Spiritual Well-being at Western
The Cross and the Lynching Tree - Book Discussion
Join us for an important conversation about the theological origins of race and racism. We will meet on Zoom on Friday, December 11 at 4:00pm ET (1pm PT). The discussion will be based on James Cone's masterpiece, The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Register via Eventbrite.
A sneak peek at our future book selections:
A sneak peek at our future book selections:
- January: Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCaulley
- February: Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
- March: Plundering Egypt: A Subversive Christian Ethic of Economy by Greg Wagenfuhr
- April: The Victory of the Cross: Salvation in Eastern Orthodoxy by Jim Payton
- May: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
- June: A Theology of Failure: Žižek against Christian Innocence by Marika Rose
Weekly Q/A
Each week, participate in an interactive thought-provoking look into the mirror of your spirituality. There’s a random draw for a $25 gift certificate to Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, or Doordash for those who participate each week.
Speaking of Faith
We are a group of students from diverse religious/spiritual background exploring the uncharted territory of where faith meets the provocative. Our current project is “Spiritualities of Pleasure” - does spirituality contribute to protection from pleasure’s temptations or is spirituality itself a form of - or means towards - pleasure?
Decolonizing Christianity
A European worldview of ethnic superiority was transplanted into North America, shaping settler relations with indigenous First Nations. Explore this tragic and heretical history and re-discover with others who Jesus is apart from concepts of domination and conquest!
Friendship for Well-being
What resources from the last millennia of Christian history and thought can be leveraged to meet the challenges of life today? Join a small group exploring resources and designing a national workshop for students!
Ecumenism in Canada Today
Join Mike’s activities in the Canadian Council of Churches, which represents upwards of 85% of Canada’s Christian churches. Get involved in youth and young adult initiatives, projects in theology, and developing university-level courses in ecumenism.
Alpha Online
Alpha is a chance to ask the big questions and explore faith in a fun, no-pressure environment. Each week is hosted on Zoom and includes a video talk and discussion. Everyone is welcome! Starts Wednesday, September 30 - choose from afternoon (1:30-3:00pm) or evening (7:30-9:00pm). More information and registration here!
Mandarin Student Ministry
Meetings take place on Zoom, every Wednesday from 7:30-9:00pm.
Email Yakira Zhang at lnfnzhang[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.
Full programming details can be found here.
Michael R. Wagenman, PhDChristian Reformed Church in North America
Office: University Community Centre, room 38C
Phone: (519) 661-2111 x82795
Email: mwagenman[at]uwo[dot]ca
Mike has been at Western since 2005, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Religious Studies (Western) and Theology (Huron). He also assists Western's Wellness and Well-being Education team in promoting multi-faith spiritual wellness. Mike loves questions related to spirituality, faith, religion, values, worldview, and life - especially as they relate to culture, society, theology and philosophy.
Mike has been at Western since 2005, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Religious Studies (Western) and Theology (Huron). He also assists Western's Wellness and Well-being Education team in promoting multi-faith spiritual wellness. Mike loves questions related to spirituality, faith, religion, values, worldview, and life - especially as they relate to culture, society, theology and philosophy.
Mike's position at Western is funded by the Christian Reformed Church. If you would like to support this ongoing work, see below for our online donation portal. Since 1969, the Christian Reformed Church as been loving their neighbours here in London and seeking to build a constructive relationship to Western University.
During this pandemic time, you can reach Mike by email or phone.
Education
BA University of Minnesota
MDiv Calvin Theological Seminary
PhD University of Bristol (UK)
Courses Taught at Western
Religious Studies 2610G - Winter Term - Christian Theology Culture and Practice
Religious Studies 9505A - Fall Term - Modernism, Post-Modernism, and the Secular
Support This Work
Mike's position at Western is made possible and relies on the generous support of individuals (including alumni), churches, businesses, and the Christian Reformed denomination. Every donation goes to supporting this work on campus - and every donation is gratefully received. If you would like to financially support this work, donations can easily be made online - with tax receipts issued immediately.
