In this conversation, we introduce our new Academic Dean, Dr. Jerry Hwang, who shares his journey to Regent College and discusses his diverse background in IT, pastoral work, and academia. He emphasizes the importance of cultural context in education, the role of language in understanding the Bible and theology, and the influence of the Old Testament on Western culture. Dr. Hwang understands systems, institutions and people, as well as many languages and cultures. Jerry urges students to care for their whole selves throughout their studies and emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the academic community, cautioning against knowledge acquisition at the expense of relational health and collegiality.

Jerry's Bio

Rev. Dr. Jerry Hwang joined the Regent College faculty as Academic Dean and Professor of Old Testament in October 2025. He previously served as an Associate Professor of Theology at Trinity Christian College in the Chicago area. From 2010 to 2023, he served as a missionary with OMF International, seconded to Singapore Bible College, first as a faculty member and later as Academic Dean. Before beginning his academic career, Dr. Hwang worked as an IT professional and as a pastor in both Chinese and multicultural churches. Jerry has published widely in Old Testament and theological studies, with an emphasis on the Pentateuch and prophetic literature, mission studies, and the contextualization of biblical theology in Asian contexts. He has written commentaries on Hosea and Jeremiah, and is currently working on a commentary on Job.

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This week, we're talking with Regent alum and professor of systematic theology, Dr Barnabas Aspray, about his new book On the Significance of Religion in Immigration Policy, co-written with Dr David Elcott. Barney shares insightfully about the connection between religious identity and religious belief with immigration policy, arguing that religion significantly influences nations’ responses to immigration in ways that are not often acknowledged. Moreover, religious identification can be both compassionate and exclusionary, as demonstrated in European responses to the 2015 refugee crisis. Barney shares insights from the perspective of being an immigrant in the US himself, encouraging pastors and church leaders to have conversations around immigration in order to prevent polarisation. Barney urges us to maintain conversations across differences and identify Christian aspirations, as well as the harrowing realities of history that demonstrate the ways we have fallen short of those ideals.

Barnabas's Bio

Dr. Barnabas Aspray is a theologian and author who serves as Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore. His work bridges philosophy and theology, exploring themes of God, creation, and evil. Before entering academia, he worked as a software engineer in London. Since shifting to theology, he has pursued research in biblical studies, systematic and philosophical theology, and now he writes on topics like faith, refugees, and the ethics of belonging. Today, we’ll be talking to Barney about his new book, On the Significance of Religion in Immigration Policy.

Previous Podcast Appearances

Refugee, Asylum Seeker, Migrant and the Book of Isaiah (January 2023)

Regent Vine Article

On the Significance of Religion for Immigration Policy (Nov 17, 2025)

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The Saint John's Bible is a work of sacred scripture and art, including more than 160 hand illuminations. A team of scribes used ancient natural inks, hand-ground pigments, and gold and silver leaf gild to create the original, which was completed in 2011. The Heritage Edition is a full-size, fine art reproduction – and we have one in the Allison Library at Regent College. In this conversation with Rev. Dr. John Ross and Colton Whelpton, we learn about the Bible’s history and craftsmanship, where you can find copies, the ways communities engage with it, and how it is used in the life and rhythms of Regent College. We consider the artfulness of corrections, the power of reading in community, and the interweaving of art with Scripture in causing us to slow down and experience Scripture in a new way.

Interviewee Bios

The Reverend Dr. John F. Ross is the Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Prior to his work at Saint John’s, John served for 18 years as the Senior Minister of Wayzata Community Church in Minnesota. John completed his Master of Divinity at the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, and a Doctor of Ministry through the Chicago Theological Seminary.

Colton Whelpton has been a member of the Regent College community since 2017, graduating with an MATS in 2021 and serving as the Library Services Manager for the past 4 years. He oversees the day-to-day operations at the library, maintaining a large collection of resources and overseeing a team of student employees. Colton is currently pursuing an MLIS from the University of Alberta, and is particularly interested in topics relating to theology and technology, Indigenous spirituality, and new monasticism.

Links

Turning the Pages: The Saint John's Bible

Heritage Editions Around the World

Saint John's Bible Youtube Channel

Allison Library: Book a Viewing

The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition at Regent College: Ancient Art for the Modern Era (Regent Vine article, Sept 2025)

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