Seminary Reacts

About Seminary Reacts

What do seminary professors have to say about Reddit stories and questions about Christianity? Let's find out! New episodes out every Monday.

Publisher

Institute of Mennonite Studies

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Nov 2025

Latest episode

17 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Are we in the endtimes? Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to Reddit questions and stories about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Drew J. Strait, Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Faith at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Drew responds to questions about the end times, Christian Nationalism, and when to be concerned about Christian Nationalism in the church.

2. 

   8 Jun 2026

   ​How to be an Anti-racist Christian? Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Regina Shands Stolzfus, Professor of Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies at Goshen College! Regina reacts to questions about how Christian beliefs compel confrontation with racism, the burnout and overwhelm of justice work, and why progressive churches are usually so white.

3. 

   18 May 2026

   Does God punish people through chronic illness? Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. In this episode, our guest is Janeen Bertsche Johnson, who is a Campus Pastor, Admissions Counselor, Alumni Director, and Core Adjunct Faculty at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Janeen addresses questions related to worship, shame, God's judgment, God's punishment, and living with chronic illness.

4. 

   11 May 2026

   Taking Jesus Seriously! Politics & Faith! Shane Claiborne Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Shane Claiborne, a speaker, activist, and author, and one of the founders of the Red Letter Christians movement. Shane Claiborne responds to questions about being a believer in the present time, about struggling to be more loving toward those who hold different views, and about keeping going and not losing hope in the current state of the world.

5. 

   6 May 2026

   AI, Space & Musicals? Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Brent Graber, Director of Information Technology at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Brent responds to questions about AI, Space and Musicals … (the three most important things)

6. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Is God real? Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Jamie Pitts, professor of Anabaptist Studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). Jamie responds to questions about how you can know that God is real and whether there is such a thing as an unforgivable sin.Chapters:00:00 Intro01:32 How can you know that God is real?14:15 Is there such a thing as an unforgivable sin?27:31 How important are cultural practices in your faith?

7. 

   13 Apr 2026

   Do I have to sing in church? Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Dr. Drew G. I. Hart, Associate Professor of Theology at Messiah University! Drew’s scholarship challenges the church to resist racial injustice and follow Jesus’s example to pursue peace and justice. Drew react to questions related to why are progressive churches usually so white and is this a problem and Do I have to sing in church?

8. 

   6 Apr 2026

   What is Justice? The Epstein files make me want to believe in Hell! Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Malinda Berry, professor of peace theology at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). https://ambs.edu/ (https://ambs.edu/) How will Malinda react to questions related to The Epstein files and the concepts of Justice and Hell! How do we see God at work in the ways of justice for victims of violence worldwide. #christian #seminary #professor #religion #reddit Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:30 The Epstein files make me want to believe in Hell https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1qymzau/the_epstein_files_make_me_want_to_believe_in_hell (https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1qymzau/the_epstein_files_make_me_want_to_believe_in_hell ) 08:51 What is the difference between justice and punishment? 19:00 What is Justice accomplishing? 29:00 Does hell really deliver justice? 38:00 How can we find hope in God's justice and pursue the ways of justice ourselves? 56:57 Outro: Psalm 40 Host: Amy Marshall Guest: Malinda Berry https://ambs.edu/employees/malinda-elizabeth-berry (https://ambs.edu/employees/malinda-elizabeth-berry) Produced by: Institute of Mennonite Studies https://ambs.edu/institute-of-mennonite-studies (https://ambs.edu/institute-of-mennonite-studies) Video Production: Abenezer Dejene Editorial Team: Jamie Pitts and Abenezer Dejene

9. 

   20 Jan 2026

   Does Prayer Work? Professor Reacts to Reddit

   Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is David Cramer, adjunct professor at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). How will David react to questions and stories about an AI-generated picture of Jesus, dinosaurs, and whether or not prayer works? Content00:00 Intro02:05 My roommate doesn't want to live with me again after I watched Jurassic Park movies while his GF was at our apartment 13:10 I'm Convinced Prayer Doesn't Work 25:40 You can still be a good person without religion 34:50 What’s your favorite type of sermon?38:50 I sent an AI-generated Jesus reel in the gc

10. 

    12 Jan 2026

    Holy Crap! Professor Reacts to Reddit

    Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Sarah Nahar, AMBS alumnus and professor at the University of Michigan in the Program of the Environment. How will Sarah react to questions and stories about humanity’s relationship with creation, Christmas squabbles, and the new movie Wicked: For Good? Content 00:00 Intro02:50 AITA for confronting a waiter for not doing more to make ME, a Christian, feel better about going out to eat on a major holiday? 16:50 Why aren't more Christians conservationists? 34:45 Being a human is weird 49:13 Is “wicked” actually demonic? Host: Amy Marshall Guest: Sarah Nahar @https://www.sarahnahar.com/ Produced by: Institute of Mennonite Studies @https://ambs.edu/institute-of-mennonite-studies/ Video Production: Abenezer Dejene Editorial Team: Jamie Pitts, Melisa Troyer, and Abenezer Dejene

11. 

    16 Dec 2025

    Should we read the Old Testament? Professor Reacts to Reddit

    Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Jackie Wyse-Rhodes, professor of the Hebrew Bible at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). How will Jackie react to questions about the creation of the Bible as it exists today, second temple literature, and how to read the Old Testament? Content: 00:00 Intro 02:05 The original books that comprise the bible were written many centuries ago. How did the original copies survive so long? Wouldn’t the originals be destroyed by natural disaster or deteriorate over time? 13:30 Reading though the Old Testament is proving very hard. Anyone else feel this way? 29:10 How influential was 2nd Temple literature (actually)? 46:10 Psalms... Does anyone understand Psalms?

12. 

    9 Dec 2025

    Am I wrong for walking out of church? Professor Reacts to Reddit

    Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Leah Thomas, professor of Pastoral Care at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). How will Leah react to questions about family dynamics, balancing service and taking care of yourself, and religious trauma? Content 00:00 Intro 01:50 Service vs Doormat 14:10 AITA (Am I in the wrong) for walking out in the middle of my sister's church service 31:18 What do you say when someone asks you if they're going to heaven in their final days, and you don't think they are 47:30 Am I in the wrong for telling my daughter Jesus is her grandma's Imaginary friend

13. 

    2 Dec 2025

    WWJD in the trolley problem? Professor Reacts to Reddit

    Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Jamie Pitts, professor of Anabaptist Studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). How will Jamie react to questions about holy water, the ethical dilemma of the trolley problem, and whether or not the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” is helpful for Christian living? Content 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCClRxNMsm4)Intro01:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCClRxNMsm4&t=60s) Why Do Pastor’s Kids Rebel 06:25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCClRxNMsm4&t=385s) Why does "What would Jesus do?" (WWJD) so often fail as a strategy for living? 12:48 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCClRxNMsm4&t=768s) How, exactly, does holy water work? 30:13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCClRxNMsm4&t=1813s) Was what I said not right in this situation? 39:33 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCClRxNMsm4&t=2373s) What's the Christian solution to the Trolley Problem? 51:25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCClRxNMsm4&t=3085s) Everyone thinks I caught our office lunch thief. I didn’t. I started packing them a meal on purpose (Not OOP)

14. 

    17 Nov 2025

    Are Mennonites Amish? Professor Reacts to Reddit

    Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Malinda Berry, professor of peace theology at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) (www.ambs.edu). How will Malinda react to questions about who Mennonites are, quotes about pacifism as naïve, and stories about churches feeding the hungry? Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:00 I have a question about what the religion (Mennonite) even is. (@https://www.reddit.com/r/Mennonite/comments/1naggox/i_have_a_question_about_what_thr_religion_even_is/ ) 34:32 What are the differences between the Amish and Mennonites? (https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/9muq86/what_are_the_differences_between_the_amish_and/ ) 46:15 As a Mennonite convert, I need some elders to help me. "As history teaches us, the only people who actually deserve peace are those who are willing to wage war to defend it. That's why pacifism is so naïve and dangerous." (https://www.reddit.com/r/Mennonite/comments/1nutx22/as_a_mennonite_convert_i_need_some_elders_to_help/ ) 01:01:42 For people in areas losing SNAP benefits, what are you/your church doing to help? (https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1ohga37/for_people_in_areas_losing_snap_benefits_what_are/ ) Host: Amy Marshall Guest: Malinda Berry (https://ambs.edu/employees/malinda-elizabeth-berry) Produced by: Institute of Mennonite Studies (https://ambs.edu/institute-of-mennonite-studies) Video Production: Abenezer Dejene Editorial Team: Jamie Pitts, Melisa Troyer, and Abenezer Dejene

15. 

    10 Nov 2025

    If Jesus Had YouTube? Reacting to Reddit

    Seminary Reacts asks professors and scholars to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. This episode’s guest is Alicia Maldonado-Zahra, visiting scholar at Goshen College. What will her response be to questions and stories about roommate drama, conflict with worship styles, and statements about Christianity’s stances on oppression? Chapters: 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAPR9H8NQg8) Intro 03:10 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAPR9H8NQg8&t=190s) If Jesus had a YouTube channel? @/if_jesus_had_a_youtube_channel   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEhES0c4S01ZbW5nUGZvaEtHbXhpbXlkOC1QZ3xBQ3Jtc0trWXRETThwd0hTRHhtZkNHZ1FyOU5zZHRuWjlSWHVMNHlfZ1B5V1NmQWs5XzZIRW03VmFIRlQ3bng4MVM5V1dnX2ZyVUNhYjFGRGdfNGJkWUVRWlhGSjJOVVNwTkJFWFpKUHhfOW1VbnJ0a29pX2Rzaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2FChristian%2Fcomments%2F1o3o17f%2Fif_jesus_had_a_youtube_channel%2F&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) 12:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAPR9H8NQg8&t=720s) There’s this woman at my church who I find incredibly annoying during worship. How can I change my ways? @ /theres_this_woman_at_my_church_who_i_find   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazBNWGJjamNuUUtyMEx3Qm84N2RMTkhoMWljd3xBQ3Jtc0tudmsybWtHZkVUTnd1ZmZQRzZOaWIxUXJVb3FjSkdpMFlDMGE2cHhiWHoyOTZrRmNYeTZWdXh4SHlNZHFhakQtV3g4RmRoNXRJSnJMbmxmbXRoNXdYenR0NDhhRmVXeGN4TS1vdDdEc0hEblVBZ201SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2FChristian%2Fcomments%2F1nt280q%2Ftheres_this_woman_at_my_church_who_i_find%2F&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) 26:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAPR9H8NQg8&t=1610s) Christianity is a tool meant to be used by oppressors. It is not favorable to those who oppressed. @/christianity_is_a_tool_meant_to_be_used_by   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa01SOE8xTmgyRjNmNkhOWVRGTWtkMW5kbldiZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttS3ZzQ3pObUlaZDIyeUR4NWtodUVGV0M3Snc3MTNoNlQ0TUtaY1ZVT3AwMkt1ZEpqQnZBZHRsbHZPY2dCOHlqa1RMdTROZnp1RHpaTmtZMGJCc0xjNUctVW1zLVFiSVFONVJqSE00Qm5scG5JZmZtUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Fexchristian%2Fcomments%2Fn2kmj1%2Fchristianity_is_a_tool_meant_to_be_used_by%2F&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) 43:24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAPR9H8NQg8&t=2604s) How to handle roommates in a Christ-like way @/how_to_handle_roommates_in_a_christlike_way   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTEwejRLVmRwUDZmRmItVmFIbTRUX1d3d2ZvQXxBQ3Jtc0tsUTJWcVhRM0ctcEtSdHZBSGxXTEF3WDEtbkRCSEp5VHU3V015LUhYOGFyeVZPa25rZXVtOHFmX0pYNnBwTEY0R0lkcVVWUjNzT3VvMGhVMG9ralVUZlZxR1MwdFdEVFdIdjE5bXdwMVdHWTJIeERpZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2FChristian%2Fcomments%2F1o30dx2%2Fhow_to_handle_roommates_in_a_christlike_way%2F&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) Links Subscribe: @/@seminaryreacts   (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf9nFkJUTzo_TwgN2hMmdKg) Host: Amy Marshall Guest: Alicia Maldonado-Zahra @https://www.goshen.edu/academics/facu... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjVCQnpXVjRrQWluZldQYTdUMzk5REFyNzVBd3xBQ3Jtc0trQ1dENEJDZVlOYlBGdkltVGFkdFZtZDE0NWFYa3RTSjMtZWZkaTVkSm0teExJVkZEN1g0Q3YwcEd0NlZaQ0RhRGtpRVk5S3AyM3V4ZkV6SGE2QVp5LV9sWjRSVU1ucWU0aDVINDFOcmJMNE5uSEFsQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goshen.edu%2Facademics%2Ffaculty%2Falicia-maldonado-zahra%2F&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) Produced by: Institute of Mennonite Studies @https://ambs.edu/institute-of-mennoni... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEsxZ2ZQSWQ2dEM2THBLY2t4Q2VYRWRZRHRLUXxBQ3Jtc0tuQUJVcU5qR3g3VGlITWZJazJBZVNaY3RmWUpWVWJjRVRMelBjM292LUZ0ODE1M2RmcEVzdXRMbExnWENlUk1UOXZvSC1DbUMxZFhkdVdjUjllMlNlT2tfTWJuR0NnMWh1aHNlOFVSMmFYSGtZTTZCYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fambs.edu%2Finstitute-of-mennonite-studies%2F&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) Video Production: Abenezer Dejene Editorial Team: Jamie Pitts, Melisa Troyer, and Abenezer Dejene Social Links: TikTok: @/seminaryreacts   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUpwNkMzTndXTUFQb1puQ0xiRHN4ck1VdUhpUXxBQ3Jtc0tuOHJYUUc2dFZ4ODg0MGJmRmhwci1TNjh5MmQ5aHhfbnZKSUpRX2FmRmdvSlFvTEg5bXlyb09oV0w3dThXcFFyb1FvTWpWZ29GMHJfV2hHSm5YcFhLOFBTMFNSQTJZYlg0ODhLOUtwSEgyZHcyWXFNNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40seminaryreacts&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) Instagram: @/seminaryreacts   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0FoSTFOQXY4X1loSkFZSEFSdXNIRHQtdWF4Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuUnlFY2JEekZMd3FWdWZRSDVia1ktcjJ1Rk5uUXZVMnNhRUlPQmE0NVBsNzBST01nS1FKbTNwbDNCbWRUaVNkN0lLZ0dWU3R1ZXZva1VtaXRHR1F2OC1iUG03QU1xLTVIQVdNemZmWTJzMmFGcEV5aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fseminaryreacts%2F&v=xAPR9H8NQg8) Facebook: @/mennostudies    (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJ1VVJ6T3k0Y29lTjRGcUdkZHdpWnNOblhPUXxBQ3Jtc0tscjhRdjZhNEtsYTBMeVhpZ05Ud3pmMUtIUGgxRlk3ZVlkd0U4VEtHcnJveVYzUlY0ajF5Yzk1LXZwNjdOWk9qNzRhbXdkbktLWTJUb0xidVBaVV9CMmhuQUZoX3M2RWlDOXRNSjNTTVNuZDNYYURKTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMennoStudies&v=xAPR9H8NQg8)

16. 

    3 Nov 2025

    Prayer Gone Wrong: Professor Reacts to Reddit

    Seminary Reacts asks professors to respond to questions and stories posted on Reddit about Christianity, religion, and what it means to be Mennonite. Our first guest is Allan Rudy-Froese, professor of preaching and voice. What will he say about these stories about communion wafers, coworkers being judgmental about religious preferences, and how to stop cursing? Chapters 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4) Intro 01:11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=71s) How many compliments or criticisms do you typically get after preaching a sermon? @How many compliments or criticisms do you typically get after preaching a sermon? : r/askapastor (https://www.reddit.com/r/askapastor/comments/1lcf3zr/how_many_compliments_or_criticisms_do_you/) 07:11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=431s) How do I stop Cussing? @How many compliments or criticisms do you typically get after preaching a sermon? : r/askapastor (https://www.reddit.com/r/askapastor/comments/1lcf3zr/how_many_compliments_or_criticisms_do_you/) 18:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=1130s) AITA for not inviting a religious girl with me for lunch, because she always makes it difficult on the employees? @r/AmItheAsshole on Reddit: AITA for not inviting a religious girl with me for lunch, BECAUSE she always makes it difficult on the employees? (https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/selixa/aita_for_not_inviting_a_religious_girl_with_me/) 29:10 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=1750s) I finally tasted communion wafers today! @I finally tasted communion wafers today! : r/PointlessStories (https://www.reddit.com/r/PointlessStories/comments/82lxir/i_finally_tasted_communion_wafers_today/) 36:44 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=2204s) TIFU by mixing up my coffee mug and my paint cup @TIFU by mixing up my coffee mug and my paint cup (https://www.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/1o5nb9v/tifu_by_mixing_up_my_coffee_mug_and_my_paint_cup/) 41:16 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=2476s) Prayer that went wrong (not a religious story) @prayer that went wrong (not a religious story) : r/PointlessStories (https://www.reddit.com/r/PointlessStories/comments/1mdmeu5/prayer_that_went_wrong_not_a_religious_story/) 46:19 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=2779s) Why isn't God answering my prayers? @Question : r/askapastor (https://www.reddit.com/r/askapastor/comments/1lobjb1/question/) 54:39 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3n4NlmtX4&t=3279s) Do pastors ever get tired of shaking hands? @do pastors ever get tired of shaking hands? : r/askapastor (https://www.reddit.com/r/askapastor/comments/1lugf63/do_pastors_ever_get_tired_of_shaking_hands/) Host: Amy MarshallGuest: Allan Rudy-Froese, PhD Produced by: Institute of Mennonite StudiesVideo Production: Abenezer DejeneEditorial Team: Jamie Pitts and Abenezer Dejene

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