Using the tools of practical theology and psychohistory, this presentation highlights the psychological and spiritual profiles of key religious leaders and personalities from the 19th and 20th centuries who were especially effective in combating white supremacy, racial hatred, and a multitude of systemic injustices that continue to plague the U.S. to this very day. This presentation will demythologize their work, and the context in which they existed, in the hopes that we may better emulate practices of freedom in our own time. Honesty compels us to acknowledge that the current sociopolitical context in 2022 is highly contentious (to state it mildly). But this context is not new. Moreover, the work of freedom and the Beloved Community is not new. Ultimately, this presentation seeks to move us forward in the work of Divine righteousness and to “do good, seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, [and] plead the widow’s cause.”
Recent Media Resources
Preaching and Peacemaking
What is the role of preaching in situations of deep conflict and division? How can preaching participate in the Christian call to peacemaking? This panel will explore the connections between gospel preaching and peacemaking efforts.
Receptive Ecumenism in Neighborhoods, Soccer Fields, and Workplaces
This session will explore how to talk about differences in Catholic and Protestant worship. Every time we talk with a neighbor, teammate, or coworker from a different Christian tradition about what we do in worship and why, we are practicing liturgical theology. When marked by both conviction and humility, these conversations have rich potential for building holy friendships and deepening our worship of God. Yet they can also backfire, perpetuating stereotypes and leaving us unsure about the point of common practices. Come to this session to learn from veteran participants in both formal ecumenical dialogues and informal neighborhood conversations about how we can engage with believers across the Protestant-Catholic divide in constructive and healing ways.
Practical Worship Planning for Holy Week
Come and join a conversation with knowledgeable and experienced preachers and worship planners as we talk about our best practices for Holy Week worship planning. Bring your questions and ideas as we share and learn together.
Preaching and Peacemaking
What is the role of preaching in situations of deep conflict and division? How can preaching participate in the Christian call to peacemaking? This panel will explore the connections between gospel preaching and peacemaking efforts.
Receptive Ecumenism in Neighborhoods, Soccer Fields, and Workplaces
This session will explore how to talk about differences in Catholic and Protestant worship. Every time we talk with a neighbor, teammate, or coworker from a different Christian tradition about what we do in worship and why, we are practicing liturgical theology. When marked by both conviction and humility, these conversations have rich potential for building holy friendships and deepening our worship of God. Yet they can also backfire, perpetuating stereotypes and leaving us unsure about the point of common practices. Come to this session to learn from veteran participants in both formal ecumenical dialogues and informal neighborhood conversations about how we can engage with believers across the Protestant-Catholic divide in constructive and healing ways.
Practical Worship Planning for Holy Week
Come and join a conversation with knowledgeable and experienced preachers and worship planners as we talk about our best practices for Holy Week worship planning. Bring your questions and ideas as we share and learn together.
Music and Prayer in Worship
Music and prayer are prominent elements in worship liturgy. How does the culture of the worship community influence these worship practices? How should we engage culture and yet be countercultural in our practice of music and prayer? Engage with this panel from four continents as we explore how cultural values form and inform worship practices.