In this month’s episode, Shalom Agtarap is joined by Cláudio Carvalhaes, a theologian, liturgist, performer, artist, and activist whose work bridges worship, ecology, and justice.

In this conversation, we explore how formation—not just information—shapes a Christian life rooted in practice and theory, community and land. Cláudio invites us into sentipensar (to think-feel), reflecting on “traditioning,” the power of ritual to stretch us toward the needs of our neighbors, the collective nature of faith beyond the merely human, and how worship becomes a way of protecting life—people, rivers, soil, and skies.

Whether you long to renew your worship life, deepen your ecological awareness, or reorient your spirituality toward the suffering and beauty of the world, Cláudio’s wisdom will call you to listen more deeply—to God, to the land, and to one another—and to become people of courageous, communal love.

Cláudio Carvalhaes, earth thinker, theologian, liturgist, performer, artist and playwright, a native Brazilian from São Paulo, he is now the Professor of Worship at Union Theological Seminary in New York. In the Summer of 2023, Carvalhaes received the Honorary Degree Sacrae Theologiae Doctor bestowed by the Board of Trustees of Starr King School for the Ministry. In the Fall of 2023, Carvalhaes received the award of The Most Creative Play at the New York Theater Festival with his play "When Wajcha Meets Pachamama."  Carvalhaes will teach on Liturgy & Spirituality for Academy #43, which began in November 2025.

Show Notes:

Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission.

Audio editing and production by Tim Savage.

A special thanks to the staff of The Upper Room, the Academy team, and everyone who helps bring this podcast to life.

For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources

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