Public Theology Series Archive
Below are links to the recordings from the previous Public Theology lecture series presented by North Park Theology Seminary with generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc.聽
For information about the current聽Public Theology聽lecture series, please visit the North Park Theological Seminary聽Calendar and Events Page.
The Seminary’s 2022鈥�23 public theology series focuses on being centered in Christ鈥攏ot as an escape from the needs of the world, but as a necessary means to the transformative work of the church in the world.
Seminary faculty from each disciplinary field will facilitate dialogue in reflection on Jesus鈥� invitation in Matthew 11:28鈥�30: 鈥淎re you tired? Worn out? Burned out鈥�? Come to me. Get away with me and you鈥檒l recover your life. I鈥檒l show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me鈥攚atch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won鈥檛 lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you鈥檒l learn to live freely and lightly鈥� (The Message). We invite you to join us as we seek Christ鈥檚 unforced rhythms of grace. All lectures are free and open to the public but registration is required.
- October 26, 2022: Click to view the recording of the lecture.
- February 8, 2023: Click to view the recording of the lecture.
- April 12, 2023, 12:00 – 1:30pm (Central): Click to view the recording of the lecture.
Culture and Belonging: A Public Theology Series, 2021鈥�22
Responding to the invitation of theologian Willie James Jennings (After Whiteness), this series pursued an ethic of聽 belonging that builds people toward each other, shared habitation, and ultimately communion. Drawing from the fields of ministry, Bible, theology, and history, we reimagined communities of belonging through the lens of culture. NPTS聽 faculty and leading practitioners of Covenant congregations and denominational ministries collaborated to lead creative discussions integrating scholarship, ministry practices, and formation. View the recordings below.
“Global Hunger in Our Time”
Reconciled & Reconciling: P.P. Waldenstr枚m鈥檚 Atonement Sermon 150 Years Later
The year 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of Rev. Paul Peter Waldenstr枚m鈥檚 sermon on reconciliation (1872), which set in motion events that led to the formation of the Covenant Churches in Sweden (1878) and North America (1885) and left an indelible mark on Covenant preaching, mission, and ecclesiology.
Four scholars and church leaders shared how this crucial aspect of Covenant history remains relevant today to the church’s calling to restorative justice, racial righteousness, global mission, preaching, and congregational life. Co-sponsored by the Commission on Covenant History and North Park Theological Seminary. View the recordings below.
- , Hauna Ondrey
- “,” Mark Safstrom
- “,” Al Tizon
- “,” Dominique Gilliard
Traditioned Innovation: A Public Theology Series 2020鈥�21
We entered 2021 amid continuing economic and political uncertainties, navigating the layered crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, persistent, and pernicious racialized inequities in church, nation, and world. This complex reality requires all the resources available to us, including a critical evaluation of the past鈥斺�渢raditioned innovation鈥� (L. Gregory Jones) that fruitfully draws from, critiques, and reimagines the past for the needs of the present and future. NPTS faculty and leading practitioners of Covenant congregations and denominational ministries collaborated to lead creative discussions integrating scholarship, ministry practices, and formation. View the recordings below.
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