John W. Martens
@jwmartens.bsky.social
Director, Centre for Christian Engagement at St. Mark’s College, UBC. Professor of Theology. What Matters Most: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-matters-most/id1650272494?i=1000628524619. Opinions my own.
Pinned
Ancient Christianities, or How the God of Israel Conquered the West: A Conversation with Dr. Paula Fredriksen
Podcast Episode · What Matters Most · 2025-10-08 · 1h 12m
podcasts.apple.com
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
It’s an honour to host the great Paula Fredriksen on the podcast. We discussed her most recent book, Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years, and her deep knowledge of Christianity and Judaism. Come and learn about “high frequency combat theology”!
It’s an honour to host the great Paula Fredriksen on the podcast. We discussed her most recent book, Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years, and her deep knowledge of Christianity and Judaism. Come and learn about “high frequency combat theology”!
Reposted by John W. Martens
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
Pop Culture Matters: The Great Speckled Bird and Gospel Music with Martin Strong
Podcast Episode · What Matters Most · S4, E9 Bonus · 1h 11m
podcasts.apple.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:24 PM
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
Pop Culture Matters: The Great Speckled Bird and Gospel Music with Martin Strong
Podcast Episode · What Matters Most · S4, E9 Bonus · 1h 11m
podcasts.apple.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:24 PM
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
What is the “Great Speckled Bird” in the Bible? And is there a great speckled bird in the Bible? A discussion with Martin Strong of Roy Acuff’s classic gospel/country song and the Hebrew words that in the Septuagint became not a bird but a hyena.
Reposted by John W. Martens
Haters say “do it the right way,” but we're being arrested at our green card appointments.
“What risk did the community face from my client who... is the caregiver to his 17-year-old son, works, pays taxes, has no criminal history and was applying for a green card."
“What risk did the community face from my client who... is the caregiver to his 17-year-old son, works, pays taxes, has no criminal history and was applying for a green card."
ICE agents arrest green card applicants in San Diego
In what lawyers are saying is a new escalation of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation program, Immigration Customs and Enforcement agents are arresting people during their green card…
www.kpbs.org
November 30, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Haters say “do it the right way,” but we're being arrested at our green card appointments.
“What risk did the community face from my client who... is the caregiver to his 17-year-old son, works, pays taxes, has no criminal history and was applying for a green card."
“What risk did the community face from my client who... is the caregiver to his 17-year-old son, works, pays taxes, has no criminal history and was applying for a green card."
Reposted by John W. Martens
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
What Matters Most
Christianity Podcast · Updated Biweekly · What Matters Most is focused on listening to people and what is on their minds, particularly dealing with the big questions of religion and spirituality. It e...
podcasts.apple.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 AM
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
Reposted by John W. Martens
Like reading a confession—brainwashed by monetized techne, we have no need for sophia.
It’s time to stop worshipping the liberal arts | Universities | The Guardian share.google/m4lvluONHWK6...
It’s time to stop worshipping the liberal arts | Universities | The Guardian share.google/m4lvluONHWK6...
It’s time to stop worshipping the liberal arts | Letters
Letters: While such institutions have intrinsic value, that doesn’t mean they are entitled to be socially favoured or economically exceptional for ever, says Jianyang Geng
share.google
November 26, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Like reading a confession—brainwashed by monetized techne, we have no need for sophia.
It’s time to stop worshipping the liberal arts | Universities | The Guardian share.google/m4lvluONHWK6...
It’s time to stop worshipping the liberal arts | Universities | The Guardian share.google/m4lvluONHWK6...
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
What Matters Most
Christianity Podcast · Updated Biweekly · What Matters Most is focused on listening to people and what is on their minds, particularly dealing with the big questions of religion and spirituality. It e...
podcasts.apple.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 AM
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
Under discussion: The Great Speckled Bird by Roy Acuff & Gospel music with Martin Strong. Also under discussion: does a speckled bird appear in Jeremiah 12:9? Or a hawk? Or a hyena? Not under discussion: Kevin Eng’s beautiful version of the Great Speckled Bird.
Reposted by John W. Martens
As a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Viola Ford Fletcher bravely shared her story so that we’d never forget this painful part of our history. Michelle and I are grateful for her lifelong work to advance civil rights, and send our love to her family.
Viola Fletcher, Oldest Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Dies at 111
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
As a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Viola Ford Fletcher bravely shared her story so that we’d never forget this painful part of our history. Michelle and I are grateful for her lifelong work to advance civil rights, and send our love to her family.
Reposted by John W. Martens
This reminds me of Cardinal John Henry Newman's book Definition of a Gentleman. I often cite Newman's book because it's so instructive. The term gentleman is so overwrought and frequently abused, but to the degree it means anything at all, I think Newman captures it here:
November 23, 2025 at 7:35 PM
This reminds me of Cardinal John Henry Newman's book Definition of a Gentleman. I often cite Newman's book because it's so instructive. The term gentleman is so overwrought and frequently abused, but to the degree it means anything at all, I think Newman captures it here:
Reposted by John W. Martens
But on issues such as respectability and morality, I think you should judge people by their deeper, more important actions. That doesn't mean how they dress, but how they treat others on a more meaningful level.
I will end with something I wrote five years ago about the messy nature of dress codes.
I will end with something I wrote five years ago about the messy nature of dress codes.
November 23, 2025 at 7:35 PM
But on issues such as respectability and morality, I think you should judge people by their deeper, more important actions. That doesn't mean how they dress, but how they treat others on a more meaningful level.
I will end with something I wrote five years ago about the messy nature of dress codes.
I will end with something I wrote five years ago about the messy nature of dress codes.
Reposted by John W. Martens
If you have not read it, please do - this will allow you to understand any future plans
The 28-Point “Peace Plan” for Ukraine Is Illegal. Here’s the Full (Easy-to-Read) Legal Breakdown.
www.onestnetwork.com/post/the-28-...
www.onestnetwork.com/post/the-28-...
The 28-Point “Peace Plan” for Ukraine Is Illegal. Here’s the Full Legal Breakdown.
This analysis breaks down each clause and explains exactly why the “peace plan” is legally void and unenforceable.
www.onestnetwork.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:10 PM
If you have not read it, please do - this will allow you to understand any future plans
Reposted by John W. Martens
Come on, @nytimes.com. There is a massive scandal brewing that Russia authored the purported American "peace" plan and *these* are your headlines on what is happening?
November 23, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Come on, @nytimes.com. There is a massive scandal brewing that Russia authored the purported American "peace" plan and *these* are your headlines on what is happening?
Beyond parody and comprehension.
So much for the Trump administration's alleged concern abt antisemitism. New Coast Guard (under DHS) policy now says swastikas and nooses are no longer considered hate symbols but just "potentially divisive." Coast Guard/DHS Officials refuse to respond.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Beyond parody and comprehension.
Reposted by John W. Martens
UBC and SFU PIH chapters are partnering with us to host a Global Health Case Competition — built by students, for students. Happening next Sat, Nov 29th.
If of interest @ubcpress.bsky.social @ccj-ubc.bsky.social @ires.ubc.ca @jwmartens.bsky.social @profterrig.bsky.social @lauraknelson.bsky.social
If of interest @ubcpress.bsky.social @ccj-ubc.bsky.social @ires.ubc.ca @jwmartens.bsky.social @profterrig.bsky.social @lauraknelson.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 9:19 PM
UBC and SFU PIH chapters are partnering with us to host a Global Health Case Competition — built by students, for students. Happening next Sat, Nov 29th.
If of interest @ubcpress.bsky.social @ccj-ubc.bsky.social @ires.ubc.ca @jwmartens.bsky.social @profterrig.bsky.social @lauraknelson.bsky.social
If of interest @ubcpress.bsky.social @ccj-ubc.bsky.social @ires.ubc.ca @jwmartens.bsky.social @profterrig.bsky.social @lauraknelson.bsky.social
The lecture by Sarah Johnson, followed by a lively panel and question period has now been posted. Join in on what was a terrific night of thoughtful engagement!
youtu.be/fxF9lkJUR14
youtu.be/fxF9lkJUR14
Occasional Religious Practice and Grassroots Ecumenism
YouTube video by St. Mark's College at UBC
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The lecture by Sarah Johnson, followed by a lively panel and question period has now been posted. Join in on what was a terrific night of thoughtful engagement!
youtu.be/fxF9lkJUR14
youtu.be/fxF9lkJUR14
Reposted by John W. Martens
Tomorrow night! At St Mark’s College in person or streaming live wherever you are. Based on Sarah’s new book with Oxford UniversityPress and featuring a great panel with Nick Meisl and Alisdair Smith.
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
Occasional Religious Practice and Grassroots Ecumenism
What is occasional religious practice, and how does it connect families and communities to faith?
www.eventbrite.ca
November 12, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Tomorrow night! At St Mark’s College in person or streaming live wherever you are. Based on Sarah’s new book with Oxford UniversityPress and featuring a great panel with Nick Meisl and Alisdair Smith.
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
Tomorrow night! At St Mark’s College in person or streaming live wherever you are. Based on Sarah’s new book with Oxford UniversityPress and featuring a great panel with Nick Meisl and Alisdair Smith.
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
Occasional Religious Practice and Grassroots Ecumenism
What is occasional religious practice, and how does it connect families and communities to faith?
www.eventbrite.ca
November 12, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Tomorrow night! At St Mark’s College in person or streaming live wherever you are. Based on Sarah’s new book with Oxford UniversityPress and featuring a great panel with Nick Meisl and Alisdair Smith.
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
www.eventbrite.ca/e/occasional...
Reposted by John W. Martens
“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
Feds Tell Faith Leaders 'No More Prayer' Outside Broadview Facility
In a possible violation of the First Amendment, federal officials instructed demonstrators to stop holding religious gatherings outside the immigration processing facility in suburban Broadview after ...
blockclubchicago.org
November 8, 2025 at 12:04 PM
“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
Reposted by John W. Martens
MAGA when asked for a single piece of evidence
Elon Musk Shaken by Mamdani Question
YouTube video by NowThis Impact
youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:23 AM
MAGA when asked for a single piece of evidence
Reposted by John W. Martens
this week's newsletter has a bunch of quotes from the drafters and supporters of the 22nd amendment that make it extremely clear that there is no loophole you can use to circumvent it. (gift link)
Opinion | A Third Trump Term Is Not the Charm
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
this week's newsletter has a bunch of quotes from the drafters and supporters of the 22nd amendment that make it extremely clear that there is no loophole you can use to circumvent it. (gift link)
Reposted by John W. Martens
October 31, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Reposted by John W. Martens
This podcast also contains information on hollowed out turnips with candles in them which, to my mind, makes it necessary listening. Unless you know everything you need to know about turnips and purgatory.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
Pop Culture Matters: Halloween, All Saints, All Souls, and Samhain
Podcast Episode · What Matters Most · S4, E6 Bonus · 56m
podcasts.apple.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:51 PM
This podcast also contains information on hollowed out turnips with candles in them which, to my mind, makes it necessary listening. Unless you know everything you need to know about turnips and purgatory.
This podcast also contains information on hollowed out turnips with candles in them which, to my mind, makes it necessary listening. Unless you know everything you need to know about turnips and purgatory.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
Pop Culture Matters: Halloween, All Saints, All Souls, and Samhain
Podcast Episode · What Matters Most · S4, E6 Bonus · 56m
podcasts.apple.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:51 PM
This podcast also contains information on hollowed out turnips with candles in them which, to my mind, makes it necessary listening. Unless you know everything you need to know about turnips and purgatory.
Reposted by John W. Martens
The depth of the shame of a country this wealthy and abundant allowing its people to go hungry is impossible to measure. The fact that a handful of people could fix this by paying their fair share of taxes while still remaining obscenely wealthy makes it even worse.
October 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM
The depth of the shame of a country this wealthy and abundant allowing its people to go hungry is impossible to measure. The fact that a handful of people could fix this by paying their fair share of taxes while still remaining obscenely wealthy makes it even worse.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
Pop Culture Matters: Halloween, All Saints, All Souls, and Samhain
Podcast Episode · What Matters Most · S4, E6 Bonus · 56m
podcasts.apple.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:33 PM
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/w...
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
What’s the origin of Halloween? How’s it connected to All Saints Day? All Souls Day? What about Samhain? I didn’t cover everything, but I did, with the help of Nicholas Roger’s book “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” cover a lot! Don’t be scared!
Reposted by John W. Martens
ROLLING STONE: “The current Congress has dropped the pretense of public service altogether… Congress enjoys ultraluxe health care as it fights to gut yours.”
@RepTimBurchett @MarshaBlackburn why don’t you care about anyone but yourselves? www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
@RepTimBurchett @MarshaBlackburn why don’t you care about anyone but yourselves? www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
October 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
ROLLING STONE: “The current Congress has dropped the pretense of public service altogether… Congress enjoys ultraluxe health care as it fights to gut yours.”
@RepTimBurchett @MarshaBlackburn why don’t you care about anyone but yourselves? www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
@RepTimBurchett @MarshaBlackburn why don’t you care about anyone but yourselves? www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...