Words Do Things

"Bad Words" by Sørina Higgins

In this solo episode, Dr. Sørina Higgins summarizes things she learned from her previous podcast in 2022 about political partisanship in American churches, then turns to new ideas she's been having since while interviewing guests for this new show. She talks about how people hold complicated, unpredictable, often contradictory views that don't match up to a preset list of positions and how they've come to those convictions over decades of thoughtful, impactful experiences. Many times, people clash over ideas because they're using words to mean different definitions, which leads to serious misunderstandings. Furthermore, variant subcultures have dramatically opposing ways to read the Bible and to interpret news items or even reality itself. The results are often hateful, devastating speeches--and actions. 

Rerun: Charis Weathers on the Necessity of Community

In this re-release that originally aired on 1/3/2023, Rev. Charis Weathers talks with interviewer Dr. Sørina Higgins about the problems caused by polarization inside and outside of churches, how to develop diverse communities, and how to cultivate healthy discourse. Note that this episode is audio only. This is the last rerun from the 1619 & 1776 podcast; come back next week for new material! 

Rerun: Tom Bridgman on the Gospel and Culture

In this re-release from the 1619 & 1776 podcast, originally aired on 11/8/2023, Dr. Sørina Higgins talks to Rev. Thomas Bridgman about how the Gospel applies to conflicts inside and outside the church, interracial marriage, and biblical ethics. Note: this episode is audio only.  

Rerun: Aaron Zimmerman on the Complex Variety within Christianity

Host Sørina Higgins listens to Rev. Aaron Zimmerman share about the importance of cultivating inclusivity in his church and avoiding divisive language from the pulpit. It is the Holy Spirit's role to bring about change, and pastors must carefully curate a community of diverse coexistence among differing convictions. He also talks about the importance of knowing our history. Note that this episode is audio only, but future series will have video options.

Rerun: Brad Schmidt on Grace, Renewal, and Curiosity

In this rerun from the 1619 & 1776 podcast, Rev. Brad Schmidt talks about grace and renwal at the heart of the Gospel. He shares with interviewer Sørina Higgins how he maintians a congregation that's politically and theologically diverse and how majority cultures should seek to discover their deficiencies. They also speak in praise of intellectual humility. Note that this episode is audio only, but future series will have video options. 

Rerun: Adam Tyler on Community Engagement

In this rerun from an episode of the 1619 & 1776 podcast that originally aired on October 3rd, 2022, Dr. Sørina Higgins interviews the Rev. Dr. Adam Tyler about the church's engagement with their communities and social issues. Please note this episode is audio only.

Rerun: Andrew Barshinger on Biblical Grounding

In this rerun from an episode of the 1619 & 1776 podcast that originally aired on August 15th, 2022, Dr. Sørina Higgins interviews Rev. Andrew Barshinger, who talks about the need for scriptural foundations to ground action and discussion. Please note this episode is audio only.

Rerun: Jeff Hatton on Identity in Christ

In this rerun from an episode of the 1619 & 1776 podcast that originally aired on July 18th, 2022, Dr. Sørina Higgins interviews the Rev. Dr. Jeff Hatton, exploring the core of Christianity, the significance of the gospel, and the church's role in society.

Rerun: Malcolm Foley on Christianity in Action

In this rerun from an episode of the 1619 & 1776 podcast that originally aired on July 4th, 2022, Dr. Sørina Higgins interviews the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley about the practical applications of Christianity, which he defines as a fundamental allegiance to the kingship of Jesus Christ.

"Why I'm Worried about Words" by Sørina Higgins

Welcome to Words Do Things: a podcast about the powers and limits of language. I’m Dr. Sorina Higgins, and I’m interested in the ways words make things happen. I’m fascinated and sometimes terrified by what we can do to other people simply by speaking or writing certain sounds or symbols. In this introductory episode, I show how some statements perform the actions they describe and discuss the physical nature of words. I express my concern regarding the upsurge of hateful public rhetoric in the United States and introduce my first two series: 1. reruns of my old podcast 1916 & 1776; 2. "Bad Words," about public speech.