Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and an authority on all things Bob Dylan.Brian is the author of several books, including Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, Water To Wine, Sinners In The Hands Of A Loving God, Postcards From Babylon, and When Everything's On Fire and his most recent THE WOOD BETWEEN THE WORLDS.This podcast was recorded on February 29th, 2024.

TW // This episode contains conversations about sexual assault, gender-based violence, rape culture, and/or other violence that can be emotionally triggering to some individuals.Danielle Tumminio-Hansen is a writer, three-time Ivy League graduate, theologian, and faith leader with twenty years of experience as a public intellectual.  She routinely provides commentary and insight into contemporary issues in the American spiritual landscape.  Her areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, theological issues in human reproduction, the intersection of faith and popular culture, and the struggles faced by women, families, and children.  Danielle is known for her unique blend of incisive wisdom and whimsy as well as her ability to encourage students and the public to consider what it means to live a life rooted in justice, kindness, and humility.Danielle grew up on Long Island as the only child of two public school teachers, and spent her childhood singing in the prestigious Cathedral of the Incarnation Girls’ Choir, which became the grounding of her lifelong spiritual journey.  She is an Episcopal priest and currently works as a professor at Emory University.This podcast was recorded on February 15th, 2024.

Ally Henny is the author of I Won’t Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You. She is a writer, speaker, advocate-minister, and vice president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective–an organization committed to encouraging, engaging, and empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism. Ally completed her Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary with an emphasis in race, cultural identity, and reconciliation, and she hopes to lead a church someday. Since 2014, Ally has been leading conversations about race on her blog, The Armchair Commentary, and on social media where her posts reach millions each month. She is a proud Chicago Southsider.This podcast was recorded on February 7th, 2024.

This week we welcome Dr Jonathan C Augustine. Dr Augustine serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, in Durham, NC. He is an accomplished author, respected academic leader, and nationally recognized social justice advocate who speaks for the equality of all human beings.Dr Augustine’s most recent books are When Prophets Preach: Leadershipand the Politics of the Pulpit and Called to Reconciliation: How the ChurchCan Model Justice, Diversity and Inclusion This podcast was recorded on November 30th, 2023.

we are excited to welcome spiritual director, retreat leader, and internationally known speaker and teacher on mystical spirituality and contemplative living — CARL MCCOLMAN He is the author of many books,including The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Eternal Heart: The Mystical Path to a Joyful Life, and Unteachable Lessons: Why Wisdom Can’t Be Taught and Why That’s Okay.Carl McColman's approach to contemplation and mysticism is inclusive and expansive; he is dedicated to exploring the common ground between faith traditions, with a particular interest in the connecting points between Christian, Buddhist and Pagan wisdom.

today we are excited to welcome one of the preeminent Theologians of our time - KWOK PUI-LAN Dr Kwok Pui Lan is the Dean’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology. Has taught at Episcopal Divinity School, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Auburn Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, and Yale Divinity School. Her research focuses on Asian feminist theology and postcolonial theology. She has written or edited 23 books in English and Chinese. Her current research focuses on postcolonial theology – to that end, she has released her most recent Book THE ANGLICAN TRADITION FROM A POSTCOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE.This podcast was recorded on November 16th, 2023.

Today we are excited to welcome Matthew Thiessen to the podcast - Matthew is an associate professor of religious studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the award-winning author of numerous books, including - Paul and the Gentile Problem- Jesus and the Forces of Death- Contesting Conversion: Genealogy, Circumcision, and Identity in Ancient Judaism and ChristianityAND MOST RECENTLY,- A Jewish Paul: The Messiah's Herald to the Gentiles

Andrew Whitehead is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture.Andrew Whitehead is one of the foremost scholars of Christian nationalism in the United States. He is the lead author of  Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States —along with Samuel Perry—which won the 2021 Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. His new book is, American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the ChurchWhitehead is a sought-after speaker and has shared his work with diverse audiences: academic and public, religious and secular. Whitehead’s research on Christian nationalism has been featured across several national outlets including The New York Times, NPR, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, CNN Today, The Economist, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian. He has been interviewed on NBC News, National Public Radio, and the BBC, among others, and is routinely contacted for perspective on religion and politics from national and international news media. He has also written for The Washington Post, Time, NBC News, and the Religion News Service, among other outlets.And he’s now the latest guest on THE VICARS CROSSING.This podcast was recorded on October 5th, 2023

Jonathan Eig is the bestselling author of six books. His most recent King: A Life, was An Instant New York Times Bestseller, A Barack Obama Summer 2023 Read and was Hailed by The New York Times as "the definitive" account of MLK's life Jonathan's previous book, Ali: A Life, won a 2018 PEN America Literary Award and was a finalist for the Mark Lynton History Prize. His works have been translated into more than a dozen languages. He served as consulting producer for the PBS series "Muhammad Ali," which was directed by Ken Burns. Esquire magazine named Ali: A Life is one of the 25 greatest biographies of all time. Jonathan's first book, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig, reached No. 10 on the New York Times bestseller list and won the Casey Award. His books have been listed among the best of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.This podcast was recorded on September 28, 2023.

Dr. Sarah Jean Barton is a theologian and occupational therapist with a Doctor of Theology degree from Duke Divinity School. She completed her occupational therapy training at Boston University. Her research interests include theology and disability, research in collaboration with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bioethics, liturgy, and occupational engagement in religious activities. She has published and presented in a variety of interdisciplinary contexts on issues related to Christian theology and ethics, intellectual disability, spirituality, disability studies, and occupational therapy. She is the author of Becoming the Baptized Body: Disability and the Practice of Christian Community (Baylor University Press).Currently, Dr. Barton is Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Theological Ethics at Duke University. She holds a dual appointment in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Division in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the School of Medicine as well as at Duke Divinity School. She also works as a pediatric occupational therapist at Duke Health, with special expertise in collaborating with families and children experiencing medical complexity, trauma, or neuromuscular disorders. Dr. Barton is one of only seven occupational therapists in North Carolina to hold the AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics.

We kick off season 9 by welcoming back Philip Yancey. Having authored over 25 books, in which he has wrestled with God, with the Church, and with fellow believers, Philip Yancey has sold more than 17 million copies in English, and his books have been translated into 40 languages worldwide. Philip’s bestselling titles include: - What’s So Amazing About Grace? -  The Jesus I Never Knew. - where the light fell With a journalistic, story-telling style, he invites readers to accompany him as he probes the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith, and challenges readers to live as followers of Jesus.To learn more about Philip Yancey’s upcoming speaking tour please visit:https://effecthope.org/events/

On this episode, we welcome back retired priest and author John Marsh. On his third visit, we discuss his book STRANGERS AT THE DOOR: PERHAPS THE REIGN OF GOD. https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-At-Door-Perhaps-reign/dp/B0BFVCNJHT This podcast was recorded on March 31st, 2023.

On this episode, we welcome Patty Krawec. Patty is an Anishinaabe and Ukrainian writer from Lac Seul First Nation. She is the cohost of the Medicine for the Resistance podcast and cofounder of the Nii’kinaaganaa Foundation, which collects funds and disperses them to Indigenous people and organizations. Her work has been published in Sojourners and Canadian Living. She is active with the Fort Erie Native Friendship Center and the Strong Water Singers. Krawec is a member of Chippawa Presbyterian Church and lives in Niagara Falls, Ontario. We’ll discuss Her book Becoming Kin:An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future, is a remarkable sojourn through Native and settler history, myth, identity, and spirituality that helps us retrace our steps and pick up what was lost along the way: chances to honour rather than violate treaties, to see the land as a relative rather than a resource, and to unravel the history we have been taught.This podcast was recorded on March 23rd, 2023.

In this episode, we welcome back speaker, writer, public theologian, and immigrant advocate, Karen González.Karen immigrated to the US from Guatemala as a child. She knows all too well what newcomers to a country face. When she was last with us we talked about her book -The God Who Sees -which chronicled her experience as an immigrant. Karen’s second book which was recently released is titled - Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in Our Christian Response to Immigration. This book seeks to elevate the discourse in the church beyond hospitality to immigrants. Many Christians have good intentions, working hard to welcome immigrants with hospitality and solidarity. But how can that be done in a way that empowers our immigrant neighbours rather than pushing them to the fringes of white-dominant culture and keeping them as outsiders? That's exactly the question Karen González explores in ‘Beyond Welcome’ and the question we’ll explore in this episode of The Vicars’ Crossing.This podcast was recorded on March 16th, 2023.

Sumaiya Matin is a writer, part-time social worker/psychotherapist, and strategic advisor for the Ontario government, working on a wide range of public policy files, including anti-racism. She lives in Toronto.Her book the Shaytān Bride is the true coming-of-age story of a girl navigating desire and faith. Through her journey into adulthood, she battles herself and her circumstances to differentiate between destiny and free will. Sumaiya Matin’s life in love and violence is a testament to one woman’s strength as she faces the complicated fallout of her decisions.Sumaiya Matin was never sure if the story of the Shaytan Bride was truth or myth. When she moved at age six from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, recollections of this devilish bride followed her. At first, the Shaytan Bride seemed to be the monster of fairy tales, a woman possessed or seduced by a jinni. But everything changes during a family trip to Bangladesh, and in the weeks leading to Sumaiya’s own forced wedding, she discovers that the story — and the bride herself — are much closer than they seem.This podcast was recorded on March 10th, 2023.

Today we welcome Lerita Coleman Brown. Lerita is a spiritual director/companion, author, retreat leader, and speaker. She promotes contemplative spirituality, the living wisdom of Howard Thurman, and uncovering the peace and joy in one’s heart on her website, leritacolemanbrown.com and other social media platforms. Her newest book is What Makes You Come Alive—A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman. We’ll chat about the book and much more.This podcast was recorded on Tuesday February 28th, 2023.

On this episode, we welcome Lisa Deam - an author and speaker who uses art of the Christian past to illuminate modern faith. A former professor, she has a Ph.D. in medieval art history from the University of Chicago and was a Fulbright Fellow to Belgium. Lisa believes that medieval art has something to say to Christians in the 21st century and loves leading spiritual formation workshops on the Christian Middle Ages. Her writing won a "Best of the Christian Press" award from the Associated Church Press. We’ll discuss her latest book - 3000 Miles to JesusThis podcast was recorded on February 23rd, 2023.

Cecily Alexander is a dietician, a teacher, and a writer in London, Ontario. Her recently published memoirImmigration, Race and Survival: From Trinidad to Canada: Living in Parallel Worldswill help you to understand racism as you journey with her through her many experiences. Cecily has had a career as a dietitian for over forty years. She has a master’s in business administration specializing in organizational behaviour and her nutrition degree from the University of Guelph. She has taught at both the university and college levels.She’s a faithful Anglican attending St Aidan’s Church in London Ontario.This podcast was recorded on February 16th, 2023.

We are excited to welcome back Dr. Randy Woodley. Randy’s work addresses a variety of issues concerning American culture, faith, justice, race, our relationship with the earth, and Indigenous realities. He currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture at Portland Seminary, Portland Oregon. His expertise has been sought in national venues as diverse as Time Magazine, Christianity Today, The Huffington Post, and Planet Drum: A Voice for Bioregional, Sustainability, Education, and Culture. Randy identifies strongly with issues of eco-justice, diversity, and racial justice. He has found the sweet spot of sharing difficult truths, in the spirit of love and acceptance through his teaching. Randy’s authentic and timely messages dig to the root of our own imbalanced and unjust systems in an effort to restore us all to ways of harmony. His new book is titled MISSION AND THE CULTURAL OTHER.This podcast was recorded on November 17th, 2022.

This week we welcome Marjorie J. Thompson. Marjorie is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church.  She has served as director of the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership and as spiritual director of Companions in Christ, a program outgrowth of the Pathways initiative of Upper Room Ministries. Marjorie has exercised a ministry of teaching, writing and spiritual guidance for many years. Marjorie joins us to discuss her newest book:Courage for Caregivers: Sustenance for the Journey in Company with Henri J. M. NouwenDrawing on the writings and wisdom of Nouwen's themes of caregiving, this book is an invaluable resource for those offering care and the communities that support them.This podcast was recorded on November 10th, 2022.