Shows
Shake the DustKTF Is Ending, and Where We Go from HereWe’re sad to announce that KTF Press is closing down, and this will be our last episode of Shake the Dust. But both of us will continue to do work in different places. In this conversation, we cover:- Why KTF is closing- What will happen to our newsletters, articles, podcasts, and books- What we’re both doing next- What the experience of running KTF has been like for us- What we want to leave listeners with- And a benedictionWh...2025-05-0237 min
Shake the DustBonus Episode: How to Stay Politically Educated as the Media Gives in to MAGAThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ktfpress.comOn this month’s bonus episode, Jonathan and Sy are talking political education in this new era of traditional and social media bowing to Trump and the MAGA movement. We get into:- The beliefs about free speech behind the changes at Meta that Mark Zuckerberg recently announced- How our understanding of healthy discourse differs from those beliefs- And tips for staying politically educated in this new environmentCredits...2025-01-2417 min
Shake the DustBonus Episode: How and Why We Engage in Interpersonal Political DisagreementsThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ktfpress.comIn this month’s bonus episode, we talk all about why and how to have difficult conversations about important political subjects with people who disagree with you. We get into:- What are goals are in these kinds of conversations- Strategies for regulating our emotions and achieving those goals- The power dynamics to keep in mind when having these conversations- And afterward, our segment Which Tab Is Still Open?, diving in...2024-12-2020 min
Shake the DustElection Questions, Anti-Blackness, and Hope Outside the Church - A Season Finale MailbagIt’s our season finale! We’re answering listener questions and talking:- Staying grounded and emotionally healthy post-election- Some mistakes people are making in their election analysis- Why the politics of identity will never go away in America- How the Church can and can’t fight anti-Blackness and other forms of injustice- Where you can hear us in between seasons- And a lot more!Mentioned in the Episode:- Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Rev. Caleb Campbell- Our newsletter from...2024-11-2253 min
Shake the DustBonus Episode: Our October Subscriber ConversationThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ktfpress.comListen to a recording of our monthly subscriber chat from this past Tuesday, where Jonathan, Sy, and our subscribers get into:- How to practice hope and peacemaking in fearful times like this election season- How peace is different than unity, and takes power dynamics into account- How hope is shaped by God’s presence with us, the depths of evil and suffering we see around us, and perspectives outside our context- And we discu...2024-11-0117 min
Shake the DustHow Christians Can Help End Homelessness with Kevin NyeToday, Jonathan and Sy speak with author and housing advocate Kevin Nye about the Church and homelessness. We get into:- The ineffective housing policies Christians often promote- The bad theology behind those policies- A run-in Kevin had with institutional resistance to his view that governments shouldn’t criminalize homelessness- How churches can get things right in ministries to unhoused people- Plus, hear our thoughts on the interview,- A discussion of how we are resisting the negative ways the election is trying to shape us mentally and spiritually...2024-10-251h 04
Shake the DustHow Our Faith Has Changed, and Why That Change Is GoodOn today’s episode, we discuss the ways our faith has changed as we’ve grown in discipleship and justice work. Our spiritual practices, as well as our relationships with church, God, and the non-Christian world have all transformed over time, sometimes in surprising ways that would have made us uncomfortable in our earlier years as followers of Jesus. It’s a personal and instructive conversation on how to grow up with Jesus that we know will be helpful for a lot of people. Plus, after that conversation we get into the war in Sudan and why it’s an impor...2024-10-1154 min
Shake the DustHow to Stay Faithful to Jesus in Politics with Lisa Sharon HarperToday, we’re talking with veteran activist and theologian, the one and only, Lisa Sharon Harper! The conversation covers:- Lisa’s journey finding Jesus outside of Whiteness and White evangelicalism- The centrality of advocating for political and institutional policy change to our faith in Jesus- How respecting the image of God in all people is the starting point for following Jesus to shalom- The unavoidable job we have to speak truth, even when it is costly- Where Lisa finds her hope and motivation to keep going- And after tha...2024-09-271h 07
Shake the DustHow Trump Makes Confessing Christ Controversial for ChristiansToday, we’re talking all about the recently-released Confession of Evangelical Conviction:- What the confession is and what it says- Why we signed it and got involved promoting it- How the American church got to the point where a confession of very basic political theology like this is necessary- And after that conversation, we talk the many layers of Christian nationalism involved in the debacle at Trump’s recent trip to Arlington National CemeteryMentioned on the episode:- The Confession of Evangelical Conviction, and the associated resource...2024-09-1340 min
Shake the DustWhat Does the Bible Say about Political Discipleship?Today, our episode’s all about discipleship around political engagement, based on a series of Bible studies Jonathan and his team at his real job recently created for this election season and beyond. Some points we hit:- Why it is essential for our political action to understand we were not created for this world- Why followers of Jesus won’t overemphasize the importance of political victories and losses- The reality that we are all connected to each other and God desires everyone’s political liberation- And, after that discussion, we dive into a rec...2024-08-3053 min
Shake the DustHow Can I Tell Good from Bad Theology? with Jesse WheelerToday, we talk with theologian and activist Jesse Wheeler about the rotten fruit of the West’s theology in Palestine and the broader region. We get into:- How everyday Christians can tell the difference between good and bad theology- Examples of the fruit of bad Western theology in Palestine and the region of the Middle East/North Africa- How we must acknowledge the horrible effects of the Zionism on both sides of the political aisle, even while rejecting Trump- What the political witness of Christians should be with respect to how we handle...2024-08-1658 min
Shake the DustMAGA vs. the Church on Immigration with Robert Chao Romero, Plus an Election News Catch-UpOn today’s episode, Jonathan and Sy have a catch-up conversation on the assassination attempt, the Vance VP pick, Biden stepping down, and Harris stepping up. Then they talk with UCLA professor Robert Chao Romero about:- What everyday life was like for immigrants during Trump’s administration- How MAGA Christians’ treatment of immigrants reveals a lack of spiritual discernment- What Professor Romero would say to immigrants who think voting won’t make a difference- And the complicated, diverse politics of Latine voters in AmericaMentioned in the Episode- Ou...2024-08-021h 02
When Bearing Witness®: Becoming a Trauma-Informed StorytellerPainful Stories in Public Defense with Sy HoekstraSend us a textIn this powerful episode, former public defender Sy Hoekstra shares his experiences working in family court, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges within the child welfare system. A system where both families and public defenders have no choice but to tell incredibly traumatic stories. Content Warning: Sy describes the traumatic impact of investigations on families, particularly on families of color. So, we'll be talking about systematic racism at play. Be mindful of your emotional capacity as you listen in. Expect to gain eye-opening insights into the complexities of...2024-07-2341 min
Shake the DustHow Christians Get into and out of Conspiracy Theories with Matt LumpkinOn today’s episode, Jonathan and Sy are talking all about conspiracy theories with Matt Lumpkin, a former minister and software developer. They discuss:- Asking what it is that conspiracy theories accomplish for the people who believe them- Why White Evangelicals are so susceptible to conspiracy theories right now- The importance of churches helping people develop critical thinking, rather than outsourcing belief systems to authority figures- How we can help people let go of conspiracy theories- And after the interview, a fascinating conversation about despair in the face of violence like...2024-07-191h 12
Shake the DustBonus Episode: Our First Subscriber ChatThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ktfpress.comThis is your free preview of our bonus episode, a recording of the first monthly chat with paid subscribers Jonathan and Sy had a couple weeks ago. Become a paying subscriber to hear the rest of this episode, attend next month's chat on July 23rd, and get access to all our bonus episodes!Here's the transcript of the preview of the conversation:Jonathan Walton: So there's two things I just want to let you all know. One...2024-07-1217 min
Shake the DustLiving and Voting the Beatitudes with Mark ScandretteToday, Jonathan and Sy talk with author and international speaker Mark Scandrette about:- How Mark went from fundamentalism to loving his neighbor through political protest- The cost of leaving a fundamentalist world and speaking out against injustice- Why the beatitudes should guide our discipleship and voting- How discipleship is practicing the way of Jesus, not learning doctrine- And after the interview, a discussion on a really thoughtful article about how patriarchy harms Palestinian menMentioned in the Episode- Our anthology, Keeping the Faith- ...2024-07-0555 min
Shake the DustCreating Community as MAGA Changes the Church with Brandi MillerThis episode, Jonathan and Sy talk with the incredible Brandi Miller about:- How faith and churches change when we engage with the political idolatry of the American church- The spiritual and political fruit of the MAGA movement- The good things people still want and can find in Jesus and Christian community amidst all the nonsense- Developing inner lives that can sustain political engagement and community building- Plus, Jonathan and Sy discuss some fascinating numbers about the political views and voting patterns of the average Black Christian versus the average...2024-06-2150 min
Shake the DustJuneteenth, Christianity, and Critical Race Theory with Pastor Rasool BerryToday’s episode features Jonathan and Sy talking with Pastor Rasool Berry. They discuss:- The importance of acknowledging and understanding your own and your community’s power- The social and spiritual forces behind the opposition to CRT or DEI (or whatever they’re calling it today)- Pastor Berry’s incredible documentary about Juneteenth and Christian faith- When to leave communities that push back against racial justice- And after the interview, Sy and Jonathan reflect on the work it takes to pass on a tradition like Juneteenth well, and the truly, litera...2024-06-071h 01
Shake the DustWhat Defines a White Worldview? with Dr. Randy WoodleyWelcome to the Season four kick-off! Today, we have our first interview with one of the authors from our anthology on Christianity and American politics, the incredible Dr. Randy Woodley. The episode includes:- How dualism defines White worldviews, and how it negatively affects White Christians- How love and vulnerability are central to a life with Jesus- Why our voting decisions matter to marginalized people- And after the interview in our new segment, hear Jonathan and Sy talk about the attack on teaching Black history in schools, and the greater responsibility W...2024-05-2446 min
Shake the DustIntroducing Shake the Dust Season Four: Keeping the Faith during an ElectionSeason four starts next week! Hear Jonathan and Sy talk about:- What to expect this year from the show during this election cycle- A reintroduction to everything KTF does, and why we do it- How we really, genuinely need your support right now, and ways you can helpCredits- Follow KTF Press on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com.- Follow host Jonathan Walton on Facebook Instagram, and Threads.- Follow host Sy Hoekstra on Mastodon.- Our theme song...2024-05-1707 min
Shake the DustBonus Episode: What Is Christian Nationalism? And Why Do White Christians Love It So Much?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ktfpress.comOn today’s episode, Jonathan and Sy talk Christian Nationalism. They cover:- What Christian Nationalism is exactly- Why they personally reject it- Why it’s so hard for White Christians to let go of the idea that the US is a Christian nation- Why White Christians need to confess, repent of, and oppose Christian nationalism, rather than merely stating that it’s wrong or minimizing its importanceMentioned in the Episode- ...2024-03-2914 min
Shake the DustBonus Episode: What Happens If Trump Wins Again?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ktfpress.comNote: The transcript for this episode is below, rather than in the usual separate post. We’re experimenting with ways to make our podcast posts more convenient and easier to find. Feedback is welcome as always at shakethedust@ktfpress.com!This month, our bonus episode features a discussion about our big-picture thoughts on the 2024 presidential election and the possibility of a second Trump term. Jonathan and Sy get into:- How a Trump Reelection would harm marginalized people, d...2024-02-2317 min
Shake the DustBonus Episode: How We Stay Grounded While Engaging with InjusticeThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.ktfpress.comOn today’s episode, Jonathan and Sy talk about what keeps them going in the work that KTF does. Hear their thoughts on:- The spiritual and emotional practices that keep Jonathan grounded- Why Sy only prays when he feels like it, and consumes a lot of fiction- The importance of the image of God and living in shalom with your surroundings to Jonathan- How Privilege and anxiety interact with each other- ...2024-01-2619 min
Shake the DustPreview: Humanity, Nuance, and Justice for PalestineIn November’s bonus episode, Jonathan and Sy talked about the conflict in Israel and Palestine. They discussed:- how they both approach thinking about the occupation as people leaving colonized faith- The difference between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism- How to engage media and advocacy on this subject in an emotionally healthy way,And a lot more! This is a transcript of a preview of the episode. You can hear the preview here.Content warning for brief descriptions of wartime violence, including against children.TranscriptIntroduction[An...2023-12-1216 min
Shake the DustExtra: Poverty and ShameJonathan reads his essay, “Poverty and Shame: Learning Solidarity with My Younger Self,” that we published today at KTFPress.com.Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. Subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Transcripts of every episode are available at KTFPress.com/s/transcripts.HostsJonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook and Instagram.Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.Our podcast art is by Robyn Burgess– foll...2023-11-0604 min
Shake the DustA Season Finale MailbagIt’s our season finale! We’re answering listener questions and talking about the history of Whiteness, pastors being experts on everything regardless of qualification, why that episode with Dr. Maxine Davis was the best, and a lot more. We’re also talking a bit about the future of KTF and this show, so don’t miss this one!Can’t get enough of us? Go to KTFPress.com and subscribe to get our bonus episodes between seasons!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. Subscribe...2023-10-1352 min
Shake the DustWhy So Many Pastors Are Unprepared for the Job, and What We Can Do about ItRemember, send in your questions to shakethedust@ktfpress.com about anything you’ve heard on the show for our season finale!Today, we’re talking about the trend of pastors who are not prepared for their job, inspired by a recent somewhat viral article by a minister on why he quit his church. Polling says almost half of pastors are thinking about following his lead. We’re breaking down how the idols and theology of colonized faith set many pastors up to fail, and what we can do about it.Mentioned in the episode:- ...2023-09-2954 min
Shake the DustInvest in Black Life with Tamice Spencer-Helms and Diamond WaltonToday we’re talking about how the just and practical love of God compels us to build wealth and power in Black communities. We’re seeing how two people are doing that through their work—Tamice Spencer-Helms with college students at Sub:Culture, and Diamond Walton with financial coaching at Elpida Social Capital. We discuss how to meet needs without being paternalistic, the importance and urgency of building systems where Black people can thrive, reparations, and a whole lot more. These two people are really worth listening to (and supporting if you want to click on the links above).A...2023-09-1548 min
Shake the DustMaui's Fire, Oʻahu’s water, and Hawaiʻi’s Overthrow with Dani EspirituOur guest today is Dani Espiritu, a native Hawaiian educator, minister, and activist (as well as one of the authors from our anthology). We talk about the wildfires in Maui, her activism around the Oʻahu water crisis, Hawaiʻi’s complicated history with Christianity, and theology about our relationships with land and cultural stories. Dani is a deep, compassionate thinker and a sharp, dedicated advocate. You don’t want to miss this one!Links mentioned in the episode:* The Intervarsity Hawaiʻi site on the Maui fires with links to learn, advocate, and donate: https...2023-09-0157 min
Shake the DustIntimate Partner Violence: Asking the Right Questions and Centering Black Communities with Dr. Maxine DavisContent warning for discussion of intimate partner violence and emotional abuse. Today, Jonathan and Sy talk to Rutgers University social work Professor Dr. Maxine Davis. They discuss intimate partner violence and abuse: the role religion and churches can play in IPV/A situations, how abolition and centering Black and brown survivors can lead us to peaceful living, how white feminism dominates the IPV/Aconversation, and a lot more. Dr. Davis’ compassion, honesty, and love for both survivors and perpetrators of IPV/A can teach us a lot, not just about this issue, but what it means to view all pe...2023-08-181h 02
Shake the DustWhite People Helping White People Leave Whiteness with Scott HallJonathan and Sy talk to Scott Hall from the White People Work podcast. They discuss how events from Scott’s life led him to training other White people on racial justice work, how to avoid being a performative ally, the tie between discipleship and being a helpful White person, and a lot more! Scott’s show is a great resource for White folks, and this is a conversation truly worth your time!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and the app formerly known as Twitter. Subscribe to get our news...2023-08-0443 min
Shake the DustBlack Women, Birth, and Anti-Racist Doulas with Jennifer Reynoso NgJonathan, Sy, and returning guest co-host Gabrielle Apollon speak with Jennifer Reynoso Ng, a doula who worked with Gabrielle and Sy. They discuss Black maternity; racism in medicine and birth work; the logistical, emotional, and spiritual support doulas provide; what doulas and partners can do to advocate for pregnant BIPOC; and a lot more. This New York Times article on Black women’s experiences during birth was the inspiration for this conversation, so give it a read alongside the episode!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Subscribe to...2023-07-2157 min
Shake the DustExtra: Just Like Everyone ElseSy reads his article that KTF Press just published about grief, inclusion, and the Substack platform.Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Transcripts of every episode are available at KTFPress.com/s/transcripts.HostSy Hoekstra – follow him on Twitter.Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.Our podcast art is by Jacqueline Tam – follow her and see her other work on In...2023-07-1307 min
Shake the DustEquitable Financial Education with Irene ChoReturning guest Irene Cho talks to Jonathan and Sy about financial education in marginalized communities, particularly for young people. They discuss the ways courses for marginalized students about money have to contrast with traditional programs, helping people build wealth without teaching them to love wealth, mental health and family dynamics around sharing money, and a lot more! This conversation, as always with Irene, is a lot of fun. Enjoy!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Transcripts...2023-07-0759 min
Shake the DustExtra: BodiesJonathan reads his poem that we just published. To read the ProPublica article that inspired the poem, click here.Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Transcripts of every episode are available at KTFPress.com/s/transcripts.HostJonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.Our podcast art is by Jacqueline Tam – follow her...2023-07-0505 min
Shake the DustEconomic Justice for Your Neighborhood with Rev. José Humphreys and Dr. Adam GustineToday, we’re speaking with Rev. José Humphreys and Dr. Adam Gustine about their book, Ecosystems of Jubilee: Economic Ethics for the Neighborhood. We cover how God’s vision for the Hebrew people’s society gives us a framework for imagining neighborhood flourishing, how our scarcity mindset negates God’s abundant provision, how churches can decenter themselves in community life in order to spread good economic news, and a lot more! It’s a really good one that you don’t want to miss!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, an...2023-06-2350 min
Shake the DustProximity, Power, and Radical Integration with CNN’s John BlakeWelcome to season 3! We’re here with CNN reporter John Blake, discussing his book, More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered about the White Mother He Never Knew. It’s a memoir all about faith, race, mental health, family, and “radical integration.” We’re so excited to be back recording episodes, and this is a great one to start the new season!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Transcripts of every episode are available at KTFPres...2023-06-0945 min
Shake the DustSeason 3 Starts Friday!We’re back! Jonathan and Sy make some announcements about what’s coming in season 3, and a sale we’re having on our paid subscription at http://www.ktfpress.com/season3!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Transcripts of every episode are available at KTFPress.com/s/transcripts.HostsJonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Sy Hoekstra – follow him on Twitter.Our theme song is “Citizens” by...2023-06-0503 min
Shake the DustExtra: Faith Unleavened with Tamice Spencer-HelmsThe team interviews Tamice Spencer-Helms about her new book, Faith Unleavened: The Wilderness between Trayvon Martin and George Floyd, published by us, KTF Press! We talk about the meaning behind the book’s title, Tamice’s introduction to and discipleship under White Jesus, burnout in ministry, what writing such a raw and honest memoir was like, and a lot more! Get your copy at http://www.faithunleavened.com.Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our...2023-03-0349 min
Shake the DustExtra: An Excerpt from our New Book, Faith Unleavened!Tamice Spencer-Helms reads us an excerpt from her new book, Faith Unleavened, published by KTF Press! Order the book today at www.faithunleavened.com.Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com.HostSy Hoekstra – follow him on Twitter.Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.Our podcast art is by Jacqueline Tam – follow her and see her ot...2023-02-2108 min
Shake the DustWhen to Leave Your Church, White Discipleship, More on Queer Christianity — A Season Finale MailbagThis is our season 2 finale! The team answers questions from listeners, diving into several different topics, reflecting on the season as a whole, and talking about where we’re going next. We get into spiritual direction of white people, when to leave your church, what media outlets should get your money, and a whole bunch of questions about our episode on queer Christianity. It’s a great episode to cap off a great season. We’re so proud of what we’ve done this year with the show, and thank you all so much for listening! Mentioned in the ep...2022-09-231h 02
Shake the DustSexism, Servanthood, and Second-Class CitizensContent warning for mentions of sexual assault and stories about sexual harassment. Today, Suzie and Sy are talking about women in the church, Suzie’s experiences with both discrimination and empowerment in Christian spaces, systemic and personal aspects of church patriarchy, how sexism manifests in institutions that both forbid and affirm women leaders, and a lot more. Mentioned in the episode: Diana Butler Bass’s explanation of Elizabeth Schrader’s work. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe t...2022-09-0944 min
Shake the DustDebunking the Dangerous Doctrine of the Political MiddleOn this episode, Sy and Jonathan have a discussion related to Jonathan’s article that we published this week. They talk about the danger of Christians idealizing the political center, the difference between political conflict and the biblical idea of disunity, the trauma created by surrounding the need to evangelize with urgency and panic, and a whole lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Hosts Jonath...2022-08-2641 min
Shake the DustExtra: Andy Stanley Is Winning, Whether He’s “in It” or NotJonathan Walton reads us his new piece that we just published at KTFPress.com. Enjoy!Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com.HostJonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.Our podcast art is by Jacqueline Tam – follow her and see her other work on Instagram.Produ...2022-08-2313 min
Shake the DustSexuality, Brainwashing, and Colonialism with Kai NguToday, we’re talking with Kai Ngu, co-founder of Church Clarity and a divinity student studying colonial and missionary historical engagement with indigenous religious traditions. We discuss their personal story of how their views changed on sexuality and theology over time, finding empathy and a way forward with family who vehemently reject their new views, what they’re learning about how Christian colonialism treated indigenous notions of gender and spirituality, and a whole lot more.Mentioned during the episode:- Disarming Scripture by Derek Flood- The work of J. R. Daniel Kirk- ...2022-08-1245 min
Shake the DustClarity & Queer ChristianityToday, Jonathan, Suzie, and Sy share their perspectives on queer Christianity, LGBTQ folks in church leadership, and why conversations like this one are so important. Their journeys are different and so are the places they land. What they all share is a conviction to center the experiences of queer Christians and to love well. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and other paid content at KTFPress.com. Hosts Jonathan Walton – follow him on Face...2022-07-2956 min
Shake the DustWhy We Don’t Walk AwayThe team is doing something a little different and more personal today. Jonathan, Suzie, and Sy are all talking about their own reasons for following Jesus at this point in their lives, as well as the things that push them away from faith and the Church. Suzie mentions Henri Nouwen’s idea that the most personal is often the most universal. So we trust that opening up these stories will resonate with you, and you’ll find something helpful in them. Enjoy! The songs mentioned in the episode: * “Be More Kind” by Frank Turner * “God is...2022-07-1547 min
Shake the DustDisabled Beauty, Bodies, and Bravery with Dr. Amy KennyToday, Jonathan and Sy are talking to Dr. Amy Kenny, disabled Shakespeare scholar and author of My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church. They discuss curing disabilities versus biblical healing, finding beauty and power in disability, reshaping the Church around disabled people, compassion in literature, and so much more! Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and other paid content at KTFPress.com. Hosts Jonathan Walton – follow him on Fac...2022-07-0144 min
Shake the DustExtra: Blind BehaviorThis extra feed drop is Sy reading the essay of his we just published. There isn’t a separate transcript for this episode. Below is the only audio information in the episode apart from Sy reading the essay, which you can find at the above link. Enjoy! [An acoustic guitar softly plays six notes, the first three ascending and the last three descending — F#, B, F#, E, D#, B — with a keyboard pad playing the note B in the background. Both fade out as Jonathan Walton says “This is a KTF Press podcast.”] Sy Hoekstra: Hey everybod...2022-06-2806 min
Shake the DustMaintaining Our Witness as We Acquire Privilege with Milly SilencioToday, we have a conversation with returning guest Milly Silencio (formerly Milly Aquije) about the effect that acquiring privilege at different points in life has on us, our relationships, and our interactions with God. Milly goes into detail on the tension between being an undocumented activist who is now married and applying for a Green Card. Each of the hosts also discuss their own interactions with the notion of gaining new status, and the result is a fascinating and deeply personal conversation on multiple subjects like money, education, and “healing” disabilities. Enjoy! Shake the Dust is a podca...2022-06-1758 min
Shake the DustMLK and Hard-Won Wisdom with Dr. Mika EdmondsonToday, the team interviews Dr. Mika Edmondson, the Lead Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church Koinonia in Nashville, Tennessee, and the author of The Power of Unearned Suffering: The Roots and Implications of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Theodicy. They discuss how Dr. Edmondson sees and resists colonized church practices in his context, his theological library of marginalized voices, how to stay uncompromising and hopeful while working in white church spaces, and a lot more! This conversation is packed with deep wisdom, and you all are going to love it! Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Pre...2022-06-031h 03
Shake the DustAbortion from Exodus to Evangelicalism with Mako NagasawaWe’re talking all about abortion today. Jonathan, Suzie, and Sy sit down with Mako Nagasawa, founder of the Anástasis Center and author of Abortion Policy and Christian Social Ethics in the United States. We talk about the surprising history of the theology around abortion, the political and historical factors that shape modern pro-life politics, gender and disability in abortion debates, and a whole lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get bonus episodes and our weekly news...2022-05-2059 min
Shake the DustSeason 2 Starts Friday!Suzie, Jonathan, and Sy give some updates about Season 2, which starts this Friday! Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and other paid content at KTFPress.com. Hosts Jonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Suzie Lahoud – follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Sy Hoekstra – follow him on Twitter. Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify. Our podcast art is...2022-05-1603 min
Shake the DustExtra: For Amir — I Am a Man Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and bonus episodes at KTFPress.com. Follow Jonathan Walton on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our podcast art is by Jacqueline Tam – follow her and see her other work on Instagram. Production, editing, and transcript by Sy Hoekstra. Transcript[Instrumental music from “Citizens” by Jon Guerra plays briefly and then fades out] Jonathan Walton: Hey everybody, this is Jonathan Walton. Just w...2022-04-1500 min
Shake the DustExtra: Theology on Black Terms with Danté StewartIn this special off-season episode of Shake the Dust, our guest is Danté Stewart, here to talk to us about his new book that just came out this week — Shoutin’ in the Fire: An American Epistle. We talk to him about his journey finding life and identity in the Black church and Black literary tradition, expanding our definition of what theology is, finding God and faith in the ordinariness of life, and a whole lot more.Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and s...2021-10-1450 min
Shake the DustLosing Faith, Embracing Empathy, Interracial Family – A Season Finale MailbagThis week is the season 1 finale of Shake the Dust! The team takes questions from listeners and discusses the difficulty of maintaining faith when the Church can be so awful, the role of empathy in leaving colonized faith, interracial family dynamics, why we don’t cover more current events on the show, how we did this season in reaching some of our goals, and a lot more. Thanks so much for listening, and see you next year! Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this sho...2021-09-1751 min
Shake the DustPower, Privilege, and Subversive Witness with Dominique DuBois GilliardThis week, we have a fascinating interview with Dominique DuBois Gilliard, the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Evangelical Covenant Church, and author of Subversive Witness: Scripture’s Call to Leverage Privilege. We talk to him about that book; how the Bible discusses privilege; reading Scripture with ideas like privilege, power dynamics, and trauma in mind; how disciples of Jesus leverage privilege for God’s Kingdom; the church’s truncated conception of repentance; and a lot more. Other resources from Dominique mentioned during the episode: * The video series curriculum accompanying Subversive Witness* Domin...2021-09-1053 min
Shake the DustThe Importance of Emotional Health in Discipleship and LiberationThis week, Sy and Jonathan discuss the importance of practicing emotional health for individuals and communities engaged in the work of justice and liberation. They talk about how burying emotions can perpetuate systems of oppression, how emotionally healthy communities confront injustice, how to engage your feelings when dealing with people who disagree with you on fundamental issues, and a whole lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and other paid content at KTFPress.com. Hosts: 2021-09-0347 min
Shake the DustAmerican Empire and the Aftermath of AfghanistanThis week, the team discusses American imperialism overseas and the end of the war in Afghanistan. We talk about Americans’ naïveté regarding the United States’ capabilities and altruism, the colonialist mindset underlying much media commentary on the end of the war, how Christian nationalism contributes to the persecution of the Church abroad, how Jesus leads us in a different direction, and a lot more! Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show and subscribe to get our newsletter and other paid content at KTFPress.com. H...2021-08-2741 min
Shake the DustAbolition, Public Safety, and Who are the Experts? With Keli YoungThis week is Sy and Jonathan’s interview with Keli Young, a lawyer and community organizer in New York City. We talked about what it looks like for those most affected by oppressive systems to lead movements for change, what it actually means to defund or abolish the police, redefining the idea of public safety, how our language can dehumanize people, what keeps Keli going in her difficult work, and a lot more. This really is an important one if you want to understand a frequently misunderstood perspective, instead of listening to the often inaccurate characterizations of pundits and crit...2021-08-2044 min
Shake the DustFrom Nazareth to Canada: Palestinian and Indigenous Faith with Shadia QubtiThis week is an interview with Shadia Qubti, a Palestinian peace activist who now studies indigenous theology in Canada. We talk to Shadia about her decision to move across the world and study in such a different tradition from her own, how indigenous theology is changing her thinking and Christian practice, the dualism of Western theology, the inadequacy of Western theology to address intractable social problems, patriarchy in the Palestinian church, and a lot more. Mentioned during the Episode: “18 Arab Female Theologians and Christian Leaders You Should Know About” by Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen and Graham Joseph Hill 2021-08-1346 min
Shake the DustWeaponizing Disability, the Role of Allies, and Healthy Justice Work with Kyle J. HowardToday’s episode is part two of our conversation with Kyle J. Howard (see last week’s episode for part one). We talk to him about how speaking publicly about his disabilities both helps people and comes with a price, how to maintain energy and hope in justice work with healthy priorities and boundaries, the helpful roles allies can play, how white people can avoid centering themselves, his understanding of his role in the Church as an outsider prophet, and a lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitte...2021-08-0646 min
Shake the DustChristian Counseling, Colonized Marriage, and White Seminaries with Kyle J. HowardThis week, we have the first half of a two-part interview with Kyle J. Howard, a theologian, preacher, and counselor to people who have experienced spiritual and racial trauma. We talk to him about what spiritual and racial trauma are exactly, his approach to counseling in a Christian context, the devastating effects of incompetent or uninformed counseling in many churches, how and why he talks about race in interracial couples counseling, his experience as a Black man going to a white seminary, how white supremacy plays itself out in the deconstruction movement, and a lot more! Article r...2021-07-3045 min
Shake the DustReflection Part 2: Certainty, Suffering, and Who’s Not at the Table?This week is part two of the hosts’ conversation reflecting on what we have been hearing from our guests. Today, we cover how and why to think about perspectives not represented at the tables where we find ourselves sitting, the overemphasis on certainty and control in colonized faith, why suffering is a greater theological problem in white churches, how power and security detract from faith in Jesus, and a lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing...2021-07-2322 min
Shake the DustReflection Part 1: Disability, Gender, and Collective FreedomWe’re doing something a little different this week. The hosts are pausing to share some of the ways that the incredible things we have learned from our guests over the last few months have affected us, made us think, and changed our discipleship. This is a shorter episode, part one of a two-part conversation. It’s a rich, personal discussion about what changes in our churches, our theology, our sense of freedom, and our thinking about topics as varying as pregnancy and racism when we take seriously the perspective of women and disabled people. Shake the Dust is...2021-07-1624 min
Shake the DustReimagining Foster Care[Content warning for discussions of physical and sexual abuse] This week, the team is talking about foster care, how child protective cases work, the racism and other problems in the system, misconceptions Christians have about that system, and how we can reimagine a better way of reducing harm to families by taking seriously the perspective of affected parents. Since Sy worked in family court as a public defender, he is effectively our guest today. He gives us some insight into a small but growing movement to transform the way we think about child and family safety, a perspective many...2021-07-0948 min
Shake the DustPatriarchal Power and Evangelical Myth-Making with Professor Kristin Kobes Du MezThis week, the team talks with New York Times best-selling author, Calvin University Professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez about her book, Jesus and John Wayne; the recent history of white evangelical patriarchal theology; that theology’s ties to the consolidation of evangelical political power; how militant masculinity interacts with race and disability; her research for her upcoming book on evangelical femininity; and a whole lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at ...2021-07-0246 min
Shake the DustHuman Rights, Religious Freedom, and Global Evangelicalism with Wissam al-SalibyThis week, the team talks with Wissam al-Saliby; an international human rights lawyer; Advocacy Officer for the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) in Geneva, Switzerland; a founder of the Didomi Collective, whose podcast he also hosts; and a contributor to our anthology. We talk to him about why he and the WEA engage in international human rights advocacy, his perspective on religious freedom, how Christian political engagement affects our global witness, church engagement with oppressive regimes, and a lot more. It’s definitely not a conversation you get to hear every day, so check it out wherever you get podcasts! Shake t...2021-06-2543 min
Shake the DustBorders, Barriers, and Bridging the Black-Brown Divide with Pastor Milly Aquije and Gabrielle ApollonThis week, Sy and Suzie talk to Milly Aquije, an undocumented pastor and immigration activist, and Gabrielle Apollon, a human rights lawyer who grew up undocumented (and also at some point after that married Sy). We speak to them about growing up in the US as immigrants; the many immigration advocates, including Milly, who choose to disclose their undocumented status publicly; Gabrielle’s recent article on racism in both the immigration system and the immigrant rights movement; solidarity between Black and brown communities; and a lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Faceb...2021-06-181h 02
Shake the DustPalestine, Solidarity, and Christian Zionism with Rev. Dr. Munther IsaacRev. Dr. Munther Isaac is on Shake the Dust today to talk about the recent violence in Palestine, the increasing attention to the voices of Palestinians, Christian Zionism, the Christ at the Checkpoint conference that he directs, and a whole lot more. Resources to learn more about Palestinian theology mentioned during the show: An Open Letter to U.S. Christians from a Palestinian Pastor by Munther Isaac The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope by Munther Isaac From Land to Lands, from Eden to the Renew...2021-06-111h 04
Shake the DustStewarding Trauma, Shepherding Leaders with Irene ChoToday we have an interview with Irene Cho, the founder and CEO of a new urban, Christian leadership training company, The InBetween. Irene is a deeply empathetic and thoughtful person who talked to us about her company, her powerful approach to youth ministry, what it looks like for people to help steward the trauma of their communities, and a whole lot of other leadership wisdom. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at ...2021-06-041h 03
Shake the DustDr. Lamar Hardwick on Disability, Inclusion, and the Fear of Being HumanThis week, the team talks with pastor and disability advocate Lamar Hardwick about his book, Disability and the Church; his experience as an autistic pastor; disability in the Black church; how our fear of disabilities is connected to the fall of creation; the implications of Jesus’ eternal wounds for disabled people; his theology of diversity; and a lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at KTFPress.com. Hosts: Jonat...2021-05-2852 min
Shake the DustChuck Armstrong’s Journey out of Talk Radio and Toxic PoliticsToday, the team talks with Chuck Armstrong, a pastor, church planter, and writer. They discuss Chuck’s recent Medium article on his time working in the toxic world of talk radio, what attracted him to that world as a young white man, how he found his way out, and much more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at KTFPress.com. Hosts: Jonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and...2021-05-2155 min
Shake the DustSandra Maria Van Opstal on Neighboring Well and Leading the Church as a Woman of ColorThis week the team sits down with Sandra Maria Van Opstal, who is an author, preacher, activist, and the Executive Director of the non-profit Chasing Justice. We talk with her about her work, the challenges women of color face leading as activists and pastors, what keeps her motivated and joyful, and a lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at KTFPress.com. Hosts: Jonathan Walton – follow him on ...2021-05-1455 min
Shake the DustRich Villodas on The Deeply Formed Life and Anti-Racist PastoringThis week, Rich Villodas joins Jonathan and Sy to talk about his award-winning book, The Deeply Formed Life; what it’s like pastoring an extremely diverse community out of white supremacy; the relationship between emotional health, discipleship, and anti-racism; how he maintains joy; and a lot more. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at KTFPress.com. Hosts: Jonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Suzie Lahoud – foll...2021-05-0749 min
Shake the DustWho We Are and Why We're HereThe three hosts introduce ourselves, talk about what we mean when we say we are leaving colonized faith for the Kingdom of God, why we want to center and elevate marginalized voices, and where we are going from here. Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at KTFPress.com. Hosts Jonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Suzie Lahoud – follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter...2021-04-3048 min
Shake the DustTrailerWelcome to Shake the Dust! Here’s our trailer. The first episode drops April 30. See you then! Shake the Dust is a podcast of KTF Press. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find transcripts of this show, sign up for our free mailing list, and subscribe to our blog at KTFPress.com. Hosts Jonathan Walton – follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Suzie Lahoud – follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Sy Hoekstra – follow him on Twitter. Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.2021-04-1902 min