In this month’s episode, Shalom Agtarap is joined by Amy Oden—professor, theologian, and longtime Academy faculty member. Amy reflects on her first encounter with the Academy and how its rhythms of silence, spaciousness, and community reshaped her pedagogy and her life. She shares about her teaching on hospitality, Christian spiritualities, Protestant traditions, and mindfulness, weaving in voices that have shaped her, from Julian of Norwich to Howard Thurman.

Together, they explore how the Academy’s rhythm of retreat and return develops “muscle memory” for attentiveness, how practices of Sabbath and simplicity resist the demands of empire, and how spiritual formation is always tied to justice and reconciliation. Amy also speaks candidly about privilege, formation, and what it means to steward our social location faithfully.

Whether you are discerning participation in the Academy or seeking to deepen your own practice of pausing, listening, and being present, Amy’s insights offer an invitation into the open space of God’s life with us.

Amy is a faculty member for Two-Year Academy #43, which begins in November 2025. During her time with #43, he will be guiding participants through the theme “Traditions of Christian Spirituality.”

Dr. Amy G. Oden is a working professor, teaching church history and Christian spirituality for several seminaries. She has served on the faculties of Oklahoma City University, Saint Paul School of Theology and Wesley Theological Seminary where she also served as Dean.  She holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Southern Methodist University and a baccalaureate in Letters from University of Oklahoma. Born and raised on the prairies of Oklahoma, Amy has found her spiritual home under the wide-open sky. Her passion is to introduce spiritual practices that can ground and nourish lives for justice in the world. Amy teaches theology, history of Christianity and spiritual formation, walking with students in learning.

JOIN US

The next Two-Year Academy begins November 3, 2025. Learn more about Two-Year Academy #43 and apply here.

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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