Author: gbforster

The Industrial Revolution was one of the most massive cultural and economic changes in global history, and we have inherited both positive and negative narratives about its impact. Historians Jennifer Woodruff Tait and Charlie Self look at the Wesleyan movement’s response to these changes to consider how the modern economy has shaped our world in both good and bad ways. Jay Moon moderates the discussion.

Consider assigning in: History, Ethics, Culture

Luther and Calvin said justification by faith alone sets us free to love and serve others, working to bring life to the world, with special care for those most in need – and in their churches and communities, they practiced what they preached. In this stirring talk, Jennifer Powell McNutt traces the connection between justification and social action in Reformation theology.

Consider assigning in: History, Ethics, Theology, Pastoral Leadership

Christians have always recognized that the gospel calls us to stand up for justice – as difficult and complicated as that can be. Gavin Ortlund draws on Gregory of Nyssa’s prophetic stand against slavery to help us see how we can stand up for justice in our own time.

Consider assigning in: History, Ethics, Culture, Pastoral Leadership, Theology

Why has the church uncovered more sexual abuse and exploitation in its ranks than almost any other institution in our society? Why is it so difficult for the church – of all institutions! – to respond to abuse with justice and mercy? And what does justice have to do with vocation? In this powerful video, Rachael and Jacob Denhollander speak theologically and practically of the urgent call to the church today to protect the vulnerable. They discuss the atonement, eschatology, vocation and a right understanding of the role of pastoral leadership, showing that justice is woven together with everything the church is and does. Patrick Smith of Duke Divinity School moderates the discussion.

Consider assigning in: Ethics, Pastoral Leadership, Theology, Culture, Spiritual Formation

Michael Wittmer of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary shows us how to leave behind tired debates (evangelism v. justice) and false dualisms (“I left my job to go into full-time ministry”) by seeing that the call to receive forgiveness through faith in Christ and the call to serve Christ with good works in the world are the same call.

Consider assigning in: Theology, New Testament

W. Bradford Wilcox of the University of Virginia evaluates popular attitudes about sacrifice, pleasure and responsibility that are challenging marriage in our culture, with economic implications; and how religious institutions can play a key role in strengthening marriage.

Consider assigning in: Ethics, Culture

Why isn’t Monopoly as fun as it should be – grabbing everything for ourselves should be fun, shouldn’t it? Eric Tully of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School brings wisdom from Proverbs to help us rethink the role of money in our lives and in our economies.

Consider assigning in: Old Testament, Ethics

Evangelical Theological Society Executive Director J. Michael Thigpen describes how the image of God in the Genesis creation account structures every area of human life, including our work and economic activity.

Consider assigning in: Theology, Old Testament

In a rapidly changing, globalized economy, how can we help people keep their daily lives rooted in the stability of God’s reality? In this insightful discussion, Deborah Gill of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary interviews two leaders who are on the forefront of developing responses to that question: Lisa Slayton of Tamim Partners and Terry Timm of Christ Community Church of the South Hills. Together they explore how discipleship in the church can effectively cultivate the capacities necessary for faithful work in today’s economy that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

Consider assigning in: Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Leadership, Ethics, Culture

Charlie Self of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary draws together God’s communicable attributes with church experiences from Dallas and Oregon all the way to Sri Lanka and Cambodia, presenting the church’s mission embodying righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit within all the world’s communities.

Consider assigning in: Pastoral Leadership, Theology, Culture, New Testament