Welcome to "Religion and Justice," a podcast brought to you by the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
We explore the intersections of class, religion, labor, and ecology, which bring together diverse populations and publics uncovering their implications for justice and solidarity
This podcast is a space for investigation, education, and organizing around these intersections. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking discussions with experts, fostering dialogue for actionable change. Together, we navigate religion, justice, and solidarity for a more equitable future.
MEET THE HOSTS
George Schmidt (he/him/ours)
George is the father of Frida Democracia Romero-Schmidt, the husband of Larissa Romero, and the son of Judy and Steve Schmidt. He was born along the Ohio River in southern Indiana and graduated from Union Theological Seminary. After seminary, George worked as a community organizer in New York in a number of capacities. Ordained by the Disciples of Christ, he serves as a chaplain in the prison, hospice, and military setting. His doctoral research primarily revolves around a genealogy of corporate personhood. It seeks to imagine new ways of forming theological movements and moments that have the potential to form pluralist assemblages of multiple action directed primarily at the stranglehold of corporate power.
Gabriella Lisi (she/they/he)
They reside in Columbus, OH with their wife Sophia, and their dog, Atlas. Gabby graduated from Union Theological Seminary in May 2022 with a Master of Divinity. In 2019, they graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Theology. They currently work at The Ohio State University as a Civil Rights Investigator. They are passionate on issues of queer identity and class. In their spare time, you can find them camping in their truck or reading a book at home.
Recent Episodes
A Place of Solidarity with Elijah Prewitt-Davis
Join us on this episode of "Religion and Justice" as we sit down with Elijah Prewitt-Davis, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. In this insightful conversation, we delve into the profound connections between class, religion, labor, and ecology through Elijah's personal experiences and his relationship with his grandparents' land.
Climate Crisis of the Collective Imagination with Maddy Lewis
Hosted by George Schmidt (he/him/ours) and Gabby Lisi (she/they/he), in this episode as they sit down with Maddy Lewis (they/them), former Wendland-Cook fellow and current PhD student. In this conversation, they delve into the profound connections between the climate crisis, the role of the church in community, and how religion shapes the way we interact with our neighbors, our environment, and our future.
Special Feature: Christianities and Socialisms with Cornel West, Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Joerg Rieger, and Angela Cowser
As conservative efforts have moved the public image of Christianity to the right, it is time to reclaim alternatives. While for many older Americans “socialism” is still a bad word, younger generations tend to be curious about the complex histories of socialist movements in the United States and globally. Hosted by the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice and the Institute for Christian Socialism, this first webinar in the Engaging Christianities and Socialisms series seeks to address these concerns and to set the stage for the coming three webinars by bringing together prominent thinkers who have long explored alternative images of Christianity on the left. Featuring Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Joerg Rieger, Cornel West, and moderated by Angela Cowser, this episode will investigate the history and future of Christian Socialisms that are deeply democratic, intersectional, and praxis oriented. Participants will discover that not all kinds of socialism are equal, and neither are all kinds of Christianity.
This webinar was previously recorded in March 2021. For the full series of webinars, check out this page!
Alternative Memory with Wilson Dickinson
In this episode, George and Gabby embark on an exploration of the Southern Social Gospel featuring Wilson Dickinson. Wilson is a minister, educator, and director of the Green Good News. Discover the theological underpinnings of the Southern Social Gospel, delve into alternative memories within the environmental movement, and explore the lasting impact of this powerful movement on justice initiatives. This episode is part of our Sesquicentennial Grant project, "Unexplored Legacy of the Social Gospel in the South: The Vanderbilt Contribution."
The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond (Part I)
In the midst of an ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, this episode unfolds from a poignant webinar titled "The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond." This vital conversation took place on January 27, 2024. Featuring Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, Atalia Omer, and Revelation Velunta, the episode delves into the intersection of religion, settler colonialism, and the enduring resilience of the Palestinian people. In times of great suffering, these voices shed light on the critical issues facing Palestine and offer insights into the enduring struggle for justice.
This event was co-sponsored by the Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice and the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice.
The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond (Part II)
PART TWO | In the midst of an ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, this episode unfolds from a poignant webinar titled "The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond." This vital conversation took place on January 27, 2024. Featuring Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, Atalia Omer, and Revelation Velunta, the episode delves into the intersection of religion, settler colonialism, and the enduring resilience of the Palestinian people. In times of great suffering, these voices shed light on the critical issues facing Palestine and offer insights into the enduring struggle for justice.
This event was co-sponsored by the Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice and the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice.
Organizing in the South with Rev. Sekou and Joerg Rieger (Grant Series)
In this special episode of "Religion and Justice," join the roundtable discussion featuring Rev. Sekou, Joerg Rieger, and Aaron Stauffer as they unravel the roles of scholars and seminaries in the contemporary fight for justice and equity. Delving into the intricate dynamics of communities of belonging, education, and activism, the episode explores these components as integral aspects of identity within the marketplace of ideas. Gain unique insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered in the Southern context and discover how these thought leaders navigate the intersections of academia, activism, and identity. Subscribe for more engaging discussions on the complex dynamics of religion and justice.
This episode is part of our Sesquicentennial Grant project, "Unexplored Legacy of the Social Gospel in the South: The Vanderbilt Contribution."
Deep Solidarity and Moralizing with Tess Gallagher-Clancy and Joerg Rieger
George and Gabby had the privilege of sitting down with Tess GC of LeftCatholic/SpiritofSolidarity and Dr. Joerg Rieger.
They engaged in a discussion about religion, justice, and leftist philosophy and activism. They cover the concept of deep solidarity, the role of confession and repentance within the secular left, the nature of organizing and the issues being addressed, the importance of understanding the left as a majority Populist movement, the role of the professional managerial class in societal structures, the role of moralizing movements, and their experiences with Catholicism.
Referenced materials:
Tess: https://spiritofsolidarity.substack.com/p/would-you-join-the-moralizers
Joerg: Theology in the Capitalocene (2022), https://www.religionandjustice.org/interventions-forum-on-privilege-and-power-in-the-capitalocene
To find Tess' work:
https://www.instagram.com/leftcatholic/
https://www.instagram.com/the_just_word_commentary/
Listening to the Spirit with Aaron Stauffer
George and Gabby sat down with Aaron Stauffer, author of "Listening to the Spirit: The Radical Social Gospel, Sacred Value, and Broad-Based Community Organizing." In this interview, Aaron offered deep insights into the intersection of religion, social justice, and community organizing.
Drawing from his extensive experience in interfaith broad-based community organizing (BBCO), Aaron unpacked the central themes of his book, emphasizing the transformative power of sacred values in shaping collective action and fostering solidarity across diverse communities. Through auto-ethnography and real-life anecdotes, he illuminated the role of sacred values in organizing practices such as the "listening campaign" and the "relational meeting," revealing how these practices can serve as religious acts that deepen democratic engagement.
Throughout the conversation, Aaron provided a nuanced analysis of the contemporary political landscape, highlighting the importance of embracing sacred values as a means of countering polarization and promoting social cohesion. From discussions on racial capitalism to reflections on the radical social gospel tradition, listeners will gain valuable insights into the ethical dimensions of organizing for justice in today's world.
Featuring excerpts from Aaron's book and engaging dialogue with the host, this episode offers a rich exploration of the connections between faith, activism, and democracy. Whether you're a seasoned organizer, a student of religious ethics, or simply interested in the intersection of religion and social justice, this episode is sure to inspire and challenge your perspectives.
GET YOURSELF A COPY: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/listening-to-the-spirit-9780197755525?cc=us&lang=en&#