Adventist Voices by Spectrum: The Journal of the Adventist Forum

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.

Ronald E. Osborn, Associate Professor of Ethics and Philosophy at La Sierra University, and host Alexander Carpenter discuss Albert Camus’ 1947 novel “The Plague.” Can the narrative parallels and its philosophical perspective provide insight into our current coronaviral reality? Join us as we all try to survive #AloneTogether. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For your sheltering-in-place needs, special guest George Nolfi talks about his newest film, The Banker, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie. We also discuss why Nolfi changed from academic pursuits in philosophy and political science to filmmaking, how he researched, wrote, and directed this latest work, and its themes of race and class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loma Linda University medical students, Martha Duah and Adrienne Green, discuss their bioethics project, a podcast called “A Medical History of Color.” (Add link: https://ccbpodcasts.podbean.com/e/a-medical-history-in-color-one-root-deep/We talk about racism in healthcare, their career plans, and how the coronavirus pandemic is effecting med students right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded at the recent Spectrum conference Sammy Reyes, a former pastor, shares ideas for connecting imagination and inspiration to create a more humanistic and generous spirituality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the context of this summer's GC Session Jason Hines discusses his latest column on the Spectrum website. In addition to pondering the possibility and meanings of unity, we talk about the recent Adventist Forum conference and its focus on identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary scholar, administrator, and former board chair of Adventist Forum, Charles Scriven gets passionate about the Bible. We discuss why Jesus is key to understanding the whole Bible, the ways that an historical hermeneutic helps, and how he really appreciates Paul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray Tetz, director of communication and community engagement for the Pacific Union Conference, explains what "noncompliance" means vs. what matters. He also details the union's new media initiatives and why he's hopeful about Adventism in the west.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yale Divinity student, Matthew Korpman, discusses growing up idolizing Adventist evangelists, how La Sierra University challenged him, and the controversial argument in his new book: Saying NO to God: A Radical Approach to Reading the Bible faithfully.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conductor laureate Herbert Blomstedt discusses his strict and musical Adventist upbringing, his favorite hymns and the changing landscape of hymnals, why he pursued a career as a conductor, and what concerts he has in store. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1927, Herbert Blomstedt moved with his family to Sweden in 1929. His mother, a pianist, gave him his first musical training. this led him eventually to the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and to the University of Uppsala. Herbert Blomstedt is in constant demand as a guest conductor and had led many of the world's greatest orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and Philadelphia Orchestra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back to 1969, I read the first four poems to appear in Spectrum: poets include Ben Jacques, Isaac Johnson, James Londis, and Freidrich Nietzsche. Additionally, in memory of Dr. Richard Ritland, I read from the first exploration of science and faith by him to appear in the journal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prolific author Dr. Ron Osborn talks about current issues in Adventism, reads aloud from his book Death Before the Fall, and opens up about his experience with writer's block.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off the new year with Dan Weber, director of communication for the North American Division. We discuss why diversity is the future of NAD health, his personal experience with life changing mission service, and Kings basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our final podcast in 2019, Bonnie Dwyer, the editor of Spectrum, and Alexander Carpenter reflect on the year in Adventism including Annual Council and recent scholarly work on the 1919 Bible conference. We also look back on the year for Spectrum and draw attention to some major investigative reporting as well as hint at what Spectrum will be doing in 2020. Finally, we reflect on the Advent season and the spirit of giving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A figure in Adventist social media for over a decade, The Adventist Caricaturist reveals a little about his denominational past, laugh about Headship Bobbleheads and #GossipJuice, as well as reflect on the role of satire in the Adventist community. To protect the caricaturist's identity, we used a voice-masking app so apologies for any oddities with the audio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sydney Freeman, Jr., is an associate professor at the University of Idaho. He is founder and editor-in-chief of The Journal for the Study of Postsecondary and Tertiary Education.In this episode I speak with Dr. Freeman about his passion for black authors, a black theology within adventism, and the concept of a Black Adventist Identity Development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retired Southern Adventist University president Gordon Bietz shares his vision for a North American Division Higher Educational SystemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I chat with Dave Ferguson, Director of Church Relations for Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International, an organization for current and former Adventists who identify as LGBTIQ+.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alisa Williams, Managing Editor for the Spectrum website, reviews the North American Division Year-End Meetings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr.Jaime Kolwessar serves with his wife Carlene, and two daughters, as a pastor of the City Temple Sda Church in Dallas Texas. He is widely known as the “Seventh-day Activist” due to his passion and commitment to social justice advocacy in the church and community. In this episode we discuss Dr. K’s views on social justice within an Adventist theological framework, women’s ordination, his writings and practical steps churches and individuals can take to engage justice work!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrews University president Andrea Luxton, PhD, joins Adventist Voices to discuss the state of her institution as well as the broader future of higher education. We converse about her love for John Milton as well as how schools can welcome diversity-seeking students, what questions board members should ask, and why there's hope despite the recent Annual Council actions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Adventist Voices talks with Matt Gal, Regional Director of Population Health and Capitation Management for Adventist Health. He explains this emerging focus in corporate healthcare, how it engages local communities, and what about it forwards Adventist mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie Dwyer, Spectrum editor, draws from her decades of Annual Council reporting to set the stage for this meeting of General Conference Executive Committee. She provides background on who will be present, the four major topics to watch, and why it all matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryant Rodriguez shares how he went from studying theology at Southern Adventist University to becoming the Digital and Social Media Strategist for McKee Foods Corporation, the maker of Little Debbie snacks. We discuss how he blew up the internet as an intern, the tensions between health-conscious Adventist values and making Cosmic Brownies, the "voice" of Little Debbie, and how Bryant stays connected to Adventist ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off a new series focused on Adventist education with Richard Osborn, PhD, Vice President for WASC Senior College and University Commission. Previously, he was President of Pacific Union College and an education administrator for the North American Division. Based on his current work accrediting educational institutions around the Western United States and his work on an NAD commission, Dr. Osborn shares his unbridled concerns about the direction of Adventist higher education and offers some models for how it might change for the better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our third episode of the "Road to the General Conference Session" series I chat with our social media stars from the last one: Rachel Logan and Alisa Williams. We laugh a lot remembering the 2015 session. We also discuss the role of Twitter and independent journalism, and they provide some survival tips for first timers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I talk with Nat Kofi Abu Bonsrah, the Emergency Response Planning Manager for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency's response to Hurricane Dorian damage to The Bahamas. He very passionately shares some early observations from the ground, briefly opens up about how he became involved with ADRA, and gets very specific about how folks can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Leslie Foster connects art and spirituality, being a church elder and a Burning Man temple guardian. A graduate of Southern Adventist University, Leslie is a Los Angeles-based experimental filmmaker and a current member of the Torrance Art Museum FORUM residency program. An activist and longtime leader at an Adventist community, he shares his journey and explores why pauses in participation can be faith restoring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vanessa Corredera, PhD, joins Adventist Voices to talk about growing up crossing borders, her Andrews University course on Shakespeare and Race, and how understanding intersectionality helps Adventist identity. Dr. Corredera will be one of our presenters at the 2019 Adventist Forum conference on Labor Day weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I chat with Humans of Adventism creator Kaleb Eisele about his hometown of Indianapolis, the site of the 2020 General Conference Session. We discuss the culture of Indiana Adventism, how GC attendees can better understand urban contexts, as well as hospitality insights from his recent visit to Oregon camp meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Adventist Voices, I ask Adventist Forum boardmember Jason Hines about his recent column for Spectrum "Liberation and Reconciliation. We discuss Black Liberation Theology, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, and how Adventism might address the race-based inequalities in our community. Jason Hines teaches at AdventHealth University in Orlando, FL. He holds a doctorate in Religion, Politics, and Society from Baylor University, a Master’s in Religion from the Seminary at Andrews University, a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School, and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of ConnecticutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Adventist Voice this week is the prophetic Michael Nixon, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Andrews University. We discuss race, Adventist identity, his work with Ty Gibson on Against the Wall, as well as Michael's background as an attorney and the son of a pastor. He will be at our Adventist Forum conference, leading a panel discussion on Youth, Ethnicity and Adventist Identity on Aug. 31.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I talk with someone I've been shooting the breeze with for several decades: Ronald Osborn, Associate Professor of Ethics and Philosophy at La Sierra University. We talk about our top three books of the Bible, The Brothers Karamazov, the HBO series Chernobyl, the current film The Farewell, and other light summer fare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we kick off a new series focused on the next General Conference Session. My guests are Bonnie Dwyer, editor of Spectrum and Raymond Dabrowski, longtime director of communication for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the current director of communication for the Rocky Mountain Conference. In this rambling conversation focusing on media at the GC session, Ray shares his insider perspective managing church messaging and Bonnie discusses what she finds important for reporting the news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A founder of the Society of Adventist Philosphers, Zane Yi talks about his early Adventist life and what book of the Bible sparked his interest in the contemplative life. Dr. Yi teaches at Loma Linda University and holds master’s degrees in philosophy from Loyola Marymount University (2004) and a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary (2005) as well as a doctorate degree in philosophy at Fordham University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan Brown is a writer and book editor at Signs Publishing Company, based near Melbourne, Australia. He has collaborated with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) on “The Least of These” Sabbath School Quarterly project over a period of almost 10 years. Nathan is author/editor of 16 books, including two this year—Of Falafels and Following Jesus and For the Least of These (companion book to the third quarter Sabbath school lessons). He has completed two masters degrees, in professional writing, and theology and justice, respectively. In this episode we discuss his work on the quarterly, what’s just about Adventism, and how he lives the writing life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She probably reads more books than you. In this Adventist Voices episode, managing editor Alisa Williams talks about how she reads about one hundred books a year. She also shares the highs and lows from the ten she read in June—on religion, young adult literature, poetry and suspense. We also discuss the pros and cons about her life online with Spectrum and what gives her hope for the future of Adventism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.