A Textured Gospel with Rev. Dr. Shively Smith and Rev. Dr. Theresa Thames

In this episode of Thursdays At the Table, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling explores the importance of a variety of theological perspectives with guests the Rev. Drs. Shively Smith, an Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Theology, and Theresa Thames, Associate Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel at Princeton University. Theology or “God-talk” is not situated in one culture, people or time. Rather, all of creation extols the glory and represents aspects of the Divine and therefore needs to speak into this conversation. To privilege one group over another de-centers those whose voices are often excluded and attempts to wrongly make one experience, culture or worldview normative and limits our understanding of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Bishop Easterling and her guests delve into “the radical boldness of saying yes,” and the importance of “possibility models,” and interrogating the text. Together, they explore overcoming biblical illiteracy and moving beyond a fairy-tale faith to capture the truth and implications of the Gospel message through the lived life of Jesus.

The Rev. Dr. Shively Smith is a lifelong student of sacred texts and dedicated to the life of the mind and the journey of the spirit. She is a renowned scholar, teacher, author, and preacher, currently serving as Assistant Professor of New Testament at Boston University School of Theology and Affiliate faculty for the PhD Concentration in Homiletics. She is also Resident Scholar and an itinerant elder at the historic Metropolitan AME Church of Washington D.C.  She is currently researching the work of theologian Howard Thurman and her ministry often focuses on providing life-transforming answers to the question “What bridges am I building and crossing for future generations today?” Learn more.

The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames has a passion for things at the intersections of theology, gender, organizational development, and social justice. An Elder in The United Methodist Church, she is the Associate Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel at Princeton University in New Jersey. A sought after teacher and preacher, she is also the founder of Soul Joy Coaching & Yoga, LLC, an in-person and online gathering that invites women of color to honor their whole divine selves and tap into radical joy. Before moving to Princeton, she served as a pastor in Washington, D.C. for nine years. Thames “prioritizes self-care and believes that freedom is not optional, rest is her strength, and radical joy is her resistance.” Learn more.