The player is loading ...
Join the Difference Makers community for exclusive content!
If you're feeling frustrated and disheartened by the lack of progress in promoting human dignity and human rights, despite your efforts to bring about change through petitions, protests, and advocacy, then you are not alone! Instead of witnessing a tangible shift towards a more inclusive and just society, you may be encountering apathy, resistance, and even backlash, which can leave you questioning the effectiveness of your actions and the possibility of true transformation.
My special guest is Carmen Imes
A respected voice in theological discussions and publications, Carmen Imes's scholarship illuminates human dignity's divine origins. A distinguished associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University, her insights stem from comprehensive study and immersive experiences. Dr. Imes's works include the influential trilogy, with the latest installment titled Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters. Beyond academia, Carmen shares her perspectives with a broader public, through platforms such as Christianity Today and the Politics of Theology blog. Life experiences in the Philippines and a strong commitment to enhancing human flourishing reveal her genuine passion for the subject.
Diversity is not a bug, but a feature of creation, and God's intention is for us to live together in collaborative community with one another. - Carmen Imes
In this episode, you will be able to:
Refreshing exploration of faithfulness
Carmen Imes shines a light on the importance of exploring faith in a holistic manner. Tied to the overarching theme of human dignity and rights, her exploration of faithfulness permeates all aspects of life -- from academia to our daily interactions. By immersing ourselves in a diverse range of perspectives, we gain a more expansive understanding of faith, transforming both our own life experiences and our impact on society.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Our identity is not something that we self-construct or that we're responsible for coming up with ourselves or creating ourselves, but that it's given to us by God and that every human being is inherently valuable and has inherent dignity. - Carmen Imes
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
00:03:22 - Understanding Imago Dei,
00:06:35 - Christians and Mistreatment of Others,
00:10:00 - Acknowledging Mistreatment by Christians,
00:11:41 - Learning from Cross-Cultural Experiences,
00:16:44 - Celebrating Diversity and Different Perspectives,
00:18:03 - Lack of Representation in Theological Education,
00:20:48 - Addressing Human Rights Abuses in the US,
00:25:19 - The Value of Minority Perspectives,
00:28:49 - Embracing Equality and God's Design,
00:31:41 - The Original Vision for Creation,
00:32:38 - Loving Ourselves and Others,
00:33:41 - Microaggressions and Difficult Conversations,
00:34:14 - Benevolent Stewardship,
00:38:53 - The Restorative Power of Rest,
00:46:39 - Conclusion,
This is why we need to listen to diverse voices because they are noticing and having the courage to speak out about things that the majority culture is either not seeing or it would cost them too much to say. - Carmen Imes
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and introduces Dr. Carmen Imes as the guest for the episode. They will be discussing Dr. Imes's book, "Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters" and the concept of imago Dei.
00:03:22 - Understanding Imago Dei,
Dr. Imes explains the concept of imago Dei, which means "image of God." She emphasizes that every human being, regardless of religion, gender, or race, is created by God with inherent dignity and worth.
00:06:35 - Christians and Mistreatment of Others,
Dr. Imes acknowledges the historical and current mistreatment of others by Christians. She apologizes for the harm caused and encourages Christians to rethink their engagement with the world, seeing others as fellow images of God.
00:10:00 - Acknowledging Mistreatment by Christians,
Dr. Imes apologizes to anyone who has personally been hurt by Christians or the Church. She affirms that mistreatment does not align with God's heart and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings.
00:11:41 - Learning from Cross-Cultural Experiences,
Dr. Imes shares her experiences living in the Philippines and interacting with people from different cultures. She discusses how these experiences have opened her eyes to a wider world and the need to read more globally to understand and engage with others better.
00:16:44 - Celebrating Diversity and Different Perspectives,
The podcast is about celebrating the different gifts and strengths we all have and learning from each other. The guest shares her experience of growing up in Latin America and learning about liberation theology. She also mentions the importance of diverse voices in academia and reading books by authors from different backgrounds.
00:18:03 - Lack of Representation in Theological Education,
The guest reflects on her experience in seminary and the lack of representation of women and non-white scholars in the textbooks and reading lists. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying the voices we listen to and the need to include perspectives from women and people of color in theological education.
00:20:48 - Addressing Human Rights Abuses in the US,
The conversation shifts to the issue of human rights abuses in the US, particularly within white evangelical circles. The guest points out the tendency to focus on abuses in other countries while ignoring the problems within their own communities. She encourages white evangelicals to listen to diverse voices and recognize the issues present in their own context.
00:25:19 - The Value of Minority Perspectives,
The guest shares a story from the book of Jeremiah that highlights the value of minority perspectives in recognizing and addressing human rights violations. She emphasizes the importance of listening to diverse voices and the unique insights they bring to the conversation.
00:28:49 - Embracing Equality and God's Design,
The conversation concludes with a discussion on gender equality in the church. The guest encourages readers to reflect
00:31:41 - The Original Vision for Creation,
Carmen Imes emphasizes the importance of going back to Genesis 1 and 2 to understand God's original design for humanity. She encourages listeners to work towards God's ideal of human flourishing rather than perpetuating the fallen world of Genesis 3.
00:32:38 - Loving Ourselves and Others,
Imes highlights the importance of loving ourselves as women and rejecting the idea that we are secondary or lesser than men. She also emphasizes Jesus' message of loving our neighbor as ourselves, which includes embracing our own worth.
00:33:41 - Microaggressions and Difficult Conversations,
Imes acknowledges the challenges women face when discussing gender equality and the resistance they often encounter. She expresses gratitude for those who persist in having these conversations in difficult spaces.
00:34:14 - Benevolent Stewardship,
Imes discusses the concept of ruling as a form of benevolent stewardship. She highlights the importance of creating space for others to flourish and the responsibility to share resources for the well-being of both humans and animals.
00:38:53 - The Restorative Power of Rest,
Imes emphasizes the significance of rest and the Sabbath as a counter-cultural practice in a society that values constant productivity. She highlights the need to recognize our limitations and the importance of resting for our own well-being and the well-being of others.
00:46:39 - Conclusion,
The conversation comes to an end as the guest says goodbye.
Refreshing exploration of faithfulness
Carmen Imes shines a light on the importance of exploring faith in a holistic manner. Tied to the overarching theme of human dignity and rights, her exploration of faithfulness permeates all aspects of life -- from academia to our daily interactions. By immersing ourselves in a diverse range of perspectives, we gain a more expansive understanding of faith, transforming both our own life experiences and our impact on society.
Follow the podcast at:
Join our Difference Maker membership community for a ton of exclusive content for as little as $5/month. Lori's Travel Tips are included as well as exclusive minisodes with our guests. Join for deeper conversations and a little fun today at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference
Follow the podcast at:
Join our Difference Maker membership community for a ton of exclusive content for as little as $5/month. (The price of your a latte at your local coffee shop to enjoy a whole month of content.) Lori's Travel Tips are included as well as exclusive minisodes with our guests not available anywhere else. Join for deeper conversations and a little fun today at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference
Keep making a difference wherever you are!
Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer
A World of Difference Podcast
Here are some great episodes to start with.
If you're feeling bewildered and unsure about how to navigate the influence of white male voters in the US election, then you are not alone! The current political landscape can leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost, especially when it seems …
Have you ever heard these myths about voting as a Christian woman? 1) You have to vote a certain way to be a good Christian. 2) Your vote doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. 3) Politics and …
Do you want to join a movement that's changing the face of American democracy and empowering women of color like never before? Imagine being part of electing the first woman of color as the President of the United States. I've …
Are you ready to uncover the unexpected connection between racial justice and Christianity in US history? Get ready to be inspired and engaged as we reveal the surprising insights from this powerful conversation. Stay tuned to discover how this unexpected …
If you're feeling the weight of past trauma and struggling to heal, then you are not alone! The journey to healing from abuse and trauma is often filled with challenges, and finding the right tools to navigate this journey can …
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to work harder, take on more tasks, and just push through those workplace challenges, but the pain of feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and undervalued still lingers. It's time for a different approach to handle …
An Immigrant's Journey of Purpose with Dr. Esther Zeledón
A Lawyer's Perspective with Robert Callahan
From Slave Ships to Freedom Roads
Are you ready for the unexpected? Dive into the world of adoptee-centered approaches with Cameron Lee Small, a licensed clinical counselor and transracial adoptee. Get ready to be moved as we unravel the layers of grief, loss, and empowerment in …
Groomed for Submission, Desperate to Escape
Unlearning silence isn't just about finding your voice; it's about recognizing the ways we've all been complicit in silencing others. And the surprising insights from a Harvard lecturer will have you rethinking the impact of silence in your world. Join …
Hey, have you ever felt like you're trying to do the right thing in your business, but it just feels like too much? Like you want to merge profit with purpose, but it seems overwhelming. You're not alone. Many leaders …
Uncover the unexpected impact of the Trump campaign on the evangelical community as NPR journalist Sarah McCammon shares her personal journey. Her book delves into the complex experiences of those navigating a transition away...
Does the experience of abuse within religious communities sound familiar to you? Have you been told to simply pray it away and forgive without addressing the pain and trauma you've endured? The weight of carrying this burden alone can be …
Cordell Carter, II, the visionary advocate, ignites a revolution of inclusion as he rallies leaders to create a professional learning community, challenging the status quo and dismantling barriers in the pursuit of a fair and...
Does this sound familiar? Have you been told that in order to advance in your tech leadership career, you need to simply work harder and prove yourself? But despite your efforts, you still feel like you're hitting a glass cei...
In the depths of despair, Naghmeh Panahi's story holds an unexpected twist that will leave you breathless. From the war-torn streets of her homeland to the foreign shores of America, she battled not just with oppression, but with her own …
Do you long for a renewed sense of strength and self-discovery in the face of life's challenges? Are you seeking inspiration and guidance to navigate major transitions with resilience? Look no further! In this episode, we hav...
Jeff Le has had a career at the highest levels of public policy and politics at the state, federal and international levels. A recognized thought leader in political advocacy and representation, his analysis and opinions have been featured on MSNBC,
Join our Patreon community of Difference-MakersJo Saxton is a speaker, author, podcast host, and leadership coach who has dedicated her career to investing in women leaders own their voice and find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership.
Corey Nathan, host of the podcast Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other! is on the show this week talking about, you guessed it, politics and religion. Buckle up because this conversation goes deep fast.
Dave Johnson is a lawyer, teacher and writer. He has served as general counsel for several tech companies in Silicon Valley across the last twenty years. For the last decade he has held teaching and research posts at Stanford Law …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Dr. Paul D. Miller (PhD, Georgetown University) is a Christian scholar, political theorist, veteran, and former White House staffer,
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of abuse especially in a faith-b...
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so they can share their stories …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so they can share their stories …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********JESSICA STONE’S WORK HAS APPEARED IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, YAHOO FINANCE, STANSBERRY RESEARCH, PUBLIC RADIO INTERNATIONAL, USA TODAY,
Experience the power of overcoming pain and discovering purpose through Angela’s inspiring journey."It's not about the stuff, and it's not about all these luxury things. People spend $5 million on a wedding, and I'm like,
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so the...
Allyson McKinney Timm, a global justice advocate and founder of Justice Revival, leads an interfaith campaign to support women's rights, gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution, despite the culture war drama, religious resistance and financial …
In this episode of the World of Difference podcast, Dr. Nijay Gupta, a Hindu background Christian and seminary professor, uses his privilege to uncover the hidden female figures in the New Testament and challenge the long-sta...
Gillian Tietz is the host of the Sober Powered podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can …
Celebrate the courage to explore, learn and grow with empathy, as TCKs show us how to thrive with multiple dimensions of belonging. "The biggest tool in our tool bag is something that we're good at, but we need to focus …
Lori and Jason Adams-Brown share their story of spiritual abuse, emotional abuse and psychological abuse at Echo.church in San Jose, CA at the hands of Andy Wood and Filipe Santos. Their story is by no means the worst story of …
Tahmima Anam is an award-winning novelist, anthropologist, and author of The Startup Wife . She is a Contributing Opinion Writer for the International New York Times and Board Director at ROLl , a tech startup. Her latest Ted...
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of...
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of ...
Sheila Wray Gregoire on She Deserves Better: Redefining Women's Worth Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of sex, marriage, and the impact of messaging on girls' lives in this episode of A World of Difference. Host ...
