Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast In Good Faith

A special episode for our podcast listeners! Steve speaks with Manuela Oja de Tzep, a native K’iché from Nahuala, Solola Guatemala, and Malcolm Botto, Associate Director of International Study Programs K’iché instructor at BYU, about their experience with the Popol Vuh. They're also joined by Malcolm Botto, the Associate Director of International Study Programs at BYU. He has also taught K’iché at BYU for over 15 years. He holds a BA in Lingusitcs and Anthropology and a Masters in Mass Communication and Media Studies from BYU.

Allen Christenson shares his experience translating the Popol Vuh, a sacred Mayan text. Allen Christenson is a Professor in the Department of Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature at Brigham Young University. He is the translator of Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Maya. He completed a PhD in Pre-Columbian Art History at the University of Texas, Austin. He has worked as an ethnographer and linguist in highland Guatemala since 1978, principally with the K’iché-Maya and Tz’utujil-Maya.

John Canti has translated sacred Buddhist texts for most of his life. He is a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, a Tsadra Foundation Fellow from 2001-2012, and was awarded the 2016 Khyentse Foundation Fellowship. In 2009, he was appointed editorial chair of www.84000.co, a translation and publication venture for the Tibetan Buddhist canon, and became senior editor in 2023.

Rev. Dr. John F. Ross discusses the Saint John's Bible, sacred art, and religious imagination. He is the Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He has also served as a United Church of Christ (UCC) pastor for 30 years. The Saint John’s Bible is the first handwritten, illuminated Bible in more than 500 years and includes more than 160 original illuminations. The Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible is the only full-size, illuminated, fine art edition that will ever be produced. In all, only 299 seven-volume sets have been created. The Heritage Program is an international initiative for individuals and institutions to explore the artistic and spiritual beauty of The Saint John’s Bible. Learn how this sacred art can be enjoyed in your community now and for generations to come. Please contact Rev. Dr. Ross at jross001@csbsju.edu or by calling 320-363-3209.

Tremper Longman shares the process of translating the Bible and how his conversion to Christianity as a young man. Dr. Tremper Longman is a Senior Translator of the New Living Translation. He has written over thirty-five books include Confronting Old Testament Controversies: Pressing Questions about Evolution, Sexuality, History and Violence. He is also Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Westmont College.

Chandra DeNap Whetstine shares how her international work led her home to make peace in the US. Chandra DeNap Whetstine is the Chief Operating Officer at the One America Movement, a national organization building a united American society by eliminating toxic polarization. She is currently a seminarian at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Rabbi Jack talks about how Jewish tradition centers on the home and family. Rabbi Jack Abramowitz, MS Ed, is a writer, editor and educator whose experience in Jewish outreach and informal education spans four decades. He has served in a number of capacities at the Orthodox Union, including a decade as a director of National Programs for NCSY, the organization’s youth movement. He also serves as Educational Correspondent for the website Jew in the City. He is the author of nine books, including The God Book, The Complete Targum Onkelos, and Ask Rabbi Jack.

Greta Bennett shares how she talks to Jesus and what she learned about God while caring for her mother with Alzheimers. Greta L. Bennett is a retired Lieutenant Colonel serving with distinction as a Medical Logistics Officer in the US Army for thirty years. She is a doctoral student in Public Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. At one time, she produced over 100 episodes of the Caregiving is a Ministry podcast, inspired by her experience with her mother.

Emily McGowin discusses how to build a Household of Faith and what that process looked like in her own life. The Rev. Dr. Emily McGowin is associate professor of theology at Wheaton College. She is also a priest in the Anglican diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others (C4SO). Her latest book, Households of Faith: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God is now available from IVP. Dr. McGowin earned a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Dayton, M.Div. from Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, and a B.A. in biblical studies from Criswell College.

Maggie Siddiqi shares her experiences working in various governmental and faith-based community roles, emphasizing the strategic and moral necessity of cross-faith partnerships. Maggie Siddiqi is senior fellow at Interfaith Alliance. She recently concluded her appointment to the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Education, where she served as Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris administration, Maggie Siddiqi served as senior director of the Religion and Faith team at the Center for American Progress, where she led the organization’s work on religious liberty.

John Kasich talks about on unifying Americans rather than dividing them and championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities. John Kasich served as the 69th governor of Ohio and ran for President during the 2016 GOP primary. Today, he runs the Kasich Company and serves as a political analyst for NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers; his most recent book is Heaven Help Us.

Jeff Renner discusses covering the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and its profound impact on his faith and life. Jeff Renner is a nine-time Emmy award winner, having served as science journalist, documentary producer and Chief Meteorologist at Seattle’s KING Television for 39 years. He is a member of the American Meteorological Society and the Society of Environmental Journalists. He is executive producer and host of the television program, Challenge 2.0, available as a podcast.

Rev. Dr. David Latimore shares his transition from a successful career in investment management to a calling in theology and ministry. Rev. Dr. Latimore is the Director of the Betsey Stockton Center for Black Church Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. His teaching and research interests focus on the intersection of religion, race, and economic justice. Before Princeton, Latimore served as senior pastor at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville and was associate director for the Academy of Preachers. He has pastored three other congregations, in Joliet, Illinois; Gainesville, Florida; and St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his PhD from the University of Chicago, his DMin from McCormick Theological Seminary, his MDiv from Duke Divinity School, and his AB from Harvard University. Before attending seminary, Latimore had a successful career in investment management and economic development.

Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi is a psychologist who is rediscovering Islamic thought from centuries ago to help solve mental health challenges about loneliness and despair today. Hooman Keshavarzi is a licensed clinical psychologist with a Doctorate and Masters in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Islamic Studies. He currently serves as the program director for the Masters in Counseling Islamic Psychology Program in Doha, Qatar. He is the founding director of Khalil Center--the first Islamically-oriented professional community mental wellness center and largest provider of Muslim mental healthcare in North America.

Deanna Ebbert shares how faith & good psychological practice support each other as we learn to hear God's voice over our lifetime. Deanna Ebbert is a Life Coach who studied Psychology at Brigham Young University. She has a life-long passion for the brain and has spent many hours coaching people through life’s challenges.

Chris Stevenson joins Steve in-studio to discuss the National Museum of American religion, and what religion has done to American and America has done to religion. Check out the museum here: https://www.nmar.org/ Chris Stevenson is the co-founder and president of digital-first National Museum of American Religion (NMAR) and the host of the museum's podcast "Religion in the American Experience." He is also the founder of America’s Quilt of Faith, which champion the indispensability of virtue and religion to the American experiment in self-government.

Brian Grim shares his calling to be a missionary when he was only 4-years-old and how that eventually led him to Catholicism, but also a life as an educator in the former Soviet Union, China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe from 1982-2002. Eventually his research in economics reveals that religious freedom is good for business. Brian J. Grim, Ph. D. (Penn State), is the founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and works with Fortune 500 companies to include religion and belief as part of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Ayesha Daya tells Steve about her experience in learning more about her Ismaili heritage and starting the Muslim Footprints podcast. Learn about prayer, communal worship, and more from this amazing guest! Ayesha Daya is the founder of Kalima, a Dubai-based communications and content creation agency. In 2023 Ayesha launched the Muslim Footprints podcast, in association with the Ismaili community. Previously, Ayesha worked as the Middle East Energy correspondent for Bloomberg News and Dow Jones Newswires.

Janette Ok tells us about the recently released The New Testament In Color, a massive project involving numerous academics and perspectives. She teaches us that, when we view the scriptures through the lens of culture, we can make these sacred texts more colorful and find more application in our lives. Janette H. Ok serves as Associate Professor of New Testament at Fuller Seminary, where she has guest-hosted "Centering: The Asian American Christian Podcast." Her most recent book is the co-edited volume The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Biblical Commentary (IVP Academic, 2024). Janette is an ordained pastor and preacher with over 25 years of ministry experience.

We have a new show in the In Good Faith family that we're excited to share with you. Voiceover: Movies that Move Us is hosted by Heather Bigley; she talks with guests about the movie that made a mark. In this episode she and Steve sit down for a discussion of Dune Part 2, a movie that made Steve think about choices, consequences, and opportunities. Subscribe to Voiceover: Movies that Move Us now, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the BYUradio app.

Dr. Christina and Ekemini, hosts of the award winning podcast Truth's Table, discuss matters of love, justice, and truth-telling. How can we communicate truth with love? How can we prepare for the responses of those around us? Learn the answers, and wisdom!, from these vibrant women. Ekemini Uwan and Dr. Christina Edmondson are co-hosts of the award-winning Truth’s Table podcast, and have co-authored Truth’s Table: Black Women's Musings on Life, Love and Liberation (2022, Convergent Books). Ekemini Uwan is a public theologian, international human rights activist, and a 2022 Aspen Ideas Festival Fellow and a 2023 Special Advisor for The Aspen Institute’s Racial Justice and Religion Collective. Dr. Christina Edmondson co-authored InterVarsity Press’s 2023 Justice Award book of the year, Faithful Anti-racism. She holds degrees from Hampton University, the University of Rochester, and Tennessee State University.

John Philip Newell teaches about celtic spirituality, the relationship between humanity and Earth, and his book The Great Search. Join Steve as he learns more about our guest and his pursuit of spirituality. John Philip Newell is a Celtic teacher and author. Born in Canada, he and his wife now live in Scotland. He has written over fifteen books, including his most recent: The Great Search (2024). He has been described as having “the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar.”

Josh Good discusses the significance of faith in modern society, the value of interfaith collaboration, and how religious diversity can help society create solutions to current issues.  Josh Good directs the Aspen Institute's Religion and Society Program and has led Faith Angle Forum, a program that strengthens reporting and commentary on how religious believers, religious convictions, and moral arguments affect American politics and public life. His writing has been published by Rutledge Press in The Hill, national Review, DESE News, and the American.

Dave Gibbons discusses the concept of third culture, and how Jesus may be the ultimate third culture person. He explains how it is important to love and serve in any community, regardless of pain or discomfort, and talks about how he has faced his PTSD and trauma with faith and purpose.  Dave Gibbons is the founder and lead pastor of New Song Church in Santa Ana, California. He's recently published "The Shape of My Eyes, a memoir on Race, faith, and Finding Myself" From Worthy Books. Gibbons has served on the Board of World Vision and Fuller Seminary.

Father Laurence Freeman shares his journey to becoming a Benedictine monk and the pivotal role meditation plays in spiritual growth. He delves into the core principles of the Benedictine order and reveals the profound impact of cultivating inner stillness. Tune in for practical tips on beginning your own contemplative practice and enriching your spiritual life. Before entering monastic life, Laurence Freeman worked with the United Nations in New York, in Banking and Journalism. He is Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM), an inclusive contemplative community. A prolific author, his most recent book is Tasting Wisdom: Meditations for Every Day of the Year (Canterbury Press Norwich, March 2025). He was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of his work for interfaith dialogue and the promotion of world peace.

Pastor Kevin Brown delves into his transformative journey from leading an executive search firm to co-founding the Perfecting Church. He shares powerful personal stories about why and how he felt called to do God's work. Additionally, Pastor Brown stresses the importance of fostering unity and understanding amidst societal polarization, offering insightful perspectives on building stronger, faith-driven communities. Pastor Kevin Brown founded Perfecting Ministries with his wife, Angela Brown. He's the pastor of Perfecting Church, a growing multi-ethnic church in the greater Philadelphia region. He's also the founder of Diverse But Not Divided, a network of churches of different hues and views that work to unify the church in a day of increasing polarity.

Steve sits down with Julie Boerio-Goates and Dr. Brandon Peterson to chat about the legacy of Pope Francis, including his journey from Jorge of Argentina to the Bishop of Rome. Dr. Julianna Boerio-Goates was our very first guest on Episode 1 and returned to help lead a discussion on Henri Nouwen’t book “Spiritual Direction” in our book club Episode 229. Julie is a retired professor of thermo dynamics. Julie discusses the intersection of science and faith, navigating a mixed-faith marriage, and what keeps her connected to God in her everyday life and in her service to her Catholic parish. Dr. Brandon Peterson is also a returning guest—he was most recently on our Holy Week series talking about the meaning and observance of Good Friday. Brandon is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Utah in the Department of of World Languages & Cultures and an adjunct in the Department of Philosopy. Brandon is also a parishioner at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.

Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King delves into the intersection of thriving and spiritual development, discussing her personal and professional journey. From pondering the fullness of life to engaging in cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue, Dr. King shares insights on how individuals and communities can thrive. She also addresses the psychological and theological aspects of thriving, emphasizing the significance of relationships, purpose, and unique contributions to community Pamela Ebstyne King is the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at the Fuller School of Psychology and the executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development. Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of thriving and spiritual development. She has conducted research funded by Biologos Foundation, John Templeton Foundation, and Tyndale House. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), she has led high school and college ministries for various community organizations and churches.

Major Nesan Kistan discusses the role the Salvation Army has played in his life, outlines some of its charitable programs, and explains how it inspires him to turn his love into kindness. Despite hardship and loss, his faith pushes him to serve. Major Nesan Kistan is the Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, currently serving in the Intermountain Division. Previously, he served in Orange County, and was on the Commission to End Homelessness. Born in South Africa, his family relocated to Australia when he was 8 to escape apartheid. He is married to Cheryl Kistan, who is also a Captain in the Salvation Army.

Sit down with AJ Levine, Seemi Ghazi, Trey Ferguson, and James Early for a discussion about how Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities interpret the Genesis stories about Adam and Eve. Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish studies and has written many books about the New Testament, including Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians. Seemi Ghazi is a lecturer at the University of British Columbia on Quranic Arabic, with interests in Sufism and comparative mysticism, Islamic and Muslim feminism, theology and exegesis, and Muslim vocal arts. Trey Ferguson is a minister, writer, and speaker,. He is the author of Theologizin' Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly and host of the New Living Treyslation podcast. James Early is a Bible teacher and gives talks and conducts workshops for churches and groups. He conducts weekly Bible study classes at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT, and hosts The Bible Speaks to You Podcast.

Gaye Strathearn, Associate Dean of the BYU School of Religion, discusses Easter Sunday.

Jeff McCullough discusses Holy Saturday. Jeff McCullough is the host and producer of the YouTube Channel Hello Saints.

Brandon Peterson shares his personal connection to Good Friday. Brandon Peterson is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Utah, in the Department of of World Languages & Cultures and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Philosophy. Brandon is also a parishioner at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.

Reverend Dani Lee from St. Mary's Episcopal Church, a friend of the show talks to us about Tenebrae and Maundy Thursday.

Leland Spindler, executive artistic director of Lux Choral Society, discusses the Holy Week musical event that he's organized for the interfaith community for over ten years.

Tyler Griffin, professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, explains Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week.

Pastor Mike Smith from Centerpoint Utah discusses Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the first day of Holy Week.

In this unique episode of 'In Good Faith,' guests come together on the SS IGF to explore the intersections of spirituality and Star Trek. Rob Monson of 3 Black Men, Dan Libenson of Judaism Unbound, Carl Youngblood of Mormon Transhumanism, Barry Lam of Hi-Phi Nation, and friend of the show Reverend Dani Lee discuss their favorite Star Trek series and episodes, reflecting on how the show's themes have influenced their lives and spiritual beliefs. The conversation also delves into broader theological questions, such as the value of suffering, the possibility of AI as a messianic figure, and the enduring appeal of Star Trek's optimistic vision for the future.

This episode explores the intersection of neurodiversity and spirituality, featuring three guests diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), David Gray Hammond, Father Matthew P. Schneider, and David Derbyshire. Each shares their insights on how autism impacts their spiritual lives and their unique relationship with God. David Gray Hammond, diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia, discusses how his diagnoses shaped his spirituality. Father Matthew P. Schneider talks about his journey as an autistic Catholic priest, emphasizing how his diagnosis redefined his spiritual path. David Derbyshire reflects on how his Asperger's diagnosis enhances his spiritual journey and helps him coach others. The episode delves into the strengths and challenges neurodivergent individuals experience in their faith communities, advocating for inclusivity and understanding. Practical ways to accommodate neurodivergent worshippers are discussed, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, welcoming spiritual spaces for all.

Jared Stewart shares how he, as someone diagnosed with autism, found a unique personal connection with God and offers insights into the neurodivergent experience in religious settings. He talks about the diversity within the autism spectrum, common misunderstandings, and offers suggestions on how congregations can better support neurodivergent members. Jared Stewart has spent over two decades working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults as a teacher, life coach, and licensed behavior analyst, and has shared his views on the techniques and mindsets that lead to improved outcomes for these individuals with audiences in over 18 countries. His passion for the subject arises from personal experience: he has numerous family members on the Spectrum, and he was diagnosed with autism himself as an adult.

Rev. Dr. Katie O'Dunne discusses her experiences with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), including scrupulosity, and her journey through faith and healing. She shares deeply personal anecdotes about how it impacted her ministry, and her efforts to raise awareness and provide support within faith communities. Katie O'Dunne founded 'Stick with the Ick,' a virtual community for those navigating faith and OCD. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she spent 7 years as the Academy Chaplain and Chair of Religious Studies at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, simultaneously consulting on interfaith programming nationwide. She is also the proud recipient of the award for "distinction in integrative care practices" from Vanderbilt's Doctor of Ministry program.

James Finley shares how he found solace in God amidst family trauma, inspired by Thomas Merton's writings, ultimately becoming a therapist and author. James Finley is faculty member of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Fr. Thomas Merton was Finley’s novice master and spiritual director while he was a monk at the Trappist monastery of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. He earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology and primarily works with people suffering from the long-term effects of internalized trauma and how contemplative prayer can increase their quality of life. He has written numerous books (most recently his memoir, “The Healing Path” in 2022) and he currently hosts the podcast Turning to the Mystics. Dr. Finley will present at the upcoming Faith & Science conference: https://www.faithandscience.eu/

Jennifer Wiseman. PhD., emphasizes the importance of humility and curiosity in both scientific and spiritual endeavors, while also sharing personal experiences of awe and wonder. Dr. Jennifer Wiseman is an astrophysicist, author, and speaker. She studies the process of star and planet formation in our galaxy using radio, optical, and infrared telescopes. She is the Director Emeritus of the program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Wiseman studied physics at MIT, co-discovering comet Wiseman-Skiff in 1987, and continued in astronomy with her doctoral research at Harvard. She has worked with several international observatories and is currently a senior astrophysicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center. Dr. Wiseman is a Fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation, a network of Christians in Science. Dr. Wiseman will present at the upcoming Faith & Science conference: https://www.faithandscience.eu/

Harold Koenig discusses how patients' religious beliefs and practices significantly impact their health and recovery, a realization that stemmed from his days as a nurse and later reinforced during his medical and psychiatric practice. Harold Koenig is Director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology & Health and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University. He is the lead author of the Handbook of Religion and Health, the seminal research text on the relationship between theistic religion, interfaith worship, and meditative prayer, which is the most cited of all references on religion and health. He has published 65 books on the subject. In 2022 he was ranked 1st in the world by ScholarGPS in the academic discipline of spirituality. Dr. Koenig will present at the upcoming Faith & Science conference: https://www.faithandscience.eu/

Rabbi Adina Allen discusses the profound connection between creativity, spirituality, and healing. She emphasizes that art and creativity are divine acts; the spiritual practice of creative expression is essential to understanding God. Rabbi Adina Allen is cofounder and creative director of Jewish Studio Project (JSP), an organization that sees creativity as a force for spiritual connection and social transformation. Based on the work of her mother, renowned art therapist Pat B. Allen, Adina developed the Jewish Studio Process, a methodology for unlocking creativity, and is the author of The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom (Ayin, 2024).

Robert Hesse, PhD., talks with Steve about a mystical experience that deeply affected his life and outlook. Hesse also describes his journey back to faith after years away, inspired by Thomas Merton's writings. Robert Hesse is a Catholic deacon and Chairman and Co-Founder of interfaith Contemplative Network. He is a practicing mystic and author of Faith and Science: A Journey into God’s Mystical Love. He holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. He has co-authored neuroscience research studies on improvements in quality-of-life associated with interfaith contemplative prayer. Check out details for the Faith & Science Conference at https://www.faithandscience.eu/.

Zeyneb Sayilgan is a Muslim woman who grew up in Germany as the daughter of Turkish immigrants, where she faced discrimination and challenges due to her faith. She speaks about her move to the United States, where she found a more accepting environment. Zeyneb Sayilgan is the host of the Podcast On Being Muslim: Wisdom from the Risale-i Nur. Her work has appeared in scholarly and popular journals like DIALOG, Religion News Service, Covenant, U.S.Catholic, in German media outlets like Qantara, MIGAZIN, IslamIQ, Islamische Zeitung and Turkish publications like Perspektif.

Lex Rofeberg and Dan Libenson talk to Steve about their organization Judaism Unbound. Lex Rofeberg is Senior Jewish educator for Judaism Unbound -- a digital, Jewish non-profit organization and oversees Judaism Unbound's UnYeshiva (a digital center for Jewish learning and unlearning), produces and co-hosts its weekly podcast, and facilitates regular forms of communal gathering, via Zoom, for Jews and Jewish-adjacent non-Jews. Dan Libenson is President of Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah, which is dedicated to helping Jews and fellow travelers apply Jewish wisdom to thrive and shape a better world. He is also the co-host of the Judaism Unbound podcast, as well as The Oral Talmud, a streaming video show soon to be released in podcast form. Dan teaches classes on Judaism and Jewish wisdom at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Zelikow School of Nonprofit Management. Dan is the translator of The Orchard, a novel about the early days of Rabbinic Judaism, by renowned Israeli novelist Yochi Brandes.

Curtis Chang of Redeeming Babel shares his journey of becoming a Christian from a non-Christian family, his youthful challenges of integrating faith with secular life, and his various roles bridging the worlds of theology and secular institutions. Curtis Chang is the founding executive director of Redeeming Babel and host of the Good Faith podcast. Over the course of his career, he has bridged the worlds of secular institutions and theology. In the former world, he is the founder and CEO of Consulting Within Reach (CWR), a firm serving nonprofits and government agencies. His consulting work has won an award in social innovation from the Obama White House, and he teaches strategic planning as a faculty member of American University’s School of International Service. In the Christian world, he is a consulting professor at Duke Divinity School and a Senior Fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. Curtis is also a former senior pastor of an Evangelical Covenant Church in San Jose, California. He is the author of the book The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry Is the Doorway to Your Best Self and co-author of The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics.

Michael Sabet, editor of The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, shares how religious law teaches him the depth of God's love for him personally and the rest of us, too. Michael Sabet is a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of Toronto. His research involves putting a Bahá'í framework for governance into dialogue with political philosophy. He is a lawyer by training, having practiced constitutional litigation in Ottawa after clerking at the Supreme Court of Canada.