Mission Impossible? Faith at the Crossroads of People & Religions

Carlos Cardozi-Orlandi
Associate Professor of World Christianity, Columbia Theological Seminary

The Henry H. and Marion A. Presler Lectureship on Christian World Missions
October 24, 2007

Popular religion is an expression of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Christianity grows in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Latino areas of the U.S., mission studies discover particular dynamics between religion and culture. Given these dynamics, what role should we take in the Great Commission? Listen to the lecture.

To learn more about the Pressler Lecture series and the people for whom it was named: read the dedication address.

What a Difference Difference Can Make!

Douglas L. Gragg
Associate Professor of Bibliography and Research
Director of Library and Information Technology Services

Matthew 15: 1-28
Proverbs 27:17
October 12, 2007—Preached in honor of Theological Libraries Month

In this text Jesus’ inclusive vision of the community that lives under the reign of God is expanded even further through an encounter with a gentile woman of faith. This encourages us to celebrate diversity and pursue inclusivity, trusting that our own vision of the beloved community will be expanded and our lives enriched in ways beyond our capacity to predict through engagement with difference. Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF.

God’s Widening Circles

Frances S. Adeney
William A. Benfield, Jr. Professor of Evangelism and Global Mission

Ephesians 1:1-10
September 28, 2007

The sermon starts with a reading from Ephesians by student Asamoah Apenteng in his native language, Akan.

Despite scientific predictions, and despite various scenarios described in the bible, humans are blessed, in a way, by our inability to unravel and articulate the mysteries of what will happen to the universe in the future. But we keep trying. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, wends his way does not describe what will happen in the future. But he does describe God’s intentions for the future—the “dimensions of God’s eternal purpose and grace.” Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon

From Head to Heart

David R. Sawyer
Professor of MinistryDirector of Lifelong Learning and Advanced Degrees

Luke 5:17-26
September 21, 2007

The story of the healing of the paralytic brings the message not only of healing of a body but of redemption of the heart of the paralyzed person as well. The preacher’s own journey from head to heart is tied to this passage and also to the image of the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz whose joints were frozen because he lacked a heart. The congregation concluded the sermon with an experience of the “prayer of the heart” in chant and prayer. Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF.