What if theology isn’t something abstract but grows directly from the soil beneath our feet? In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Shafer-Elliott and Dr. Libby Backfish discuss their new book Grounded Theology, which argues that Israel’s theological reflections were deeply intertwined with daily life—especially as subsistence farmers in a land marked by both promise and struggle.
Drawing on archaeological discoveries from ancient households, the conversation explores how everyday artifacts like loom weights and ovens reveal Israelite religious practices not just in temples, but in kitchens. The land itself—its fertility, harshness, and rhythms—shaped covenantal faithfulness and theological imagination. They challenge modern listeners to reevaluate their own “floating theology” and rediscover the formative power of embodied life, land stewardship, and communal labor.
With humor, honesty, and deep insight, the guests call for a return to theology that is firmly grounded—in history, material reality, and the lived experience of Israel.
You can find Grounded Theology here:
https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540962539_grounded-theology-in-the-hebrew-bible
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Chapters:
00:00 The Need for a New Textbook
03:34 Household Archaeology and Daily Life
10:31 The Role of Land in Theology
15:14 Connecting Ancient Practices to Modern Faith
23:35 Challenges in Theological Education
28:53 Conclusion and Reflections on Teaching
