Talking Theology

Cranmer Hall, Durham
  • 4.3 (9)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Talking Theology is the podcast of Cranmer Hall Durham, where we explore the best of academic theology, and think creatively about how theological insights can shape Christian life, ministry, and mission in today’s world.

  1. FEB 3

    Josh Cockayne and Gideon Salter - Why we gather to worship

    What happens when we gather together for worship? How can theology and psychology work together to yield new insights into that question? And what are the implications for churches and church leaders in an increasingly online world? In this episode Revd Dr Nick Moore, Warden of Cranmer Hall, speaks to Revd Dr Josh Cockayne, Academic Dean at Cranmer Hall, and Dr Gideon Salter, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at Liverpool Hope University, about their new book Why We Gather: Psychology, Theology, and Liturgical Practice, which was released in 2025.

    45 min

  2. 07/02/2023

    Philip Plyming - Why Did Paul Tell Stories of His Own Hardship and What Does That Mean for Us Today?

    What's striking about the Apostle Paul and the stories he shared? What was first-century Corinth really like, and what was the real problem with the Corinthian church? How was the cross the content of Paul's preaching but also the pattern of his living? And how might Paul's cross-shaped narrative about himself affect the way we tell our stories today? In today's episode we will be talking to Rev Canon Dr Philip Plyming. Philip is warden of Cranmer Hall, as well as the host of Talking Theology. His new book, Being Real: The Apostle Paul's Hardship Narratives and the Stories We Tell Today is being released later this year.

    30 min

  3. 06/18/2023

    Paula Gooder - How does imagination help us encounter the teaching of Paul today?

    What did it feel like to be a Christian in the earliest churches? How does telling stories help us understand the role of women in Paul's ministry? How does imagination help us see Paul and his good news in a different light? How might close attention to people's backstories help us to forgive them and indeed ourselves? In this episode, we talk to Canon Dr. Paula Gooder. Paula is a New Testament scholar and Canon Chancellor at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Among her many published works are two books based on New Testament characters, Phoebe and Lydia.

    32 min

  4. 06/04/2023

    Tom Holland - How is the Story of the West Forged by Christian Faith and Values?

    What has been the impact of Christianity on western civilisation? How did the shock of the cross change the relationship between the weak and the strong? Where might we see Christian theological dialogue in unexpected places? And why might it be important to reconnect Christian values with Christian stories? In today's show we will be talking to Tom Holland. Tom is an award-winning historian, author and broadcaster, and he co-hosts the popular podcast The Rest is History. His latest work is called Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind.

    28 min

  5. 05/21/2023

    Chloe Lynch - What's Wrong with Servant Leadership and is There a Better Way?

    What values drive contemporary leadership, and how have they influenced the Church? Where did the idea of servant leadership first come from, and why is the answer more surprising that we might think? What are the problems with servant leadership when it comes to power and how we use it? And how is friendship a better model, and what does it mean to lead in love? In today's show we will be talking to Dr Chloe Lynch.  Chloe is a lecturer in practical theology at the London School of Theology, and is also a spiritual director, with a ministry of preaching, teaching, and mentoring church leaders. She published her book, Ecclesial Leadership as Friendship, in 2019.

    31 min

  6. 05/07/2023

    Mathew Guest - What is neoliberalism and how is it impacting the church?

    What is neoliberalism and what are the assumptions behind it? How does language of individualism, competition and commodities find its way into the church? What signs might we see of a church swimming with the neoliberal tide? What are the ethical questions raised by a church adopting free market values? In this episode we are talking to Professor Mathew Guest. Mathew is Professor in the Sociology of Religion and Head of the Department of Theology and Religion here in Durham University. His recently published book is titled: "Neoliberal Religion: Faith and Power in the Twenty-first Century".

    31 min

  7. 04/23/2023

    David Ford - Why Should we Continually Reread the Gospel of John?

    How is John's gospel both accessible and profound? What does it mean to read John's gospel as the culmination of the New Testament testimony to Jesus? How does John's gospel invite us to improvise in response to the love of God? And how does this gospel allow us to read our way into the presence of Jesus? In today's show we will be talking to Professor David Ford. David is Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus at the University of Cambridge. He's also chair of trustees of Lyn's House, Cambridge, a Christian community of friendship between people with and without learning disabilities. He's recently published The Gospel of John:  A Theological Commentary.

    31 min

  8. 03/26/2023

    Giles Waller - What's the relationship between theology and tragedy?

    What is tragedy and how do we see it not only in the arts but also in the Bible? How does tragedy help us see what it is to live as sinners in a fallen world? What is the difference between optimism and hope? How is a tragic view of life actually part of the Good News? In this episode we are talking to Dr Giles Waller. Giles is a research associate at the University of Cambridge and a member of the Cambridge Interfaith Programme. His forthcoming book is entitled, 'Tragic Theology: Drama, the Cross and the Literary Luther'.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Talking Theology is the podcast of Cranmer Hall Durham, where we explore the best of academic theology, and think creatively about how theological insights can shape Christian life, ministry, and mission in today’s world.

Information

  • Creator
    Cranmer Hall, Durham
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Theology
  • Show Website
    Talking Theology

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