In this Episode Dr. Christopher Bellitto, Professor of History at Kean University, author of “Walking Toward Virtue: A Journey with Dante,” and a frequent interpreter of Catholic history and current affairs, recaps the election of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, and his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, “The Magnificence of Humanity,” which is about the promise and peril of AI, but also about war, slavery, and the poor. A recurring theme is safeguarding humanity.

Bellitto believes that Pope Leo’s papacy will emphasize human values and the condition of have-nots in society.

This episode is hosted by retired Seminary Explores host Jerry Christianson, Professor Emeritus of Church History at United Lutheran Seminary.

Pope Leo XIV photo credit: Edgar Beltrán, The Pillar

Victoria Jesswein, Associate Archivist at United Lutheran Seminary, introduces us to the work of an archivist, explains the importance of the archives to an institution and answers the question, what is an archivist? She describes the archive collection at United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) noting the ample collection of 19th century materials as well as materials from earlier centuries. As the seminary celebrates its bicentennial in 2026 it is important to reflect on what voices have been excluded from that story and how to fill in those gaps. Jesswein also shares the professional preparation of an archivist as well as the challenges all archives face amid the digital age.

Dr. Maria Erling, Professor of Modern Church History and Global Mission at United Lutheran Seminary, shares her thoughts on the 200th Anniversary of ULS. She tells about the need for an educated Lutheran ministry in the United States , the English/German language issue in Church, and the confessional issues that established two Lutheran seminaries in the state of Pennsylvania. She also shares examples of personalities that held her interest. She discusses the life and Dr. Bertha Paulssen, a German refugee during WW2 , who was the first woman to be on a Lutheran seminary faculty in the United States. Dr. Erling also discusses the challenges to theological education in general and United Lutheran Seminary in particular.

Dr. Jon Pahl, Professor of the History of Christianity, United Lutheran Seminary discusses his thoughts on the top stories in religion for 2025. He covers both national and international areas including interreligious peacebuilding in the global village, the changing dynamics of civil religion, the election of Pope Leo, the rise of misogyny, the GAZA protests, and the Epstein scandal. While some of the issues discussed and described are difficult and painful to hear, Dr. Pahl counters them with words of hope as we embark on 2026.

Dr. Mark Tyler, Historiographer of the AME Church, and the Inaugural Daniel A. Payne Lecturer, highlights the life and work of Daniel A. Payne and the importance of his years at Gettysburg Seminary.

He emphasizes the importance of and the role that education exhibited in Payne’s life as an African American intellectual in the 19th century. Tyler also discusses Payne work as the first  historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; he (Tyler) is the 15th person to hold that position. While a true intellectual, Tyler notes the fact that Payne’s life emphasized the use of Head and Heart in ministry. The intellect and the emotional commitment are inseparable; they inform one another.

Dr. Tyler's full lecture can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n6aoWutn20

Dr. Mark Tyler

Thumbnail image source: By C M Bell - https://www.loc.gov/item/2016690322/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103021368 

Tom Jolin, a folk musician, introduces this episode by sharing his love of folk music that developed in the 50s and 60s in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. Using a dulcimer, banjo or accordion, he then describes a brief history of each of the songs or melodies for the listeners.

This segment includes: “Love from the Heart/Marching Through GA by Henry Clay Work whose father spend three years in jail for abolition work; “No More Auction Block for Me” by the 1st South Carolina Volunteers. This was the first authorized Black regiment with Black men coming from South Carolina and Florida; “Deportee” (Crash at Los Gago Canyon) by Woody Guthrie tells the story of migrants who were deported from California and the plane crashed in 1948. These and the other songs/melodies are significant for what we are experiencing today.

Dr. Nelson Rivera, Professor of Theology and Ethics at United Lutheran Seminary, defines and describes the development of Liberation Theology. This theology places an emphasis on context of the people, especially the poor. Rivera gives an overview of the seminal work of Gustavo Gutiérrez and discusses the contributions of other Liberation Theologians. Rivera makes it quite clear that Liberation Theology is not Marxist. Dr. Rivera also shares how his interest in Liberation Theology developed and gives suggested readings for those in the listening audience who want to read more about this area of theology.

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera

Credits:

Thumbnail Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_Guti%C3%A9rrez#/media/File:Gustavo_gutierrez_(Peruvian_theologian).jpg

Tom Jolin and Julie Aha share music (hymns and carols) for the Christmas season from the global village. They present songs and music that originate from Canada, Belgium, United States, Native Americans, and Germany. A brief historical introduction to each piece helps to remind us of the hope and joy of the Christmas celebration around the world.

Join us for a "Small Writing Surface Concert" to ring in the holiday season.

In this episode John Hartzell (retired attorney and Coast Guard Officer) talks about hiking the Appalachian Trail. He discusses his decision to undertake this life-long desire to experience this historic path. John talked about the planning that included his hiking partner, the difficulties along the trail, along with the diverse types of people he encountered. He shares the routine that developed during the experience including shelter, eating, purchasing food, and visiting the small towns along the way. John also shares the physical changes he experienced hiking along with the opportunity to reflect on life events during those alone moments. At the end, he gives suggestions for anyone who is considering hiking the Trail.

(Thumbnail Photo: https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/about-us/media-room/ )

Dr. William Buckley, Adjunct professor-instructor in the Doctor of Liberal Studies Program in the School of Continuing Studies, Georgetown University, discusses the election and work of Pope Leo XIV. Buckley affirms that Pope Leo is a leader for these times. His missionary work in Peru, his graduate theological degrees including a doctorate in  Canon Law, pastoral work, and teaching make him prepared for the challenges of ecclesial leadership in the world in which we live. Throughout the interview Dr. Buckley makes us keenly aware of Pope Leo’s Augustinian roots which emphasizes mission and sensitivity to the poor and marginalized. Buckley, an active Roman Catholic theologian and ethicist, shares his hopes for Pope Leo as well as the challenges that he will encounter.

(Please note there are some minor audio dropouts due to phone connection instability, but they should not impact your enjoyment or understanding of this conversation.)