Best Dale Mcconkey Host Podcasts (2025)

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Mysteries of the Cosmos: Existence, Life, and Consciousness 1:15:28

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4d ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Send us a text This episode features Dr. Todd Timberlake—our resident astrophysicist—at the center of the table. Todd walks us through three awe-inducing questions: Why is there something rather than nothing? What physics can say up to the Big Bang—and why “before” may be the wrong word. Fine-tuning, multiverse ideas, and what science can (and can’…

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Faith & the Founders, Part 2: The Godless Constitution Thesis 1:08:44

7d ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Send us a text We’re back with another crossover of Church Potluck and American Angst—and it’s the middle slice of a three-part series. In Part 1, we explored evidence for a religious impulse at the founding of the United States. Today, we flip the coin and examine the “godless constitution” thesis: why the U.S. Constitution reads secular by design…

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Pope Leo's Message about the Marginalized 54:50

11d ago54:50

54:50

Send us a text In this week’s episode of Church Potluck, we sit down for a roundtable on Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”), Pope Leo XIV’s very first apostolic exhortation, a pastoral message of encouragement. Leo takes this opportunity to call Christians to a deeper commitment to the poor, broadly defined as those who are economically disadvantaged, …

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Faith & the Founders, Part 1: The Christian Commonwealth Thesis 1:04:47

18d ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Send us a text It’s a crossover feast: American Angst meets Church Potluck for a lively, thoughtful dive into religion, politics, and the Founders—setting the table for an upcoming conversation on Christian nationalism. This one leans a bit more American Angst in tone, with Michael Bailey taking the lead while Dale McConkey jumps in with sociologic…

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Orthodoxy, Mystery, and Mary: A Conversation with Michael Papazian 1:13:07

26d ago1:13:07

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Send us a text This episode explores the Orthodox Christian tradition—and specifically Mary’s place within it—through a warm, curious conversation with philosopher and Orthodox theologian Dr. Michael Papazian. Together we look at how Orthodoxy understands salvation, worship, and church authority, then dive into what that means for honoring Mary. Wh…

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Awe and Wonder: Where Science and Faith Converge 1:31:52

1M ago1:31:52

1:31:52

Send us a text What happens when an astronomer, a political philosopher, and a retired pastor sit down at the potluck table? In this episode, Dr. Todd Timberlake, Reid Professor of Physics & Astronomy, joins host Dale McConkey and regular guest Dr. Michael Bailey for a lively conversation about awe and wonder. Is science a cold explanation that dra…

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Love Your Enemies, Protect Your Neighbors: The Ethics of Acrimony 1:16:05

1M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Send us a text What happens when Christians disagree so deeply that dialogue itself feels dangerous? Can churches balance the call to love enemies with the responsibility to protect neighbors? And how do we speak the truth in love without sliding into silence—or into shouting? In this episode, newbie Dr. Kathryn Heidelberger (comparative Christian–…

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Potluck Potpourri! Charlie Kirk polarization, Millennial Sainthood, Digital Chaplains, and Faith by State 1:09:52

1M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

Send us a text The Core Four are back! Host Dale McConkey is joined by Christy Snider, Michael Papazian, and Michael Bailey for a wide-ranging conversation on faith and culture. We start with reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination, unpacking how instantly polarizing it was, how social media amplified extreme voices, and how it revealed the dee…

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Bound Together: Partnering in Missions and in Marriage 43:53

2M ago43:53

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Send us a text Season 4 of Church Potluck kicks off with a joyful, thoughtful dive into Christian missions as Dale welcomes media pro and new colleague Margaret Ndwandwe and her newlywed husband Xolani from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). They share their long-distance love story born on the mission field and introduce the Bound Together Eswatini Pa…

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Patriarchy in the Pulpit and the Pentagon: Pete Hegseth and Doug Wilson 56:35

2M ago56:35

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Send us a text CROSSOVER EPISODE! In this first-ever crossover episode between Church Potluck and American Angst 101, host Dale McConkey, political scientist Michael Bailey, and historian Christy Snider dive into a hot-button political and theological controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s recent social media post endorsing ide…

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Pets in Heaven, Methodists on Trial, and Feds Sharing Faith: A True Church Potluck 1:09:00

3M ago1:09:00

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Send us a text In this delightfully sprawling new episode of Church Potluck, the "Core Four" reunite for a free-flowing conversation filled with laughter, deep reflection, and summer updates. Host Dale McConkey kicks things off by officially announcing his retirement as a United Methodist pastor, sharing heartwarming stories from his farewell sermo…

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What's Christianity Really All About? 52:26

4M ago52:26

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Send us a text In this episode of Church Potluck, host Dale McConkey welcomes Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins for a hearty and humorous conversation about his new book, What’s Christianity Really All About? A Guide to Essential Beliefs. Huggins, Berry College chaplain and theology professor, takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of the foundational beliefs…

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Intimacy in the Age of Isolation 1:07:25

4M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Send us a text How do we form meaningful relationships in an age of ghosting, digital overload, and chronic loneliness? In this episode, we explore the themes of Knowing and Being Known: Hope for All Our Intimate Relationships, the new book by chaplain and author Erin Moniz. Joined by Gabrielle Roes, ministry director at Berry College and counselor…

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Happy 1700th Birthday, Nicene Creed! Part 2: The Meaning of the Creed 1:23:35

5M ago1:23:35

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Send us a text We've covered the history and the politics of the Nicene Creed in the previous episode -- now let's explore it's meaning! This episode of Church Potluck dives deep into the text of the Nicene Creed on its 1700th birthday. Dale McConkey (sociologist and United Methodist pastor) hosts an engaging roundtable with Dr. Michael Papazian (O…

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Happy 1700th Birthday, Nicene Creed! Part 1: History and Context 53:56

5M ago53:56

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Send us a text The Nicene Creed may be 1700 years old, but its relevance has never fully faded. In this episode of Church Potluck, host Dale McConkey gathers with Dr. Michael Papazian (philosopher/theologian) and Dr. Larry Marvin (historian) to explore how a fourth-century council shaped Christian identity in ways that still echo today. From Trinit…

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Movie Review: "Sinners" and Other Horror Films with Christian Themes 1:06:56

5M ago1:06:56

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Send us a text The Core Four return for a post-finals horror-themed episode of Church Potluck! After a movie night together, Dale and his guests (Christy, Mike, and Michael) discuss Sinners, a new horror film with bold religious and cultural themes. They unpack everything from the film’s unexpected twists and theological metaphors to its commentary…

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An American Pope: Early Reactions to Leo XIV 56:23

6M ago56:23

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Send us a text In this special Church Potluck episode, host Dale McConkey welcomes a lively panel of guests—including longtime podcast contributor Dr. Michael Papazian, first-time guest and Catholic partisan Rita Lawler, and a bonus interview with Catholic theologian-in-training Brett Adams—to reflect on the historic election of the new pope: Pope …

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Conclave, The Movie: A Papal-Picking Primer 59:15

6M ago59:15

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Send us a text In this episode of Church Potluck, we dive into the critically acclaimed movie Conclave (eight Oscar nominations, one win), the visually stunning, slow-burning thriller about Vatican ritual, political intrigue, and a surprising final twist that invites deeper reflection. Join Dale McConkey and friends Christy Snider and Michael Papaz…

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Red Robes and White Smoke: Selecting a New Pope 53:01

6M ago53:01

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Send us a text What really happens when the world’s most powerful religious leaders lock themselves in a room to choose the next pope? In this episode, we unpack the mystery and meaning of the papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis. With insights from Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant guests, we explore the rituals, the history, and th…

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Pastors as Priests and Prophets: Bishop Budde's Challenge to Trump 1:05:20

9M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Send us a text Navigating the roles of pastor as both priest and prophet presents a unique dynamic within church ministry. Our panel, all pulpit preachers, explores the complexities of speaking truth to power, particularly in light of recent events surrounding Bishop Budde's remarks at the National Prayer Service. Through this discussion, we examin…

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Jimmy Carter's Faith-Full Legacy 1:08:47

10M ago1:08:47

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Send us a text What was it about Jimmy Carter's legacy that touched so many lives beyond his presidency? Join us on Church Potluck as we share a captivating discussion with Mike, Christy, and newcomer Dr. Steve Terry, who braved the weather to be with us. Together, we explore the personal and political journey of a leader whose influence transcende…

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Deifying Politicians, Hearing God's Voice, and Age Gaps in Middle-East Views 57:34

1y ago57:34

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Send us a text In this episode of Church Potluck, we dive into three thought-provoking themes with Dr. Christy Snider and Dr. Michael Bailey. First, we explore whether it is fair to say that some Republicans are deifying Trump, drawing from Thomas Edsall’s New York Times piece, "The Deification of Trump." Next, we question the trustworthiness of re…

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Jewish-Christian Dialogue: A Navy Chaplain's Mission 51:13

1y ago51:13

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Send us a text In this episode of Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity, Rabbi Albert Slomovitz shares his journey from chaplaincy to interfaith scholar, offering insights on bridging Jewish-Christian relations. The conversation explores how contextual knowledge and interpretation, such as Midrash, can clarify difficult biblical pass…

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What We Did This Summer 58:24

1y ago58:24

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Send us a text In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Papazian, Professor of Philosophy, and Michael Bailey, Associate Professor of Political Science, for a lively and personal discussion of their summer experiences and reflections. Michael Bailey opens up about the emotional depth of his daughter’s wedding, sharing moments of joy, community, and…

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Jesus Christ, Moviestar: "The Chosen" and the Movie Messiah 1:03:02

1+ y ago1:03:02

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Send us a text Explore the life of Jesus as it's represented in the modern film series, The Chosen. Join Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins and the exuberant Gabrielle Roes along with host Dale McConkey as we discuss the merits of this cinematic blockbuster within the Christian community. We peel back the layers of film and television portrayals of Jesus to…

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Transgender Clergy and the Quest for Inclusive Faith 1:05:03

2y ago1:05:03

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Send us a text As Church Potluck makes its return from an extended break, we're setting the table to feast on a diversity of Christian experiences and insights. Our latest episode serves up an intimate look at the complex and controversial intersection of faith and transgender identity. We are joined by two transgender clergy members, Rev. Kimble S…

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Parentless Embryos? Faith Meets BioEthics 1:08:02

2y ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Send us a text Weeeee'rrre Baaaack!!! After an extended hiatus, Church Potluck has returned! In this episode (recorded a few months ago), brace yourself for a journey through the ethical labyrinth of modern science with Dr. Michael Bailey and Dr. Michael Papazian as our guides, discussing Christian and philosophical perspectives on the latest biote…

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Oppenheimer, the Bomb, and the Ethics of War 1:03:56

2y ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Send us a text It's the long-awaited Oppenheimer episode! We explore the man, the myth, the movie: J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb." Our esteemed guests are Drs. Todd Timberlake (physics), Kirsten Taylor (international relations, and Clint Peters (literature and film). This episode offers an engaging blend of history, science,…

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The Complexity of the Crusades 58:36

2y ago58:36

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Send us a text Crusades = Bad. It's that simple, isn't it? Join us for a deep dive as we explore the Crusades from multiple angles from three historians. First, Larry Marvin explores how the Crusades were not primarily an attempt to convert Muslims. Next, Kelsey Rice discusses the Crusades from the vantage point of medieval Muslims. Finally, Christ…

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Losing Our Religion: The Decline of Church Affiliation and the Rise of the "Nones" 1:04:08

2y ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Send us a text Is America losing its religion? Statistics indicate yes, with a rapid decrease in church affiliation and a marked increase in people who don't identify with organized religion. This episode of Church Potluck features Curt Hersey (Communication), Michael Bailey (political science), and Michael Papazian (philosophy), who each help us e…

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Horror and Christianity in Film: Haunting or Holy? 1:14:23

2y ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Send us a text Brace yourselves for a chilling journey as we traverse the shadowy realms of horror and Christianity in the latest season of Church Potluck. Picture this: you're plunged into a world where spine-tingling tension meets a quest for spiritual insight. Sounds like a thrilling ride, right? Buckle up as Clint Peters (creative writing), Cur…

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Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Faith 1:14:28

2y ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Send us a text Season 2 of Church Potluck has officially begun! To kick off the new season, we are exploring the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on religious faith. Join Christy Snider (history), Michael Papazian (philosophy), Michael Bailey (political science), and me (sociology) as we question the spiritual implications of AI in our l…

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Buddhism and Christianity: An Enlightening Conversation 1:18:24

2+ y ago1:18:24

1:18:24

Send us a text Buddhism and Christianity. How do they differ? How are they similar? Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jeffrey Lidke (religious studies), shares his personal experiences as well as his academic explorations of Buddhism. Drs. Bailey (political science) and Papazian (philosophy) add their questions and insights regarding Jesus and Buddha. Also, …

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Southern Baptists and Female Preachers: Pondering the Prohibition 1:02:51

2+ y ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Send us a text Is it time for the Southern Baptist Convention to reevaluate its traditional views on women serving as pastors? In an eye-opening conversation, we tackle the question of whether these views reflect sound biblical theology or are simply remnants of outdated sexist ideology. Our guests are Southern Baptist preacher Rev. Dr. Stephen Dra…

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Shiny Happy People: Patriarchy, Authority, and Abuse in the Duggar Family Documentary 57:19

2+ y ago57:19

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Send us a text On this week's episode, we discuss the four-part documentary Shiny Happy People: Secrets of the Duggar Family (Amazon Prime, Freevee). We address sexual scandals, abuses of authority, gender roles, parenting styles, and more. Our guests are Drs. Christy Snider (history) and Michael Papazian (philosophy). Our conversation delves into …

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A Monk's Life: Ancient Wisdom for Modern People 1:04:19

2+ y ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Send us a text Is monasticism an outdated concept or can its principles still be of value in today's fast-paced world? We had a riveting discussion about monasticism and contemplative Christianity with our esteemed guests, Drs. Michael Papazian (philosophy), Larry Marvin (history), and Marshall Jenkins (counseling). Together, we explored various fe…

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Muscular Christianity: Faith, Fitness, and Masculinity 48:55

2+ y ago48:55

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Send us a text Can faith and fitness converge to create stronger Christians? Join our esteemed guests Drs. Christy Snyder, Michael Bailey, and Jon Parker as we explore the fascinating concept of "Muscular Christianity" and its impact on church and society. We'll dive into the historical context of Muscular Christianity's emergence in mid-19th centu…

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Flat-Earth Theory: Science, Faith, and Conspiracy 54:07

2+ y ago54:07

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Send us a text Have you ever wondered what fuels the beliefs of Flat-Earth proponents? Join us in this episode as we sit down with Drs. Clint Peters, Todd Timberlake, and Mike Bailey to explore the intriguing world of Flat-Earth theories and their connections to religion and the Bible. We first dive into the history of the spherical Earth and the a…

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Church and State, Past and Present 31:08

2+ y ago31:08

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Send us a text The coronation of King Charles III prompts questions about the relationship between Church and State. How did Church and State interact in medieval times? How about now in the modern era? Does Church or State benefit most from their intermingling? (Hint: It's not the Church.) Join newcomer Dr. Larry Marvin (European history) and regu…

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Coronating a King: Christianity and the Coronation 46:11

2+ y ago46:11

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Send us a text At its foundation, the coronation of King Charles III will be an act of Christian worship. What makes it so? What religious meanings will be embedded in all of the pageantry and music? And what does a coronation tell us about the relationship between Church and State in Great Britain? In this episode of Church Potluck, we will ask th…

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Faith in College: Tales from Graduating Seniors 50:06

2+ y ago50:06

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Send us a text This week's Church Potluck features three graduating seniors from Berry College: Darla Gore, Grace Segars, and SK Smith. Each discusses the ways that their faith was simultaneously challenged yet strengthened while at college. They also explore the ways that academics, student life, the chaplain's office, and special programs work to…

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Serving among the Poor: Tales from the Jesuit Volunteer Corps 44:28

2+ y ago44:28

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Send us a text Jesus had a special relationship with those who are poor in this world. The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) encourages young adults to follow in Jesus' footsteps by living in an impoverished region in the United States and practicing the core values of spirituality, community, simple living, and social justice. In this episode, we talk …

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Schism: When the Church Divides 58:20

2+ y ago58:20

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Send us a text The Church is called to be "one body and one Spirit," yet we have a long history of fracturing into separate traditions and denominations. What should we make of such divisions? Join Dr. Michael Papazian (philosophy), Jon Parker (biblical studies), and Dale McConkey (sociology) as we discuss the schisms in each of our respective Chri…

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Easter: Angles on the Atonement 53:29

2+ y ago53:29

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Send us a text We conclude our trilogy of Easter episodes with a discussion of the Atonement. With Good Friday approaching, Christians prepare to commemorate Jesus saving us on the cross. But what is Jesus saving us from? And how does crucifixion on the cross actually save us? And who is being saved? And why are there so many opinions on these matt…

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Easter: A Walk Through Holy Week 58:46

2+ y ago58:46

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Send us a text Often, Christians reduce Holy Week to Palm Sunday and Easter Day, but numerous crucial moments occur between these two days. Join Rev. Dr. Parker as he takes us on a brisk journey through each of the days of Holy Week, with Dr. Jordan Rowan Fannin and Rev. Dr. Dale McConkey adding their insights as well. Here's the path we take: PALM…

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Easter: How Central is the Resurrection? 49:07

2+ y ago49:07

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Send us a text Christians over the globe are preparing to celebrate their conviction that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. How essential is this Easter proclamation for Christian faith? Join Jon Huggins (chaplain), Michael Papazian (philosophy), Mike Bailey (political science), and Dale McConkey (sociology, pastor) as they deliberate the Resur…

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Considering Christian Colleges 49:23

2+ y ago49:23

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Send us a text Are Christian Colleges compatible with liberal arts learning? Do these colleges restrict students with regard to both their intellectual and social life? What role do Christian colleges play in the contexts of academia and the larger culture? Join Tom Kennedy, Abbie Vegter, and Mike Bailey as we consider these questions. Also, we bid…

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Saint Patrick: Man, Myth, Saint, Holiday 44:30

2+ y ago44:30

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Send us a text Welcome to our St. Patrick's Day episode! Dr. Michael Bailey (political science) and Rev. Dr. Dale McConkey (sociology) pepper Dr. Michael Papazian (philosophy, religion) with a myriad of questions about St. Patrick and his day. What do we know about Patrick historically? What are the myths that have developed over the years? Why and…

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Christians and the Environment 49:11

2+ y ago49:11

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Send us a text What responsibilities do Christians have to care for the environment? What specific steps should Christians take? Do our personal efforts make any difference in protecting the environment, or are large-scale changes needed? What's a Christian to do in a consumption-oriented culture? Join Christian ethicists Tom Kennedy and David Barr…

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UFOs and Aliens: Implications for Christian Faith 50:42

2+ y ago50:42

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Send us a text UFOs. Aliens. Extraterrestrial life. The possibility of these phenomena is getting increasingly serious attention from the media, the government, and true believers. How about the Church? Would the existence of alien life change the way we understand our faith? Join special guest Todd Timberlake (physics) along with Jon Parker (theol…