Critical Faith

Junior Member Julia Henderson joins the Critical Faith team to start a new series on philosophy as a spiritual exercise. In this series she'll be talking with folks about how philosophy, faith, and our everyday lives intersect with one another in meaningful ways. This first episode is a conversation with Junior Member, teacher, and coffee roaster Joe Watson about how he first got into philosophy, finding God amid suffering, and what coffee has to teach us about modal aspects. *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu. Music by Matt Bernico.

Back in the spring, we talked with Dr. Jeffrey Dudiak, ICS alum and Professor of Philosophy at The King's University in Edmonton, while he was enjoying a sabbatical. We walked, chapter by chapter, through some of the guiding questions of his short book Post-Truth? Facts and Faithfulness (Currents in Reformational Thought Series, Wipf and Stock, 2022) and got a bit of a glimpse into his forthcoming sabbatical project: an interactive forum on wisdom and polarization called Of Serpents and Doves: Explorations in Christian Wisdom. In this episode, Jeff explores a more enriched understanding of truth, compares worldviews vs. ideologies, considers the role of relevance in one's approach to teaching, and exhorts us to learn how to “do wisdom Christianly.” Have a listen! *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu. Music by Matt Bernico.

In today's episode, Héctor Acero Ferrer recently spent some time in conversation with Executive Director of Shalem Mental Health Network, Jennifer Bowen. You'll hear them reflect on the shared history and institutional connections between the Institute for Christian Studies and Shalem, as well as on the topic of how to navigate difficult conversations. On the occasion of Shalem celebrating their 60th anniversary as an organization this month, we are so glad we could talk with Jennifer, we congratulate Shalem on this milestone, and we wish them many more years of service in the community! *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu. Music by Matt Bernico.

In today's episode, we welcome new member of the Critical Faith team, Jimmy Ronald! Jimmy had a chance to chat with ICS Senior Member Bob Sweetman about some of his thoughts on tradition as authority or a "right place to start," story vs. argument, and some of the writing projects Bob has on the horizon. Have a listen to this and other episodes with Bob from the Critical Faith archive! *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu. Music by Matt Bernico.

After an extended break, we're back! And we're planning to bring you some more regular content again in the new year. In today's episode, ICS President Ronald A. Kuipers talks with our guest Eric Van Giessen about their respective histories in the Christian Reformed Church and their responses to the CRC's recent synod vote to affirm the 2016 Human Sexuality Report. Along the way, they explore alternative avenues of Biblical interpretation, Eric's autoethnographic research into Queer faith communities, and some tools for having more productive conversations on difficult topics.  *** You can find more about Eric's research and other projects on his website at www.ericvangiessen.com. You can also check out the original Queerly Faithful Zine, which contains the poem Eric read among many other creative contributions, at www.queerlyfaithfulpress.ca/zine. You can also find the article mentioned in this episode published this past June on Broadview magazine’s website at www.broadview.org. *** Critical Faith is spons

In this series finale, Andrew asks a handful of Critical Faith crew members, ICS Junior Members, alums, and colleagues to respond to the previous interviews in the series. So this episode features guest responses from Theoren Tolsma, Samir Gassanov, Abbi Hofstede, Kevin Huinink, Danielle Yett, Mark Standish, Hector Acero Ferrer, and Andrew himself. Thanks for following along as we thought -- and continue to think -- through the lingering effects of 2020. Also, Critical Faith will be taking a break for the next few months. During this time, feel free to revisit some of our past episodes or send us suggestions for topics you'd like to hear us discuss or folks you'd like us to chat with in the future! *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu. Music by Matt Bernico.

How can Indigenous peoples and their histories not simply be seen as "additions" to society but rather help to transform its very structures? Recently, Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo joined Andrew to reflect on what the past year has brought to light for him about Indigenous experiences. Jonathan knows well the long work of truth-telling, open-hearted listening, and deep community transformation. He is a member of the Mohawk nation, and is the June Callwood Professor in Social Justice and Special Advisor on Indigenous Issues at Emmanuel College at Victoria University in Toronto. He was also an integral part of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In this episode, Jonathan considers the ongoing calls to action of the TRC, some dynamics of "making space" and changing the narrative, and how the history of residential schools impacts all of us. In light of the recent tragic findings of the unmarked graves of hundreds of children at res

Our series on some of the challenges facing philosophy and faith in the wake of 2020 continues. Recently, Andrew was joined by Edith van der Boom, Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education and Practice of Pedagogy at ICS and the Director of MA-EL Program. Here, Edith shares some of her experiences both as a learner and a teacher working toward more inclusive and growth-oriented classroom environments. This August, Edith will be teaching Finding Joy in Learning, and in the fall she will be teaching Cultivating Learning Communities of Grace (registration deadline: September 17). Both of these courses can be taken as part of the MA-EL program at ICS, for credit toward a Christian School Teacher Certificate, or toward other educational professional development ends. Email the ICS Registrar if you have any questions: academic-registrar@icscanada.edu. *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more

Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, CM joins Andrew for the next instalment in our series on some of the challenges facing philosophy and Christian faith in the wake of 2020. Cheri is the author of the book Qu(e)erying Evangelism: Growing a Community from the Outside In (Pilgrim Press, 2005) and, most recently, her memoir The Queer Evangelist: A Socialist Clergy's Radically Honest Tale (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2021). As a minister, activist, and former MPP, Cheri has advocated extensively for LGBTQ2+ rights and dedicated much of her life to creating radically welcoming spiritual communities. Today, she reflects on her experiences as a queer activist, on some of the political fault lines that became apparent to her over the past year, and what this means for communities of faith. *** Cheri is also an organizer of the second Christian Left Conference taking place online this July 23-4, 2021. ICS/CPRSE is co-sponsoring this year's conference alongside Emmanuel College’s Centre for Religion and Its Contexts, Tr

How can Christians learn to acknowledge abuses of power? Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Andrew and ICS Junior Member cohost Abbi Hofstede for the next instalment in our series on some of the challenges facing philosophy and Christian faith in the wake of 2020. Kristin is the author of the provocative book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation (Liveright, 2020). In this episode, she reflects on her experience writing the book, traces the thread of militant masculinity and racism in evangelicalism's recent history; and invites alternative visions of Christian culture, politics, and power.   Stay tuned for more conversations in this series. *** Study Online with ICS this Summer! The Soul of Soulless Conditions: Marxists on Christianity, Christians on Marxism with Dean Dettloff (April 20-May 27, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7-9pm EDT) Fashion Theology with Robert Covolo (May 26-June 8, weekdays, 1-3pm EDT) Pragmatism, Race, and Religion: Du Bois, West, and Glau

Our series on some of the challenges facing philosophy and Christian faith in the wake of 2020 continues! Today, Andrew is joined by The Magnificast cohosts Dean Dettloff (ICS PhD candidate and sessional lecturer) and Matt Bernico (independent journalist and scholar in media, politics, and religion). Together, Matt and Dean offer a constructive critique of Christianity and politics, inviting us to sit with and sift through some of the complex history and entanglements of Christianity and politics today. Stay tuned for more conversations in this series. *** Upcoming Summer Courses at ICS The Soul of Soulless Conditions: Marxists on Christianity, Christians on Marxism (April 20-May 27, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7-9pm EDT) with Dean Dettloff Pragmatism, Race, and Religion: Du Bois, West, and Glaude (June 7-July 16, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am-12pm EDT) with Ronald A. Kuipers ... and more! *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institu

We’re embarking on a new series about some of the challenges facing philosophy and Christian faith in the wake of 2020. Today, series host Andrew Tebbutt starts close to home with guests Ronald A. Kuipers (Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Director of the CPRSE, and President of ICS) and Gideon Strauss (Associate Professor of Worldview Studies and Academic Dean at ICS). Together they reflect on global democracy and the role of lament. Stay tuned for more conversations in the coming weeks. *** Upcoming Summer Courses at ICS Pragmatism, Race, and Religion: Du Bois, West, and Glaude (June 7-July 16) with Ronald A. Kuipers Lead from Where You Are: Making a Difference in the Face of Tough Problems, Big Questions, and Organizational Politics (August 16-20) with Gideon Strauss ... and more! *** Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu. Music by Matt Bernico.

Can the Bible continue to speak to us today? In this final episode of our series on reading the Bible with ICS Senior Member in theology Nik Ansell, special guest Mike Wagenman joins us to ask Nik some lingering questions. Join us as we dig deeper into a consideration of Genesis 1 and evolution, the ramifications of fear and possibilities of wisdom, the pursuit of friendship with God in Job, and more!  If you'd like to hear more from Nik, you can find more information about some of his upcoming courses (including Biblical Foundations which will be starting in the fall) now available remotely. Join him and start reading the Bible differently for yourselves! Here are some links to influential Reformational resources that Nik mentions in this episode:  How to Read the Bible to Hear God Speak: A Study in Numbers 22-24 (reprint, Wipf and Stock, 2019) by Calvin Seerveld Setting Our Sights by the Morning Star (The Patmos Press, 1989) by Hendrik Hart A Hermeneutics of Ultimacy: Peril or Promise? (University of

How is our agenda for theology related to our gender? This is the third episode in our series on reading the Bible with ICS Senior Member in theology Nik Ansell. This week, Danielle invites Nik to explore in more detail some of the topics of one of his current courses, God/Sex/Word/Flesh. So have a listen to dig deeper into some of the implications our embodiment, gender, and sexualities have on our understandings of God. If you're keen to see the Bible in a new light, you'll want to start this series at the beginning and stick with us for the final episode of this series where we'll tackle some lingering questions from our conversations with Nik. You could read more about God/Sex/Word/Flesh and also join some of Nik's other upcoming courses, including Biblical Foundations which will be starting in the fall, now available remotely.  Here are some links to resources Nik mentions in this episode:  All We're Meant to Be: Biblical Feminism for Today (third edition, Abingdon Press, 1986) by Letha Dawson Scanz

"For freedom Christ has set us free..." but what is freedom for?  We're continuing our series on reading the Bible with ICS Senior Member in theology Nik Ansell. So for the next few weeks, we'll keep tackling some hot topics and burning questions. This week, Héctor joins Nik to discern some dynamics of law and liberation in the Bible, and to consider the stakes of freedom.  If you're keen to see the Bible in a new light, you'll want to have a listen to our first episode and stick with us for the rest of this series. You could also join for yourself some of Nik's upcoming courses, including Biblical Foundations which will be starting in the fall, now available remotely.  Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu.  Music by Matt Bernico.

In the beginning... where to begin? We're excited here at Critical Faith to begin a new year with a new series on reading the Bible with resident ICS Senior Member in theology Nik Ansell. For the next few weeks, we'll tackle some hot topics and burning questions. We pack a lot into this episode, all by first asking the vital question: How do we even start? If you're keen to see the Bible in a new light, you'll want to join us for this series. You could also keep an eye out for some of Nik's upcoming courses, now available remotely. Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.edu. Music by Matt Bernico.

Want a better grasp of what the giant of capitalism means? This winter semester, Dr. Michael DeMoor (Associate Professor of Social Philosophy in Politics, History, and Economics at The King's University and cross-appointed faculty at ICS) and Samir Gassanov (ICS PhD student) will be co-teaching a course called Capitalism(s) in the West: Intellectual History, Core Institutions, and Architectonic Critique. Starting January 14, the course will meet virtually every Thursday (11am-2pm EST). ICS Junior Member Abbi Hofstede joined Michael and Samir on this episode to ask them all about what students like her can expect from this course. Register today! Like all our upcoming winter courses, this one is accessible from all over the world for credit or audit, with a significant discount on course fees for first time auditors and ICS alums--only $400 CAD (plus registration). So if you'd like to find out more about the course or to register,  you can visit the course page on our website or send our Registrar an email

Dr. Andrew Tebbutt, ICS sessional lecturer and Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics joins us to talk existential phenomenology and to tell us more about the course he'll be teaching this winter called Body, Language, Power: The Question of the Human in 20th Century French Philosophy. Starting January 13, the course will meet virtually every Wednesday afternoon (2-5pm EST). Register today! Like our upcoming winter courses, this one is accessible from all over the world for credit or audit, with a significant discount on course fees for first time auditors and ICS alums--only $400 CAD (plus registration). So if you'd like to find out more about the course or to register,  you can visit the course page on our website or send our Registrar an email at academic-registrar@icscanada.edu! Some resources of interest on existential phenomenology and phenomenology of race and gender:  Lewis R. Gordon: Being Human as a Relationship (YouTube video) Robert Bernasconi

We're back with a new season of Critical Faith! Before we dive into our new content for this season, we have one more Fall course you're going to want to check out. Today, Dean Dettloff, sessional lecturer and ICS PhD candidate, and CPRSE Associate Director Hector Acero Ferrer join us to talk about Dean's upcoming online 6-week intensive course on liberation theology called God of Solidarity: Liberation Theology as Social Movement. Starting November 3, the course will meet virtually this fall, every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Registration is open! Like our other fall courses, this one is accessible from all over the world for credit or audit, with a significant discount on course fees for first time auditors and ICS alums--only $400 CAD (plus registration). So if you'd like to find out more about the course or to register,  you can visit the course page on our website or send our Registrar an email at academic-registrar@icscanada.edu! Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, a

Summer's nearly over and we have one more fall course to feature on the podcast before the semester begins in mid-September! Today, Rebekah Smick, Senior Member in Philosophy of Arts & Culture, joins us to talk about her course The Aesthetics of Compassion which reflects on the place of compassion in Western philosophy, theology, and art. Starting September 17, the course will meet virtually this fall, every Thursday from 10am-1pm EST. This--and the rest of our fall courses--are all accessible from all over the world for credit or audit, with a significant discount on course fees for first time auditors and ICS alums--only $400 CAD (plus registration). So if you'd like to find out more about the course or to register,  you can visit the course page on our website or send our Registrar an email at academic-registrar@icscanada.edu! Critical Faith is sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics (CPRSE) at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. For more, visit www.icscanada.