Mike Delgado -

Ways to Help Transgender Teens Explore Their Gender & Faith

Mar 27

What should you do if your teen comes out as transgender? What are ways to support them in their transition, while also helping them grow in their faith?

Many parents struggle to understand ways to support their their transgender teenager, especially if they think that it’s just a phase of gender exploration, or a mild form of gender dysphoria that will eventually resolve.

A parent may further struggle on how to care for their trans youth if they belong to a non-affirming religious community, which may exclude their teen from participating in important spiritual activities (e.g. communion, confirmation, mitzvahs) and/or gender-based ministries. Sadly, some of these religious communities may further harm trans youth with transphobic teachings and political agendas aimed to hurt the transgender community.

All of this can lead trans youth to feel unaccepted, unloved, and less likely to continue in their faith journey.

This is why it’s important for parents and spiritual leaders to be aware of the prejudice, discrimination, gender harassment, and barriers faced by transgender youth so they can learn ways to help.

Here are some distressing statistics:

Loving Scripture, Theology & Our LGBTQ Community

Jan 30

Are you interested in learning about ways to better love (and create safer spiritual homes) for LGBTQ+ Christians?

In this episode, we’re honored to learn from Bridget Eileen Rivera about her journey growing up in Reformed Baptist church, coming out, and ways the church can better love and care for LGBTQ+ Christians.

In fact, this is the topic of her latest book entitled: “Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ. Christians Experience Harm in the Church,” where she addresses the pain, trauma and discrimination that many LGBTQ people have experienced in the church – and steps that churches (and all of us) need to take to create safe and inclusive spiritual homes.

Bridget Eileen Rivera is a sociologist completing her PhD at the City University of New York Graduate Center. Rivera has become a leading voice on gay celibacy in the church, helping Christians better grapple with gender and sexuality in a divided culture. She has worked with a number of faith-based organizations, including Revoice, Christians for Social Action, and Preston Sprinkle’s Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. Follow her on social media at @travelingnun.

You can download or listen to the conversation here:

You can also subscribe or download this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or YouTube.

Early Christian History: Councils & Creeds Shaping Christian Thought – Dr. Jennifer Woodruff Tait

Nov 19

Are you interested in learning about the history of the Christian church?

Today, we’re honored to learn from Dr. Jennifer Woodruff Tait about her book “Christian History: In Seven Sentences,” which is published by InterVarsity Press.

Her latest book provides fantastic insights into key moments of Christian history; including thoughtful chapters on The Edict of Milan (313), The Nicene Creed (325), The Rule of Saint Benedict (530), Excommunication of Patriarch Kerularios (1054), Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses (1517), and much more.

In this podcast conversation, Dr. Tait shares insights on some of the key historic moments and creeds that shaped Christian thinking. She also talks about some of the key points that led to the spread of Christianity, despite persecution of the church.

Dr. Tait talks with us about the legalization of Christianity under Constantine with the Edict of Milan, early church views on baptism (and why some Christians waited to be baptized later in life), why the Nicene Creed was developed, why the eucharist was viewed by some as a form of cannibalism, the role of the monastic movement, and the testimony and martyrdom of Perpetua.

Jennifer Woodruff Tait (PhD, Duke University) is the managing editor of Christian History magazine, the author of The Poisoned Chalice: Eucharistic Grape Juice and Common-Sense Realism in Victorian Methodism, and a priest in the Episcopal Church. Follow her on GoodReads.

Loving the Old Testament & Dealing with Difficult Scriptures w/ Dr. John Goldingay

Nov 13

Are you curious about ways to improve your study and love of the Old Testament?

Today, we’re honored to learn from Dr. John Golingay about his love of the Old Testament, ways to handle difficult passages, and how these beautiful books speak to us today.

In this podcast, Dr. Goldingay shares his thoughtful approach to studying scripture, ways he prepares to write academic commentaries on the Bible, and how he handles difficult scriptures.

He encourages us to study our Bible with both an analytical and spiritual mind – and to come to the Bible humbly with our questions. He also shares tremendous wisdom on how to deal with passages in the Old Testament that perhaps don’t make sense to us, and how to better explore (and question) those difficult texts. He also talks about some controversial stories in the Book of Joshua, and how different theologians like Origen and Calvin understood them.

His love and humble approach to exploring scripture is inspiring and encouraging.

Check out this quote from his book on exploring the Old Testament:

“I want to see things through the eyes of Genesis or Isaiah or Lamentations. My Christian faith will sometimes enable me to perceive things in the Old Testament that I might otherwise miss. . . . but I want the Old Testament to correct my Christian assumptions when they need correction. When I can work out what these books would mean for the Israelites for whom they were written, there’s a good chance that I can find my way to what it might mean for me.”

Dr. John Goldingay studied theology at Oxford, earned his PhD from the University of Nottingham; Doctor of Divinity, and a Doctor of Divinity from the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth. He is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He was previously principal and professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at St. John’s Theological College in Nottingham, England. He has written countless commentaries on the Old Testament, and now focused on writing a commentary on the book of Joshua. To learn more on ways to explore and study the Old Testament, check out An Introduction to the Old Testament: Exploring Texts, Approaches & Issues by IVP Academic.

Creation Stories: How Ancient Cultures Explained Humanity’s Origin Story – Dr. Anthony Aveni

Jun 23

Are you curious about the development of creation myths around the world?

Today, we’re honored to learn from Dr. Anthony Aveni about his insightful research on the ways ancient cultures explained our origins — and how these creation stories were influenced by natural landscapes. It’s the topic of Dr. Aveni’s awesome new book: “Creation Stories: Landscapes and the Human Imagination,” which is published by Yale University Press.

Drawing from a vast array of creation myths—Babylonian, Greek, Aztec, Maya, Inca, Chinese, Hindu, Navajo, Polynesian, African, Norse, Inuit, and more—his insightful book uncovers both the similarities and differences in our attempts to explain the universe.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Aveni shares ways ancient cultures used natural landscapes in myth formation – and how natural surroundings and animal life impacted origin stories. He shares how creation stories evolved over time in different regions and ways to see truth in myths. He also spends some time talking about various creation stories – including Chinese, Egyptian, Mayan, Navajo and the creation account in Genesis.

Dr. Anthony Aveni, the Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Anthropology and Native American Studies at Colgate University, helped develop the field of archaeoastronomy and is widely considered one of the founders of Mesoamerican archaeoastronomy. He is the author of Star Stories: Constellations and People and In the Shadow of the Moon: The Science, Magic, and Mystery of Solar Eclipses.

Rediscovering Jonah: Academic & Theological Approaches to Understanding the Defiant Prophet – Dr. Amy Erickson

Jun 12

Are you curious on the different ways Christians, Jews and Muslims understand the Book of Jonah in our Hebrew Bible?

Today, we’re honored to learn from Dr. Amy Erickson about her insightful and detailed commentary on the book of Jonah — and ways to better appreciate this story through academic and various theological lenses.

In this podcast on Jonah, Dr. Amy Erickson talks about Christian and Jewish understandings of Jonah, why Jonah has been viewed as both the villain and a type of Christ, she talks about why Jonah has a theological problem with God, she discusses Islamic interpretations of Jonah’s prophecy that Nineveh would be overthrown, and gives fascinating insights on how to understand the odd ending of the story. The episode ends with her personal takeaways on Jonah and advice on how to study this complex and fascinating story.

Dr. Amy Erickson is associate professor of Hebrew Bible and the director of the Masters of Theological Studies program at the Iliff School of Theology. Learn more about her new commentary on Jonah at Eerdmans Publishing.

Ancient Hebrew Literature & Judean Conceptions of God – Dr. Dalit Rom-Shiloni

May 30

Are you curious about the development of ancient Hebrew literature and how some of these texts became sacred? And are you curious about how ancient Judeans thought about God?

In this podcast, we learn from Dr. Dalit Rom-Shiloni about ancient Judean literature, scribal traditions in ancient cultures, polytheism and monotheism in ancient Israelite communities, ways the Judean God compared to other ancient near east gods, why the ancient Israelites used anthropomorphic language to describe Yahweh, and why God was portrayed as warrior and enemy in the Hebrew Bible.

She also discusses ways ancient Judeans thought about God amid times of pain, suffering and destruction, which is the subject featured in her important new book: “Voices from the Ruins: Theodicy and the Fall of Jerusalem in the Hebrew Bible,” published by Eerdmans.

Pursuing Reconciliation on Social Media & Handling Online Conflict in Redemptive Ways – Douglas S. Bursch

May 23

How should we use social media channels in redemptive ways? And how do we seek peace and reconciliation on social media when we get criticized for our ideas?

Douglas S. Bursch’s awesome new book “Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us And What We Can Do About It” provides insights into our polarized social media streams, how social media impacts our thinking, and ways we can use more empathy in our social media conversations. He also provides us with a powerful framework on how to be peacemakers on social media — and how to seek reconciliation (even with those who we deeply disagree with). He says:

“Our ability to instantly respond or comment about anything and everything makes social media a highly charged, emotionally visceral enivronment. Wisdom and thoughtfulness thrive in contemplation, meditation, prayer, and introspection over time. However, the internet rarely encourages contemplative processing.”

This book convicted and challenged me to think more deeply about my own social media posts — and to think critically about my motivations for sharing certain viewpoints. He reframed my thinking on how I think about negativity on social media and trolling behaviors. He also revealed the selfish ways that I use social media (and often stay in my own echo chambers) — which doesn’t help me build empathy for those that I disagree with.

His pastoral perspective on social media helped me to see the ministry work that I need to pursue. He says:

“We must embrace our vital, sacred calling to live out the ministry of reconciliation in our social media contexts and recognize the strategic role we play in the formation of social media culture. To transform the culture, we need to be intentional in all of our online encounters.”

This book provided me with helpful insights on ways to think critically about every like, share and comment — and to remember my calling to pursue peace and reconciliation.

You can get your copy of Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us & What We Can Do About It from InterVarsity Press or any of your favorite online booksellers. You can also learn more about his ministry at FairlySpiritual.com.

Autism, Disability & The Church: A Vision for Diversity & Inclusion – Dr. Lamar Hardwick

May 16

What can we do to make our churches more inclusive for our disabled and neurodiverse communities?

Dr. Lamar Hardwick’s fantastic book “Disability And The Church: A Vision For Diversity And Inclusion” provides insights into the life of a pastor with autism and ways that churches can begin removing barriers for people on the autism spectrum or those with any other disability.

Dr. Hardwick reminds us that “people with disabilities live in a world that is not built for them. And the vast majority of churches are not built with disabled bodies in mind.”

His book provides insights into many of the barriers that churches have unintentionally created for people with disabilities (especially invisible disabilities) — and steps that churches need to take to build a more empathetic church culture.

Dr. Hardwick says “affirmation of people with disabilities in the church begins with making the type of accommodations necessary for them to be able to pursue their God-given calling (172). And his book is chockfull of practical insights for ministry leaders who want to make their spiritual homes more inclusive for disabled people (and how to get funding for disability ministries).

Dr. Hardwick doesn’t just provide a strategies for church leaders on ways to build more inclusive spiritual homes, he also provides us with a view of church and spirituality through the eyes of disability. He writes about the importance of disability theology and reminds us on how the crucifixion of Jesus reveals a God who is disabled (and what the permanent scars after the resurrection signifies).

Reading Our Bible Through the Lens of Trauma & Emotional Healing – Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis

May 09

How we understand our Bible can depend on our cultural viewpoints, church traditions, theological background, and personal experiences.

Our view of Scripture can also be largely shaped by any sort of trauma we’ve experienced (and this includes trauma inflicted on us by spiritual leaders and/or churches).

In today’s podcast, we’re honored to learn from Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis about how trauma impacts us, ways to overcome the silent stigma of mental health at church, ways to see gender oppression in our denominations, how to better read and understand traumatic stories in Bible (especially when the offender is seen as the Biblical hero), and ways that we can better love and care for trauma survivors in our life.

Dr. Thema also provides key insights into ways to read several traumatic Bible stories; including: The Story Hagar, The Trauma & Silencing of Tamar, and seeing Bathsheba as victim (instead of David’s seductress).

These disturbing and traumatic stories in Scripture are tough (and not easy for any of us to read). Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis shares powerful insights on the types of questions we should be asking ourselves when we encounter trauma in the Bible. Her empathetic and healing approach to read these tough passages in our Bibles will forever change the way you read and discuss these stories with others.

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist who has worked nationally and globally to provide relief and empowerment to marginalized persons. Dr. Thema, a professor at Pepperdine University, is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women. Her contributions to psychological research, policy, and practice have been honored by national and regional psychological associations. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. You should also subscribe to the Homecoming Podcast, focused on providing you with weekly inspiration and health tips.

I pray this conversation encourages us to become more empathetic readers of our Bibles and help us to love and care for the trauma victims in our own lives.

Please be aware that this podcast episode includes conversations on assault and abuse in the Bible, which may be hurtful and/or upsetting.

You can subscribe or download this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.

Mike Delgado

Ways to Help Transgender Teens Explore Their Gender & Faith

Loving Scripture, Theology & Our LGBTQ Community

Early Christian History: Councils & Creeds Shaping Christian Thought – Dr. Jennifer Woodruff Tait

Loving the Old Testament & Dealing with Difficult Scriptures w/ Dr. John Goldingay

Creation Stories: How Ancient Cultures Explained Humanity’s Origin Story – Dr. Anthony Aveni

Rediscovering Jonah: Academic & Theological Approaches to Understanding the Defiant Prophet – Dr. Amy Erickson

Ancient Hebrew Literature & Judean Conceptions of God – Dr. Dalit Rom-Shiloni

Reading Our Bible Through the Lens of Trauma & Emotional Healing – Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis

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