For decades Beverly Roberts Gaventa has been one of the world's leading Pauline scholars.

In this conversation we explore one of the Bible's most influential—and most misunderstood—letters.

We discuss:

• Why Romans is not a "Romans Road"
• What an apocalyptic reading of Paul actually means
• Why Sin and Death are more than bad habits
• Paul's use of the Old Testament
• Phoebe's crucial role in delivering and interpreting Romans
• Women in church leadership
• Douglas Campbell's reading of Romans
• Israel in Romans 9–11 and contemporary questions
• Gaventa's nearly twenty years of writing her Romans commentary
• Criticisms of her interpretation
• How scholarship has shaped her own faith
• The mentors who influenced her
• What she has changed her mind about over her career
• What keeps her curious after decades of studying Paul
• What gives her hope—and concern—for today's church

Whether you're a pastor, student, scholar, or simply someone who has always wanted to understand Romans better, this conversation offers a rich introduction to one of the New Testament's greatest letters.

What can tattoos teach us about beauty, meaning, creativity, and the human experience?

In this episode I speak with my dear friend Ben Finfrock for a conversation on faith, tattoos, art, beauty, and the human body.

Ben shares his journey to Christian faith and how he found his vocation as a tattoo artist. Along the way, he reflects on the theology of tattoos, the role of conscience in Christian decision-making, and why many people seem more concerned about their parents' opinions than God's when considering their first tattoo.

Drawing from thousands of hours spent working closely with clients, Ben discusses what tattooing has taught him about identity, belonging, beauty, and the deep human desire to create meaning. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft itself—from designing tattoos and working with different bodies to developing artistic skill and finding his own creative voice.

The conversation expands beyond tattooing to explore the nature of art, whether there is such a thing as "Christian art," and what artists can teach the church about beauty, culture, and human flourishing. Ben also discusses his work helping lead an art gallery in Paris, the relationship between theology and artistic interpretation, and why he believes Christians should engage more deeply with the wider world of art and culture.

Topics discussed include:

• Becoming a Christian and a tattoo artist

• Tattoos, theology, and Christian conscience

• The beauty and significance of the human body

• What tattooing reveals about human nature

• The creative process behind designing tattoos

• The tattoos Ben refuses to do

• Art, meaning, and interpretation

• The church's relationship with art and culture

• Christian artists and creative vocation

Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @fintatstic

TikTok: @fintatstic

What is integral mission, and why has it become one of the most influential concepts in global Christianity?

In this episode, I chat with theologian Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst to explore the relationship between evangelism and social justice, the future of the church, and what faithful Christian witness looks like in today's world.

Ruth reflects on the legacy of her parents, René and Catherine Padilla, and shares how experiences of hospitality, community, and ministry shaped her understanding of the gospel. We discuss the origins and significance of integral mission, concerns about contemporary evangelicalism, the importance of ecumenical collaboration, and what gives her hope for the global church.

We also explore intentional Christian community, theology from the margins, creation care, the influence of context on theology, and her involvement with organizations such as the Lausanne Movement, the Global Christian Forum, and A Rocha.

Finally, Ruth shares how profound personal suffering—including the murder of her first husband—has shaped her understanding of God, discipleship, and hope.

Topics discussed include:

• Integral mission
• Evangelism and social justice
• René Padilla and Latin American theology
• The Lausanne Movement
• Ecumenism and Christian unity
• Global Christianity
• Theology and culture
• Intentional Christian community
• Creation care and ecological justice
• Suffering, hope, and discipleship

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