Best Abernethys Podcasts (2025)

1
Habakkuk and God in Dialogue, with Andrew Abernethy: Habakkuk 1-2 8:47

17d ago8:47

8:47

Unlike other prophetic books that directly address an audience, the message of Habakkuk presents itself to listeners by pondering a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God. By paying attention to repetition related to “seeing” in Habakkuk 1-2, we can pick up on God’s invitation to allow God’s perception of reality to enrich and challenge our …

1
A Statue in Progression, with John Walton: Daniel 3 10:34

21h ago10:34

10:34

The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – their refusal to bow down to the king’s image and their deliverance from the furnace – is among the most oft-told of the Bible. Archaeology has provided a compelling backstory for that event, illuminating some of drama that the narrator would have assumed. Dr. John Walton, Old Testament Professor Emerit…

1
The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily IV, Part II 1:04:58

6d ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Renunciation: The word has certain connotations that are often tied to deprivation or unhappiness. What we find in the writings of the great ascetics, St. Isaac especially, is something quite different; the weaning of ourselves from the things that we are attached to in the world in order to become more attached to God, to what endures and fills th…

1
Beyond the Classroom: Gender, Learning & Leadership at UT Arlington 55:56

8d ago55:56

55:56

In this episode, Jon travels to the University of Texas School of Architecture at Arlington to talk with professors and students about learning, teaching and mentoring. Does what we teach, and how we teach, truly open doors for everyone in the design profession? Listen in on these multi-perspective conversations that touch on bias, opportunity, and…

1
The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part X and XXXIII, Part I 1:18:34

8d ago1:18:34

1:18:34

As we completed hypothesis 32 and considering the fathers’ teaching on contrition being a source of spiritual labor and protection, we made a segway into the most beautiful and compelling of stories found in the Evergetinos. The story captures why we must maintain a spirit of humility and contrition to the very end of our lives. Regardless of the d…

1
Satan Paraded, with Shane J. Wood: Revelation 20:3 10:33

10d ago10:33

10:33

A small, common, but theologically charged Greek verb in Rev. 20:3 quietly signals the fate of Satan in the triumphant King’s victory procession. Dr. Shane Wood is Professor of New Testament & Its Origins at Ozark Christian College. His publications include The Alter-Imperial Paradigm: Empire Studies & the Book of Revelation and Thinning the Veil: …

1
The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily IV, Part I 1:09:44

13d ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Saint Isaac the Syrian begins this homily with the words: “The soul that loves God finds rest only in God.“ This thought permeates all that is to follow. Our weaning ourselves from our attachment to the things of the world and our own self-esteem and judgment opens our eyes to the love and freedom that is ours in Christ. To see this, Saint Isaac te…

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The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part IX 1:04:53

15d ago1:04:53

1:04:53

The Desert Fathers make it very clear that in every element of our faith life we are being drawn into the mystery of God and the kingdom. Therefore, we must become comfortable with living in mystery; of being immersed in a reality that is beyond intellect and reason and comprehended solely through the gift of faith and the light that God bestow upo…

1
The House By The Sea, Eileen Gray and Other Women History Forgot 47:53

15d ago47:53

47:53

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Bergman, founder of the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), to explore House by the Sea — a dreamy new film that revisits Eileen Gray’s iconic E1027 house and the notorious murals by Le Corbusier. We look at how the film uncovers what design history often hides: the stories of women like Gray, Charlott…

1
Phronema: Having the Mind of Christ 1:57:37

18d ago1:57:37

1:57:37

Links provided to the group: Outline: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/250d23a5-4286-ca11-aa97-511cb2db99e7/Phronema_Outline_2025.pdf Phronema in the Teachings of Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/bcb1bdd1-e77a-1f58-b90d-8070e0f7f9d5/Phronema_in_Teachings_of_Zacharia…

1
The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily III, Part VII 1:05:55

18d ago1:05:55

1:05:55

Perhaps there has been no greater or more beautiful exhortation written than Saint Isaac the Syrian’s homily on temptation. This may seem to be a rather bold statement, but Isaac’s words draw us into the very heart of a reality that even many men and women of faith do not see; that is, we are engaged in a spiritual warfare against the Evil One. Evi…

1
The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part VIII 57:37

22d ago57:37

57:37

The beauty of the writings of the fathers and in particular the lived experiences of the monks as described in the Evergetinos brings to life the spiritual life in an unparalleled fashion. They show us that there is no part of the spiritual life that can be seen outside the context of our relationship with God. In other words, there is no spiritual…

1
Amos’ Art, with Danny Carroll Rodas: Amos 9:17

24d ago9:17

9:17

Amos’ Hebrew is rich with rhetorical techniques such as word play and satire, sometimes throwing hard punches. Some of these can be heard in translation, others are difficult to preserve in English. Dr. Danny Carroll Rodas, who has contributed several episodes to this podcast series, is the Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies a…

1
Ep33-100th annual Pony Swim this July! With Chincoteague Pony historian Sarah Boudreau. 57:55

28d ago57:55

57:55

Co-hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor in Chief Holly Caccamise talk to Sarah Boudreau, author of the new book Before Misty: Early Chincoteague Pony History, in honor of the 100th Pony Swim taking place July 30, 2025. Our adoptable horse this month is an attention-loving Saddlebred cross named William, located at the Hooved Animal Hu…

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily III, Part VI 1:06:22

28d ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Knowledge of God comes through the experience of God. When faith remains an abstraction, an idea, it is destined to remain lifeless and loses its capacity to transform and heal. It is the Lord Himself - He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - who must teach us. Outside this path, we will lack all understanding. What we are called to contemplat…

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The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part VII 1:01:44

30d ago1:01:44

1:01:44

When reading the fathers, it is as if we are swimming in the living waters of their faith and love for God. In this sense we are in a privileged position: we are able to catch a glimpse of what might otherwise be completely incomprehensible to us. Yet the warmth of the light of their faith is undeniable; for contrition is often understood and exper…

1
A Figura Etymologica in Jesus’ Teaching, with Alexander Loney: Matthew 7:2 9:17

1M ago9:17

9:17

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew’s Greek utilizes figures of speech that can be impossible to translate into English but which lend force and memorability to his words. Dr. Alexander Loney is Associate Professor of Classical Languages and the Coordinator of the Classical Languages program at Wheaton College. His publications include The Ethics of Revenge…

1
Thirst for God 1:27:18

1M ago1:27:18

1:27:18

Text of chat during the group: 00:15:43 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/7dc24fb1-6e46-0667-4ec1-01790064a60b/Thirst_for_God_Zacharou.pdf 00:16:31 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/7dc24fb1-6e46-0667-4ec1-01790064a60b/Thirst_for_God_Zacharou.pdf 00:16:48 …

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily III, Part V 1:01:35

1M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Saint Isaac the Syrian asks the question that has been put forward for centuries - “how are we to pray?” In fact, our Lord himself was asked by his disciples to teach them how to pray as John the Baptizer taught his disciples. Within a few beautiful paragraphs Isaac opens up for us not only what we are to pray for but why. What Isaac would have us …

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily III, Part IV 1:03:51

1M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

As we listen to St. Isaac the Syrian in Homily Three his focus shifts from speaking of the necessary foundation to be laid in the spiritual life, purity of mind, to drawing us further to purity of heart. Purity of mind is established through the toils of the ascetic life, including vigils, fasting, prayer and meditation upon the scriptures, etc. On…

1
The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part VI 1:03:07

1M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Contrition is love! To many this will seem to be an absurdity, but when we look not only to the writings of the fathers, but to the life of Christ himself something far more beautiful begins to emerge. Contrition, in order for it to be genuine and not to lead to despair, must be tied to a depth of love that does not allow for any other response fro…

1
How Not to Run Amuck, with Richard Schultz: Proverbs 29:18 8:41

1M ago8:41

8:41

The English words, “where there is no vision, the people perish,” would seem to commend the need of a good plan for a desired future, but the Hebrew sentence points in a different direction. Dr. Richard Schultz is the Blanchard Professor of Old Testament in Wheaton College Graduate School. In addition to other publications, he has authored Out of C…

1
The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part V 1:00:47

1M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

One of the amazing things about reading the lives in the teachings of the desert fathers is that we begin to see that we are part of the body of Christ and among the many who have sought to make the spiritual journey over the centuries. We aren’t Christians in isolation. This means not only that we hold and believe the same truths about the faith t…

1
Breaking Barriers with architect, designer and trailblazer, Lauren Rottet 37:08

1M ago37:08

37:08

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Rottet — the only woman ever elevated to Fellow status by both the AIA and IIDA — to explore her remarkable journey from architect to interior and product designer. As Founding Principal of Rottet Studio, Lauren has led award-winning projects around the world and launched a celebrated furniture line, all whi…

1
This God, with Bradley Cameron: Ecclesiastes 3:10 11:16

2M ago11:16

11:16

Is Ecclesiastes 3:10-14 about a despotic, distant god or a benevolent, known God? It depends on whether we recognize the force of a Hebrew definite article. Bradley Cameron (PhD, Wheaton) is Visiting Instructor in Old Testament at Wheaton College. His dissertation was, “Learning to Fear: An Exploration of the Fear of God in Ecclesiastes through the…

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily III, Part III 1:04:12

2M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Saint Isaac for Syrian proves himself once more to be one of the most beautiful and poetic of teachers. He describes for us the nature of the human person and the fragmentation that has taken place because of sin. On the level of the flesh, the body has certain needs and will seek to satisfy them. Yet, sin often brings a disorder to this desire as …

1
The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part IV 1:01:17

2M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

“Contrition is his very name!” This is how the authors describe a monk who not only is contrite of heart, but who also lives always in this state. What becomes clear in the writings and experience of the desert fathers is that contrition is the source of consolation. The capacity to see one’s sin, though painful, is also the path to healing. It dra…

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The Express Image, with Philip Graham Ryken: Hebrews 1:3 8:29

2M ago8:29

8:29

Heb. 1:1-4 is a beautifully rounded Greek sentence in praise of God’s Son in and as whom God has spoken. One metaphor conveys the uniqueness of this person as the “express image” of God himself. It is this metaphor that Dr. Ryken explains. Dr. Phil Ryken, who has been a regular on our podcast, is the President of Wheaton College, 8th in the college…

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Ep32-David O'Connor talks horses in a non-horsey world 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

Co-hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor in Chief Holly Caccamise talk to David O'Connor, Olympic gold medalist and USEF Chef of Sport, about his career highlights and how we can all help keep horse sports thriving in today's decidedly non-horsey world. This month's adoptable horse, Rawhide, is a beautiful Paint mare who is looking for…

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily III, Part II 1:01:57

2M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Orthodoxy and Orthopraxis (right belief and right practice) are intimately tied together. All of the fathers and, in particular, Saint Isaac the Syrian want us to understand that our perception of revelation, who God is to us and what we have become in his Son through the Paschal mystery, and how we live our life are inseparable. God has revealed h…

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The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part III 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

The loss of the spirit of contrition can take place whenever our hearts become hardened; when we grow sluggish in the spiritual life or our attention shifts off of our own sin and need for God‘s mercy and is redirected towards the things of the world or to the sins of others. The desert fathers pull back the veil on the human heart and reveal the m…

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Food as an Identity Assertion, with Aubrey Buster and John Walton: Daniel 1:8-16 12:33

2M ago12:33

12:33

Daniel’s refusal to eat the food provided by the king of Babylon is among the most popular of the Bible’s stories. But what food did Daniel refuse, what did he request, and why? A new look at the Hebrew text and its background suggests new answers. Dr. Aubrey Buster, who has been with us before, is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton Co…

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He Became Wisdom, with Jon Laansma: 1 Corinthians 1:30 14:58

2M ago14:58

14:58

Beneath the surface of fairly stable English translations of 1 Corinthians 1:30 there flow quite varied interpretations of the Greek language Paul uses. Jon C. Laansma is the Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis in the Classical Languages program at Wheaton College, and the Wheaton-based director of this podcast series.…

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily III, Part I 1:06:19

2M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Upon reading the beginning of this homily, one clearly gets the sense that Saint Isaac the Syrian wants our understanding of the spiritual life, who we are as human beings, and a relationship with God (who has created us in His image and likeness), to be set on a foundation that is unshakable. One must love Isaac for the effort! He is giving us eye…

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From Products to Planet: Jane Abernethy’s Mission 54:43

2M ago54:43

54:43

In this episode of Break Some Dishes, Jon and Verda talk with Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Humanscale about everything from sustainable products to gender equity in industrial design. Jane shares her journey from industrial designer to sustainability leader, why women’s voices are essential in shaping our built environment, and h…

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The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part II 1:04:12

2M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

At the end of many of these groups, my only thought is that the beauty of the writings of the fathers is exquisite. Often when reading them one is both pierced to the heart, but also raised up and consoled. This is surprisingly so in this hypothesis on contrition. None of the fathers’ writings appear to be an abstraction, but rather their words rev…

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Amen God and He’ll Amen You, with Richard Schultz: Isaiah 28:16 11:13

2M ago11:13

11:13

The choice for Israel is between quiet trust and anxious haste in an important prophetic passage. Prof. Schultz explains the background, Hebrew imagery, and the NT’s interpretation of Isaiah 28:16. Dr. Richard Schultz is the Blanchard Professor of Old Testament in Wheaton College Graduate School. In addition to other publications, he has authored O…

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily II, Part V 1:12:05

3M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

What is it that forms and shapes us the most as human beings? What affects the way that we perceive reality and gives form to the thoughts that we have throughout the course of a day? Do we have any awareness of an interior life or are we simply drawn along by the flow of external realities; demands, responsibilities or forms of entertainment? Acco…

1
The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXI, and XXXII, Part I 1:06:11

3M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

In their discussion of the struggle with the passions and in particular those associated with the bodily appetites and what we experienced through the senses, the fathers do not neglect to show us the effect that our thoughts and our lack of watchfulness can have upon the unconscious. Certain images and ideas will emerge from our dreams and often t…

1
Not Every Woman at the Party is a Concubine, with Aubrey Buster: Daniel 5:2 8:40

3M ago8:40

8:40

Dan. 5:2, within the Aramaic portion of Daniel, has always been taken to refer to the king, his nobles, his wives, and his concubines, but a fresh look at the Aramaic and its context suggests that the last were female officials, not concubines. Dr. Aubrey Buster, who has been with us before, is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton Colleg…

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily II, Part IV 1:08:52

3M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Life in Christ is not an abstraction and the gospel is not simply a set of teachings or an ideology. It is clarion call to “Follow Me” from He who is the Lord of life and love. We are invited to participate in the mystery of Divine Life. Just as the fathers tell us that we are to “become prayer” and not simply engage in a discipline, likewise, we m…

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The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part IX and XXX 1:10:19

3M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

The more that I read the fathers’ writings and about their spiritual struggles, the more I understand that what we need to see is the desire that is the foundation their life and driving force behind their behaviors. Our life is to be an urgent longing for God who has given everything to us and revealed his desire to draw us into his life. Our spir…

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Ep31-Two-time Road to the Horse winner Tik Maynard 50:40

3M ago50:40

50:40

Co-hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor in Chief Holly Caccamise talk to Tik Maynard, who recently won Road to the Horse for the second year in a row! This month's adoptable horse is a sweet bay Thoroughbred gelding named Nash who is looking for a companion home. For special subscription rates on Horse Illustrated and Young Rider maga…

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Hunger for Justice, with George Kalantzis: Matthew 5:6, 10 9:07

3M ago9:07

9:07

The Greek word usually translated as ‘righteousness’ in the Beatitudes (and elsewhere), is closer to the concept of ‘justice,’ signaling the down-to-earth concern of a people living under an unjust regime. Dr. George Kalantzis grew up in Athens, Greece, and has been at Wheaton College since 2007, where he is Professor of Theology and the Director o…

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily II, Part III 1:06:31

3M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

The experience of reading Saint Isaac the Syrian is something like being caught up in a vortex; not a linear explanation of the spiritual life or spiritual practices, but rather being drawn by the Holy Spirit that blows wherever It wills. It is not as though Isaac’s thought lacks cohesiveness, but rather he presents the life of faith and life in Ch…

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The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part VIII 1:12:03

3M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

What is the limit of our desire for God? What conditions do we set on our pursuit of virtue, constancy of prayer and the avoidance of sin? What emerges from the writings of the fathers is their willingness to sacrifice themselves and comfort in ways that are unimaginable to the modern mind. Beyond that their actions seem to be absurd and extreme to…

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Wheaton’s M.A. in Biblical Exegesis, with Andrew Abernethy 7:08

3M ago7:08

7:08

The M.A. in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton has been running for about a quarter of a century and it recently broadened its mission to enroll remote learners. Prof. Abernethy explains this transition, along with the program’s resolute commitment to the acquisition and use of the original languages. Dr. Andrew Abernethy, a frequent contributor to this …

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The Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian - Homily II, Part II 1:04:45

3M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Gratitude is placing ourselves into the hands of God, trusting in His providence and allowing Him to guide us where He wills (without asking us for permission or our understanding His purpose). It is like having a bucket of cold water dumped over our heads. We are suddenly awakened and our whole being is set on edge. We realize in the words of Sain…

1
The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part VII 58:27

3M ago58:27

58:27

We see clearly within the struggles of the desert fathers how difficult it can be to avoid extremes in thought and action. We see in them those filled with desire for God and striving for purity of heart; maintaining watchfulness and fostering a hatred of sin. Yet, how is one form and develop a sensitive conscience and awareness of the power of our…

1
Prowl Breaks Barriers: Gender, Design & Sustainability 51:04

3M ago51:04

51:04

Jon and Verda dive into the intersection of gender, sustainability, and regenerative futures in industrial design. We’re joined by two powerhouse designers, Baillie Mischler, Founder at PROWL, and Lauryn Menard, CEO of GOB. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities for women in industrial design, the systemic gender biases embedded in e…

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