What is Holy to you? When and how do you experience the Holy? Is it closer to you than you think? Dr. Richard N. Soulen explores what is Holy. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
65. On Seeing and Not Seeing
The story of Doubting Thomas is found in the Gospel of John. Thomas says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” But when he does see and touch Jesus, he exclaims, “My Lord and my God!” In this sermon, Dr. Richard N. Soulen speaks to our own doubts and fears. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
64. Charity and Injustice
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah Chapter 6). The Black Lives Matter movement seeks to bring justice, healing, and freedom to people of color across the world. In this sermon delivered in the early 1990s, Dr. Richard N. Soulen speaks to the injustice that is all around us. “God calls us to administer justly. Speak truly and fairly. And live our lives acceptable to God.” https://soulenandsoulen.com/
63. Plain Talk About Violence
Dr. Richard N. Soulen delivered the following sermon in 1991, not long after the beating of Rodney King. The message is based on the Sermon on the Mount text, which fundamentally describes who we are called to be as Christians. The message is as important today as it was nearly 30 years ago. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
62. Impossible Possibilities
“Whoever saves one life saves the entire world.” This is a line from the Talmud that was used in the movie Schindler’s List (1994 Academy Best Picture Award). But how can that be so? This sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen seems especially relevant today during this time of national crisis. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
61. Let the Words of My Mouth
The last line of Psalm 19 begins, “Let the words of my mouth…” This is the subject of the following sermon preached by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.
60. And the Life Everlasting
The Apostles Creed ends with the phrase, “And the Life Everlasting.” What, exactly, does “Life Everlasting” mean? Dr. Richard N. Soulen provides a meditation on the topic. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.
59. Repentance for Advent
This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th. You might think Advent had started weeks ago based on all of the store decorations. Yet with all of the string lights, gigantic yard balloons, or even manger scenes for sale, you won’t see a single John the Baptist. This is the topic of the following sermon delivered by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.
58. The Ecology of the Spirit
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the Unrighteous Steward. The parable is complex and has been interpreted in different ways over the centuries. It is the topic of the following sermon delivered by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.
57. The Temptation to Despair
During the course of our life, we will face many challenges. For many, these challenges will be so difficult and great that there will be a temptation to despair. In this sermon, Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses despair yet closes with a beautiful paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.
56. Consider Yourself Important
Even small actions can have significant impacts. In the Book of Acts, Philip has a chance encounter with an official from Ethiopia… and changed his life. In this sermon, Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses the power you have to make positive change in the world around you. https://soulenandsoulen.com/.
55. I believe in the holy catholic church.
The Apostle’s Creed includes the phrase,
“I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,”
But what, exactly, is the holy catholic church? Dr. Richard N. Soulen discusses this question in the following sermon. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
54. Not for nothing
The following sermon was delivered the Sunday after Easter. At this moment, Easter is a distant memory as Christmas decorations fills every store we visit. Now is a good time to be reminded that Easter Sunday is not the end but the beginning of our spiritual journey that carries us through the calendar year. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
53. Passion For Meaning
In the Gospel of Mark, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome were the three women to go to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. In this sermon delivered on an Easter Sunday morning, Dr. Richard Soulen discusses our Passion for Meaning. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
52. The Great Indicative
It is time to get your dictionary. What is the difference between “indicatives” and “imperatives”? In this sermon delivered in the 1990’s, Dr. Richard Soulen explores Christian faith from both the Indicative and Imperative perspective. Dr. R. Kendall Soulen provides additional commentary on the topic. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
51. Great Theologians. Episode 6 – Karl Barth and Paul Tillich
“Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. Karl Barth (1886-1968) and Paul Tillich (1886-1965) are the focus of the concluding lecture of this series. Though friends and allies in protest against the rise of Nazism, the German theologian Paul Tillich and the Swiss theologian Karl Barth blazed two different paths for Protestant theology in the 20th century, the strengths and weaknesses of which continue to be weighed at the dawn of the 21st century. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
50. In God’s own image. Part 2.
Dr. R. Kendall Soulen provides additional perspective on the mystery that we, all of us, are created in God’s own image. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
49. In God’s own image
Carl Sagan was one of the most well-known and influential scientists and cosmologists of the 1970s and 1980s. Yet in his book, The Pale Blue Dot (1994), Carl Sagan suggests that we humans suffer from a “…delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe.” In this sermon delivered in the 1990’s, Dr. Richard Soulen takes direct issue with Sagan’s perspective that we are small and insignificant in the vast space we call the Cosmos. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
48. Great Theologians. Episode 5 – Friedrich Schleiermacher
“Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) is the focus of lecture five. In his influential book, On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers, Schleiermacher defends religion from the criticisms of the Enlightenment. It became a classic and is still in print today. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
47. Great Theologians. Episode 4 – Martin Luther
“Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. Martin Luther (1483-1546) is the focus of lecture four. The Reformation is considered to have started with the publication of Luther’s Ninety-five Theses in 1517. Known for his uncompromising views, Luther said, “Peace if possible. Truth at all costs.” https://soulenandsoulen.com/
46. Temptation
In the fullest sense, it is impossible to be human without temptation. For temptation is simply the natural result of thinking about options and choices. If we could live life without having to make choices… then of course there would be nothing like temptation. But we do make choices every day and those choices define the very core of our identify. Who do you want to be? https://soulenandsoulen.com/
45. Great Theologians. Episode 3 – Saint Thomas Aquinas.
“Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. Saint Thomas Aquinas (1224-74) is the focus of lecture three. Young Thomas was a quiet man and was nicknamed “The Dumb Ox” by his fellow classmates. Of course, he would become one of the Catholic Church’s greatest theologians and philosophers. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
44. What Jonah lacked
The story of Jonah is one of the most popular in the entire Bible. However, in recent popular culture, far too much focus has been placed on role of the whale in the story. In this podcast, Dr. Richard N. Soulen and Dr. R. Kendall Soulen dive deeper into the important lessons of the Book of Jonah. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
43. Richard’s Prayer
Richard of Chichester (1197 – 1253), also known as Richard de Wych, was Bishop of Chichester in England. He is a saint and was canonized in 1262. While the name “Richard of Chichester” may not be familiar, you are likely to know the words of a prayer that he authored. They were made famous by the musical Godspell in the song, Day by Day. http://soulenandsoulen.com
42. Great Theologians. Episode 2 – Saint Augustine.
“Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. Saint Augustine is the focus of lecture two. One of the most influential thinkers in Western history, Augustine (354 AD–430 AD) was a mid-life convert to Christianity whose inquisitive mind touched on topics from biblical interpretation to the nature of time and the human psyche. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
41. Great Theologians. Episode 1 – Saint Paul.
“Great Theologians in the Christian Tradition” was a series of six lectures delivered by R. Kendall Soulen, Ph.D. at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. from January 22 to February 26, 2002. The six lectures proceed chronologically through Christian history: St. Paul, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Friedrich Schleiermacher, Karl Barth, and Paul Tillich. The lectures are now being published as podcast episodes on https://soulenandsoulen.com/
40. Paul. You have got to be kidding!
The early church in Corinth was plagued by many serious problems, including factionalism, sexual immorality, and abusing the communal meal. Paul was very concerned. So, in his first letter to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians), he begins with high praise and thanksgiving. Wait…what? Paul. You have got to be kidding! soulenandsoulen.com
39. The Prodigal Son’s Sister In Law
In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son asks for inheritance from his father, who grants his son’s request. The older son is dutiful and remains home. When the younger son returns home having wasted everything, he is forgiven by his Father. How does the Prodigal Son’s older brother react? Never mentioned at all in the parable is the Prodigal Son’s Sister In Law… Molly Rutland Soulen and Rebecca Rutland Soulen add third generational commentary to this sermon preached by their Grandfather. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
38. Marks of Wisdom
What is Wisdom? How can we possibly know Wisdom when we encounter it? In this podcast, Dr. Richard N. Soulen shares a sermon on the Christian understanding of Wisdom and son Dr. R. Kendall Soulen shares his perspective. soulenandsoulen.com
37. The Freedom and the Power
At this moment, you may or may not be baptized. The Christian believes that baptism is the symbolic washing of our wants and desires. But it is more than just a washing away of sins. Baptism also grants freedom and power to be a child of God. Baptism provides the opportunity to be more than your flesh and bones. Baptism provides the opportunity to be a force of love in a troubled world. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
36. An Update from your Host
35. Suffering and the God of Love
How can Christians understand suffering in a world created by the God of Love? During this global pandemic, the suffering of so many people is causing all of us to feel grief and pain. This podcast is a sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen that was recorded several years ago, but provides a message of hope for today. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
34. How to Climb a Mountain
If climbing a mountain is a metaphor for life… How do you want to live your life? https://soulenandsoulen.com/
33. The Blessed Rage for Order: The Problem of Evil – Part 3
Dr. Richard N. Soulen returns to the topic of evil. Ever since the emergence of moral awareness in human beings – nature has become a problem – to itself! Yet, if there is in nature a “Blessed Rage for Order”… then that is a hopeful sign. For as human beings, we have the ability to create our own future… as well as destroy it. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
32. Is THAT what you call love? Part 2
Dr. R. Kendall Soulen provides his perspective on love. This podcast includes reflections on the spiritual journey of John Wesley, the profound verse found in 1 John 4:19, words from Martin Luther, and concludes with a brief study of John 3:16. So – what do YOU call love? https://soulenandsoulen.com/
31. Is THAT what you call love?
What is love? Is love just a human creation …. or is it something far deeper? Dr. Richard N. Soulen explores the question. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
30. A Christian Theodicy: The Problem of Evil – Part 2
Dr. R. Kendall Soulen explores the Problem of Evil. It begins with knowing the difference between “Understanding Evil…. and WITHSTANDING Evil. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
29. Preface to Any Theodicy: The Problem of Evil – Part 1
Dr. Richard N. Soulen explores……The Problem of Evil. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
28. Why do molecules pray? Part 2.
Professor R. Kendall Soulen provides his take on “Why do molecules pray?” …starring Mr. Bean. Yep, you are correct. THAT Mr. Bean. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
27. Why do molecules pray?
Why do molecules pray? What a curious question! We might normally ask, “Why do I pray?” or “Why does anyone pray?” And one answer to this question might be… that you or I feel a complete dependence on a power beyond the self. But let’s study the need for prayer all the way down the ladder of evolution to the first appearance of life. We might think of “prayer” as a universal phenomenon in all living things….and the following podcast focuses on this topic! https://soulenandsoulen.com/
26. What is Hermeneutics? Part 2.
Hermeneutics is the most important branch of knowledge when it comes to interpreting and understanding the meaning of Biblical text. Yet, it is also, possibly, the least understood. Dr. Richard Soulen explains Hermeneutics in a two-part series.
25. What is Hermeneutics? Part 1.
Hermeneutics is the most important branch of knowledge when it comes to interpreting and understanding the meaning of Biblical text. Yet, it is also, possibly, the least understood. Dr. Richard Soulen explains Hermeneutics in a two-part series.
24. Understanding the Jewish People in God’s economy. Part 2.
Part 2. For most of the past two millennia, the church’s posture toward the Jewish people has come to expression in the teaching known as supersessionism, also known as the theology of displacement. But how has this theology changed over the past fifty years? Professor R. Kendall Soulen, author of the book The God of Israel and Christian Theology (Fortress Press, 1996) explores this topic in a two-part interviewed conducted in 2012. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
23. Understanding the Jewish People in God’s economy. Part 1.
For most of the past two millennia, the church’s posture toward the Jewish people has come to expression in the teaching known as supersessionism, also known as the theology of displacement. But how has this theology changed over the past fifty years? Professor R. Kendall Soulen, author of the book The God of Israel and Christian Theology (Fortress Press, 1996) explores this topic in a two-part interviewed conducted in 2012. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
22. The Mystery of the Universe
The universe… with it’s billions of galaxies and trillions of stars… doesn’t know it exists, except in the mind of God. And in our minds… made in the image of God. We have a gift. The gift of self-awareness and the power to comprehend. But it is not simply a gift – it is a responsibility! https://soulenandsoulen.com/
21. The Heart of the Gospel
What is the Heart of the Gospel? Is it a creed? Is it a doctrine? Is it a sacrament? Or… is it something else? Dr. Richard Soulen explores the question. To learn more, please visit: https://soulenandsoulen.com/
20. The Mystery of the World
Dr. Richard Soulen asks the question….Why is there something… rather than nothing at all? http://soulenandsoulen.com
19. Does God Exist?
Does God Exist? Dr. Richard Soulen explores the question. For more information about this podcast, please visit Soulenandsoulen.com.
18. A Christian Defense of Same Sex Marriage
On May 8, 2019, Dunwoody UMC hosted a panel discussion on human sexuality, followed by questions and answers. Professors from Emory’s Candler School of Theology, Rev. Dr. Kendall Soulen and Rev. Dr. Kevin Watson, led the discussion offering opposing perspectives of Biblical interpretation and marriage within Christian communities. The following podcast is Dr. Kendall Soulen’s portion of the evening. A video of the entire evening including questions and answers can be found at Soulenandsoulen.com in the Videos tab.
17. The Defining Jesus Series. Response to a book review
Richard Soulen provides a response to a book review of Defining Jesus – The Earthly, Biblical, the Historical, and the Real Jesus, and How Not to Confuse Them. This is the final episode of The Defining Jesus Series. For more information about this podcast, please visit Soulenandsoulen.com.
16. The Defining Jesus Series. An Epilogue by Kendall Soulen
Kendall Soulen provides an additional perspective to the Defining Jesus series. For more information about this podcast, please visit Soulenandsoulen.com.
15. The Defining Jesus Series. An Epilogue – New Ways of Thinking Theology
Not WHAT to think…. but HOW to think. Indeed….how to think Theology and avoid semantic confusion.
14. Defining The Real Jesus. The Word Becoming Event.
The term “the real Jesus” refers to an experience that over the centuries has been identified with the presence of the living Lord, whether that experience happens to an individual in personal encounter, or where two or three are gathered together in his name (Matt 18:20).
13. Defining The Historical Jesus. Portraits of Varying Hues. Part 3.
The term, “the Historical Jesus” is the primary semantic culprit plaguing the academy, the church, and the general public in every conversation about Jesus.
12. Defining The Historical Jesus. Portraits of Varying Hues. Part 2.
The term, “the Historical Jesus” is the primary semantic culprit plaguing the academy, the church, and the general public in every conversation about Jesus.
11. Defining The Historical Jesus. Portraits of Varying Hues. Part 1.
The term, “the Historical Jesus” is the primary semantic culprit plaguing the academy, the church, and the general public in every conversation about Jesus.
10. Defining The Biblical Jesus. The Man Who Lives. Part 4.
The Biblical Jesus refers to the Jesus one meets when reading the Gospels and writings of the New Testament.
9. Defining The Biblical Jesus. The Man Who Lives. Part 3.
The Biblical Jesus refers to the Jesus one meets when reading the Gospels and writings of the New Testament.
8. Defining The Biblical Jesus. The Man Who Lives. Part 2.
The Biblical Jesus refers to the Jesus one meets when reading the Gospels and writings of the New Testament.
Now available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and other podcast outlets.
7. Defining The Biblical Jesus. The Man Who Lives. Part 1.
The Biblical Jesus refers to the Jesus one meets when reading the Gospels and writings of the New Testament.
6. Defining The Earthly Jesus. The Man Who Lived.
What is the generally recognized factual core of the life of Jesus around which declarations of faith are built?
5. The Defining Jesus Series: The Earthly, the Biblical, the Historical, and the Real Jesus, and How Not to Confuse Them
The introductory episode of the Defining Jesus Series: What do you mean when you say “Jesus”? Who, exactly, are you referring to? The Defining Jesus series is about the semantic content of the name Jesus and how it is used (and misused) in biblical studies, the church, and the popular press.
4. Who is Dr. R. Kendall Soulen?
Dr. R. Kendall Soulen completes the Introduction to the Soulen and Soulen podcast by answering the same question….What do I believe? Why do I believe it? We welcome you to our podcast journey. What do YOU believe?
3. Who is Dr. Richard N. Soulen?
Part 2. Dr. Richard N. Soulen asks the questions….What do I believe? Why do I believe it? What you believe and why you believe has its origins in your “Social Location”…..
2. Who is Dr. Richard N. Soulen?
Part 1. Dr. Richard Soulen asks the questions….What do I believe? Why do I believe it? What you believe and why you believe has its origins in your “Social Location”…..
1. Introducing Soulen and Soulen – Letters to the Inquiring Mind on Theology and Scripture
This is the first podcast of Soulen and Soulen – Letters to the Inquiring Mind on Theology and Scripture. Dr. Richard Soulen provides a brief overview of the podcast, how it came to be, and what will come next!
