The Cultural Christ

In this episode of The Cultural Christ, host J.W. Buck speaks with Tasha about her journey of rediscovering her cultural identity in Christ, navigating parenthood and cultural heritage, and finding community. Tasha also shares about her memoir, "Tell Me the Dream Again,".

In this episode of The Cultural Christ, host J.W. Buck sits down with Tasha June, a biracial Korean American author of Tell Me the Dream Again, to explore the complex intersection of faith and cultural identity. Tasha shares her unique story of growing up in a multicultural household, living in Tokyo during her formative years, and navigating the challenges of cultural reentry in the United States. She reflects on her journey of understanding her cultural identity as a follower of Jesus, the struggles of fitting into a predominantly white Christian context, and how her faith grew through these experiences. Together, they discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating cultural differences within the Christian faith and how understanding one’s cultural identity is essential to an authentic relationship with God. Tune in for a compelling conversation about faith, culture, and belonging.

In this episode of "The Cultural Christ," host J.W. Buck interviews Terry Diener, a retired Mennonite pastor from Goshen, Indiana. They explore the intersection of Anabaptist heritage and cultural identity, delving into the Mennonite commitment to peace, community, and Christ-centered living.

In Part 2 of this interview we continue our conversation with Sandra, about her journey of cultural identity development. This episode delves into the intersections of faith, ethnicity, and social dynamics, emphasizing the importance of diverse friendships and self-awareness.

Join us on The Cultural Christ as Sandra, a white Latina Pentecostal Christian from Chicago, shares her rich cultural background and faith journey. Discover how her Colombian-Argentinian heritage and experiences in diverse Chicago neighborhoods shaped her Christian identity and how she navigates the intersection of cultural and faith expressions.

In this episode of The Cultural Christ, host J.W. Buck continues the insightful interview with Nicole, exploring her transformative journey of faith across cultures. Nicole shares profound lessons learned about the intersection of Christianity and cultural identity, emphasizing the expansive love of Christ beyond cultural and socio-economic barriers.

Join host J.W. Buck in "The Cultural Christ" as he interviews Nicole Lim, the international director of Freelee in Hope. Nicole shares her journey growing up in a Chinese American church in the Bay Area, navigating the intersections of cultural identity and Christian faith. Explore how her heritage shaped her understanding of success, community, and spirituality.

Join us as we continue or conversation with Kathy Khang as discusses who Jesus is to her, and what some of her first mental images of Jesus were.

This week we talk with Kathy Khang, a Korean American writer. In this episode, Kathy shares her journey of faith and cultural identity, reflecting on her Korean American upbringing. Explore how Kathy's faith and cultural identity intertwine. Kathy's journey highlights the profound connection between language, culture, and spirituality.

In part two we continue our conversation with Jevon Bolden, exploring the interplay between Christian faith and cultural identity. Jevon also talks about founding Embolden Media Group, emphasizing her mission to create inclusive spaces for diverse voices in the publishing industry.

In this episode of "The Cultural Christ," host J.W. Buck interviews Jevon Bolden, founder and CEO of Embolden Media Group. Jevon shares her journey as an African American Christian woman, growing up in a strong Seventh-day Adventist subculture. She discusses her upbringing in a Black community, the impact of her father's ministry, and the challenges faced when by being in Southern environments. Jevon also reflects on her evolving relationship with Jesus, highlighting how her understanding of His cultural identity has deepened over time. Join us next week for part two of this insightful conversation.

In this episode, we dive into the faith journey of Astor, who was born in Nigeria and raised in Glendale, California, in an Armenian family. Despite being baptized Catholic, Astor's true connection to Jesus blossomed at 21, inspiring him to become a pastor. We explore the significance of Christianity in Armenian culture, which prides itself on being the first Christian nation and deeply values family and community ties. Astor shares how historical traumas like the Armenian genocide have shaped their collective faith. Listen in to hear Astor's insightful reflections on faith, identity, and community.

Join us this week with the emerging theologian Yanan! He discusses his journey towards the United States growing up in a missionary kid overseas. Melo is currently a graduate student at Princeton Seminary.

Join us this week with the retired Seattle fireman and pastor Mark Buck as he discusses his upbringing in Odessa, Texas, and how he seeks to spread God’s love with those around him. 

In Pt. Two, we continue our conversation with Ferguson about the intersections between her cultural identity, faith, and Jesus. Join us!

Join us this week for part one of our interview with the amazing Latasha! She shares her upbringing in a ministry family, living overseas, and coming to terms with her multi-cultural identity. This resident of Florida gives tons of wisdom and direction for those looking to explore a Jesus-centered identity! 

In part two, we continue our conversation with Duke about the intersections between her cultural identity, faith, and Jesus. Join us!

Join us this week for an interview with Ernesto about his journey from small-town Califonia to urban Los Angeles. Duke is a professor and leader of Eternity Bible College, has spent time in Mexico at various orphanages, and is supportive of those in the foster system.   

The pastor and church planter Josh Lewis shares his formative cultural experiences growing up in a southern family, his journey towards Jesus, and how to discern our cultural identity. Lewis currently serves as pastor of Anthem church in Denver, Colorado. Check out this episode now!

We continue our conversation with Margarette Kwon, the Filipina-American mom and wife to discuss the intersections between her faith in Jesus, her cultural upbringing, and her current stage of life.

We are joined in this episode by the Filipina-American mom and wife to discuss the intersections between her faith in Jesus, her cultural upbringing, and her current stage of life.

The Native American activist and best-selling author Mark Charles joins us to talk about his cultural upbringing, his faith formation in white spaces, and how he understands Jesus. Join us for this interesting conversion! 

The wonderful Susannah dives into her Southern upbringing, her falling in love with the Bible in seminary, and how the culture in which she was raised impacts her faith. She also touches on issues of marriage, divorce, and developing a Trauma informed approach to the scriptures.

The suburban raised Steve talks about his formative years in white spaces and how his move to Portland has spurred him to learn the local culture to share Jesus with his neighbors. This former pastor, father, and husband gives us lots of great wisdom on how to follow Jesus locally.

We continue our conversation with Dr. Hernandez about the intersections between his cultural identity, faith, and Jesus.

The one and only Norlan joins us to discuss a range of cultural topics including his Nicaraguan heritage and his desire to see his wife flourish in her own cultural identity. Norlan mixes his personal story with a deep understanding of the nature of culture from a faith perspective

In Pt. Two, we continue our conversation with Tiffany about the intersections between her cultural identity, faith, and Jesus.

The amazing Indian-American adoptee Tiffany Bluhm discusses the intersection between her faith in Jesus and her cultural identity. So many lessons, stories, and wisdom to glean from her story.

Our friend Dillon Nelson discusses the journey to find meaning in his Japanese roots while growing up in suburban Los Angeles. We then explore the interplay between his faith and cultural identity discovery process.

In Pt. Two, we continue our conversation with Marvel about the intersections between her cultural identity, faith, church, and Jesus.

The amazing Marvel Nimurungi discusses how Jesus has shaped her cultural identity, the intersections between her Ugandan upbringing and U.S. culture, and the healing power of diverse church communities.

Welcome to The Cultural Christ! In this interview based podcast, your host Dr. J.W. Buck explores the connection between the Christian faith and cultural identity. Do you wonder how faith connects to your own identity? Do you long to understand how your own cultural expressions should shape faith? Are you tired of white-washed Christianity? This podcast is a great place to start.Your host J.W. Buck has a PhD in intercultural studies, has lived overseas and helped create a few organizations with an intercultural focus. He co-planted a multicultural church in Los Angeles and has taught undergraduate Bible in East African and Los Angeles. He is currently program director of NYAP’s La Jornada program that serves unaccompanied minors that land in Tucson. He is author of Everyday Activism: Following 7 Practices of Jesus to Create a Just World and has a forthcoming book called In God’s Good Image: How Jesus Dignifies, Shapes, and Confronts Our Cultural Identities. Josh lives with his wife Sarswatie and their three children in Southwest Tucson, Arizona.