Theology in the Raw

Will Acuff, co-founder of Corner to Corner and author focused on poverty transformation, discusses moving into a low-income neighborhood and launching entrepreneur training and micro‑loan programs. He shares stories of local business pivots, cross‑economic collaboration, church partnerships for sustained development, and practices for joy and resilience amid long suffering.

Paul Sloan, Chair of Theology and expert on Early Christianity, discusses Jesus and the Law of Moses. He outlines major scholarly approaches to Jesus and Torah. He examines purity rules, table fellowship, Sabbath controversies, Jesus’ relation to the temple, and how Jesus’ death is framed with covenantal and sacrificial language.

Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt, Wheaton professor and author of The Mary We Forgot, revisits Mary Magdalene’s true New Testament portrait. Short takes explore her naming in all four gospels, the conflation with other women, the seven-demon detail, her role as wealthy supporter and apostolic messenger, and how medieval and Reformation traditions shaped popular myths.

Tish Harrison Warren, an Anglican priest and writer known for books on Christian life, reflects on stepping back from public writing and social media. She describes how online vitriol warps leaders. They debate whether platform presence is necessary and explore cultural repair after Trumpism. Tish also introduces her new book born from burnout and ancient monastic resources.

Dr. Jarvis J. Williams, New Testament professor and author specializing in Paul, offers a scholarly tour of justification, atonement, and Paul’s gospel. He maps vertical, horizontal, and cosmic dimensions. He explores penal substitution, representation versus participation, Spirit-enabled life, and how Christ’s work promises creation’s liberation.

Amy Brown Hughes, historical theologian focused on early Christianity; Lynn Cohick, New Testament scholar of women’s roles in the patristic world. They trace women’s broad influence from the 2nd–5th centuries. They discuss language and cultural shifts that shaped female authority. Topics include bishops, deacons, prophets, ascetic exemplars like Thecla and Macrina, and imperial women shaping doctrine.

Bo Stern-Brady, lead pastor of B4 Church and author focused on growth through suffering. She recounts stepping into senior leadership, navigating resistance to women in ministry, and rebuilding team health after conflict. She also shares rhythms for preaching and spiritual practices shaped by personal loss and pastoral compassion.

Colby F. Maier, pastor, speaker, and founder of the Academy of the Bible, helps people grow in biblical literacy and digital ministry. He recounts his conversion story and journey from athlete to theologian. They debate short-form social media vs long-form discipleship. He explains building a scholar network, online formation, and connecting digital learners to local churches.

Dr. Amy L. Orr-Ewing, an Oxford‑trained public theologian and author, speaks on forgiveness, trauma, and justice. She outlines four models of Christian forgiveness. She discusses forgiveness versus reconciliation, safety and legal consequences, trauma-informed empathy, social media’s role in identity harm, and stories showing forgiveness’ surprising power.

Christopher Haylett (thenerdychristian), social media analyst with degrees in global development and international business. He unpacks political tribalism, media algorithms shaping public figures, and complex geopolitics from Ukraine to Iran. Short takes on cultural intelligence, Christian political nuance, and the dangers of binary thinking.