Author

  1. A Theology of Addiction with Donavon Riley

    book
    02/25/25
    11 mins
    By Kelsi Klembara | Donavon Riley
    Kelsi chats with pastor and author, Donavon Riley, about his forthcoming book, ⁠The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction⁠.
    A Theology of Addiction with Donavon Riley

  2. 381: Kleinig - The Things That Make a Theologian

    book
    02/15/25
    8 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Who Made Who? Today, we read an essay by Rev. Dr. John Kleinig about what makes a theologian. Dr. Kleinig explains Martin Luther’s threefold description of how the master of theology, the Holy Spirit, makes one a theologian through contemplative prayer, meditating on Scripture within the communion of saints, and being translated into the kingdom of heaven by God’s Word—all this and much more on this week’s episode of the podcast.
    381: Kleinig - The Things That Make a Theologian

  3. 380: Anselm - Bracing the Heart Against Despair

    book
    02/09/25
    9 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    You May Be Right… In this episode of Banned Books, we read Anselm of Canterbury’s Meditation on Sin and Penance. We discuss the consequences of sin, the Fountain of Mercy, Jesus’ excuses, the doctrine of simul iustus et peccator, theological presuppositions, and how we speak influences our behavior.
    380: Anselm - Bracing the Heart Against Despair

  4. 379: Chrysostom - On Wealth and Poverty

    book
    01/31/25
    8 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Dig, Lazarus, Dig! In this episode of Banned Books, we read St. John Chrysostom’s sermon on the Rich Man and Lazarus — wealth, poverty, Satanic feasts, ivory beds, spiritual warriors, Chaldean comfort dogs, and the dangers of actors and perfume on this podcast episode.
    379: Chrysostom - On Wealth and Poverty

  5. 378: Giertz - The Essential Firm Kernels

    book
    01/25/25
    8 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Leper Messiah. In this episode, we read Bo Giertz’s commentary on Jesus’ healing of a leper and Cornelius’ servant… boy… slave boy. Giertz addresses textual criticism, catechesis, miracles, and the liturgy of the Church, and we delve into the effect of disbelief in Jesus’ power to heal and make whole affects modern Christians and non-believers alike.
    378: Giertz - The Essential Firm Kernels

  6. 377: Origen - The Church as Superior to All Things Pagan

    book
    01/18/25
    8 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Good Christians, One and All Rejoice? In this episode, we read Origen’s response to Celsus about whether or not Christians are detrimental or beneficial to society. Does the Church uplift or undermine culture? What part does faith play in living a virtuous life?
    377: Origen - The Church as Superior to All Things Pagan

  7. 376: Origen - Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans

    book
    01/10/25
    8 mins
    By Donavon Riley | Christopher Gillespie
    Superabundance. In this episode, we read Origen’s commentary on St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans. We discuss the accusations leveled at Origen’s orthodoxy, exegetical method, and critique of Marcion and discuss how what was written so long ago is relevant to Christians today.
    376: Origen - Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans

  8. 375: A New Year and the Same Old Stuff (Pliny, Clement, and Justin)

    book
    01/04/25
    9 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Same Old Story.. In this episode, we read various Christian and non-Christian sources from the first two centuries, discussing their understandings of Jesus Christ, the church, law, and the Gospel, and the effect of the Christian faith on people in Roman society.
    375: A New Year and the Same Old Stuff (Pliny, Clement, and Justin)

  9. 374: Nagel - A Sermon for Christmas Day

    book
    12/21/24
    10 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    That’s How Love Goes. In this episode, we read a Christmas sermon by Norman Nagel and discuss the nativity, the mother of God, iconography, Bible translating, story-telling traditions, teaching through the story, God’s strange way of loving people, and people’s expectations of Christmas and how it affects the Church.
    374: Nagel - A Sermon for Christmas Day

  10. 373: Luther - You have the Mystery of God

    book
    12/13/24
    9 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Tighten Up. In this episode, we read Martin Luther’s Advent 3 ordination sermon, discussing rites and ceremonies, church traditions, God’s mysteries versus the devil’s, and much pastoral talk about transparency and honesty amongst brothers and sisters in the Gospel.
    373: Luther - You have the Mystery of God

  11. 372: Luther - A Lovely and Joyous Sermon

    book
    12/09/24
    9 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Countdown to Armageddon. In this episode, we read Martin Luther’s Advent 2 sermon (1532) and discuss signs and symbols, the liturgical calendar, funerals, preaching, and many many other things of an episodic nature.
    372: Luther - A Lovely and Joyous Sermon

  12. 371: Pastoral Debrief - On Storytelling and Myth

    book
    11/22/24
    8 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Reach for The Sky. This episode discusses the Augsburg Confession, the Church, and what makes a good fanatic. We dig into the Church's language, symbolism, meaning, and rites today. How can we best use narrative theology to catechize? Did Jesus have to die for your traditions and worship? Is there anyone in heaven that hasn’t fallen into sin? This and much more today on the show!
    371: Pastoral Debrief - On Storytelling and Myth