Adventist Voices by Spectrum: The Journal of the Adventist Forum

Elder Gregory L. Hoenes, PhD, Director of the West Region of the Southern California Conference, talks about his recently completed dissertation in Practical Theology at Claremont School of Theology. Focusing on food and ecological responsibilities, Dr. Hoenes talks about how his conservative upbringing shaped his relationship to nature, how pastoring and eating out in Southern California shaped his research and spiritual practices, and how the activism of woke young people give him hope. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Pride Month! Four years ago Alicia Johnston resigned from her job as an Adventist pastor due to her bisexual identity. This week she joins me to talk about her new book, The Bible and LGBTQ Adventists: A Theological Conversation About Same-Sex Marriage, Gender, and Identity. We discuss why she aimed her book at Adventists with a conservative hermeneutic, what's bringing her joy these days, and how folks can support her project. Alicia's Website Alicia's Instagram Alicia's Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A teacher at South Bay Christian School, near Los Angeles, and a grad student at La Sierra University, Raquel Mentor is also a social media expert who has written for Spectrum. We discuss how she survived poverty while attending university, what she loves about Adventist education, and some tips she’s learned from her social media success. Raquel Mentor's Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I interview Chris Blake, Lead Pastor of the San Luis Obispo Adventist Church, author of numerous books including Swimming Against the Current, Searching for a God to Love, and Reinvent Your Sabbath School, professor emeritus at Union College, and former editor of Insight magazine, about how he’s putting his vision for Adventism into action. An always fun conversation partner, we discuss what he learned playing basketball at Cal Poly, how he joined the church, his longtime advocacy for LGBT+ equality, and what he enjoys about pastoring on California’s central coast these days. Referenced Content: Five Beliefs - SLO Adventist Church Justin Lee Video When Scripture Meets Life: Book Review of Unclobber Enough Room Film Swimming Against the Current by Chris Blake Searching For A God To Love by Chris Blake Reinvent Your Sabbath School by Chris Blake See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Spectrum's Interviews Editor Alita Byrd shares her conversation with composer James Lee III, whose works have been commissioned and premiered by the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Chorus, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and others. His music has been played at Tanglewood and championed by famed conductor Leonard Slatkin. Some of Lee’s biggest sources of inspiration are the books of Daniel and Revelation, the story of the great controversy, and the second coming of Jesus. Lee is a lifelong Adventist — he attended Andrews Academy and Andrews University before he went to the University of Michigan where he earned his first degree in piano performance and then his masters and doctorate in composition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie Dwyer, editor of Spectrum, shares key moments in her life that shaped her career as a journalist and leader in the Adventist community. Bonnie discusses her love for the local church, the key first decisions that created the iconic journal, and what she's learned from a career trusting in God and caring for community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abraham Joshua Heschel, Jewish rabbi and theologian, civil rights advocate, Holocaust survivor, and champion of interfaith dialogue, is the subject of a new documentary "Spiritual Audacity," produced and directed by Martin Doblmeier of Journey Films. On Sabbath, May 1, Doblmeier discussed the making of the documentary during a special Adventist Forum/Spectrum webinar hosted by the St. Paul/Minneapolis Adventist Forum Chapter and the Minnetonka SDA Church. Alexander Carpenter, host of the Adventist Voices podcast, interviewed Doblmeier and was joined by Loma Linda University theologian Richard Rice, St. Paul Forum Chapter President Gary Blount, and Spectrum editor Bonnie Dwyer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie Dwyer, Spectrum's editor, and I interview Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tomm Moore, director of The Secret of the Kells (2009) about his new animated movie, Wolfwalkers available to watch via Apple TV. The story takes place in 1650 and follows a spirited Irish girl who fights the control of civilization and finds transformative friendship and spiritual power in the forest among a pack of wolves. We discuss Irish mythology, the beauty of Tomm Moore's hand drawn animation style and how stories connect humans to deeper spiritual truths. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Osborn, PhD, talks about his missionary upbringing, early connection to Spectrum, and how he got his start leading educational institutions. Dick, who recently retired as the Vice President of the WASC Senior College and University Commission and was the former president of Pacific Union College shares some lessons about what’s worked and what hasn’t in schools and Adventist life. Dr. Osborn is Board Advisor/Member: Loma Linda University Health, Los Angeles Pacific University, Pacifica Graduate Institute, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, United States University, University of Silicon Andhra, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), Charles Weniger Foundation, NAD Higher Ed Task Force See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I interview a recent student of mine, Pacific Union College graduating senior Morgan Williamson on the state of Adventist education and the future of online learning. We discuss why Adventist and public education matters to her, how her student missionary teaching experience in Fiji influenced her career choice, as well as what she’s learned doing her student teaching online with elementary age students. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back from a spring break in this weekly podcast, I interview Todd Leonard, Senior Pastor of the Glendale City Church, a beautiful Adventist church that’s been a sanctuary to generations of marginalized believers. We talk about how Todd is transitioning back to in-person worship, how he journeyed from the South to Southern California, his love for community activism, and his new podcast UnCollared https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncollared/id1554375187 which he hosts with two other Los Angeles Christian pastors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I talk with Kaleb Eisele, creator of Humans of Adventism, about his new ten-part documentary series in which Adventists tell their stories of culture, change, miracles, etc. We also discuss the state of creativity and community-building in the church. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I talk with my wife, Doris Tetz Carpenter, Adventist Health Human Performance Executive (Talent Strategy and Total Rewards), about the tension between the mission and business of faith-based health care. We also chat about how she moved from education to her seventeen-year career in Human Resources and how spending all day in online meetings at home has changed her ideas about work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobbi Jo Reed, the subject of the eponymous documentary, along with Brent and Donna Jones, the directing and producing team, share the inspiring story of Bobbi Jo's transformation from homelessness, addiction, and prostitution to healing hundreds of addicts in her Kansas City-based Healing House ministry. We briefly discuss Bobbi Jo's testimony (watch the film for more) and then talk about the power of story and what hope means to the least of these in America. Healing House provides recovery housing to nearly 200 individuals every day in their thirteen private homes and two apartment buildings. Learn more about the film Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence here https://www.facebook.com/thebobbijomovie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spectrum’s editor Bonnie Dwyer and I celebrate 2021 by talking about what’s new and news in Adventism. We discuss the GC Session, the North American Division’s tithe story as well as trends in Zoom Sabbath Schools around the denomination. We express concern about the link between conspiracy theory religious thinking and insurrection and find hope in driving slower, upcoming Spectrum articles, and getting a vaccine to be a good neighbor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing our legends of Adventism series, Dr. Larry Geraty shares leadership insights into his decades leading institutions like Atlantic Union College and La Sierra University. Additionally he shares anecdotes about protecting freedom of expression on campuses and speaks personally about how he finds meaning in Adventism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Larry Geraty shares key moments that shaped his life from his missionary upbringing, how he convinced his wife Gillian to marry him, as well as his relationship with Siegfried Horn and how he ended up studying at Harvard. In this first of a two part episode, Dr. Geraty tells the story of how Spectrum began in the 1960s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Docter, chief creative officer of PIXAR and director of the upcoming Disney+ release of animated film “SOUL,” answers questions from me along with other Christian media representatives. He talks about the mix of spiritual language and philosophical existentialism that drives the film’s story as well as how his team infused the story with authentic African-American cultural moments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Book editor at Signs Publishing and prolific Adventist author Nathan Brown talks about his new book “Advent: Hearing the Good News in the Story of Jesus’ Birth.” We also discuss his own Australian Christmas tradition, favorite carol, and the state of Adventist writing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporting on recent meetings of the Society of Adventist Philosophers and the Adventist Society for Religious, Spectrum editor Bonnie Dwyer shares new ideas on Sabbath and social justice. We also discuss what’s in the new issue of the journal and what she’s looking forward to this Advent season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marci Corea joins me to discuss her role as the University Outreach Coordinator for Adventist Peace Fellowship. In addition to learning more about what the org does we discuss some of what both of us recently learned on Spectrum’s Civil Rights Journey in Alabama and how growing up doing short-term mission trips inspired Marci to care about justice work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father Leahy, O.S.B., headmaster of St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, NJ, shares about a new documentary, executive produced by Steph Curry, that explores how his own basketball program offers personal growth, but often false social hope for young American men. We also talk about how his Catholic faith informs his social values and has fueled his decades of academic leadership as well as the history of how alumni saved St. Benedict’s by converting it into an elite school serving disadvantaged youth.The film, Benedict Men, viewable on Quibi, follows the “St. Benedict’s boys basketball team as they strive to add another state championship to their legacy. Along the way, they uncover the true meaning of unity, selflessness, and hard work.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Alex Bryan, chief mission officer for Adventist Health, talks about reading a biography on every American president. We discuss his insights into the meaning of the presidency, who he learned to love, and some major lessons on leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing our American politics series from last week, Vanessa Corredera, PhD, chair of the English Department at Andrews University and Courtney Ray, PhD, ordained minister and president of the Society of Black Neuropsychology, explore the problem of epistemic closure and others issues like race and abortion. Additionally, they both share very personal examples of their own social views changing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Clark Diller, PhD, chair of the History department at Southern Adventist University and Jason Hines, PhD, associate professor in the department of Healthcare Administration at AdventHealth University join me in a spirited debate on U.S. politics and the problems of a fragmentary civic epistemology. Approaching issues from progressive and even anarchist perspectives, they talk about what’s at stake at the Supreme Court, for folks of faith, and those who care about social justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spectrum managing editor Alisa Williams reports on global Adventist finances, electronic voting, and the changes to next year’s GC Session. We also discuss the rise of Adventist pioneer parody Twitter accounts and why they might be good for learning our history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With sports increasingly back from quarantine, I talk with a London-based Adventist who played semi-pro football (soccer) before returning to Sabbath observance. He shares his story of struggling with his faith, being an Everton FC fan, and how he continues to combine his love of sport and community uplift.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alisa Williams and Julius Nam join me to each tell and discuss stories from the less well history of Adventism. Alisa shares a story of a planted letter at the Ellen White Estate vault about a fake prophet (and attempted murderer) and Julius take us to Korea where an American missionary became an international pariah for punishing a young boy for stealing an apple.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three emerging filmmakers share the inspiration for their beautiful and theologically complex retelling of the Hosea Bible story. Writer and director Ryan Daniel Dobson with producers Suzanne Watson and Avril Z. Speaks talk about setting “Hosea” in Oklahoma, deconstructing the chauvinism by focusing on his wife, and focusing on the divine in sensuality, art, pain, and relationships that redeem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I talk with Adventist Health + Rideout president Rick Rawson about how COVID-19 and mitigation controversies have impacted his community. We also discuss the conclusions he learned from racial health inequalities and how “defunding” healthcare offers hope for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adventist Forum board chair, Carmen Lau, shares about how her white Southern Adventist upbringing blinded her to the realities of racism. We also talk about “Spectrum’s early history” with the Civil Rights movement and the plan for a group of Adventists to visit Alabama next month to learn more about that history of social justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie Dwyer, editor of Spectrum, talks about the latest issue of the journal, including the Black Lives Matter articles and the focus on science and art. In addition, she discusses the controversy surrounding Doug Batchelor's Amazing Facts walkback on accepting government money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This documentary, The Right Girls (2020), is about transgender women from Central America traveling in a caravan to the US border I talk with co-producer Amador Jaojoco about how design and activism work together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winner of the U.S. Documentary Competition Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, “Boys State” explores a thousand member annual effort to form a representative government for a week in Texas. In my interview with the husband and wife directing team, Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, we explore the unexpected ideologies and personalities of the four boys they profile and how they created an exciting film that raises questions about power, belief, and the future of democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Parker, PhD, joins me in discussing thoughtful cultural summerfare: Palm Springs, First Cow, House of Leaves, and how major sports are handling COVID and justice. We also reflect on how Christians benefit themselves and others by engaging popular culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garrison Hayes, Pastor for Generational Ministries at Community Praise Church, and I discuss the current news of public monument removal. We examine the statues' connections to racism, specifically lynching, as well as the ways that iconoclasm creates hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tiffany Llewellyn is the founder and president of Adventists for Social Justice. We discuss its founding, the growing anti-racist activism in Adventism, and also her recent comments about misogyny in church programming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Cork, Assistant Director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division, shares his story of moving from Atlantic Union College to Lutheranism then to Catholicism and now back to Adventism. Through that he’s worked as a chaplain and in this conversation he discusses how moral injury, social justice, and the Sermon on the Mount have influenced his rethinking of faith and military service over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our Ministering Under Quarantine series finale, I talk with Jonny Moor, a pastor in the Oregon Conference. He spoke frankly about a call to a new church that disappeared and how his ideas about ministry have changed. A graduate of Walla Walla University, Johnny holds an MDiv from Andrews University where he is currently completing a doctor of ministry in discipleship and biblical spirituality. Jonny and his wife Heather host the Your Movie Hour podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-movie-hour/id1477500729See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress and film producer Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Ron Howard, chats about her new documentary, DADS. The film follows "six extraordinary fathers from across the globe—and some of Hollywood's most famous dads speaking about the joys and challenges of parenting." We discuss the lack of a collective rite of passage like a baby shower for men, how her own relationship with her father and her new-dad brother impacted this film, as well as how healthy families negotiate the tension between the private and the public parts of their worlds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of the George Floyd murder and Black Lives Matter activism, we discuss the need for fewer sermons about forgiveness, the pros and cons of bias, and how Adventists for Social Justice is growing. Courtney Ray, MDiv, PhD is President of the Society for Black Neuropsychology and an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gibson serves as Pastor for Young Adults at the Keene Church and adjunct professor for Southwestern’s Religion Department. We discuss how his church has found community in running a food bank during quarantine and how it's changed his style for worship. Also discussed: our shared love for the weird sport of disc golf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicholas Zork, PhD, is the minister for worship and the arts at Church of the Advent Hope in Manhattan. A singer-songwriter, composer, liturgical musician, guitarist and lecturer on topics in theology, worship and the arts, Zork shares how he's creating community in NYC with his local church as well as among his fellow musiciansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keisha E. McKenzie, PhD., Director of Digital Strategy for Auburn Seminary, discusses the campaign to help faith communities remain socially engaged while maintaining physical distance. A thought leader in and beyond Adventism, Keisha grew up in the U.K. and completed college in Jamaica and graduate studies in technical communication and rhetoric at Texas Tech University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Flores, a pastor in Maine, shares how he creatively ministers to his congregation under quarantine. From visitation to devotional messages, 26-year old Flores, a member of the Young Project, who also works as a "digital pastor" for his conference, opens up about the challenges and opportunities that social distance brings to Adventist ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spectrum editor Bonnie Dwyer discusses how the current pandemic has effected Adventism. From tithe to Sabbath school, she reflects on the changes to how the church gathers at various levels and sees hope in the emerging opportunities for creativity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worku is a songwriter, singer, speaker, and healthcare provider. With a voice that is both strong and soulful, Worku has forged a unique sound in the music industry. His original works defy genre categorization, somehow able to incorporate elements of many different musical styles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing our series on media to watch under quarantine, I interview the great writer and director Scott Teems, on his new film The Quarry (2020) about a drifter who assumes the identity of a preacher. We discuss violence, Christianity, and how the main actors Shea Whigham and Michael Shannon explore the tensions in human and divine justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Kevin Miller talks about the new documentary, J.E.S.U.S.A., produced by Adventist Forum board member Ken Peterson, that explores the relationship between Christianity and American nationalism. Spoiler: maybe it’s the violence in the dominant theory of the atonement. An evangelical, Kevin also discusses his famous film Hellbound? (2012) and why theology matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Bane was 42 and in good health when he began feeling sick last month. A few days later he was in the hospital fighting for his life. Michael talks with Spectrum reporter Alex Aamodt about what his experience can tell all of us during this time, and also how he dealt with the surreal experience of a Facebook post he made from the hospital going viral at the same moment his health was deteriorating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.