Vintage Saints and Sinners

Karen Wright Marsh explores one of the lessons from her new book, Wake Up To Wonder: 22 Invitations to Amazement in the Everyday, with her daughter, Nan Marsh. They relive their 165 km pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. Of the thousands who walk this path each year, some take to the Camino out of prayerful devotion, others to work through a personal loss, discern new purpose, or meet the challenge of a rigorous trek. Listen now to discover why Nan and Karen decided to walk all the way to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain – and what they discovered along the way. ABOUT NAN MARSH Nan Marsh studied poetry at the University of Virginia and lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she works as the office manager of Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Education Program and savors long walks through Richmond’s beautiful Museum District. ABOUT KAREN’S NEW BOOK Wake Up To Wonder: 22 Invitations to Amazement in the Everyday is the new book by Karen Wright Marsh. In Wake Up to Wonder, Karen introduces us to 22 faithful yet oh-so-human Christians from across centuries and cultures. Inspired by their example, she offers playful, simple practices that bring deeper meaning and purpose to everyday life -- a collage of spiritual and personal experiments anyone can do. Wake up to wonder and discover that a life of spiritual depth, amazement, and connection is within reach, today and every day. Visit https://karenwrightmarsh.com/wake-up-to-wonder In her chapter “Keep On Walking,” Karen tells the story of Margery Kempe (1375-1438) and her obsession with walking – and how it inspired her own walk across Spain. Support the show

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” These ancient words hold a challenge: a promise of a life that matters, a future of purpose and influence. But first, the question: Who does God mean me to be? Who does God mean you to be? In this special episode of the Vintage Saints and Sinners Podcast, Karen Wright Marsh tells the stories of four girls, born across the centuries, who grew up to be women who set the world on fire, each in her own way. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Born in medieval Italy, a time when girls were barred from education and married off young, Catherine resisted expectations, fueled by a fire to serve others and to speak truth. Amanda Berry Smith (1837-1915) Born enslaved in America, Amanda survived poverty and prejudice to live out her fire to preach the Gospel, travelling from England to Liberia to India and beyond. Mary Paik Lee (1900-1995) Born to educated, Christian parents in Korea, Mary and her family were forced to emigrate to the United States, where harsh racist laws and attitudes prevented them from flourishing. Still, Mary was fired to survive for the sake of herself and future generations. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) Born the tenth child of an aristocratic German family, Hildegard was donated to the church at the age of eight. After decades of enclosure, Hildegard’s fiery mystical visions led her out to lead, to create, to teach, to heal, to preach and to compose poetry and chant for a new community of women. Support the show

In this special Saints of Charlottesville episode, Karen Wright Marsh tells the stories of “saints” who lived, worked and witnessed in the Virginia city they called home. Isabella and William Gibbons (c. 1836-1890 & 1825-1886) Enslaved by professors on the Grounds of the University of Virginia, Isabella and William Gibbons welcomed emancipation in 1863. Isabella became an esteemed teacher of freed black Charlottesvillians and William pastored First Baptist Church, the oldest Black Church in the city. Lottie Moon (1841-1912) A rebellious child of privilege, Lottie Moon answered a call to ministry in China, one of the first female Southern Baptist missionaries, where she pursued evangelism, medical outreach and theological education. Herbert and Dieta Jehle (1907-1983 & 1915-2009) German-born brilliant academics driven into exile by the Nazi regime, Herbert and Dieta Jehle settled in Charlottesville, where they combined scholarship with activism grounded in their Quaker convictions. This Saints of Charlottesville podcast episode is part of Saints of the City (SotC), an outreach initiative of Theological Horizons, a ministry based at the University of Virginia. SotC seeks to provide a warm environment for people from different ages, faith and cultural backgrounds, an invitation to connect with others and consider one aspect of spiritual truth or practical wisdom as modeled by a saint from the Christian tradition. Saints of the City has launched in Atlanta, Washington, DC/Northern Virginia, Charlottesville — and is coming soon to a city near you. Learn more. Join us! https://www.theologicalhorizons.org/saints Led by Vintage Saints and Sinners podcast host Karen Wright Marsh, Theological Horizons is a ministry that supports Christians and seekers in academia by providing a welcoming community for engaging faith, thought and life. It is based on Grounds at the University of Virginia, but its distinctive ministry style, robust alumni network, Vintage Saints and Sinners podcast, and online discipleship resources help its ministry reach well beyond Charlottesville’s city limits. www.TheologicalHorizons.org Support the show

In this special Saints of Washington episode, Karen Wright Marsh tells the stories of four “saints” who lived, worked and witnessed in the city they called home: George Washington, Carter G. Woodson, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland and Marie H. Reed. Each, in their own way, expressed God’s love and mercy to the Washington, DC, area. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: George Washington (1732-1799) EDUCATION: Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) UNITY: Joan Trumpauer Mulholland (1941- ) COMMUNITY: Marie H. Reed (1915-1969) This Saints of Washington podcast episode is part of Saints of the City (SotC), an outreach initiative of Theological Horizons, a ministry based at the University of Virginia. SotC seeks to provide a warm environment for people from different ages, faith and cultural backgrounds, an invitation to connect with others and consider one aspect of spiritual truth or practical wisdom as modeled by a saint from the Christian tradition. Saints of the City has launched in Atlanta, Washington, DC/Northern Virginia, Charlottesville — and is coming soon to a city near you. Learn more. Join us! https://www.theologicalhorizons.org/saints Led by Vintage Saints and Sinners podcast host, Karen Wright Marsh, Theological Horizons is a ministry that supports Christians and seekers in academia by providing a welcoming community for engaging faith, thought and life. It is based on Grounds at the University of Virginia, but its distinctive ministry style, robust alumni network, Vintage Saints and Sinners podcast, and online discipleship resources help its ministry reach well beyond Charlottesville’s city limits. www.TheologicalHorizons.org Support the show

In this special Saints of Atlanta episode, Karen Wright Marsh tells the stories of four “saints” who lived, worked and witnessed in the city they called home: Each, in their own way, expressed God’s love and mercy to Atlanta. MEDIATOR: Thomas O’Reilly (1831-1872) ADVOCATE: Demetrios Petrides (c.1865-1917) EDUCATOR: Alberta Williams King (1904-1974) HEALER: Leila Denmark (1898-2012) This Saints of Atlanta podcast episode is part of Saints of the City (SotC), an outreach initiative of Theological Horizons, a ministry based at the University of Virginia. Saints of the City has launched in Atlanta, Washington, DC/Northern Virginia, Charlottesville — and is coming soon to a city near you. Learn more. Join us! https://www.theologicalhorizons.org/saints Support the show

Alton B. Pollard III joins Karen Wright Marsh to explore the religious and spiritual imagination of Toni Morrison. You won’t find her name at the top of the roster of Christian saints. She’s not often thought of as a religious writer. But Toni Morrison (1931-2019) the esteemed Nobel and Pulitzer winning novelist, editor and professor, converted to the Catholic church at age 12. What do we know about her faith? Meet Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Guest Reverend Dr. Alton B Pollard III is a national author, speaker, ordained minister and the president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As a scholar of African American and U.S. religion and culture, he has written on mysticism and social change, the social witness of Howard Thurman, and a new edition of WEB DuBois’s The Negro Church. Pollard was previously dean of the School of Divinity and professor of Religion and Culture at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Support the show

How is a leader made? The child of immigrants, Rev. Dr. Walter Kim tells stories of his faith journey and the spiritual mentors who have shaped him along the way. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Guest Walter Kim is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals and a Presbyterian pastor who has served as chaplain at Yale University. He has taught at Boston College and Harvard University, where he received his PhD. Walter Kim's commitment to exploring biblical theology and cultural issues is grounded in his personal experience as the child of Korean American immigrant parents. Support the show

What is “embodied solidarity”? Larycia Hawkins illuminates the power of a risky Christian witness made incarnate in the world. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Dr. Larycia Hawkins is an American scholar and speaker whose act of embodied solidarity became the subject of the award-winning documentary film Same God. Dr. Hawkins is general faculty at the University of Virginia, where she teaches in the departments of politics and religious studies and serves in the Religion, Race, and Democracy Lab. To learn more about Larycia Hawkins, Karen recommends: Same God the film, https://samegodfilm.com/, streaming on Amazon Prime Video & iTunes “The Professor Wore a Hijab in Solidarity — Then Lost Her Job,” New York Times Magazine https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/magazine/the-professor-wore-a-hijab-in-solidarity-then-lost-her-job.html “Dear America” by Larycia Hawkins in Comment Magazine: https://www.cardus.ca/comment/article/dear-america/ Support the show

Larycia Hawkins and Karen Wright Marsh recount the story of luminous Sophie Scholl, a university student who dared to stand up to Hitler. Young Sophie Scholl and her brother Hans were raised to stand up for righteousness. In the end, their convictions would cost them everything -- but leave behind a legacy of courage and integrity. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Guest Dr. Larycia Hawkins is an American scholar and speaker whose act of embodied solidarity became the subject of the award-winning documentary film Same God. Dr. Hawkins is general faculty at the University of Virginia, where she teaches in the departments of politics and religious studies and serves in the Religion, Race, and Democracy Lab. Support the show

Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is a visionary leader, a woman who has learned profound truths on her journey as a child in South Carolina to the U.S. Naval Academy and on to a career in service, ministry and mentoring. In this special conversation, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson talks about the Biblical figures and the African American witnesses who lived by the tough truths of courage, determination and reliance upon God. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Guest Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is an author, consultant and founder of the nonprofit Leadership LINKS. Natasha is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and of Gordon-Conwell Seminary. A former United States Marine Corps Captain with more than 20 years of leadership and mentoring experience in the military, federal government, academic, and nonprofit sectors, Natasha Robinson continues to shape generations of the world’s best leaders. Her newest book is A Sojourner’s Truth: Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World. Hear her speak about Sojourner Truth on another episode of the Vintage Saints and Sinners Podcast. To learn more about Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, Karen recommends Her website: www.natashasrobinson.com Her podcast, A Sojourner’s Truth Podcast: Conversations for a Changing Culture: www.natashasrobinson.com/podcast Her nonprofit: Leadership LINKS: Connecting People with Purpose: www.leadershiplinksinc.org T3 Leadership Solutions, her consultancy specializing in creating customized leadership development programs: www.t3leadershipsolutions.com Support the show

Lauren Winner joins host Karen Wright Marsh to consider relationship advice from 12th century abbot Aelred of Rievaulx. Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) guided monks living a cloistered communal life, far back in the misty medieval past. His teachings on authentic spiritual friendship still ring true in today’s secular, sexualized, commercialized, technology-driven world where friendship, like much of life, feels more complex than ever. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Guest Lauren Winner is an author, historian, Episcopal priest and Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. She writes and lectures on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish–Christian relations. Lauren has appeared on PBS’s “Religion & Ethics Newsweekly” and NPR’s “All Things Considered.” She has written for The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post Book World, Publishers Weekly, and Christianity Today. Support the show

Alton B. Pollard III joins Karen Wright Marsh for a conversation on building bridges, casting visions and finding the way forward. Who are the little known saints who’ve altered the trajectory of your life? A junior high teacher? A courageous parent? Rev. Dr. Pollard tells the stories of people who’ve inspired him to become the leader he is today: a seminary president with hopeful visions of transformation. Reverend Dr. Alton B Pollard III is a national author, speaker, ordained minister and the president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As a scholar of African American and U.S. religion and culture, he has written on mysticism and social change, the social witness of Howard Thurman, and a new edition of W.E.B. DuBois’s The Negro Church. Pollard was previously dean of the School of Divinity and professor of Religion and Culture at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Support the show

Walter Kim and host Karen Wright Marsh wrestle with the complex legacy of Martin Luther, the singular man who changed for the world forever. Who was Martin Luther -- really? Grace-filled theologian? Confrontational reformer? Tender pastor? Harsh anti-Semite? Walter Kim examines the many sides of one of history’s most important figures. Walter Kim is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals and a Presbyterian pastor who has served as chaplain at Yale University. He has taught at Boston College and Harvard University, where he received his PhD. Walter Kim's commitment to exploring biblical theology and cultural issues is grounded in his personal experience as the child of Korean American immigrant parents. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Support the show

Philip Yancey joins host Karen Wright Marsh to tell the story of his friend, Dr. Paul Brand, the compassionate, innovative healer esteemed the world over. Bestselling writer Philip Yancey spent years following and working with renowned leprosy surgeon Dr. Paul Brand. A trained engineer and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brand innovated surgical techniques for damaged hands and feet. And as a missionary, he put his faith in practice by serving some of the lowliest people on the planet: members of India’s Untouchable caste (now known as Dalits) afflicted with the disease leprosy. Philip Yancey, is an author with more than 15 million books in print, published in over 50 languages. With integrity, insight and compassion, Yancey explores the most basic questions and deepest mysteries of the Christian faith, taking millions of readers with him. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Support the show

Alton B. Pollard III and Karen Wright Marsh discuss the story and complex thought of W.E.B Dubois, that towering figure in American social, political and intellectual life. In 1903, W.E.B. Dubois famously said, "The problem of the 20th century is the problem of the color-line.” Through his long life, Dubois focused his powers of intellect and influence to counter white supremacy and claim the promises of democracy. His spirit of fierce integrity is needed now more than ever. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Reverend Dr. Alton B Pollard III is a national author, speaker, ordained minister and the president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As a scholar of African American and U.S. religion and culture, he has written on mysticism and social change, the social witness of Howard Thurman, and a new edition of WEB DuBois’s The Negro Church. Pollard was previously dean of the School of Divinity and professor of Religion and Culture at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Support the show

Lauren Winner joins host Karen Wright Marsh to tell the story of Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) and his mindful practice of the presence of God. He spent decades down in the steaming monastery kitchen, scrubbing pots and pans, a “servant of the servants of God.” Uneducated and disabled by war, Brother Lawrence grew into an unlikely spiritual genius whose insights can still transform us today. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Guest Lauren Winner is an author, historian, Episcopal priest and Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. She writes and lectures on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish–Christian relations. Lauren has appeared on PBS’s “Religion & Ethics Newsweekly” and NPR’s “All Things Considered.” She has written for The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post Book World, Publishers Weekly, and Christianity Today. Support the show

Larycia Hawkins and host Karen Wright Marsh recount the story of John Wesley, founder of Methodism. As a young man, pious John Wesley declared the “absolute impossibility of being half a Christian.” Crushing failures humbled his grand ambitions-- yet prepared Wesley for a renewed faith, one energized by freedom, love and transformative action Guest Dr. Larycia Hawkins is an American scholar and speaker whose act of embodied solidarity became the subject of the award-winning documentary film Same God. Dr. Hawkins is general faculty at the University of Virginia, where she teaches in the departments of politics and religious studies and serves in the Religion, Race, and Democracy Lab. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Support the show

Writer Carlene Bauer and Karen Wright Marsh explore the many sides of Flannery O’Connor. The American author, Flannery O’Connor (1925-1964) insisted that she was not a mystic and did not lead a holy life---yet faith infuses her fiction, letters, and private journals, tracing themes of sin and grace, fall and redemption, and the ultimate reality: God revealed in the Incarnation. What do we make of this unexpected saint? Guest Carlene Bauer is the author of a memoir, Not That Kind of Girl, and a novel called Frances and Bernard, inspired by the lives of Flannery O'Connor and Robert Lowell. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Elle, The Los Angeles Review of Books, n + 1, and The Virginia Quarterly Review. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: karenwrightmarsh.com Support the show

Lauren Winner joins host Karen Wright Marsh for a special conversation on “pandemic Christianity.” We’re well into the coronavirus pandemic and still struggling to make sense of it all. What have we lost? What have we gained? Where is God in this time? To gain a perspective on these questions, Karen Marsh speaks with Lauren Winner, a pastor, author, and professor of Christian spirituality. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Guest Lauren Winner is an author, historian, Episcopal priest and Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. She writes and lectures on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish–Christian relations. Lauren has appeared on PBS’s “Religion & Ethics Newsweekly” and NPR’s “All Things Considered.” She has written for The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post Book World, Publishers Weekly, and Christianity Today. Support the show

Philip Yancey and host Karen Wright Marsh tell the story of A.W. Tozer, the American Bible teacher whose gravestone read simply: “A Man of God.” Thirsting after God, he literally burned the midnight oil to know the Holy One. Yet A.W. Tozer failed his wife and children in profound ways. What do we do with the broken humanity of our spiritual heroes? Award winning author Philip Yancey wrestles with the question. Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.com Karen’s guest, Philip Yancey, is an author with more than 15 million books in print, published in over 50 languages. With integrity, insight and compassion, Yancey explores the most basic questions and deepest mysteries of the Christian faith, taking millions of readers with him. Support the show