on the short film Ado, starring Jennifer Lewis, which was just invited to both the Florida Film Festival and the Cleveland International Film Festival, and made its Festival debut at the Flickfest Short Film Festival in Australia. He plans to begin studying Commercial Real Estate Development in the year to come.Tyler B. Davis is a Research Administrator, Adjunct Professor in the Mexican American Studies Program and Department of Theology, and Affiliate Faculty in the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. He is also a graduate of Baylor University’s Religion Department. LinksBuy God of the Whirlwind: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481322560/god-of-the-whirlwind/

Was the Apostle Paul a Stoic? Mm, probably not. But some people in Corinth who Paul taught about Christ may have appropriated Stoicism, subordinating it to flesh out their understanding of their new faith. That is what Timothy Brookins joins us to talk about today.This Episode's GuestTimothy earned his PhD from Baylor University, working on First Corinthians, Stoic philosophy, and economics. He’s gone on to publish several books, including recently Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Corinthians (Eerdmans, 2024). Timothy taught at Houston Christian University for more than a decade before making a move to University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Texas. LinksRediscovering the Wisdom of the Corinthians: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802883230/rediscovering-the-wisdom-of-the-corinthians/Other Relevant EpisodesA Bigger Gospel with Beverly Gaventa: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0B1vRGZZRDIczqb87pR7vl?si=XOISyBiPSfWxTBI0yHH_FgMike Bird on Jesus among the Gods: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cNAJcGfBtf4QFVJTyqSXI?si=HBhS3gf9QnaT1qSNBuJlWQWomen in the New Testament with Susan Benton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zSCCtXkiPjolc1L7VfQ2o?si=qXAQkZv6TpyUj-Wwcqe-fw

In this episode, guest host João Chaves speaks with Ronilso Pacheco about Samuel Sharpe's libertarian and anti-slavery preaching. Ronilso Pacheco is the Jackson Scholar of Latin American Studies, director of programming at the Instituto de Estudos da Religião (Brazil). He is also a Ford Global Fellow. João Chaves is the Assistant Professor of the History of Religion in the Américas at Baylor University and one of the Co-Directors of the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable.Previous BSIR-related EpisodesAround the Table: David Goatley and Brad Creed – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ix2UztGrdZXAs5xspNfSs?si=aPtZDaSuS5eHPLgvet3HkwChristian Nationalism in the Americas – https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Zg9lJjGr2sA581pfQosv5?si=a2PoaTJXQ3WPIkjO7lmqegBaptists, Scholarship, and God's Kingdom: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qABw70AEevYv9OwXDtDMY?si=HpDDb9FUSxqWtePU5p0Y6AOther Relevant EpisodesA Study in How Migration Shapes Religion: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5jU3HPamZEcFvHRq0Wq4TV?si=TZn61_d2R-6CbtpbclDDmQBlack Baptist Leaders, Race Literature, and the Salvation of America: https://open.spotify.com/episode/53a29CcqwmRtcCupJlduvW?si=7wRPvIIgRb-55l9WKJDIWABlack Contemplative Preaching: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Nf1w59GeWEtLstDRerk9t?si=SLj07DpjSrSfydaOXUxX7A

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Zen speaks with Rachel Toombs about her Baylor University Press book, Good News Resounding, which is available to pre-order now. This book includes contributions from an wonderful group of scholars and artists, including works of academic prose, poetry, creative nonfiction, and visual art. It offers the reader glimpses of the beautiful world of theology and literature.But the book tells a story, a story about a scholarly life well lived. One that included not only careful reading and thinking, but careful mentoring. The book is a festschrift honoring the career of Ralph Wood, the Baylor University Emeritus Professor of Theology and Literature. In our conversation, Rachel reflects on her experience as one of Ralph’s students. It made me once again grateful for mentors in my own life—and led me to reflect on what it means to be both a good student and a good teacher.Guest BioRachel Toombs earned her PhD from Baylor University. She has written on Flannery O’Connor and Hebrew narrative and has a recently published book with Baker Academic called Reading the First Five Books: The Invitation of the Pentateuch’s Stories (https://bakeracademic.com/p/Reading-the-First-Five-Books-Rachel-Toombs/579875). Rachel has recently been called to serve as assistant professor of Old Testament at Church Divinity School of the Pacific.Related EpisodesNatalie Carnes on feminist theology and the arts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lJKY9SBaJBWZZuAurvGAm?si=bW5TRgafTVuEFDMzygomOgPicturing Ecclesiastes with Menachem Fisch and Debra Band: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6B0Z4z3RrEpzD6mNeXFwUj?si=R8yF8K8fQJ-4TRp-k-9V2QDisaster and Desire with Micheal O'Siadhail: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5CMlCkpKw7PhIoSGQEsUKs?si=r5j9NeBuSySMRxKOkIHyHALinksGood News Resounding: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481322539/good-news-resounding/Reading the First Five Books: https://bakeracademic.com/p/Reading-the-First-Five-Books-Rachel-Toombs/579875

Episode IntroIn today’s episode, the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley joins us again to discuss his recently published book, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward (Brazos Press 2025). I can’t imagine a more relevant book for the church, given the intense economic anxiety that is so pervasive in America and beyond. I’m excited for you to hear from Malcolm about greed, racism, and how Christians might bear witness to the gospel economically.About the GuestThe Rev. Dr. Malcolm earned his PhD from Baylor University’s Department of Religion. He serves as the Special Advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement. He is also a pastor at Mosaic Waco, a gospel-centered, Spirit led, multicultural church in Waco, Texas. Related Episodes & Links1) Black Contemplative Preaching: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Nf1w59GeWEtLstDRerk9t?si=B8jYkt3cTqCzQeBiJdsgRA2) Theology, Ethics, and a Church in Conflict: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DXKtwkSWGOMhkLQKuMqUp?si=agjg4IPGTCuNhiEBUzzxUA3) The Cross and the Lynching Tree: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BVgyMhmm49BhRWLh3HoYt?si=rUno3OOzQlO_LKqBalMFhAMalcolm's book: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-anti-greed-gospel/419161Rebecca "Becky" Copeland's book: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481321426/entangled-being/

In this episode, Zen speaks with Melody Escobar about her new book Revelations of Divine Care (Baylor University Press: 2024). You can learn more about the book at this link: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481320559/revelations-of-divine-care/ Melody Escobar is a research associate with the Collaborative on Faith and Disability in the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities at Baylor University. Other Episodes You Might Like Autism and Worship with Léon von Ommen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RWXSNpgDHR4bd5UfMLiDj?si=OtB2a6X-RPWOkZ2K99M6kQ Inclusion, Justice, and Disability in the Church with Erin Raffety: https://open.spotify.com/episode/76ivqvdHBVoM0XBI32uGZw?si=s5lmHcSWT96tVIDpZ69wrg An Era of Soft Eugenics? with Devan Stahl: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ukJKPza94WEu0MVAPzv9P?si=Hg6XEPQvSc2E5JcmcvE51g

In this episode, Laine Scales guest hosts a conversation with David Goatley and Brad Creed about the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable. They discuss recent research emerging from the Roundtable as well as how the Roundtable cultivates an international, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary community of scholarship through intentional mentoring. David Goatley is the sixth president of Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a constructive theologian and globally recognized missiologist with a background in pastoral counseling. J. Bradley Creed is the fifth president of Campbell University. He is an accomplished leader of mission-driven institutions and a scholar and historian of religion. Laine Scales is Professor of Social Work at Baylor University and a co-director of the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable.

In this episode, Zen speaks with Leah Lomotey-Nakon, one of the newest faculty members in Baylor's Religion Department. Leah shares some of her story and discusses her research on religion and reproductive health. Learn more about Dr. Lomotey-Nakon here: https://religion.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/person/leah-lomotey-nakon-phd Other Episodes You Might Like An era of soft eugenics with Devan Stahl: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ukJKPza94WEu0MVAPzv9P?si=x2YRVkmdS5yT33Wtg0K0Fw Interdisciplining theology with Natalie Carnes, Devan Stahl, and others: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1F7vdM2k59iVygibvhWQq4?si=UwO76n1CTcqXNc0OjJBvjw Imagining motherhood with Amy Marga: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1OgGe29lfyEzvrNGtpppBL?si=nWk_uaVTQIihzvwYLi9GBg

In this episode, Zen speaks with Christopher Seitz about his new book The Heights of the Hills are His Also. Learn more about the book here: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481322454/the-heights-of-the-hills-are-his-also/ Other Episodes You Might Like Bill Bellinger on the psalms and faith: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MEUD4045KXTY3GtNhXRNy?si=HbVy3bRkTWqwdAmMYvIQCw Rebecca Poe Hays on the Psalms, trauma, and resilience: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0B475O1XqN0hA0795xWCWL?si=JiNq0nB2TKG5rQFQBFonlA Micheal O'Siadhail's Testament (with poems reflecting on the psalms): https://open.spotify.com/episode/3AOdcGFqsZiBEB7b4XQiAp?si=8zJLgOA1T96NipPAviw1ZQ