Et al. by Baylor University Press

Join Baylor University Press in exploring scriptural, historical, and theological studies of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam as well as the world of publishing.

Episodes

Caleb Friedeman

Dec 23, 2025

Dec 23, 2025

32 min

In this episode, Anna Kate interviews Caleb Friedman about his new book, 'Gospel Birth Narratives and Historiography.' They discuss the skepticism surrounding the historical reliability of Gospel birth narratives, contrasting skepticism of intent with skepticism of truth. Caleb explores the historiographic elements present in ancient biographies, particularly through the works of Philo and Suetonius, and how these elements apply to the Gospel narratives of Matthew and Luke. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and intent of these narratives, as well as the genealogies presented in the Gospels, which suggest a genuine historical lineage for Jesus.
Purchase 'Gospel Birth Narratives and Historiography' at BaylorPress.com TODAY!!

Jeffrey Bilbro

Dec 18, 2025

Dec 18, 2025

30 min

In this conversation, Jeffrey Bilbro discusses his book 'Words for Conviviality' and explores the complex relationship between media technologies and Christian theology. He examines the dual nature of technology, highlighting both its potential for fostering community and its risks of promoting individualism and commodification. Bilbro emphasizes the importance of reading scripture in community and the dangers of individualistic interpretations. He advocates for a balanced approach to technology, recognizing its challenges while also finding hope and joy in communal practices. The discussion also touches on the implications of AI for language and human relationships, urging a return to understanding words as a means of connection rather than mere instruments.
 
Purchase 'Words for Conviviality' at BaylorPress.com TODAY!

Dec 11, 2025

33 min

In this conversation with Dave Nelson, director of Baylor University Press, and guests Jamie Davies, Phil Ziegler, and Beverly Gaventa, discuss the legacy of J. Louis Martyn, a New Testament scholar. The discussion covers Martyn's influence on their work, the significance of his apocalyptic reading of Paul, and the upcoming event at Baylor University celebrating 100 years since Martyn's birth.

John Greening

Dec 4, 2025

Dec 4, 2025

23 min

We're celebrating 150 years since Rainer Maria Rilke's birth!! In this conversation, poet John Greening discusses his recent translation of Rainer Maria Rilke's 'New Poems.' He explores the challenges and joys of translating poetry, the enduring legacy of Rilke, and the importance of attention in both writing and reading poetry. Greening reflects on his personal journey as a poet and translator, emphasizing the spiritual and countercultural aspects of Rilke's work in today's fast-paced world. The discussion includes readings of Rilke's poems, showcasing their depth and variety.
Grab your copy of 'New Poems' TODAY at BaylorPress.com!

Elizabeth Newman

Nov 13, 2025

Nov 13, 2025

35 min

Summary
In this conversation, Josh and Elizabeth Newman discuss her book 'Living the Liturgy: Enlarging the Baptist Vision.' They explore the concept of liturgy within the Baptist tradition, addressing the historical context, the significance of baptism and the Eucharist, and the importance of unity and witness in the church. Newman emphasizes the need for a coherent understanding of worship that extends beyond the church walls and into daily life, advocating for a Baptist identity that embraces a broader ecumenical vision.
 
You can purchase "Living the Liturgy" TODAY at BaylorPress.com!!
 

David Music

Nov 6, 2025

Nov 6, 2025

31 min

Summary
In this conversation, David Music discusses his book 'Baptist Hymnody in America,' exploring the historical and theological significance of Baptist church music. He highlights how congregational singing serves as a teaching and confessional tool for Baptists, the evolution of hymnody through church meetings, and the debates surrounding the role of music in worship. The discussion also covers the rise of Sunday School songs and revival hymns, the impact of contemporary music on church practices, and the importance of understanding historical context in church music.
Purchase 'Baptist Hymnody in America' TODAY at BaylorPress.com!

Sep 18, 2025

1hr 18 min

Welcome to Footnotes, the BONUS episodes of Et Al.! 
 
Summary
Today's episode of Et Al. is the Baylor Libraries Author Series on "God of the Whirlwind: Horror, Memory, and Story in Black Waco," featuring Baylor University Press author, Dr. Tyler Davis, joined on the panel by contributors LaRue Dorsey, Linda Lewis, and Michael Babers. The conversation explores the historical events of the lynching of Jesse Washington and the Waco tornado, examining their impact on the community's memory and identity. Panelists share personal narratives that connect these events to their lived experiences, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, faith, and activism in healing and fostering unity. The discussion highlights the need for acknowledgment of the past and the hope for a more inclusive future in Waco.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment of History06:34 The Impact of Historical Events on Community Memory12:42 Personal Narratives and Collective Memory18:31 The Role of Faith and Activism in Shaping Identity24:37 Connecting the Past to the Present: Lessons Learned37:00 Confronting Historical Injustices40:46 The Power of Oral Histories43:05 Living Memories of Racial Struggles47:25 The Importance of Storytelling53:01 Addressing Racism and Segregation01:00:42 Dreams for a Unified Waco01:12:34 The Role of Narrative in Change
PURCHASE 'GOD OF THE WHIRLWIND' AT BAYLORPRESS.COM TODAY!

Maayan Raveh

Sep 12, 2025

Sep 12, 2025

32 min

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Maayan Raveh discusses her book on Palestinian Christian theology, exploring the historical context, identity, and the intersection of theology and politics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She emphasizes the importance of understanding Palestinian Christian perspectives within the broader discourse of global Christianity and the complexities of navigating identity amidst conflict. The discussion highlights the role of political theology in articulating a distinct Palestinian Christian voice and the necessity of engaging theological questions to address the realities faced by Palestinian Christians today.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Palestinian Christian Theology03:53 Historical Context of Palestinian Christianity07:55 Identity and Theology in Conflict14:34 Navigating Western Christianity and Jewish Relations16:05 The Impact of Historical Context on Theology17:15 Emergence of Palestinian Political Theology18:37 Contextual Reading of the Bible22:10 Navigating Biblical Narratives in Modern Contexts27:11 The Intersection of Post-Colonial and Post-Holocaust Theologies30:37 Reopening Theological Questions for Global Christianity
PURCHASE 'UNDER THE OLIVE TREE' TODAY AT BAYLORPRESS.COM!!
 

John Swinton

Sep 4, 2025

Sep 4, 2025

29 min

Summary
In this conversation, Anna Kate Velasquez and John Swinton explore the integration of mental health and theology through the concept of Shalom. They discuss the importance of care over cure, the relational nature of the mind, and the role of community in mental health. Swinton emphasizes the significance of creation care and how environmental concerns can lead to mental health challenges. The discussion also highlights the need for kindness and understanding within the body of Christ, recognizing that mental health issues affect the community as a whole.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shalom and Mental Health04:37 The Importance of Care vs. Cure07:04 Christian Theory of the Mind10:42 The Role of Community in Mental Health16:18 Creation Care and Mental Health22:30 The Body of Christ and Mental Health Challenges
Purchase 'Seeking Sanctuary, Finding Shalom' at BaylorPress.com TODAY!

Aug 28, 2025

36 min

Summary
In this episode, Anna Kate Velasquez hosts Byron Johnson and William Wubbenhorst to discuss their forthcoming book, 'The Faith Factor and Social Welfare.' The conversation explores the role and impact of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in addressing social issues such as homelessness, welfare, and violence. The authors share insights from their research, emphasizing the effectiveness of FBOs and the importance of faith in community engagement. They also highlight significant case studies that demonstrate the practical impact of these organizations and address gaps in scholarship regarding the role of religion in social welfare.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Faith-Based Organizations01:18 Defining Faith-Based Organizations04:28 Personal Experiences with FBOs08:55 Effectiveness of Faith-Based Organizations16:01 The Role of Faith in Community Engagement18:25 The Role of Faith in Social Services22:31 Holistic Approaches to Community Support27:39 Case Studies of Impactful Faith-Based Programs31:59 Filling Gaps in Social Welfare Scholarship
Pre-Order 'The Faith Factor and Social Welfare' at BaylorPress.com TODAY!

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