Tripp Fuller

For this deeply philosophical conversation, I am joined by Norman Wirzba as we discuss his new book Love’s Braided Dance and explore the concept of hope in our modern crisis-filled world. Wirzba explains that many young people view hope with suspicion, often because modern culture promotes shallow optimism over genuine hope. He argues that true hope isn’t passive waiting but active participation in loving engagement with others and the world. Wirzba contrasts our modern society’s obsession with control, acceleration, and technological solutions with the need for deeper resonance, meaningful connections, and the willingness to embrace friction in relationships. He emphasizes that hope emerges through community and solidarity rather than individual heroism, and requires practices of forgiveness, listening, and Sabbath rest to counteract our culture’s demands for constant productivity and consumption.

Norman Wirzba is a distinguished professor at Duke University who specializes in theology, philosophy, and environmental ethics. His interdisciplinary work explores the intersections of faith, ecology, and community life, with particular emphasis on how religious traditions can inform sustainable ways of living. Wirzba is known for his thoughtful examination of prayer, hope, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. He has authored numerous books, including Agrarian Spirit and Love’s Braided Dance, which examines hope in times of crisis. His scholarship frequently challenges modern assumptions about progress, consumption, and individualism while offering alternative visions rooted in attentiveness, community, and care for creation.

Previous Episodes with Dr. Wirzba

• Farm to Table Theology


• Way of Love

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Online Class: The Many Faces of Christ Today

The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: “Who do you say that I am?”

Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today’s world.

With the help of some amazing theologians we will cover:

* The quest for the historical Jesus and contemporary historical approaches.

* The humanity and divinity of Christ, including traditional and innovative interpretations.

* Gender and Christology, including how feminist, womanist, and queer perspectives reimagine Jesus beyond patriarchal frameworks.

* Ecological Christology focusing on Christ’s relationship to creation and implications for environmental ethics.

* Liberation and justice diving into how Jesus’ life and teachings challenge systems of oppression and call for social transformation.

* Salvation and the meaning of the incarnation, cross, and resurrection across theological traditions.

* Christ and religious pluralism, including theological responses to a religiously diverse world.

Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith. As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!

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