Madang

Welcome to Madang.
Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renowned authors, leaders, public figures, and scholars on religion, culture, and everything in between.
This is the 64th episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global, featuring Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology and doctoral students at Northwind Theological Seminary. He is an award-winning author and has written or edited more than forty books. A gifted speaker, Oord lectures at universities, conferences, churches, and institutions. He is known for his contributions to research on love, science and religion, open and relational theology, the problem of suffering, and advocacy for the full inclusion of queer people.
On this episode of Madang Podcast, Dr. Thomas Jay Oord and I talk about his book, Systematic Theology of Love. We discuss the Uncontrolling Love of God, gino-theology, creation, evil, good, the Universal Spirit of love, and so much more.
I am grateful to the sponsors of this Madang Podcast episode:
1. Northwind Theological Seminary
Is it time to pursue your doctoral degree? Northwind Theological Seminary offers fully online doctoral programs in open and relational theology. World-renowned theologian Thomas Jay Oord directs these programs. You’ll follow the Oxford method of education, which means you’ll study one-on-one with Dr. Oord as your mentor. As a fully online institution, Northwind’s doctoral programs are less expensive than others. And in collaboration with Kairos University, you can earn a doctorate in theology accredited by the highest accrediting bodies. As a doctoral student, you set your schedule around family and work. And you’ll finish the degree in less than three years. The doctoral programs are co-sponsored by the Center for Open and Relational Theology, which Dr. Oord directs. You’ll have access to the Center’s resources and get to know its community of scholars, activists, practitioners, and educators. For more information, see the Northwind Theological Seminary website or search “Open and Relational Theology at Northwind.” It’s time to pursue your doctoral degree. Reach out to Northwind now.
2. Homebrewed Team
Theology Beer Camp 2026 is a one-of-a-kind gathering featuring leading voices in theology, history, philosophy, justice, and faith. The event offers thought-provoking talks, live podcasts, engaging workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others who are curious, questioning, and passionate about exploring life’s biggest questions. Whether you’re deeply rooted in faith, deconstructing, or simply interested in thoughtful conversation, Theology Beer Camp is a welcoming place to learn, laugh, and build community. All in person tickets are sold out. But you can still join us on line. Please go to www.theologybeer.camp/
3. Please register for Middle Church’s Freedom Rising Conference with Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Use discount code FRCPARTNERS for a 20% discount.

Welcome to Madang.
Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renowned authors, leaders, public figures, and scholars on religion, culture, and everything in between.
This is the 63rd episode of Madang Podcast featuring Dr. Dr. Liza J. Rankow is an interfaith minister, educator, and activist. Her lifework centers the deep healing that is essential to personal and social transformation. Liza was the founding director of OneLife Institute, which for almost 20 years nurtured the well-being of frontline changemakers. Liza is the producer and co-editor of The Living Wisdom of Howard Thurman audio collection. Today, she is on Madang Podcast to share her new book, Soul Medicine for a Fractured World: Healing, Justice, and the Path of Wholeness.
On this episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global, Dr. Liza Rankow and I talk about her book, Soul Medicine for a Fractured World. We discuss liminal space, Howard Thurman, Post-Traumatic Growth, collective trauma, wounds that heal and so much more.
I am grateful to the sponsors of this Madang Podcast episode.
1)Orbis Books:
I am so grateful to Orbis Books for sponsoring this episode of Madang Podcast. Soul Medicine for a Fractured World offers an integrative path toward healing and social transformation, rooted in our kinship with one another, the Earth, and all of life. Please get your copy of Soul Medicine for a Fractured World from Orbis Books by using the discount code MAD for 30% discount. Go to www.orbisbooks.com and order your copy today.
2)Homebrewed Christianity
a) Theology Beer Camp 2026 is a one-of-a-kind gathering featuring leading voices in theology, history, philosophy, justice, and faith. The event offers thought-provoking talks, live podcasts, engaging workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others who are curious, questioning, and passionate about exploring life’s biggest questions. Whether you’re deeply rooted in faith, deconstructing, or simply interested in thoughtful conversation, Theology Beer Camp is a welcoming place to learn, laugh, and build community.
https://theologybeer.camp/
b) “The Christ Empire Couldn’t Keep” is a free 6-week online course from Homebrewed Christianity. This course traces the holy alliances, imperial creeds, and stubborn resistance that have shaped Christianity-from Rome to right now. Join Joerg Rieger and Tripp Fuller for this online course beginning August 27th at 1p.m. EST. www.homebrewedclasses.com
3)Please join me at the Wild Goose Festival. I will be giving talk on When God Became White and Christian Nationalism, Lisa Sharon Harper and I will be discussing how race, gender, history, and power have shaped both the church and society. I will also do a live Madang Podcast with Thomas Jay Oord. Use discount code “A-GK” to get 50.00 off registration. Go to www.wildgoosefestival.org

Welcome to Madang.
Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renowned authors, leaders, public figures, and scholars on religion, culture, and everything in between.
This is the 62nd episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global featuring Drs. Sung Uk Lim and Amy Lindeman Allen. Sung Uk Lim is Associate Professor of New Testament at the United Graduate School of Theology, Yonsei University, South Korea. He is a research fellow in the Department of Old and New Testament Studies at the University of the Free State. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Biblical Literature, Horizons in Biblical Theology, and Political Theology and is chief editor of Korean New Testament Studies. He is the author of Otherness and Identity in the Gospel of John, Amy Lindeman Allen is Indiana Christian Church Associate Professor of New Testament at Christian Theological Seminary. She is on the editorial board of the Journal of Childhood and Religion. She is the author of For Theirs is the Kingdom, The Gifts They Bring, and coeditor of the forthcoming volume New Testament Families in Global Perspectives. They are the coauthor of Parenting Beyond Boundaries in Mark’s Gospel.
On this episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global, Lim, Allen and I talk about their new book, Parenting Beyond Boundaries in Mark’s Gospel. We discuss Markan parenting, ethnoracial identity, collaborative parenting, othering, Syrophoenician mother, and so much more.
Listen to Madang Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Facebook Reels, or wherever podcasts are streamed.

I am grateful to the sponsors of this Madang Podcast episode.
Eerdmans Publishing
I am so grateful to Eerdmans for sponsoring this episode of Madang Podcast. Please get your copy of Parenting Beyond Boundaries in Mark’s Gospel by Lim and Allen today. It is a part of Eerdmans’ biblical studies program, which serves the academy, pastors, and churchgoers with the highest quality of scholarship. It is a wonderful read of Mark and parenting, and this book will open your eyes to the bible. Please check out other excellent books from Eerdmans by visiting www.eerdmans.com
2. Please join me at the Wild Goose Festival. I will be giving a talk on When God Became White and Christian Nationalism, Lisa Sharon Harper and I will be discussing how race, gender, history, and power have shaped both the church and society. I will also do a live Madang Podcast with Thomas Jay Oord. Use discount code “A-GK” to get 50.00 off registration. Go to www.wildgoosefestival.org

Welcome to Madang.
Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renowned authors, leaders, public figures, and scholars on religion, culture, and everything in between.
This is the 61st episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global featuring Rev. Dr. Rachel Kessler, who is an Episcopal priest serving as campus chaplain at her alma mater, Kenyon College, and rector of Harcourt Parish in Gambier, OH. An “exvangelical” and progressive Christian influencer, she is known on social media as “The Nerdy Priest.” She earned her PhD in Old English literature from the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto, and she teaches part-time in the Kenyon English department. She is the author of Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occasionally Uncool.
On this episode of Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global, Kessler and I talk about her new book, Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occasionally Uncool. We discuss God, faith, TikTok, Lord of the Rings, deconstructing, and so much more.
I am grateful to the many sponsors of this Madang Podcast episode.
1.Church Publishing
Madang podcast is grateful to Church Publishing for sponsoring this episode. Please order your copy of Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occasionally Uncool. Please visit www.churchpublishing.org to find all the latest books and resources. Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) is a leading global, multi-market publisher of a wide variety of books and resources, serving millions of readers.
2. Upper Room
Hey Madang listeners, what if your daily devotional connected you to a larger story of God’s work in the world?
The Upper Room Disciplines is a unique 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary, the three-year cycle of scripture readings used by many churches around the world. Each day’s devotion pairs the lectionary scripture with a meditation from one of 53 diverse Christian thought leaders — voices like Willie James Jennings, Joerg Rieger, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, and ME! — writers who bring the texts alive with theological depth and pastoral heart.
Whether you’re a pastor, a small group leader, or simply someone seeking a deeper rhythm of prayer and reflection, Disciplines offers daily scripture, thoughtful meditations, and prayers to help you encounter God’s presence throughout the year.
Join thousands of readers who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for study, worship, and spiritual growth.
Preorder your copy of The Upper Room Disciplines 2027 today and save 20% with promo code MADANG at Store.UpperRoom.org/MADANG.

Welcome to Madang.
Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renowned authors, leaders, public figures, and scholars on religion, culture, and everything in between.
This is the 60th featuring Dr. James F. McGrath. He is the Clarence L. Goodwin Chair of New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University in Indianapolis. His blog, Religion Prof, can be found on the Patheos network. His books include The A to Z of the New Testament, Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist, Theology and Science Fiction, and What Jesus Learned from Women. His newest book is Beyond Deconstruction: Building a More Expansive Faith.
On this episode of the Madang Podcast hosted by Baptist News Global, McGrath and I discuss his new book, Beyond Deconstruction: Building a More Expansive Faith. We discuss faith, deconstruction, God, Job, suffering, community, and so much more.
Listen to Madang Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Facebook Reels, or wherever podcasts are streamed.
I am grateful to the many sponsors of this Madang Podcast episode.
1. Eerdmans
Madang podcast hosted by the Baptist News Global is grateful to Eerdmans for sponsoring this episode. Please order your copy of Beyond Deconstruction, James F. McGrath. It will take you on a journey of faith that will strengthen you and carry you forward. Check out all the important books from Eerdmans by visiting www.eerdmans.com
2. Upper Room
What would it look like to live with compassion at the center of your life—toward yourself, your neighbors… even those you might call enemies? In Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus, renowned teacher Frank Rogers introduces a path of radical compassion rooted in God’s expansive love for all people—a path that can soften hardened hearts and bring healing, even in the most difficult situations. Along with powerful real-life stories of restorative love in action, this book lays out a series of practices to help you cultivate compassion—for yourself and for others—and to respond to a hurting world with courage, wisdom, and grace. This newly revised edition includes specific practices for compassionate social activism, more interfaith conversation, and a "compassion compass" to help orient you as you travel the path of healing and restoration. Prepare to step heart-first into a challenging world, ready to engage in a new way that beats with the pulse of compassion. Save 20% on Compassion in Practice today—and receive 20% off when you use promo code MADANG at Store.UpperRoom.org/MADANG.