The Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday. It is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. More importantly, Scout Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate that part of the Scout Law is to be reverent. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
Author: Jonathan H. Soulen
68. Aspects of Love
As infants, we enter this world kicking, screaming, and crying. It is Mother’s and Father’s love that brings the infant from kicking and screaming to laughing and smiling. This is the first of three “Aspects of Love” explored by Dr. Richard N. Soulen in the following sermon. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
67. Jesus, Christ of God
Jesus and three of his apostles, Peter, James, and John go to a mountain to pray. While they are there, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the prophets Moses and Elijah appear next to him and he speaks with them. A voice from the clouds calls out, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” This account is called the Transfiguration and is the topic of the following sermon by Dr. Richard N. Soulen. https://soulenandsoulen.com/
66. To cherish what is Holy.
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/
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/
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/
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
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/
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/
29. Preface to Any Theodicy: The Problem of Evil – Part 1
Dr. Richard N. Soulen explores……The Problem of Evil. 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.
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.
Soulen and Soulen 