Tangible: Theology Learned and Lived
by Concordia Seminary
We're exploring the ways in which theology permeates all aspects of life. Through conversations with the faculty at Concordia Seminary- St Louis, we will challenge you to deepen your theology and live out your faith in Christ. We'll talk with a variety of professors on a variety of topics - something different in every episode…but all pointing to the intersection between faith and daily life. It's tangible: theology learned and lived.
Episodes
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73. Finding the Lost City of Bethsaida - Dr. Steven Notley and Dr. David Adams
For centuries, the location of Bethsaida has been a mystery. This fishing village was the home of three apostles and one of the backdrops of Jesus's ministry. Dr. Steven Notley, Dean of Religious Studies at Pillar College in New Jersey, believes he solved the debate after a decade of…
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72. What is the Divine Service? – Rev. Steven Zank and Dr. Kent Burreson
The Divine Service is more than an order of worship. Rev. Steven Zank, director of the Parish Music Program and the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine, discusses his research into the history of the Divine Service in the Lutheran Church. Dr. Kent Burreson, professor of...
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71. Ministry to People with Disabilities – Dr. Ely Prieto, Rev. Ellory Glenn, and Mrs. Kathy Glenn
Dr. Ely Prieto, associate professor of practical theology, explores examples in the Old and New Testaments of caring for those with disabilities. Rev. Ellory Glenn, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran church in St. Louis, and Mrs. Kathy Glenn, his wife and caregiver, discuss their experience...
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70. Special Feature - Two Stories from the Jungles of Papua New Guinea - Dr. Ronald Rall and Mary Anne Rall
Dr. Ronald Rall and Mary Anne Rall, missionaries to the people of Papua New Guinea, each share a story from the mission field about how God saved their lives in very tangible ways. This episode is a special feature that accompanies Episode 69, "Called to the Jungles of Papua New Guinea."
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69. Called to the Jungles of Papua New Guinea - featuring Dr. Ronald Rall and Mary Anne Rall
Dr. Ronald Rall and Mary Anne Rall have been missionaries to the people of Papua New Guinea since 1973. Over the past fifty years, they have seen God's church grow and flourish. "Still today, the people always say to me, 'Thank you for bringing us the light because we were in total darkness.'…
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68. How to have a Missional Mindset in your Local Community - featuring Dr. Douglas Rutt, Dr. David Loy, and Kristin Woods
Developing an attitude of outreach in your congregation is fostered by church leaders and carried out as a community. Join Dr. Douglas Rutt, professor emeritus of practical theology; Dr. David Loy, dean of Christ College at Concordia University in Irvine, California; and Kristin Woods, New…
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Reading Psalms and Writing Songs – Rev. Hayden Lukas and Dr. Timothy Saleska
"I use songwriting as a tool for engaging with the text of scripture and bringing my questions to God. It's meant to be a moment of reflection," says singer-songwriter Rev. Hayden Lukas. Join us in a conversation between Lukas and Dr. Timothy Saleska, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia...
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Raising Up Leaders in Multi-cultural Communities - the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology - featuring Rev. Jeff Thormodson
"If God has placed an immigrant group in your community, we have the opportunity to reach out and share the lovely gifts that God has given us," said Rev Jeff Thormodson, the executive director of the Lutheran Society of Missiology. "The Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology raises up leaders…
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Stories from School: Concordia University Alumni - Dr. Peter Nafzger and Rev. Jeff Cloeter
"The schools in the Concordia University System are an incredible gift; we have a responsibility to steward them well for the next generation," says Dr. Peter Nafzger, associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In this conversation Nafzger and Rev. Jeff Cloeter,...
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The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for June 28, 2026! The readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost are Jeremiah 28:5–9, Psalm 119:153–160, Romans 7:1–13, and Matthew 10:34–42.
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Faith in the Home and Courageous Fathers – Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Mart Thompson
Raising children to be faithful followers of Jesus starts in the home. We will discuss the books "Family Discipleship with Christ" by Dr. W. Mart Thompson, associate professor of Practical Theology, and "Courageous Fathers of the Bible" by Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of Systematic Theology. Join...
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Why the Nicene Creed Matters
What do writings from the fourth century have to do with Christians today? Why do we frequently speak one out loud together in church services? "The Nicene Creed provides a summary of what we believe as Christians," said Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary…
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The Other Lutherans: Voices from the Global South – Dr. Leo Sánchez and Dr. Samuel Deressa
"The Lutheran church in Ethiopia is just under three times larger than all the Lutheran church bodies in America combined," said Dr. Samuel Deressa, Associate Professor of Theology and the Global South at Concordia University, St. Paul. "We can learn from each other to address and apply Lutheran...
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Should AI Help Write Sermons? – Dr. Ryan Tinetti and Dr. David Maxwell
What role should artificial intelligence play in sermon crafting and lesson planning? Dr. Ryan Tinetti, assistant professor of practical theology and Dr. David Maxwell, professor of systematic theology, discuss their differing perspectives. "This question is one worth losing some sleep over,"…
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Paul's Pictures – Dr. James Fickenscher
The Apostle Paul wrote to real churches in real time, using metaphors that the original readers found relatable. He described our relationship with God and within our community using images like buildings, the human body, and family households. The more we understand the context of these…
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Gender Identity – Dr. Mark Rockenbach and DCE Caitlin Dinger
How does the culture around us shape our view of what it means to be male or female? Join DCE Caitlin Dinger, Concordia Seminary PhD student, and Dr. Mark Rockenbach, professor of practical theology, as they discuss the distinction between sex and gender, and how to walk alongside those who are...
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The Interaction of Brain Hemispheres and Faith
Each half of our brain drives different aspects of our thoughts and behaviors. The ways each hemisphere work together impacts the way we understand and experience our faith. Join Dr. Stephen Pietsch, professor of practical theology, and Dr. David Maxwell, professor of systematic theology, in a...
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American Politics, PART 2: Christian Witness – Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald
How do we fulfill our vocation as citizens in a polarized political landscape, yet bear a positive witness of Christ to the world around us? Join Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of Systematic Theology, and Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald, professor of Exegetical Theology in a two-part series discussing…
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American Politics PART I : Tangled Authority – Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald
Navigating the complexities of current issues in American politics is complicated, especially when morality and social justice pull from both sides. Join Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of Systematic Theology, and Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald, professor of Exegetical Theology in a two-part series discussing...
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Family Discipleship
How can congregations support parents as they live out their vocation as teachers of the faith? Join professor of practical theology, Dr. Mart Thompson, and the executive director of Concordia Center for the Family, Dr. Todd Biermann as they discuss the significance of family discipleship.
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Emotional Intelligence - Dr. Rick Marrs and Dr. Mark Rockenbach
How does emotional intelligence interact with faith, intellect, and the ability to lead? Professors of practical theology, Dr. Mark Rockenbach and Dr. Rick Marrs, discuss the ways social awareness and relational skills impact the vocation of church workers. Join us in a conversation that explores...
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Christmas Movies! "Elf" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" – Dr. David Lewis
'Tis the season for Christmas movie reviews. Dr. David Lewis, professor of Exegetical Theology and campus movie buff, will discuss two Christmas classics. "Elf" (2003) and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966) are family favorites that deserve a deeper look. There is more than meets the eye...
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Advent Poetry – Dr. Tim Saleska and Dr. David Schmitt
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, she responded in obedience and in song. The season of Advent has motivated poetry ever since. Join Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology, and Dr. David Schmitt, professor of practical theology, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss the...
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Educational Theory and the Trivium - Dr. Jason Lane and Dr. Adam Hensley
The process of learning and teaching is repeated throughout life. We are shaped not only by what we learn, but also the way in which we've been taught. The Trivium is an educational theory that leads learners through 3 stages of development. "It is our responsibility as professors to slow…
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Poetry for the Unpoetic - Dr. Tim Saleska
"I'm a sports page guy… very unpoetic," says Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. "I came to discover the power that certain poems have on me. How they can influence and change me; make me think about my life, my relationship with our Lord…
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Christ Speaks the Psalms – Dr. Adam Hensley
"The book of Psalms is not just about Christ, but also on his own lips; his own prayers, praises, and thanksgivings." said Dr. Adam Hensley, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. This thought-provoking episode will give you a fresh perspective of the book of Psalms....
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Unearthing King David - Dr. Yosef Garfinkel and Dr. David Adams
Join us in a conversation about the purpose of archaeology and what recent discoveries have unearthed concerning King David. Dr. Yosef Garfinkel, professor of biblical archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Dr. David Adams, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary St....
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The Quiet Ambition – Dr. Ryan Tinetti
"Whether by desperate busyness or desperate surrender, hope keeps leaking from the hearts of people," writes Dr. Ryan Tinetti, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary. Join the conversation as we get a sneak peek at his soon-to-be released book, The Quiet Ambition. Insightful and...
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The Theology of the LCMS Youth Gathering – Dr. Michael Zeigler and Dr. Peter Nafzger
When 20,000 members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod gather in the same city for five days, we can't help but notice. What happens at the LCMS Youth Gatherings and what is the theology behind it? Join Dr. Michael Zeigler, speaker of "The Lutheran Hour," and Dr. Peter Nafzger, associate...
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Theology of the Cross - We Really Mean It – Dr. Robert Kolb and Dr. Joel Okamoto
Christians are not immune to horrible circumstances; bad things happen to all people. Where is God when we are hurting? Join Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology, and Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology as they engage in a conversation that leads students and...
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Children and Musical Faith Formation – Dr. Samuel and Lois Eatherton
In which ways does music inform the spiritual development of children? Concordia Seminary, St. Louis has received a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Children in Worship Initiative. "We learn things as children, especially musically because it gets inside of us," said Dr.…
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Does Greek Really Matter? - Dr. James Voelz and Dr. David Lewis
What is the significance of Greek for English-speaking Christians? Greek linguist Dr. James Voelz and Dr. David Lewis, professor of exegetical theology, make a case for studying the Bible in its original languages. "Reading the Greek is like going to a ball game instead of watching it on...
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Why You Should Read Flannery O'Connor - Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Joel Biermann
Flannery O'Connor's perspective as a devout Catholic writing in mid-century Georgia is observant and powerful. The theology intertwined into the narratives of her stories set her apart as an author. Dr. David Schmitt, professor of practical theology, and Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of systematic...
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The Spoken Word: We Really Mean It – Dr. Robert Kolb and Dr. Joel Okamoto
Does God speak to us today? Dr. Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology, and Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology, discuss the practical significance of Theology of the Spoken Word. The unique format of this episode allows Kolb and Okamoto the opportunity to make a...
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Special Feature – Meditation Exercise read in Spanish by Dr. Douglas Rutt
This is a special feature of the episode Mindfulness, Meditation, and Martin Luther. Dr. Douglas Rutt reads a Scripture-based meditation in Spanish. The meditation is from William Hulme's book Let the Spirit In: Practicing Christian Devotional Meditation. Enjoy!
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Holistic Wellness- Dr. Rick Marrs and Dr. Tim Saleska
Holistic wellness includes multiple areas of health. Dr. Rick Marrs, professor of Practical Theology, speaks with Dr. Tim Saleska, dean of Ministerial Formation, discuss the concept of holistic wellness. Marr's new Bible study, "The Wholeness Wheel" explores seven aspects of health. Tune in for a...
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Raising Kids Who Ask Questions – Dr. Ron Mudge and Isaiah Mudge
The Mudge family is striving to build a grace-focused home where kids aren't afraid to ask questions. This family of 8 have lived in multiple cultures, both in the United States and in Africa. Join in this conversation between Dr. Ron Mudge, provost at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and his son...
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Tolkien's Way – Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Kent Burreson
J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his fantasy novels "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. While not allegories, the narratives are thick with theology. Join Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Kent Burreson as they discuss the ways Tolkien weaves eternal truths into his fairy stories.
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Day 7 for Work, Rest or Play – Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto
Join us in a discussion about the Sabbath with systematic professors Dr. Joel Biermann and Dr. Joel Okamoto. Biermann's newly published book, Day 7: for Work, Rest, or Play, has a unique take on the seventh day and what it means to keep the Sabbath. Don't miss it!
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Ecclesiastes and Job: Together at Last – Dr. Tim Saleska
Dr. Tim Saleska, Old Testament scholar and professor of exegetical theology, explores the book of Ecclesiastes. He presents the idea that Job and Ecclesiastes are better understood in light of each other. "Job asks for an answer to suffering. Ecclesiastes puts us on the edge of meaninglessness,"...
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Genesis, Giants, and Jesus – Dr. Thomas Egger
The first few chapters of Genesis are ancient history, yet they reveal essential truths about our present and future. Join us as Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis answers questions about Genesis 1 – 11. He shares the significance of primeval history in the understanding...
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Faith Alone: We Really Mean It – Dr. Robert Kolb and Dr. Joel Okamoto
"I think our students would all agree that we are justified by faith, but it doesn't look like they actually believe that," said Dr. Joel Okamoto, professor of systematic theology. "The critical question is, why does God like me today? Our students are having a particularly hard time, struggling…
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Job's Platitudes – Dr. Tim Saleska
The wisdom in the book of Job often gets tangled with platitudes of our own making. Which is which? "Job is dealing with the idea of a kind of a suffering that's incomprehensible and he gives us permission to speak very differently to and about God," said Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical...
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Literature and Theology: "'My Ántonia' and 'Babette's Feast'"- Dr. Kent Burreson and Dr. Ryan Tinetti
In this new series of episodes, professors explore the theological impact of their favorite pieces of literature. "Literature can help us to see the transcendent truths of the gospel anew," said Dr. Ryan Tinetti, professor of Practical Theology. "It can help us deepen our experience, our...
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The Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke – Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez and Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald
Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, professor of systematic theology and Dr. Jeff Oschwald, professor of exegetical theology, discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke. "You've got to 'land the dove,' listening to what the Spirit was doing in the life of Jesus and in our lives," said Sánchez....
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Resilient Witness in Dark Times – Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer
How should the church respond to its declining influence in today's culture? Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they continue the discussion about Lakies's new book How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times.
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The Luther That Lutherans Never Knew - Dr. Stephen Pietsch and Dr. Jason Lane
"I've been reading Luther's mail for a long time now," said Dr. Stephen Pietsch, associate professor of Practical Theology. "Martin Luther was not only a bull-headed reformer — but also a gentle, wise correspondent." Join Pietsch and Dr. Jason Lane, associate professor of Historical Theology, as...
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Never Let Issues Prevent Relationships – Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer
Join Dr. Chad Lakies and President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer as they discuss "insider versus outsider" mentality and explore some ways to build positive relationships with those on the other side of the fence.
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Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus – Dr. Jodi Magness and Dr. David Adams
World-renowned archeologist Dr. Jodi Magness shares her findings from decades of excavations in Israel. "The world of Jesus 2000 years ago was as alien to us as life on Mars. It was a completely different world," said Magness in this discussion with Professor of Exegetical Theology Dr. David Adams.
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Raising Kids in a World of Digital Sexuality - DCE Caitlin Dinger, Dr. Rick Marrs, and Dr. Joel Oesch
Is social media changing the factors that contribute to the formation of sexual identity? Join this discussion between three church workers as they share their experiences working with tech-savvy youth.
About this show
We're exploring the ways in which theology permeates all aspects of life. Through conversations with the faculty at Concordia Seminary- St Louis, we will challenge you to deepen your theology and live out your faith in Christ. We'll talk with a variety of professors on a variety of topics - something different in every episode…but all pointing to the intersection between faith and daily life. It's tangible: theology learned and lived.
Hosted by
Concordia Seminary
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