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

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
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!

Aug 21, 2025
Aug 21, 2025
38 min
Summary
In this episode of Et Al., host Anna Kate Velasquez interviews John Screnock about his Hebrew Handbook on Psalms 90-100. They discuss the significance of reading the Psalms in Hebrew, the role of Te'amim in understanding the text, and the thematic elements present in these Psalms, including Yahweh's kingship and justice. The conversation also explores the shifts in voice within Psalm 91, the distinction between insiders and outsiders in Psalm 94, and how Psalm 100 serves as a conclusion to the Yahweh kingship series.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Psalms and Their Hebrew Significance02:57 The Role of Hebrew Syntax and Te'amim in Psalms05:48 Themes in Psalms 90 to 100: Kingship and Justice11:12 Exploring Psalm 91: Shifts in Voice and Interpretation21:37 The Engaging Voice of the Psalms22:58 Understanding Psalms 94: Insider vs. Outsider29:02 Concluding the Yahweh Kingship Series with Psalm 100

Aug 14, 2025
Aug 14, 2025
40 min
Summary
In this episode of Et Al., Joshua Mobley interviews Professor Philip Rolnick about his book 'Origins: God, Evolution, and the Question of the Cosmos.' They explore the relationship between evolution and Christianity, the limitations of scientific reasoning, and the role of theology in understanding human existence. Rolnick discusses the challenges evolution poses to traditional Christian beliefs, the problem of evil and suffering, and how virtue development can serve as a response to these challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of both science and faith, advocating for a harmonious relationship between the two.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Origins: God, Evolution, and the Cosmos06:01 The Limitations of Science09:47 The Role of Religion and Theology12:29 Navigating Fundamentalism: Scientism vs. Religious Literalism13:25 Disarming the Sensitivity Around Evolution16:41 Challenges of Evolution to Christianity21:34 The Problem of Suffering and Death23:51 The Purpose of Death27:25 Defending God's Righteousness32:06 Convergences Between Science and Faith36:03 Developing Virtue as a Response
Both 'Origins' and Rolnick's forthcoming book, 'Tradition Awakening' are available for purchase at BaylorPress.com!

Aug 7, 2025
Aug 7, 2025
43 min
Summary
In this episode, Anna Kate hosts Reverend Dr. Joshua Cockayne and Dr. Gideon Salter to discuss their book 'Why We Gather.' They explore the significance of Christian gatherings, the interplay between theology and psychology, and the insights gained from their interdisciplinary collaboration. The conversation delves into the nature of worship, the impact of liturgy, and the challenges of individualism in corporate worship. They also provide practical suggestions for churches to foster a sense of community and inclusivity in their gatherings.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Authors and Their Work03:00 Exploring the Concept of Gathering06:00 Insights from Interdisciplinary Research08:38 The Nature of Gathered Worship11:28 Liturgy and Its Impact on Community14:13 The Role of Shared Experiences in Worship16:44 The Effects of COVID-19 on Worship Practices24:36 The Impact of COVID-19 on Church Gatherings27:09 Consumerism in Worship29:56 Redefining Participation in Worship32:31 Creating Community Beyond Sunday Gatherings35:20 Balancing Individualism and Corporate Worship41:25 Encouraging Ongoing Conversations about Worship
Purchase 'Why We Gather' TODAY at BaylorPress.com!!

Jul 31, 2025
Jul 31, 2025
32 min
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Barry Harvey discusses his book 'Madness, Theocracy, and Anarchism,' exploring the intersections of Christian theology, politics, and society. He argues that theology is inherently political, emphasizing the church's role in witnessing to God's sovereignty amidst modern challenges like neoliberalism and Christian nationalism. Harvey highlights the importance of confessionalism, the social function of the Eucharist, and practical examples of how churches can engage with their communities. Ultimately, he calls for a re-evaluation of allegiance, asserting that loyalty to Christ must take precedence over national identities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Madness, Theocracy, and Anarchism02:45 The Political Nature of Theology05:59 Confessionalism in American Christianity08:44 Understanding Neoliberalism and Its Impact11:41 The Role of the Church in Society14:36 The Eucharistic Idiom of the Gospel17:43 Practical Examples of Christian Community Engagement20:36 Allegiance to Christ vs. National Identity
Purchase 'Madness, Theocracy, and Anarchism' at BaylorPress.com TODAY!

Jul 24, 2025
Jul 24, 2025
48 min
Summary
This conversation explores the theology of Ephraim Radner drawing from "Figural Reading and the Fleshly God", authored by Joseph Mangina and David Ney, focusing on his unique voice, the challenges of reading his work, and the significance of particularity in his theology. The discussion also compares Radner's approach to that of systematic theologians, delves into the concept of figural reading, and examines the ontological priority of scripture. Additionally, the conversation highlights Radner's material theology and its implications for everyday experience, as well as his ecumenical contributions and the importance of addressing church division.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ephraim Radner's Theology02:24 Understanding Radner's Unique Voice05:53 The Challenge of Radner's Density09:50 The Role of Particularity in Radner's Work12:02 Comparing Radner with Systematic Theologians15:23 Figural Reading: Scripture, Creation, and the Church24:07 The Ontological Priority of Scripture28:40 The Divine Perspective on History32:09 Material Theology and Everyday Experience36:05 Engaging Modern Artifacts in Scripture44:58 Ecumenism and the Church's Division
PURCHASE THIS TITLE TODAY AT BAYLORPRESS.COM!!

Jul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025
29 min
Summary
In this episode of Et Al., host Josh Mobley converses with David Lyle Jeffrey, a distinguished professor and author, about his transition from scholarly works to children's literature with his book 'Tales from Limerick Forest.' They explore the importance of storytelling, the moral lessons embedded in the narratives, the realism of animal characters, and the role of wonder in children's literature. Jeffrey discusses the collaboration with illustrator Megan Major and the significance of poetry in the book, culminating in a reading of the 'Deep Forest Anthem.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to David Lyle Jeffrey and His Work02:38 The Journey to Children's Literature05:32 Conceptual Foundations of 'Tales from Limerick Forest'08:37 Realism in Animal Characters and Their Lives11:31 Character Dynamics and Community Roles14:24 The Role of Poetry and Limericks in Storytelling17:24 The Importance of Storytelling for Children20:23 The Artistic Collaboration and Illustrations22:58 The Transcendental Themes in the Poetry26:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Purchase 'Tales from Limerick Forest' TODAY at BaylorPress.com!

Jul 10, 2025
Jul 10, 2025
28 min
Summary
In this conversation, Anna Kate Velasquez interviews Bethany Mannon about her book, 'I Grew Up in the Church,' which explores the narratives of American evangelical women. Mannon discusses the significance of personal narratives in evangelicalism, the concept of moral injury, and the idea of generous orthodoxy. She highlights case studies, including Mark Driscoll and Rachel Held Evans, to illustrate how women's voices have emerged in response to institutional narratives. The discussion also touches on the role of online spaces in fostering dialogue and the importance of listening to diverse personal stories.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation00:52 Exploring Personal Narratives in Evangelicalism05:16 Moral Injury and Women's Voices06:48 Generous Orthodoxy and Its Implications08:13 Case Study: Mark Driscoll and the Rise of Blogs12:11 Rachel Held Evans: Storytelling and Hospitality15:32 Shifting from Institutional to Inclusive Spaces18:27 Online Spaces: Opportunities and Challenges21:44 Hermanas: A Framework for Contextualized Narratives25:38 Listening and Telling Personal Narratives27:35 Supporting Women's Voices in Evangelical Spaces
Purchase 'I Grew Up in the Church' at BaylorPress.com TODAY!!

Jul 3, 2025
Jul 3, 2025
36 min
Summary
In this conversation, David Shin discusses his book 'Rest: A Theological Account,' exploring the concept of rest from a theological perspective. He differentiates between rest, restfulness, and restlessness, emphasizing the importance of resting in God. The discussion includes insights from Augustine, the role of memory and praise in achieving restfulness, and the implications of divine providence and human agency. The conversation also touches on philosophical influences and practical applications of living a restful life in sync with the triune God.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rest and Its Importance02:18 Theological Foundations of Rest05:17 Understanding Rest: Definitions and Distinctions07:57 Rest as a Mode of Prayer10:49 Augustine's Influence on the Concept of Rest14:00 Memory, Praise, and Restfulness16:44 Divine Providence and Human Agency19:36 Exploring Key Philosophical Influences22:53 Finitude and Its Role in Rest25:48 Practical Applications of Rest28:51 The Trinitarian Nature of Rest31:29 Eschatological Perspectives on Rest
You can purchase David Shin's book, 'Rest', at BaylorPress.com.




