THE CHARGE with Dennis Metzler

Womanism and Biblical Interpretation: Black Feminism and Theology with Dr. Mitzi Smith

Mitzi Smith gives us some background on womanist thought, key thinkers, and its relationship with theology and biblical interpretation. We cover the raison d'etre of womanism, potential compatibility for Black conservative evangelical women, and its relevance to White men. Dr. Smith then explores the relationship of exegesis and eisegesis and the multi-faceted role of the womanist biblical scholar. Mitzi Smith examines six biblical scenarios and relates each of them to a contemporary justice concern: the New Testament's portrayal of women as virgins and whore, Matthew's Great Commission and social justice teaching, the Samaritan woman at the well and access to safe water, the Syro-Phonecian woman and intersectionality, the Ethiopian eunuch, Apollos, and the subordinated other, and Elisha, boys, bears, and police brutality. Finally, we look at the ways womanist thought can be applied to the life and mission of the church.
I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or email me at thecharge.info@gmail.com
Check out Dr. Smith's books: Womanist Sass and Talk Back: Social (In)Justice, Intersectionality, and Biblical Interpretation
https://www.amazon.com/Womanist-Sass-Talk-Back-Intersectionality/dp/1498288863/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1680287804&sr=8-1
I Found God in Me: A Womanist Biblical Hermeneutics Reader
https://www.amazon.com/Found-God-Me-Womanist-Hermeneutics/dp/162564745X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1680287884&sr=8-2

The Books of Samuel 1 and 2: Introduction, Exploration, and Theology with Dr. Paul Evans

We investigate the questions of author, date, occasion, genre, structure, themes, and historicity of Samuel 1 and 2. Dr. Evans considers the theology of Samuel through six topics: fulfillment of the prophetic word, trust in God, seriousness of sin, importance of true repentance, Davidic covenant, and the Anointed One. The life and influence of Samuel is discussed as is the whole issue of kingship. Evans also considers the rise and fall of Saul as well as key incidents in the career of David.
Checkout Dr. Evans' book, "1 and 2 Samuel: The Story of God Commentary", published by Zondervan.
https://www.amazon.com/1-2-Samuel-Story-Bible-Commentary/dp/0310490936/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678493560&sr=8-1
I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or write me at thecharge.info@gmail.com

The Book of Daniel with Dr. Wendy Widder--Background, History, Theology, and Application

We dive into the Book of Daniel, considering its historical background, genre, structure, dating, authorship, purpose, and theology. Dr. Widder gives us a look at the characters of Daniel, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus but especially Nebuchadnezzar. Key stories as well as dreams, visions, and prophecies are also examined.
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I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or email me at thecharge.info@gmail.com
Dr. Wendy Widder is an Old Testament scholar and is the author of "Daniel--The Story of God Bible Commentary"
https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Story-God-Bible-Commentary-ebook/dp/B00VEYHY1E/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3QZW7CMFWELJ0&keywords=Wendy+Widder&qid=1676585420&s=books&sprefix=wendy+widder%2Cstripbooks%2C122&sr=1-2 
Every Road Goes Somewhere: A Memoir about Calling
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Road-Goes-Somewhere-Calling/dp/B0BJ7WNWNP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QZW7CMFWELJ0&keywords=Wendy+Widder&qid=1676585514&s=books&sprefix=wendy+widder%2Cstripbooks%2C122&sr=1-1

Understanding Spiritual Gifts: The Heart of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement with Dr. Sam Storms

Dr. Storms covers the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, how we receive the gifts, and human agency and authority in exercising the gifts. As a Reformed charismatic theologian, he discusses the relationship the Reformed church has had with the spiritual gifts and cessationism as well as his own relationship with cessationists and the future of cessationism. Storms dives into different approaches to words of knowledge and words of wisdom and takes a peak at Spurgeon's experience of words of knowledge. We look at the nature and purpose of prophecy and consider the difference between OT and NT prophecy and the relationship of the priesthood to prophecy. Dr. Storms examines Paul's journey to Jerusalem in Acts, exploring contrary interpretations of prophecy within the text. We take a look at the discernment of spirits, healing, the gift of faith, and apostleship--both biblically and in the church today. Finally, Storms covers the phenomena of supernatural gifts in non-Christians and the current state of the charismatic renewal movement.
I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment or shoot me an email at thecharge.info@gmail.com
Sam Storms is a theologian, pastor, professor, and author.
Checkout Dr. Storms' book "Understanding Spiritual Gifts: A Comprehensive Guide":
https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Spiritual-Gifts-Comprehensive-Guide/dp/0310111498/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1675294497&sr=8-1

Cultural Apologetics & A Good and True Story: 11 Clues Pointing to the Reality of God w/ Paul Gould

Paul Gould leads us through an overview of cultural apologetics as he considers C.S. Lewis’ notion of ages: unenchanted, enchanted, disenchanted, and re- enchanted—as well as the argument from desire. Gould examines the relationship of imagination to beauty and reason to truth and conscience to the good. We also cover Christian ethics from the apologist’s perspective. Dr. Gould then explores several different issues which, through his evidence, ultimately point to the reality of God: the fine tuning of the universe, the existence of life, the diversity and development of species, objective morality, meaning, pain and suffering, love, objective beauty, and the Christian story. Dr. Paul M. Gould is Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
 I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or send me an email at thecharge.info@gmail.com
Please check out Dr. Gould’s books, Cultural Apologetics and A Good and True Story.
https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Apologetics-Conscience-Imagination-Disenchanted-ebook/dp/B07BB5Y111/ref=sr_1_2?crid=385NXLGNSAQ83&keywords=paul+gould+good+true&qid=1673993736&sprefix=%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-2 https://www.amazon.com/Good-True-Story-Understanding-Universe-ebook/dp/B09V6NM77Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=385NXLGNSAQ83&keywords=paul+gould+good+true&qid=1673993717&sprefix=%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1

Christian Ethics: A Very Short Introduction with Dr. D. Stephen Long

We cover the relationship of theology to ethics and consider key Old Testament passages including the giving of the law and the tabernacle. Dr. Long looks at the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and explains how the beatitudes are a fulfillment of the call of Abraham. Christian liturgy is seen in relationship to ethics and Aquinas, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Anabaptists are considered as sources of ethical thought and practice. Long then covers ecclesiology and mission as well as modern and post-modern thinkers--all in view of ethics. We then look at particular ethical issues including sex, money, justice, capitalism, violence, non-violence, and pacifism.
I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or email me at thecharge.info@gmail.com
Check out Steve Long's book "Christian Ethics: A Very Short Introduction" 
 https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Ethics-Very-Short-Introduction/dp/0199568863/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JHDR4PEEYD75&keywords=christian+ethics+a+very+short+introduction+by+d.+stephen+long&qid=1672869954&sprefix=Long+Christian+Ethics%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1

IDOLATRY: A Biblical and Theological Exploration with Stephen Fowl

Dr. Fowl defines idolatry, considers the golden calf, the bronze serpent, and the giving of the Law, compares idols and icons, explores food and idols at Corinth, and looks at the shema and forgetfulness in regard to idolatry. Our discussion contemplates the place of overconsumption, greed, fear, and preemption as they relate to idolatry. Fowl offers an emphasis on creation, thankfulness, catechesis, mission, and a healthy curiosity to counter today's idolatry. Finally, as a contemporary example of idolatry, Dr. Fowl explores White cultural dominance.
Enjoy the interview! I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment or send me an email at thecharge.info@gmail.com 
Check out Stephen Fowl's book "Idolatry":
https://www.amazon.com/Idolatry-Stephen-Fowl/dp/1481310844/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HUBXZY9Y4LP2&keywords=Stephen+fowl+idolatry&qid=1671419602&sprefix=stephen+fowl+idolatry%2Caps%2C313&sr=8-1

Doing Healing: Supernatural Gifts of the Spirit with Alexander Venter

Alexander Venter, all the way from South Africa, explores various views of healing throughout church history, the Scriptural and theological basis for healing, principles and practices of healing in Jesus' ministry, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the place of faith. He considers the church's practice of healing, the authority of disciples, words of knowledge, images, and sympathetic pains, two healing stories, and the possibility of misconduct related to healing. I would love to hear from you. Email me at thecharge.info@gmail.com Check out Alexander Venter's book "Doing Healing: How to Minister God's Kingdom in the Power of the Spirit https://www.amazon.com/Doing-Healing-Minister-Kingdom-Spirit/dp/198360125X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JNSPT5SH6ZRJ&keywords=alexander+venter+doing+healing&qid=1669925176&sprefix=alexander+venter+doing+healing%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1 Check out Alexander Venter's webpage and other books at: https://alexanderventer.com/

Reinhold Niebuhr’s Story and Theology : An American Conscience with Dr. Jeremy Sabella

The life and theology of Reinhold Niebuhr is covered by Dr. Jeremy Sabella, based on his research for his book “An American Conscience: The Reinhold Niebuhr Story”. We look at Niebuhr’s background, the Social Gospel movement, his understanding of theology, Scripture, the kingdom of God, realism, politics, war, race, and society. Sabella also comments on Niebuhr’s differences with Barth, his life as a pastor, activist, theologian, and professor and three of his most significant books: “Moral Man and Immoral Society”, “The Children of Light and the Children of Darkness”, and “The Irony of American History”. I would love to hear from you. Please send me an email or leave a comment. thecharge.info@gmail.com Dr. Jeremy Sabella is a lecturer in the religion department at Dartmouth College. Check out his book, “An American Conscience: The Reinhold Niebuhr Story”: https://www.amazon.com/American-Conscience-Reinhold-Niebuhr-Story/dp/0802875270/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DEAOBXZN15PR&keywords=an+american+conscience+the+reinhold+niebuhr+story&qid=1668797180&sprefix=an+american+conscience%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1

The Cane Ridge Revival

The revival at Cane Ridge, Kentucky in 1801 was perhaps the most significant revival meeting of the Second Great Awakening. It was a Presbyterian communion service in the traditional of Scotch communion services that had been occurring for 200 years. Bizarre bodily manifestations were controversial at these meetings just as they are at revivals today. Let yourself be transported back in time to learn about Barton Stone, James McGready, Richard McNemar, John Rankin, David Caldwell and the others who were instrumental in spreading revival in the early American frontier. Enjoy the interview! I would love to hear from you: send me an email at thecharge.info@gmail.com Thanks goes to Paul K. Conkin for his landmark book on the subject "Cane Ridge: America's Pentecost", published by University of Wisconsin Press in 1990. You can purchase it through Abe Books at https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?cm_sp=SearchF-_-topnav-_-Results&ds=20&kn=Cane%20Ridge%3A%20America%27s%20Pentecost&sts=t