Rector’s Cupboard Podcast

With All our Heart, but None of our Mind with Dr. Richard Topping

Guest: Dr. Richard Topping
Do we have to dumb it down to talk about faith? Quick statements, punchy slogans and elevator pitches. What would happen if in general, we valued intellectual engagement in Christian faith. Maybe saying, “I don’t understand that” is a commentary not only on the ability or inability of the presenter to speak clearly and simply, but also a commentary on the short attention span or lack of intellectual devotion of the hearer.
Or is that too harsh?
Dr. Richard Topping joins us to discuss Christian Education in general and Theological Education specifically. Can we invite even a small number of people (whether they are students or not) to commit to the intellectual aspect of faith?
What are the costs of such a commitment? What are the benefits and joys?
Dr. Topping is Principal at Vancouver School of Theology. He has been instrumental in moving the School forward, in building a new campus and in engaging thoughtful, gifted professors and teachers to the institution. Also, he has a wonderful ability to remember some excellent stories from days of pastoral ministry and from theological debate and discussion.

Best and Worst of Worship “Like a Rose Trampled on the Ground” with Carolyn Arends and Spencer Capier

Guests: Carolyn Arends and Spencer Capier
Best and Worst of Worship “Like a Rose Trampled on the Ground”...But not at all like a rose trampled on the ground.
Everyone knows what is best about worship and music in church. Everyone knows what is worst. Is it possible to engage in worship regardless of best or worst?
Carloyn and Spencer join us to talk about worship and music in Christian faith.
Why is music and worship both engaging and infuriating? And why is it that what can be engaging for me can be infuriating for you?
What is hopeful about worship? How can music and singing be an essential expression of Hopeful Gospel?
Carolyn is an accomplished musician who has recorded albums and toured extensively.
She is currently also the Curriculum and Spiritual Formation Director for Renovaré, a ministry of spiritual formation and education founded by Richard Foster.
Spencer is a crazy talented musician who has also recorded multiple albums. He has toured with Carolyn and has been a key part of programmes such as Pacific Theatre’s Christmas Presence. Spencer is also a Teacher at West Vancouver Highschool. He teaches super smart and interesting things like Philosophy and History of Knowledge. Currently Spencer also works to help on labour matters for teachers in West Vancouver.  Also – Board Games, Spencer loves Board Games.
 
Carolyn Arends
Renovaré
Contemporary Christian Music Industry Article – CNN, October 2019
 
This episode we tasted Limoncello from The Woods Distillery.