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Forging Ploughshares

Paul Axton
Christianity
Maximus the Confessor
Christ
Salvation
Jesus Christ
Nonviolence
René Girard
Hegel
Theology
Atonement
Incarnation
Jesus
Philosophy
Resurrection
Christology
Love
Eucharist
Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Logos
Violence

Cultivating the Peaceable Kingdom

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes999Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Forging Ploughshares

Latest Episodes

Paul Axton preaches: This sermon traces universal restoration (apokatastasis) and recapitulation, in the way this transforms human thought in the explanation of Origen, Maximus and Eriugena, and illustrated in the case of Peter.

If you enjoyed this ... more

In this new series of podcasts with Anthony Bartlett, Anthony systematically introduces his extension of the Girardian system into theology and biblical studies. In this first lecture he describes the rise of meaning in the scapegoat and the semiotic... more

Paul Axton preaches: This sermon brings together Paul's picture of creation ex-nihilo and resurrection as the thought behind his notion of epektasis or being stretched out, in the sense of going beyond the self, as further developed by William Desmon... more

William Desmond introduces his metaxological philosophy and its implications for religion, ethics and aesthetics.

(Register for the course, Metaxology, taught by William Desmond, which will cover the philosophy and theology of William Desmond as it ... more

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Recent Guests

David Dawson
Author of Flesh Made Word, discussed as guest lecturer and speaker
Author, researcher on scapegoat origins
Episode: David Dawson on Girard and Postmodernism
Michael Hardin
Guest discussing Girard and Hebrews; author and theologian
Author/Theologian
Episode: Michael Hardin On Girard and Hebrews
David Cayley
Interviewer/Interviewer of Illich materials
Episode: Ivan Illich and the Apocalyptic Failure of the Church
Ethan Vander Leek
Teaching the upcoming course on peace; PhD dissertation author on Rowan Williams and William Desmond
Ploughshares Bible Institute (PBI) / Forging Ploughshares
Episode: Ethan Vander Leek on the Peace of William Desmond and Rowan Williams
John Ashworth
A peace activist and former Catholic priest, who has been involved in humanitarian efforts and advocacy in Sudan and South Sudan for many years.
Episode: John Ashworth: Peacemaker to Africa
Emmanuel Katongole
Ugandan Catholic priest and theologian focused on nonviolence and reconciliation
Bethany Land Institute
Episode: Emmanuel Katongole On Teaching Nonviolence Through the Land
Frederick Bauerschmidt
Theologian and educator focused on Aquinas and nonviolence
Episode: Frederick Bauerschmidt: Preaching Nonviolence in the Age of Trump
Robert De La Noval
Assistant professor at Boston College, expert in theology focusing on Sergius Bulgakov
Boston College
Episode: Part 1: Roberto J. De La Noval and Mark Roosien on Bulgakov's Universalism
Mark Roosien
Pastor of the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church and lecturer at St. Vladimir's Seminary
Holy Ghost Orthodox Church
Episode: Part 1: Roberto J. De La Noval and Mark Roosien on Bulgakov's Universalism

Host

Paul Axton
Director of Forging Ploughshares and Ploughshares Bible Institute; host of discussions and sermons with a focus on mimetic theory, nonviolence, and biblical interpretation

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 64 ratings
  • David Artman

    Love this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    David Artman
    United States10 months ago
  • Courageous and real Jesus-following

    This show exposes western militaristic Christianity as cowardly and weak, contributing to the cycles of violence that humans have always followed. We need to wake up and follow Jesus thought it costs us something. No more easy scapegoating, no more nationalism, no more tribalism.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Benjamin1224
    United States2 years ago
  • Insightful and Intriguing!

    Have a listen to these discussions that are deep and rich. They cover scripture, theology, history, philosophy, doctrines of the faith, the Patristics, mission, and ecumenism. Sometimes all in one episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    littlegale
    United States2 years ago
  • Radical Christianity

    This is a radical and refreshing Christian theology podcast. Dr. Paul Axton and friends host conversations ranging from theology, philosophy, ethics, politics, economics, movies, to discussing thinkers as diverse as David Bentley Hart and Slavoj Žižek, and all the way to UFOs, UAPs, and ufology from a radically Christian perspective. A+

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MattyIce1331
    United States3 years ago
  • Backward

    Ignorant delusion.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Asciguy
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A challenging, nonviolent Christian perspective that intersects culture and ethics.
Some listeners find the discussions dense but rewarding for sustained study.
Thoughtful, rigorous theology with practical ministry applications.
Deep dives into mimetic theory that stay accessible for committed listeners.
A refreshing blend of scholarship and pastoral insight with broad ecumenical relevance.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

David Dawson on the Word as the Recovery of Language
Q: How does language fix or fail in the face of atonement and victimhood in Girardian theory?
Language is a fallen and sacrificial construct that can be redeemed not by abstract linguistic reform but through a communal, liturgical reordering that situates language within ritual and the economy of forgiveness rather than mere propositional truth.
Michael Hardin on Nonviolent Atonement
Q: If Jesus died in a nonviolent way, how does that affect our interpretation of atonement texts that traditionally support a violent substitutionary model?
Hardin argues that the cross should be read through a mimetic theory lens, where violence is de-centered and the cross reveals a nonviolent path of forgiveness and reconciliation rather than a payment to satisfy a violent deity.
Michael Hardin on a Girardian Reading of the Bible
Q: I was just going to ask a question about Romans 12:1 and sacrifice. How does that fit into all this?
Michael responds by differentiating between sacrifice as a linguistic root and the New Testament usage, noting that Paul uses 'living sacrifices' and reframes sacrifice through non-violent, self-offering language rather than ritualized blood sacrifice, aligning with a non-sacrificial gospel.
John Ashworth: Peacemaker to Africa
Q: What do you think about the historical moments of nonviolent resistance in Sudan?
John reflects on the history of nonviolent movements in Sudan and how they inform current peace efforts.
John Ashworth: Peacemaker to Africa
Q: How did you as a, I assume, a cradle Catholic, come to this understanding?
John discusses his journey from being a lay missionary to becoming involved in peace activism and how his experiences shaped his understanding of nonviolence.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Forging Ploughshares

What is Forging Ploughshares about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on Christian theology, ethics, and social critique from a Girardian and nonviolent perspective. Episodes frequently explore mimetic theory, atonement, Sabbath, and the intersection of faith with culture, politics, and peacebuilding. Listeners are treated to in-depth scholarly discussions, sermon-length explorations, and practical ministry updates, often weaving scripture, patristics, and contemporary issues into a distinctively radical, peace-focused Christian worldview. Notable strengths include rigorous theological analysis paired with accessible teaching, a consistent emphasis on nonviolence, and invitations to engage with ongoing classes, donations, and ministry initiatives. The format favors long-form dialogue with gu... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Forging Ploughshares?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Forging Ploughshares:

1. Gospel Conversations podcast
2. OnScript
3. The Theology Mill
4. Homebrewed Christianity
5. The Plunge with Derek Holser

How many episodes of Forging Ploughshares are there?

Forging Ploughshares launched 10 years ago and published 999 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Forging Ploughshares?

Recent guests on Forging Ploughshares include:

1. David Dawson
2. Michael Hardin
3. David Cayley
4. Ethan Vander Leek
5. John Ashworth
6. Emmanuel Katongole
7. Frederick Bauerschmidt
8. Robert De La Noval

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