Shows
Religion and JusticeThe Drama and the Miracle of Christmas with Joerg RiegerIn this special Christmas episode of Religion and Justice, we are joined by Dr. Joerg Rieger to unpack the profound and often overlooked realities of the nativity story. Far from the idyllic scenes of "Silent Night, Holy Night," Dr. Rieger presents the birth of Jesus as a story of drama, precarity, and resilience amidst imperial power and systemic injustice.We explore how Jesus’s precarious beginnings—born in a stable, fleeing as a refugee, and navigating the threats of empire—mirror the struggles faced by the 99% today. Dr. Rieger challenges us to see the miracle of Christmas not ju...2024-12-2236 minReligion and JusticeDeep Solidarity: Rethinking Ecology, Economics, and Religion with Joerg RiegerIn this episode, Gabby and George dive into the connections between ecological exploitation, economic inequality, and religion with renowned theologian Joerg Rieger. As the founder of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt, Rieger shares insights on "deep solidarity," a concept that unites various forms of exploitation across class, race, gender, and environment to foster resilient alternatives.Rieger highlights how ecological care and human liberation are intertwined. He also challenges pie-in-the-sky religious ideals, calling for faith traditions to actively engage in building tangible alternatives to capitalism and environmental degradation. Join us for an engaging discussion...2024-09-301h 02Religion and JusticeDecapitalizing the Means of Thriving with Gabriella Lettini, Tim Van Meter, and Jeremy Posadas (S1:E15)In this episode, we explore the intersection of religion, ecology, and economics through the lens of the Wendland-Cook Program's "Liberating People and the Planet" series. We delve into how capitalism entangles communities in destructive ways and how religion might offer liberative practices to imagine a more enlivening future.The companion book to this series has been released this Summer 2024, Liberating People, Planet, and Religion: Intersections of Ecology, Economics, and Religion (2024). Get your copy today!Join us for a conversation titled "Decapitalizing the Means of Thriving," featuring Dr. Gabriella Lettini and Dr. Tim Van Meter. Moderated...2024-08-1558 minReligion and JusticeFlooding in Appalachia: A Call to Redemptive Work with Robert Kell (S1:E14)In this episode, hosts Gabby Lisi and George Schmidt are joined by Robert Kell, the New Economy Program Manager with Appalachian Voices and a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School (Wendland-Cook Program Fellow). Together, they discuss Robert's article, "Flooding in Appalachia Calls Us to Redemptive Work," which delves into the environmental and social challenges facing Appalachia.Robert shares his personal connection to the Appalachian region, recounting the lessons he learned from his Granny about respecting and delighting in nature. He discusses the devastating impact of climate change and deforestation on local communities, highlighting the tensions between traditional faith...2024-07-151h 07Religion and JusticeSacred Roots: Exploring the Social Gospel in the Southern United States (Grant Series) (S1:E10)In this special episode of "Religion and Justice," hosted by Aaron Stauffer, Assistant Director of Wendland-Cook and Director of Online Learning at Vanderbilt Divinity School, we embark on a captivating exploration of the Social Gospel in the South. Despite the absence of our regular hosts, Gabby Lisi and George, this episode promises a rich and enlightening discussion (we know, you'll miss our banter!).Part of our grant series, this episode delves into the profound intersections of religion, justice, and history. Joined by esteemed guests Erik S. Gellman, a researcher specializing in working-class and urban life, and Jarod...2024-04-1538 minReligion and JusticeThe Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond (Part II) (S1:E6)PART TWO | In the midst of an ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, this episode unfolds from a poignant webinar titled "The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond." This vital conversation took place on January 27, 2024. Featuring Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, Atalia Omer, and Revelation Velunta, the episode delves into the intersection of religion, settler colonialism, and the enduring resilience of the Palestinian people. In times of great suffering, these voices shed light on the critical issues facing Palestine and offer insights into the enduring struggle for justice.This event was co-sponsored by the Center and...2024-02-191h 00Religion and JusticeThe Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond (Part I) (S1:E5)In the midst of an ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, this episode unfolds from a poignant webinar titled "The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond." This vital conversation took place on January 27, 2024. Featuring Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, Atalia Omer, and Revelation Velunta, the episode delves into the intersection of religion, settler colonialism, and the enduring resilience of the Palestinian people. In times of great suffering, these voices shed light on the critical issues facing Palestine and offer insights into the enduring struggle for justice.Part Two will be released in two weeks!...2024-02-0757 minReligion and JusticeSpecial Feature: Christianities and Socialisms with Cornel West, Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Joerg Rieger, and Angela Cowser (S1:E3)As conservative efforts have moved the public image of Christianity to the right, it is time to reclaim alternatives. While for many older Americans “socialism” is still a bad word, younger generations tend to be curious about the complex histories of socialist movements in the United States and globally. Hosted by the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice and the Institute for Christian Socialism, this first webinar in the Engaging Christianities and Socialisms series seeks to address these concerns and to set the stage for the coming three webinars by bringing together prominent thinkers who have long explored alternative imag...2024-01-011h 23