Joerg Rieger: Why Religion Matters Now

Tripp Fuller

In this episode, I am joined by theologian and ethicist Dr. Joerg Rieger. In the conversation, we explore critiques of religion in the public square, its global influence on right-wing populism, and its decline as an institution amidst growing discontent with modern life. Joerg argues that while religion remains significant, the type of religion is crucial. We delve into how conceptions of God shape communities—whether toward solidarity and justice for the Other or demands for sacrifice. Enjoy this conversation on the future of faith and its implications for society.

Dr. Joerg Rieger is the Distinguished Professor of Theology and the Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair of Wesleyan Studies at Vanderbilt University and founding director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice. For three decades, he has worked to bring together theology and the struggles for justice and liberation that mark our age. His work addresses relations of theology and public life, reflecting on the misuse of power in religion, politics, and economics. His interest is in movements that bring about change and in the positive contributions of religion and theology. His constructive work in theology draws on a wide range of historical and contemporary traditions, with a concern for manifestations of the divine in the pressures of everyday life. Several of his 24 authored and edited books address the topics of this course, including No Rising Tide: Theology, Economics, and the Future; Unified We Are a Force: How Faith and Labor Can Overcome America’s Inequalities (with Rosemarie Henkel-Rieger); and Faith, Class, and Labor: Intersectional Approaches in a Global Context (with Jin Young Choi). www.joergrieger.com

Previous Episodes w/ Joerg

• Theology in the Capitalocene
• Divine Justice & our Ultimate Concern
• the End of Religion & Business as Usual
• Joerg Rieger: Jesus vs Caesar
• Different Gods, Different Religions?
• Wild Goose Theology Happy Hour with Joerg Rieger and Emilie Townes
• The Economy, Election, Ayn Rand-Ryan-Romney, Occupy, & More
• Occupy the Church! Rita Nakashima Brock, Joerg Rieger, & Christophe Ringer
• Economics, Theology, and Discipleship

Truth in Tough Times: Global Voices of Liberation

What’s it going to take to confront systemic challenges in our world?

In this six-week online class hosted by Tripp Fuller and Joerg Rieger, you will…

• Discover why liberation theologies are more relevant than ever in confronting systemic challenges and fostering global solidarity.
• Engage with some of the most influential liberation theologians from around the world.
• Delve deep into the transformative power of faith in action.

I am thrilled to have Joerg Rieger and a host of liberation theologians from across the globe joining our upcoming class. Our goal is to create an experience where participants will get a clear and compelling account of contemporary liberation theology and meet the most important voices of our generation. As always then lass is donation-based, including 0.

Get info and join up at www.TruthInToughTimes.com

This episode is sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary

A calling is about who you are. Where you’re going in life. You may be in college. You may be halfway through a career. But you know, deep inside your heart, you want something different. To prepare for the future, you want to invest your time and energy to expand your knowledge. With people who listen to you…yet challenge you. People from different countries and backgrounds. A place with globally recognized connections. There is a place for you at Union Presbyterian Seminary. You’ll find your own path—with online, hybrid, or residential platforms. You’ll find generous financial aid. With thousands of graduates all over the world, you’ll build lifelong networks…a community that supports you and equips you. Be a leader of gospel-inspired transformative change in pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. It’s your call. Respond with UPSem. To learn more, visit upsem.edu or email [e-mail]

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