The Seminary Explores

Dr. Largen talks to Sara Gyson about her involvement with the community garden on the Gettysburg Seminary campus, and the ways in which a garden can foster a church’s mission in the world, and also strengthen Christian discipleship in ways large and small.

Argentina beyond “Evita”: a bustling nation with a strong professional class, a varied economy (especially agriculture and manufacturing), and exceptional scenery. The younger generation, represented by this team Rotary International team made up of attorney Marinal Ramos, attorney Melisa Cruzat and business administrator Leandro Marquez, is fully aware of the troubles of the distant past but has only experienced democracy and an open society in which women are making themselves felt especially in the field of law.

The Rev. Dr. Ted Peters, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union describes the important difference it makes in our lives when we give up our attempts at self-justification [which often includes scapegoating] and rely on God’s justification.

Dr. Largen Speaks with The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Peterson the Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Lutheran Seminary about what she calls a “spirit-breathed” ecclesiology, describing a new way of understanding the church for the 21st century.

Dr. Christianson interviews Greg Bowles the On-Site Director of Project Gettysburg-Leon in Leon, Nicaragua.  They talk about how Nicaragua, the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere next to Haiti, is attempting to address issues of poverty, hunger, and land management.  The government is leading the way by making more animals available for farmers. Programs like Project Gettysburg-Leon are working to train local agricultural extension teams, as well as develop health, education, and art centers.

Dr. Largen continues her discussion with Bhante Sujatha about the founding of the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock, Illinois, which caters specifically to Western Americans, and why Americans are drawn to meditation and the Buddha’s teachings.

Dr. Largen has a delightful conversation with Bhante Sujatha about his personal story of becoming a Buddhist monk at age 11 and his subsequent  journey from Sri Lanka to the United States.

Dr. Strobert continues the discussion around apocalyptic with Dr. Maria Erling by defining of the term apocalyptic from its biblical roots to its present expression in United States society.   Dr. Erling then moves on to identify events in American history that initiated apocalyptic themes from various denominations.

Dr. Largen continues her discussion with Rev. Shafer as he talks about the interfaith reality in which we live, and the way media technologies—including the news media—can foster both positive and negative attitudes about different religious traditions, including Christianity.

Dr. Largen speaks with Rev. Eric Shafer about the interface between religion and the media, particularly as it relates to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, both past and present.  He describes the historic openness of the Lutheran church to current media technologies, and expresses optimism for the future.