What was it like to be a Christian in the earliest centuries after the resurrection of Christ? How did theological thinking and the understandings of authority develop? Dr. George Kalantzis helps us consider the layers of complexity that early Christians wrestled with as the church was established. George points out the important place of canon, creeds, apostolicity and ethics, underpinned by submission to the Holy Spirit. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, George brings a unique perspective to the study of the patristic period, so bring your questions into the classroom for “The First Christian Centuries” (July 28–Aug 1). You can also catch his Evening Public Lecture on July 28 at 7:30 pm: Migration and Refugees (and the Re-humanizing Role of the Church).

Note: At 49:50, Dr. Kalantzis references Project 1611, but he intended to say Project 1619 and the 1776 Commission when reflecting on competing historical narratives in the United States.

George's Bio

Dr. George Kalantzis is Professor of Theology and Director of The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies at Wheaton College. A native of Athens, Greece, he specializes in historical theology with a focus on early Christianity, particularly the development of Christological and Trinitarian thought, ecclesial ethics, and the Church’s engagement with Greco-Roman culture. Dr. Kalantzis is the author and editor of several volumes, including Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Senior Fellow with the International Association for Refugees, where his work intersects theology and humanitarian advocacy. George will be joining us here in the last week of July to teach “The First Christian Centuries.” He will also be giving an Evening Public Lecture on Monday July 28, titled Migration and Refugees (and the Re-humanizing Role of the Church).

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Resources Mentioned

Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

International Association for Refugees

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How do we thoughtfully engage with the political realms in which we find ourselves, and what might we learn from our forebears in how they tackled the division of church and state? In this conversation, we learn from Dr. John M. Owen IV about the Catholic, Lutheran, Anabaptist and Reformed traditions and their approaches to political engagement. After tracing through points in history, we return to the present day, considering what it means to engage politically when global democracy appears to be stalling. John thoughtfully reflects on the causes of authoritarianism and rising nationalism and shares his perspective on the future of democracy. If this conversation piques your interest, join us for “Christianity and Politics” from July 21-25. You can also catch John’s recent Evening Public Lecture “What’s Wrong with Democracy?” on our Youtube channel.

(Note: This podcast conversation was recorded on Friday, June 13, 2025)

Bio
Dr. John M. Owen IV is the Ambassador Henry J. and Mrs. Marion R. Taylor Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture and the Miller Center for Public Affairs. Dr. Owen earned his MA and Ph.D. from Harvard University. His scholarly work focuses on international relations, with particular attention to the interplay between ideology and international order. He has authored several books, including The Ecology of Nations: American Democracy in a Fragile World Order (2023). John brings a nuanced perspective to discussions on international relations, emphasizing the significance of ideas and ideologies in shaping global dynamics. John will be back with us at Regent this summer, teaching “Christianity and Politics” from July 21-25. He will also be giving an evening public lecture on July 7, titled “What’s Wrong with Democracy?”

Previous Podcast Appearances

Christianity, Politics and Liberalism (June 2022)

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Today Claire and Rachel have a wonderfully rich conversation with Dr. Susan Currie, a Spiritual Director and Minister of Spiritual Formation at Leadership Transformations, Inc. Susan brings her experience of theological education, spiritual direction and training spiritual directors to her understanding of a Rule of Life. She shares about her own journey to becoming a spiritual director, the history of a Rule of Life, individual and communal rules, Jesus’ rhythms, and the underpinning goal of growing in company with Jesus. We consider the importance of seasons and discernment in crafting a rule of life, then conclude the episode with a guided examen, where Susan graciously invites us to notice God’s presence in our daily lives. Prepare to enter a spacious place, and consider joining us next week for “A Rule of Life for a Way of Life.”

Susan's Bio
Dr. Susan Porterfield Currie is a distinguished spiritual director and educator specializing in spiritual formation. She holds a Master of Arts from Bryn Mawr College, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Susan serves as the Director of the Selah Certificate in Spiritual Direction and is a Minister of Spiritual Formation at Leadership Transformations, Inc. Susan and her husband, David, are active members of the Anglican church.

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Please fill out our Listener Survey before the end of July for the opportunity to win a $100 Regent College Bookstore Gift Card.

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