Our Church Speaks

Recorded the week of July 4, this episode focuses on Absalom Jones, an American revolutionary-war era minister and one of the first African Americans ordained in the United States. Ben and Dan discuss the historical context of the American revolutionary war and how it created the world in which Absalom Jones served as a minister. The conversation meditates on the purpose of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. 

----------- PREORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place", support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

“I am definitively loved and whatever happens to me, I am awaited by this love. And so my life is good.” - Josephine Bakhita (c. 1867-1947), Monastic & Prophetic Witness  

Ben and Dan talk about the profound faith of the African saint, Josephine Bakhita, and the hope and trust that she placed in Jesus Christ after a life of heartbreak and trauma. They reflect on what Jesus means when he calls someone blessed and how our lives are defined, not by our circumstances, but by what Jesus says about us.

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PREORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2024), support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. 

Ben and Dan talk about the introduction of Christianity in Japan in the 16th century. They specifically focus on the life of the evangelist Paul Miki, a Japanese Christian who lived and died for Christ in Japan and preached his final sermon from his own cross before an audience of his fellow Japanese citizens.

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PREORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2024), support this project on Patreon, get prints / downloads, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. 

Ben and Dan discuss the life and work of Thomas Aquinas, one of the Western church's most significant theologians. Once considered a "dumb ox" by his fellow students, Thomas' deep love for Christ inspired him to apply his profound intellect to contemplating and articulating the mysteries of the faith and the glory of God.

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PREORDER the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" (IVP, 2024), support this project on Patreon, get prints / calendars, and more at www.ourchurchspeaks.com.

"Lord, the task is impossible for me, but not for thee. Lead the way and I will follow." - Mary Slessor (1848-1915), Missionary in West Africa

Ben and Dan discuss the inspiring life of Mary Slessor. Born to an impoverished family in Scotland and raised in the textile mills of the industrial revolution, Slessor was called to serve in complex and dangerous circumstances in Nigeria.  Ben and Dan's conversation nuances the complexities of 19th century missionary movements and reflects on the Christian valuation of every human life as made in the image of God. 

“As a fish cannot swim without water, and as a bird cannot fly without air, so a Christian cannot advance a single step without Christ.” - Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390), Bishop and Teacher

Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta discuss the ancient theologian, Gregory of Nazianzus. Ben shares Gregory's story and Dan explains why Gregory's theology of the Trinity is profoundly relevant to Christians in the 21st century.

Episode Art by Ben Lansing (c) 2024

Website: www.ourchurchspeaks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourchurchspeaks
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ourchurchspeaks

"From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia, Alleluia!" - Hymn, "For All the Saints"

Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta introduce the podcast and their upcoming book, "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place," published by InterVarsity Press Oct. 29, 2024 (Preorders available today). Topics include the contrast between saints and celebrities and the relevance of the historic church to our complex contemporary world. 

Website: www.ourchurchspeaks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourchurchspeaks
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ourchurchspeaks

Our Church Speaks: A podcast of saints from every era and place. Hosts Ben Lansing and D.J. Marotta introduce themselves, their upcoming book (published by InterVarsity Press), and the overall "Our Church Speaks" project. Our Church Speaks project - www.ourchurchspeaks.com Order the Our Church Speaks devotional book - https://ivpress.com/our-church-speaks