Restorative Hope: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Farmer

Dr. Sarah Farmer discusses her journey into theology and her motivation for the work she does. She shares how her experience teaching in a prison led her to explore the concept of hope in dehumanizing contexts. She explores different forms of resilience, including dogged, creative, and embodied resilience, and emphasizes the importance of grounding hope in the body. Dr. Farmer also discusses the concept of compassionate mobility and the role of institutions, particularly churches, in supporting and championing incarcerated individuals. She highlights the need for marginalized and disenfranchised people to be included in the image of God and the importance of self-care as a way of honoring the image of God within oneself. Farmer also explores the idea of identity paralysis and the impact of stigma and institutional barriers on individuals. She suggests that theological education should focus on who students are becoming rather than just imparting knowledge. Additionally, she highlights the importance of creating spaces for communal encounter and authentic dialogue in faith communities. Dr. Sarah F. Farmer is Assistant Professor in the Theology and Ministry Department at Indiana Wesleyan University.  A former associate research scholar at Yale Divinity School and Director the Adolescent Faith and Flourishing Program at Yale Center for Faith and Culture, Sarah received her M.Div. and Ph.D from Emory University, where she taught as an adjunct faculty and co-directed a Certificate in Theological Studies Program at a Women’s Prison. Sarah teaches in the areas of psychosocial identity and faith formation, community building, congregational studies, social change and transformative pedagogy. Get a copy of Restorative Hope: https://www.amazon.com/Restorative-Hope-Creating-Pathways-Connection/dp/0802882684 Become a member of the Center for Bible Study! 👉 https://give.ministrylinq.com/App/Form/d96bbdb5-197e-4a2d-820c-e3e4e3683e06 Join the Facebook Center for Bible Study Group for ongoing conversation about the Bible, live Q&A sessions, and great community. 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/908391187019803 Follow Dr. Botner on social media Facebook page: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/MABotner/ Twitter: 👉 https://twitter.com/maxbotner/ TikTok: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/drmaxbotner/ Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/drmaxbotner/