Episode Overview In this episode, Zen speaks with Adam Bond about his story and scholarship. Adam Bond joined the Religion Department at Baylor University in the summer of 2023. Prior to his time at Baylor, he served as the pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. Bond is a historian of Christianity in the United States. His research and writing focus on the narratives and ideas of Black Christian leaders of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Episode Links Carr and Helmer's book, Ordinary Faith in Polarized Times: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481319317/ordinary-faith-in-polarized-times/ Other Episodes You Might Like: Malcolm Foley on James Cone, racism, and American Christianity: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cross-and-the-lynching-tree-malcolm-foley-on/id1648052085?i=1000607851160Marcus Jerkins on Black Lives Matter to Jesus: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-lives-matter-to-jesus-marcus-jerkins-on-salvation/id1648052085?i=1000599025436Ericka Shawndricka Dunbar on Africana Biblical Criticism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/africana-biblical-criticism-and-the-book-of/id1648052085?i=1000600183961

In this episode, Zen speaks with Léon van Ommen about his new book, Autism and Worship, out now from Baylor University Press. Resources from the Episode Buy the book: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481319898/autism-and-worship/Learn about the Centre: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/centre-for-the-study-of-autism-and-christian-community-1725.phpListen to the Centre's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/autism-and-theology-podcast/id1705103191 Other Episodes You Might Like: Erin Raffety on disability, inclusion, and justice: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/should-we-abandon-inclusion-erin-raffety-on-disability/id1648052085?i=1000594272809Devan Stahl on an era of soft eugenics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-era-of-soft-eugenics-devan-stahl-on/id1648052085?i=1000589593683

In this episode, Zen speaks with Robin Jensen and Mikeal Parsons about their new co-edited volume Early Christians and Their Art, which is out now with SBL Press. You can learn more about the book at the link below. Our Guests Robin Jensen is the Patrick O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. But she is also a concurrent faculty member of Art History and Classics and a fellow of the Medieval Institute. Mikeal Parsons is the University Distinguished Professor Kidd L. & Buna Hitchcock Macon Professor of Religion at Baylor University. Other Episodes You Might Like Menachem Fisch and Debra Band on Picturing Ecclesiastes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/picturing-ecclesiastes-a-conversation-with/id1648052085?i=1000650359438Natalie Carnes on Art and Feminist Theology: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/natalie-carnes-on-feminist-theology-and-the-arts/id1648052085?i=1000583436666Mike Parsons and Cody Sanders on Corpse Care: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rotten-epiphany-mikeal-parsons-and-cody-sanders-talk/id1648052085?i=1000595686788

In this episode, Zen speaks with Elise Edwards about her new book Architecture, Theology, and Ethics: Making Architectural Design More Just (Lexington Books, 2024). Dr. Elise Edwards is Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Baylor University. You can order the book by clicking here. Other Episodes You Might Like Feminist theology and the arts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/natalie-carnes-on-feminist-theology-and-the-arts/id1648052085?i=1000583436666On inclusion and justice with Erin Raffety: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/should-we-abandon-inclusion-erin-raffety-on-disability/id1648052085?i=1000594272809

In this episode, Zen speaks with Menachem Fisch and Debra Band about their illuminated philosophical commentary, Qoholet: Searching for a Life Worth Living. You can learn more about the book by clicking here. Other Currents in Religion Episodes You Might Like: Natalie Carnes feminist theology and the arts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/natalie-carnes-on-feminist-theology-and-the-arts/id1648052085?i=1000583436666Micheal O'Siadhail on faith, poetry, and daring to love: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/micheal-osiadhail-on-faith-poetry-and-daring-to-love/id1648052085?i=1000590394430Thomas Gardner on lyric theology: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lyric-theology-thomas-gardner-on-marilynne-robinson/id1648052085?i=1000602629863

Rebecca Poe Hays is working on several projects that bring the Psalms into conversation with recent research on trauma and resilience. She joins us today to talk about her research, both how it helps us better understand the psalms historically and how it makes them relevant in the life of faith today. Rebecca Poe Hays is Assistant Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Seminary at Baylor University. Other CIR episodes on the psalms Bill Bellinger on Psalms as a Grammar of Faith: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-grammar-lesson-in-prayer-bill-bellinger-on-the-psalms/id1648052085?i=1000587487293Trevor Laurence on cursing psalms and Christian ethics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cursing-christ-and-christian-prayer/id1648052085?i=1000583436719Deirdre Fulton on translating the NRSVue: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/updating-the-nrsv-a-chat-with-deirdre-fulton/id1648052085?i=1000623434086

In this episode, Zen recaps some interesting, important, or otherwise intriguing religion news headlines. Polls/Reports Cited in Part 1 Is Religion Good for You? https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/512216/religion-spirituality-tools-better-wellbeing.aspxAsian American Nones & Connection to Religion: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/10/11/religion-among-asian-americans/Generational & Geographical Trends in Faith: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/two-global-religious-divides-geographic-and-generationalGen Z and the Sacred: https://www.springtideresearch.org/post/news/sacred-experience-benefits-gen-z-spirituality-wellbeing The Fire and the Cloud: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481320504/the-fire-and-the-cloud/

In this episode, Zen speaks with Jeff Hubbard about publishing academic journal articles. As a graduate student, Jeff has published in seven different peer reviewed journals and has a lot of wisdom (and humor) to share. You can learn more about Jeff by visiting his academia page (https://baylor.academia.edu/JeffHubbard/). Other Episodes You Might Like Writing Religious Studies: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writing-religious-studies-featuring-amos-yong-alicia/id1648052085?i=1000621879919Dave Nelson on Publishing Academic Books: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dave-nelson-on-publishing-academic-books/id1648052085?i=1000606742147 Theology in Many Voices by Amy Chilton: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481317306/theology-in-many-voices/

In this episode, Zen speaks with Dr. Susan Benton about her research on women in early Christianity and the Greco-Roman world and her work as a member of the ministry guidance team in Baylor's Religion Department. Learn more about the ministry guidance program at Baylor University: https://religion.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/ministry-guidance Check out Gary Dorrien's new book with Baylor University Press: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481320931/anglican-identities/ Related Episodes: Bruce Longenecker on Greco-Roman associations: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greco-roman-associations-and-the-new/id1648052085?i=1000605716630 Amy Marga on imagining motherhood: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/imagining-motherhood-in-the-christian-tradition/id1648052085?i=1000583436695 Dustin Benac on adaptive church and ministry: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adaptive-church-dustin-benac-on-collaborative-christian/id1648052085?i=1000597869190

This episode is a rerun from November 2022. In this episode, I speak with Dave Nelson, who is the director of Baylor University Press. We speak specifically about AAR/SBL from a publishers perspective. Dave offers honest advice about networking and discusses why he enjoys conferences like this one. AAR/SBL discount: Get 30% off and, if you're in the US, free shipping on all orders from BaylorPress.com by entering the code 17AARSBL23 at checkout. Related Episodes: On writing a PhD application: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-applying-to-phd-programs-in-religion/id1648052085?i=1000632014324 On publishing academic books: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dave-nelson-on-publishing-academic-books/id1648052085?i=1000606742147

In this episode, Zen speaks with Philip Jenkins about his new book A Storm of Images: Iconoclasm and Religious Reformation in the Byzantine World, recently published by Baylor University Press. Dr. Philip Jenkins is Distinguished Professor of History & Director of the Program on Historical Studies of Religion at Baylor University. Related Episodes: Jessica Wai-Fong Wong on icon theology and antiracism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icons-economies-and-racism-a-conversation-with/id1648052085?i=1000584235192 Natalie Carnes on the arts, theology, and feminism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/natalie-carnes-on-feminist-theology-and-the-arts/id1648052085?i=1000583436666 Micheal O'Siadhail on poetry and scripture: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/micheal-osiadhail-on-faith-poetry-and-daring-to-love/id1648052085?i=1000590394430 Thomas Gardner on lyric theology: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lyric-theology-thomas-gardner-on-marilynne-robinson/id1648052085?i=1000602629863

In this episode, Zen speaks with Laine Scales and João Chaves about the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable and their new book Baptists and the Kingdom of God (Baylor University Press, 2023). BSIR Call for Papers https://religion.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj1166/files/2023-10/BSIR_Call%20for%20Proposals%202024%20%282%29.pdf Giveaway Enter to win a free copy of A Storm of Images by Philip Jenkins: https://bit.ly/40mnfbj Related Episodes: Hearing History: Mandy McMichael on Interviewing Baptist Women in Ministry: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hearing-history-mandy-mcmichael-on-interviewing-baptist/id1648052085?i=1000619951034 Baptists in 2022 with Elizabeth Flowers and Doug Weaver: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baptists-in-2022-with-elizabeth-flowers-and-doug-weaver/id1648052085?i=1000591685324

In this episode, Zen speaks with Neil Messer, who has recently come to Baylor as Professor of Theological Bioethics. The discussion considers Neil's work in neuroethics. The episode also includes a plug for Autism and Worship: A Liturgical Theology by Armand Léon van Ommen. This new book is out now from Baylor University Press. Related Episodes: Interdisciplining Theology: How the Psychological Sciences Help TheologyShould We Abandon Inclusion? Erin Raffety on Disability and the ChurchAn Era of Soft Eugenics? Devan Stahl on Disability's Challenge to 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 currents, 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.

Welcome to our Fall 2023 season! In this episode, Zen speaks with Amy Carr and Christine Helmer about their brand new Baylor University Press book Ordinary Faith in Polarized Times: Justification and the Pursuit of Justice. Amy Carr is Professor of Religious Studies at Western Illinois University. Christine Helmer is Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Humanities at Northwestern University. Want to get a free copy of the book? Enter our giveaway by visiting us on X/Twitter and following the directions on our pinned post (https://twitter.com/cirbaylor). The winner will be announced October 27th! Here's some of the book's blurb: Christians in the United States and around the world are politically polarized today, unable to speak to one another across deep divisions regarding urgent social issues. Ordinary Faith in Polarized Times: Justification and the Pursuit of Justice addresses this dire reality by offering a theological framework for Christian justice-seeking. Amy Carr and Christine Helmer draw on Paul’s theology to center the idea of justification by faith in Christ as the primary ground of Christian belonging and community. This approach yields a theology of ordinary faith that resists the temptation to equate Christian identity with the performance of a heroic "here I stand" posture against moral and political positions felt to be inimical to a properly Christian life... Carr and Helmer articulate ways that justification by faith grounds Christian practices of affective listening and storytelling, even on the most contentious ethical questions today, with the hope that mutual conversation in and through the Beloved Community can get Christians who disagree oriented towards each other again for the good of the world.

Summary In this episode, Deirdre Fulton joins us to share about the process of updating the NRSV, and to tell us a little about her role in that process. Deirdre Fulton is Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament here at Baylor University. Themes Bible translation, text criticism, NRSVue Relevant Baylor Press Books Baylor handbooks on original languages (NT Greek, Hebrew Bible, Septuagint): https://www.baylorpress.com/books/series/Book previewed by Cade: Katherine Dell, The Lord By Wisdom Founded the Earth, https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481317047/the-lord-by-wisdom-founded-the-earth/ Additional Resources For more about the NRSVue (https://www.friendshippress.org/pages/about-the-nrsvue)For Deirdre Fulton's faculty profile (https://religion.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/person/deirdre-fulton-phd)

Summary: How might Paul help Christians today live faithfully in light of the ecological crisis? In this episode, Zen speaks with Julien C. H. Smith and Cherryl Hunt about how Paul’s writings are relevant to living faithfully today, with a specific focus on the ecological crisis. Themes: New Testament studies; environmental ethics; virtue theory; Pauline theology; creation care; ecotheology Additional Resources: Grove Booklets (https://grovebooks.co.uk/) provide short introductions to issues • B 50 The Earth is the Lord's: A Biblical Response to Environmental Issues (2008) • E 184 An Introduction to Environmental Ethics (2017) • MEv 127 Forest Church: Earthed Perspectives on the Gospel (2019) • MEv 134 Climate Action as Mission: How to Link the Gospel with Safeguarding Creation (2021) Scientifically trained ‘ordinary’ Christians: Christians in Science (https://www.cis.org.uk/about-cis/) Relevant Baylor University Press Books: • Julien C. H. Smith, Paul and the Good Life (https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481313100/paul-and-the-good-life/) • David G. Horrell, Cherryl Hunt and Christopher Southgate, Greening Paul (https://www.baylorpress.com/9781602582903/greening-paul/) • Jennifer R. Ayres, Good Food (https://www.baylorpress.com/9781602589858/good-food/)

Summary: Do you ever wish you knew how other writers come up with ideas, research for essays, or write their books? In this episode, Zen speaks with Alicia Myers, Amos Yong, and Christopher Hoklotubbe about how they approach writing, from generating ideas to organizing research to putting words on the page. Themes: Writing habits, writing style, research habits Additional Resources: • Helen Sword, Stylish Academic Writing • Eric Barreto, Writing Theologically • Paul Silvia, How to Write a Lot • Joseph Bizup and Joseph M. Williams, Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace

Summary: In this episode, Zen speaks with the Primary and Co-Investigators of “Illuminating Theological Inquiry and Christian Ethics Through Training in Psychological Science,” a 2.5 million dollar John Templeton Foundation grant. Sarah Schnitker, Devan Stahl, Natalie Carnes, and Anne Jeffrey—who are Baylor faculty—share about grant and how its already helping to cultivate connections between the scholars of religion and the psychological sciences. Themes: interdisciplinary research, psychology and religion, research methods Additional Resources: • Information on the grant: https://ethics.web.baylor.edu/project-overview Relevant Baylor Press Books: • Devan Stahl, Bioenhancement Technologies and the Vulnerable Body (https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481318273/bioenhancement-technologies-and-the-vulnerable-body/) • Drew Collins and Matthew Croasmun (eds.), What Is the Good Life? Perspectives from Religion, Philosophy, and Psychology (https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481318013/what-is-the-good-life/)

Summary: In this episode, Zen speaks with Mandy McMichael about her project on Baptist Women in Ministry and the art of interviewing for historical research. Themes: Baptists, women in ministry, oral history, historical research methods Additional Resources: • Baptist Women in Ministry (https://bwim.info/) • Baylor Institute for Oral History (https://www.baylor.edu/library/index.php?id=974108) Relevant Baylor Press Books: • Mandy McMichael, Miss America’s God (https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481311977/miss-americas-god/)