Here, contributors to The Other Journal continue their conversation from Part 1 around the ways in which theology can help us better understand and shape our environmental responsibilities and concerns. This conversation was hosted and curated by Tom Ryan, Master of Divinity ’07 and Executive Editor at The Other Journal.
Tom is joined by:
- Drs. Chelle & Dave Stearns. Chelle is Associate Professor of Theology at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, and a member of the editorial advisory board at The Other Journal. Dave is is a Senior Lecturer in the Information School at the University of Washington and Chelle’s husband.
- Dr. Mark Hearn. Mark is Director of Contextual Education and Assistant Clinical Professor of Contextual Education and Ministry at Seattle University.
- Dr. Natalie Martinez. Natalie is a poet and activist, and teaches composition and rhetoric at Bellevue College.
- Drs. Christine & Tom Sine. Christine and Tom are the founders of Mustard Seed Associates and regularly collaborate with The Seattle School.
Highlights:
Dr. Chelle Stearns: “I find myself turning to artists, poets, and music. I started noticing scores that would address our fragmentation.”
Dr. Christine Sine: “I think it’s still the musicians and artists that lead the charge.”
Dr. Mark Hearn: “The theologian needs to pay attention to the poet and the activist. Where are the rumblings happening? From there, we can do our reflection. Sometimes we need start with practice first, which influences our ideas.”
Dr. Tom Sine: “I don’t find the high view of scripture in churches influencing our cultural values — our understanding of the good life. I think we can move to something simpler and more sustainable and at the same time throw better parties.”
Dr. Dave Stearns: “We talk about systems theory, but we don’t really follow through on systems theory. It’s about being in right relation.”
Dr. Natalie Martinez: “I’m most interested by people who embody the ideas. That’s who I surround myself with.”
Housed within The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, The Other Journal is a twice-yearly print and digital journal that aims to create space for Christian interdisciplinary reflection, exploration, and expression at the intersection of theology and culture. Attempting to remain a step or two more popular than the typical scholarly journal and a step or two more scholarly than the typical popular magazine, TOJ collaborates with contributors around the globe to provide readers with provocative, challenging and insightful Christian commentary on current social issues, political events, cultural trends, and pop phenomena.