The Awakening

Christopher Elwood
Professor of Historical Theology

March 30, 2012

Psalm 118, Mark 11:1-18

It’s a familiar ritual, this processional entry of a messiah into Jerusalem. It often becomes for us a time for palm-waving and half-hearted hosannas, celebration that quickly moves offstage as we prepare for the somber and more deeply spiritual events of Holy Week. But what if the Judean Spring of long ago is a key to Jesus’ genuinely revolutionary mission? What if we find in these stories the wild upsetter of our habit of getting used to the world as given to us? No wonder we hurry to get this troublemaker on to a cross! Listen to the sermon.

The Name of a Happy Ending

Heather Thiessen

Former Coordinator of the Women’s Center at LPTS

February 17, 2012
Job 42:10-17

The elimination of violence against women and girls is completely possible. It is simply asking for what most kindergarten teachers routinely ask for in their classrooms: no hitting, no hurting our neighbors, taking turns and keeping our hands to ourselves. If we can expect it of the average 5-year-old, we can surely expect it of the average person.  Listen to the sermon.  Read the sermon in PDF.

The Politics of Black Religion

Barbara D. Savage

Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and Professor of History in the Department of History of the University of Pennsylvania

April 11, 2012

Grawemeyer Award in Religion Lecture

Dr. Savage received the prize for the ideas set forth in her book, Your Spirits Walk Beside Us: The Politics of Black Religion which introduces important new perspectives on the study of black religion and the political role of African American churches.

Dr. Savage explains why it is misleading to speak of ‘the black church’ given the enormous diversity among African American congregations. She also challenges the popular belief that black churches have been prophetic and politically active throughout history. Listen to the lecture.