In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Salinas, author of Taking Up the Mantle: Latin American Evangelical Theology in the 20th Century, to explore the fascinating journey of Evangelical theology in Latin America.
Originally from Colombia, Salinas traces the movement’s beginnings under the shadow of Spanish colonial Catholicism, the struggles faced by early Protestant missionaries, and the slow but steady growth of Evangelical communities across the region.
We discuss:
The historical tensions between Catholic dominance and Protestant beginnings.
How foreign missionary agencies shaped—and at times limited—Latin American churches.
The rise of contextualized theology and the push for independence.
Pentecostalism’s explosive growth and its impact on Evangelical identity.
The challenge of globalization and the importance of maintaining a theology rooted in context.
The role of conferences, networks, and publications in building a stronger Latin American voice.
This conversation offers a rich overview of the past, present, and future of Evangelical thought in Latin America, showing how faith in the region has become both resilient and deeply contextual.
In this episode Dr. Joanna Feliciano, a Langham scholar from the Philippines, talks about the limitations of Western rubrics in assessing theological education. Joanna discusses her personal academic journey, the challenges faced by majority world students in traditional Western education systems, and the potential benefits of adopting portfolio-based assessments as an alternative to traditional dissertations. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating creative, interdisciplinary, and application-focused methods to make theological education more impactful and relevant to diverse cultural contexts.
In this episode, Barnabé Anzuruni, a theologian born to refugee parents from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who has lived through displacement in several African countries, discusses his book, 'The Wayfarer.' The conversation combines personal testimony with theological reflection, emphasizing the need for a theology that speaks to the marginalized. Barnabé also addresses the importance of shifting perceptions of refugees from being seen as economic burdens to recognizing their inherent dignity and potential. He outlines the framework for engaging in community development, advocating for the church's role in transformation. Finally, he calls for the global church to move beyond charity to engage deeply with refugees.
In this episode, Johannes van der Bijl, an Anglican pastor and author, shares the importance of narrative style in reaching both scholars and laypeople in the church. Johannes discusses his book 'Breakfast on the Beach,' a narrative synthesis of the gospels from Simon Peter's perspective, and shares insights on the powerful impact of storytelling, particularly in non-Western contexts.
In this episode, Langham Scholar Marcelo Vargas, a Bolivian author, shares about the impact of Neo-Pentecostalism among the indigenous group “the Aimarans.” The conversation also delves into the social and political impact of the Aimaran community and the challenges of integrating indigenous identity with Christian faith. Marcelo emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence and influence in every culture.
Marcelo’s insights challenge us to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and instead embrace the beauty of faith expressed in the heart language of every people group.
📖 Faith That Indigenizes: https://langhamliterature.org/books/faith-that-indigenizes
Episode
Edgar sits down with Esteban Amestegui, who’s work into digital discipleship in
South America has helped him to reach a new generation with the Gospel, and how
we in the West may be able to continue to employ these strategies as the online
world begins to become more and more a distinct culture of its own.
We sit down with Japanese scholar Dr. Kei Hiramatsu who shows us the powerful impact of the scriptural wisdom of humility in Japan. Dr. Hiramatsu gives us an insight into the ways in which the Bible speaks those experiencing social persecution in an environment where Christians are the minority and he helps us to see how western and majority world voices can work together to help an support each other pastorally.
This episode also features our Young Langham participants as we engage in a robust discussion with Dr Emmanuel Mukeshimana as he demonstrates the great positive effects Pentecostalism has had in bringing the Gospel to East-Africa. We have the opportunity to discuss the strengths and shortfalls of our traditions here in the West and those in Africa, to see just how much collaboration with our majority world brothers and sister can help each of us see our own contexts better.
In this episode we get the privilege of hearing from the voices of some of our Young Langham, Brisbane attendees; a group of young adults in Brisbane who gather once a month to hear from our Langham Scholars on a variety of topics. Over the early months of this year, our Young Langham attendees have been reading and drawing wisdom from the Langham published book No More Cheeks to Turn by Dr Sunday Bobai Agang, on this episode we discuss the book together and speak about Dr Agang’s experiences learning to forgive in the most difficult of circumstances.
Dr Susanto leads us through letters of Paul and how Paul’s cosmological framework helps us to develop a robust Christian view of Environmental Stewardship, for those who are interested in how we as Christians can approach the very relevant issues of environmental management into today’s confusing world, this episode gives a unique and well-considered perspective from a majority-world voice.
Dr Liz Mburu, walks us through her unique exegesis model that supports people from east-African contexts to draw the most from scripture using the lens of their own perspectives. We also speak with Dr Herry Susanto, whose work to reach Indonesian hearts with Gospel has shown us how the cultural perspectives can both help and hinder the way we approach scripture – and how that can reflect back on how we approach our own scriptural interpretation in the West.
This episode explores the nuances of the prosperity gospel in East Africa and challenges Western perceptions of prosperity theology. Hosts Edgar and Simon engage in a deeply insightful conversation with two guests, Dr. Tamie Davis, a scholar with extensive experience in Tanzania, and Kamwende Gatende, an associate pastor with Kenyan roots. They discuss the cultural and theological differences that shape the understanding of prosperity gospel in African contexts compared to Western perspectives.
This episode hosted by Edgar and Simon, delves into the theme of wisdom and how it varies across cultures. Featuring guests Javier de La Rosa from Mexico and Stephen Tan from Malaysia, both pastors in Melbourne, Australia, the episode explores the nuanced ways wisdom is imparted, valued, and operationalized in their respective cultures.
Through discussions on sayings, proverbs, and personal anecdotes, the guests illuminate the richness of wisdom that comes from non-Western sources, inviting listeners to appreciate the diverse insights wisdom traditions from around the world.
This episode delves into the profound impact of the Gospel on social justice and community transformation worldwide. Manuel Ramos from Colombia and Isaac Boaheng from Ghana share their experiences and insights into how Christian principles of fairness, equality, and dignity are being applied to address systemic injustices and foster societal progress.
Hosted by Simon Nugent and Edgar U. Chan
Links:
https://lausanne.org/statement/lausanne-covenant
https://langhamliterature.org/books/poverty-the-bible-and-africa
What does justice look like in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Palestinian Israeli Rev Dr Yohanna Katanacho offers insights in how to promote justice in his context.. He urges the global church to be a part of the solution and stresses the importance of loving both Palestinians and Jews equally for peaceful co-existence.
He underscores the necessity of Christians supporting those marginalized and persecuted in this conflict and challenges the idea of identifying 'enemies', emphasizing instead Jesus's call to love your enemies as the ultimate ethical standard, using his personal journey as a testament to this transformation.
Hosted by Simon Nugent and Edgar Solis
Links:
Event with Yohanna Katanacho:
How can the church promote peace and justice in the midst of conflict?
Join us for an enlightening evening as we delve into the depths of peacemaking amidst conflict with Rev Yohanna Katanacho. This event promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the Arab-Israeli conflict from a theological standpoint.
Register now to secure your spot!
Books
Reading the Gospel of John through Palestinian Eyes- https://langhamliterature.org/reading-the-gospel-of-john-through-palestinian-eyes
Praying Through the Psalms- https://langhamliterature.org/praying-through-the-psalms
https://www.newarab.com/analysis/gazas-christian-minority-israels-unseen-victims
Interfaith dialogues, especially those between Christians and Muslims, have had a far from peaceful history. However, as our communities steadily become more culturally and religiously diverse, Christians in the West are going to have to start considering what it will look like to have open dialogues with our Muslim Neighbours. If we are going to take seriously the call to be Salt and Light in our communities, we need to know how to repair these fractured relationships and seek peace as we engage respectfully with our religious neighbours. As always the key is to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us.
This week we speak to Dr. Anwar Berhe, a Langham Scholar and ex-Muslim from Ethiopia. Anwar is a foremost expert in his field in Christian-Muslim relations, having completed his doctorate in Islamic Studies at Melbourne School of Theology and has founded a ministry that has seen tens of thousands of Muslims come to Christ. He shows us how we can demonstrate the love of Christ by treating our Muslim Neighbours as what they are; people.
We also speak to Dr. Aldrin M. Peñamora a Langham Scholar from the Philippines, who’s work and expertise in peacemaking and the study of Christian-Muslim relations has seen tectonic shifts in the politics of his nation. He shares with us how Christians can be at the heart of global change when it comes to seeking out the downtrodden in our societies.
You can donate to Langham ministries using this link: https://au.langham.org/donate/
Hosted by Simon Nugent and Edgar Solis
Does spiritual warfare come to your mind when you think about living as a Christian? It’s not something we often spend a lot of time on in the West, but it is something impacting Christians around the globe.
In this episode, we discuss spiritual warfare in Nepal and Hong Kong. Hosts Edgar and Simon, along with guests: Winny and Karuna Sharma, delve into the vivid spiritual landscapes of these countries, dominated by a range of practices rooted in Buddhism, Hinduism, and ancestor worship.
We explore the concept of spiritual warfare within these customs, how it manifests in their societies, and provide food for thought for those living in Australia and the rest of the west.
Learn more about Langham Partnership Australia.
In this episode, hosts Simon and Edgar explore the concept of reverse mission and the changes in the global dynamics of Christian missionary work.
Featuring conversations with Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana and Wanjiru Muriuki, they discuss the shift in global Christianity, where missionaries from former colonies bring the Gospel to the Western world. They examine how this new missionary movement is overturning traditional power dynamics and address criticisms such as fears of reverse colonization.
This conversation is perfect for people considering mission or wanting to be better engaged with the intersection of culture, context and the gospel!
Learn more about Langham Partnership Australia.
In this first episode of Out of the Margins, we have the privilege of chatting with Crystal from East Asia; Kamwende Gatende, a voice from Kenya; and Joseph Byamukama, representing Uganda.
These three Christians from different contexts generously share their experiences and insights, revealing how the gospel has taken shape in their distinct, vibrant contexts.
This episode continues the conversation with Crystal, Kamwende, and Joseph. They generously share their experiences and insights, revealing how the gospel has taken shape in their distinct, vibrant contexts.
Missed Part One of this conversation? Listen here.
Learn more about Langham Partnership Australia.
