The Temple Forum

Temple Forum
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  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Temple Forum is a podcast hosted by The Chicago Temple in Chicago, IL. We talk about faith, people, and the world.

  1. FEB 6

    Honoring a Legend: A Special Episode on the Life of Edith Renfrow Smith

    This January, we said a heartbreaking goodbye to a giant of our community, Edith Renfrow Smith, who passed away at the age of 111. To honor her incredible legacy, the Temple Forum is releasing a very special conversation. Last summer, shortly after Edith’s 111th birthday, we sat down with womanist sociologist Dr. Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant (“Dr. B”) to discuss Edith’s story—a narrative that spans the very arc of American history. While this recording was held for some time, we believe there is no better moment than now to share these insights into her life, her family’s "willful matriline," and her groundbreaking journey as the first Black graduate of Grinnell College. Join us as Dr. B helps us reflect on the "abundant life" Edith led and the history she leaves behind for all of us at the Chicago Temple and beyond.   * Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant (known as “Dr. B” on campus) is a womanist sociologist.  She came to Grinnell in fall 2019 and teaches the three core courses (Intro, Theory and Methods, and Senior Seminar) as well as the electives Growing up Girl, Feminist Educations, and Beyond the Little Mermaid: Race, Gender, and the Global Waters. A qualitative researcher, she focuses on Black women’s contemporary and historical acts of self-definition.  Her published work has examined Black women’s pedagogy as a form of “politicized mothering,” the embodied costs of being a strong Black woman, and the liberal arts vision of “living abundantly” championed by Lucy Diggs Slowe, the first trained African American student affairs professional.  Increasingly interested in higher education histories and narratives of belonging, she is at work on a book manuscript tentatively titled, You may call me Eva P.: Portraits of a willful Black matriline, 1837-1937.   #EdithRenfrowSmith #InMemoriam #ChicagoTemple #BlackHistory #GrinnellCollege #TempleForum

    20 min
  2. Faith, Identity, and Storytelling: A Conversation with Steven Thrasher

    09/26/2025

    Faith, Identity, and Storytelling: A Conversation with Steven Thrasher

    This week, we are honored to welcome Steven Thrasher — journalist, professor of journalism at Northwestern University, former writer for Saturday Night Live, and author of the powerful book The Viral Underclass. Steven shares his journey as a Black gay man and a deeply rooted Christian, reflecting on identity, faith, and storytelling. His voice challenges us, inspires us, and opens new windows into how God’s love is alive in the midst of complex realities. Tune in to this vibrant conversation and hear how Steven lives out his vocation as a truth-teller, scholar, and disciple.   (Photo credit: CS Muncy)   #TempleForumPodcast #StevenThrasher #ChicagoTemple #FaithAndJustice #BlackGayChristian #TheViralUnderclass #NorthwesternUniversity #ChristianVoices #StorytellingAndFaith

    33 min

  3. 06/02/2025

    Generosity That Builds the Church: Insights from the Midwest Methodist Foundation

    🎙️ New Temple Forum Podcast Episode! 🎙️ We’re excited to share our latest episode featuring Rev. Chris Walters, President & CEO of the Midwest Methodist Foundation, as we explore the connection between faith, generosity, and financial stewardship in today’s church. Rev. Walters—an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church—leads a foundation that manages over $100 million in assets, supporting more than 120 local churches and nonprofits across the Midwest. 🌟 Special shout-out! During the interview, Rev. Walters warmly celebrates Lyn Ridgeway, a member of Chicago Temple, as an inspiring example of faithful generosity. We’re so proud to have Lyn in our community! 🎧 Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation on how generosity transforms churches and lives. #TempleForum #MidwestMethodistFoundation #FaithAndFinance #UMC #Stewardship #Generosity #ChicagoTemple #LynRidgeway #ChurchLeadership

    22 min

  4. 04/04/2025

    Faith in Motion: Dr. Javier Viera on Higher Education, Growth, and Advocacy for Immigrants

    Exciting new episode of the Temple Forum Podcast at the Chicago Temple! We had the honor of speaking with Dr. Javier Viera from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Viera shared insights on the evolving landscape of higher education, the incredible growth in Garrett’s student body, and his powerful advocacy for immigrants—embracing the concept of an "Immigrant God" in theology. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion. Tune in now and hear how faith and education intersect to inspire justice and transformation. 💡✨ #HigherEd #ImmigrantGod #Theology #FaithAndJustice #GarrettSeminary

    21 min

  5. 03/04/2025

    Faith and Conflict: How Religion Shapes the War Between Russia and Ukraine

    Dr. John P. Burgess is the James Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), he has served in various congregations and theological roles. His research focuses on Eastern Orthodoxy, particularly in Russia, and he has authored several books, including Holy Rus': The Rebirth of Orthodoxy in the New Russia. A respected scholar and teacher, Dr. Burgess continues to explore the intersection of theology, church, and culture. Dr. John Burgess’s Temple Forum interview took place on the same day Ukrainian President Zelensky visited the White House. Tune in as he explores how religion has shaped the war between Russia and Ukraine. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! 🎙️ #TempleForum #ChicagoTemple #RussiaUkraine #FaithAndConflict

    26 min

  6. 01/27/2025

    Missionary in Jerusalem, Rev Jane Eesley

    We are thrilled to share some exciting news! Rev. Jane Eesley, a dedicated missionary who has been serving in Israel, will be joining First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple as our new senior pastor this July! Just last month, we had the privilege of interviewing Rev. Eesley about her experiences in ministry abroad. Since then, our journey together has taken a new and unexpected turn, and we are overjoyed to welcome her into our church family.   Also, we apologize for the uneven quality of the interviews due to unreliable electricity and internet in Israel.   #ChicagoTemple #WelcomeRevEesley #NewBeginnings #FaithInAction

    31 min

  7. 01/01/2025

    A Conversation Rev. Young-Mee Park on Faith, Vision, and Leadership

    It is our pleasure to share that we recently had the opportunity to interview Rev. Young-Mee Park, the new Interim Senior Pastor at the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, located in 77 W. Washington St. Chicago. In our conversation, she shared her vision for our church, her hopes for this season of ministry, and her deep commitment to guiding us forward with faith and care. Stay tuned! #TempleChurchChicago #FaithAndLeadership #NewSeason"

    18 min

  8. 12/05/2024

    Understand the past to envision the future- Interview with David Worthington

    Welcome to the Temple Forum Podcast! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with a truly remarkable guest, David Worthington, the Global Ambassador of Methodist Heritage Sites for The United Methodist Church. David plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich legacy of Methodist heritage around the globe. With a deep passion for history and faith, he works tirelessly to ensure that the stories, sites, and significance of Methodism are not only remembered but also celebrated. From the rolling hills of the United Kingdom, where Methodism was born, to historic sites across the United States and beyond, David’s work bridges continents and generations, connecting people to the spiritual roots of the Methodist movement. Join us as we explore his fascinating journey, the importance of preserving heritage, and the global impact of Methodist history today!   To learn more about David and his work, visit his website.  https://gcah.org/staff/david-worthington/

    25 min
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About

The Temple Forum is a podcast hosted by The Chicago Temple in Chicago, IL. We talk about faith, people, and the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Temple Forum
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Temple Forum