Bring to Mind

Last Monday many of us were overwhelmed by strong emotions as we heard the news about bombs going off at the Boston Marathon. How should we think about our emotions, especially in the face of horrific tragedy? How should our faith inform us in difficult times? In this episode, Melinda talks with Dr. Gerald Peterman about the emotional life of the Christian, and about a theology of suffering.Use the form below to enter this week's drawing:

Jackie Hill is as shocked about her journey to Spoken Word poet as anyone. But this raw and creative genre calls for material that is born of survival, and Jackie is a survivor. Hear how God surprised her life story and then put her on the stage. 

Ben Devries of Not One Sparrow talks about the Christian voice in animal care and how we might model God’s delight and care of them. And Ben agreed to take on the “will my pet go to heaven?” question. See if you feel differently about animals after hearing Ben.

Jon Acuff talks about the gift of laughter and how it connect us to both our authentic selves and to our faith more deeply.For this week's podcast, please click the "Listen Now" button to the right.Bonus audio, use the player below to listen to Melinda and Jon talking about his new book "START":

Eva Rydelnik talks about the Jewish roots of Christian faith, and historically connects the Passover seder (order, service) to the modern day Eucharist.

The definition of “compassion” is “to suffer with,” and Dr. John Fuder talks about how we might minister compassionately to the city, suburbs and rural settings in America. 

Dr. Pam Barger, a Thai woman who is a first generation American, was raised in the Buddhist tradition. Pam talks about what she describes as a complex and complicated country on this edition of Bring to Mind.Download a list of organizations working with sex trafficking issues in Thailand.

Pastor and author David Platt was living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. On this episode of Bring To Mind Melinda and David talk about how his life and ministry were changed by that event.

Opera, an artform that is often an acquired taste. Why should we acquire that taste though? That's what Melinda is exploring along with opera singer Desirée Hassler on this episode of Bring To Mind.

This week on Bring To Mind Melinda talks with Greg Jao about the common myths that result in a passive engagement of our intellect with our faith.

Melinda talks with Dr. Laura Smit, author of Loves Me, Loves Me Not, about how to deal with unrequited love. What do you do when you loves someone who doesn't love you back--or you're the object of someone's desires when you don't feel the same way? And what role does faith play in romantic love? 

Melinda talks with Dr. Gregg Quiggle about the life and legacy of D.L. Moody and what Moody's involvement with "social justice" issues looked like. Who was this man, and how did he engage the culture around him?

Beauty...what role does it play in the life of faith? Melinda examines that question, along with many others, with Steve DeWitt on this week's podcast.

How expendable is our imagination? In an age where living frugally is at a premium in the everyday, should we live also frugally in our spiritual life? Michael Card talks about the Biblical imagination and the ways in which it enriches and nourishes our love for God, and bridges head and heart knowledge of Him.

Do you think of yourself as a theologian? Dr. Laurie Norris says we are all theologians, living out our theology in the every day. Theological study isn’t just for your Pastor, it’s necessary for everyone.For Dr. Norris’ download of recommended reading, the major creeds of the church and core historical Christian doctrines click here.