The centrality of human life in the created world is under attack on all fronts. At the very heart of the debate is whether humans have intrinsic value greater than animals, minerals and lifeless matter. Orthodox convert, lawyer, writer and "human exceptionalism" advocate Wesley J. Smith is at the vortex of this debate, and discusses the current issues that will determine wheter our culture views human life as unique in the years ahead.

Molly Sabourin, wife, mother and writer discusses her new book, Close To Home, with Illumined Heart host Kevin Allen. They talk about the craft of writing, how a mother of four found time to complete a book, and how Molly has learned to integrate all of the many jobs of a wife and mother without burning out, or forgetting "the most needful thing" - life in Christ!
 

Kevin continues his Lenten discussion with Fr. Stephen Freeman.

This special, two-part The Illumined Heart Lenten interview is with Fr. Stephen Freeman, popular blogger and pod caster. Fr. Stephen discusses questions like how Lent forms us for "inner knowledge of God." This is a mid-Lent "treat" you won't want to miss.

We are taught how to live and die in Christ as Eastern Orthodox Christians. In this edition of The Illumined Heart, Antiochian Auxiliary Bishop, the Right Reverend Thomas (Joseph) shares with us valuable lessons on how to prepare for and care for those who are near the end of their physical journey.

There is a growing movement afoot to create elementary and secondary "Orthodox schools" in the U.S. Kevin discusses this development with veteran educator Bryan Smith, the Director of the Orthodox Schools Association and the Director-Headmaster of Saint Peter's Classic School in Fort Worth, Texas.

Kevin concludes his interview with Veronica Hughes.

Veronica Hughes was a 20-year seeker, practitioner and teacher of hatha yoga, EST, Hinduism, occult, metaphysics, psychic healing, out of body travel, spirit channeling, Tibetan Buddhism and Theosophy before re-discovering her childhood faith in Christ in the Orthodox Church. She and host Kevin Allen discuss her search for personal transformation and what led her to eastern Christianity.

Everyone in Christendom claims noted Christian author C.S. Lewis as one of their own! Met. Kallistos Ware calls him an "anonymous Orthodox". In this edition of the Illumined Heart, C.S. Lewis scholar Chris Jensen and Kevin Allen examine key beliefs of C.S. Lewis and find that he is far more patristic in ethos and praxis than he is a "mere" Christian!

In this edition, host Kevin Allen speaks with Tenny Thomas, a doctoral student at Columbia/Union Theological Seminary and member of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, about the Indian Christian community and how Indian Orthodox Christians relate to and evangelize in their predominantly Hindu society.

Kevin continues his discussion with Fr. Ted Stlylianapolous on the teachings of St. Paul.

Fr. Ted Stlylianapolous (PhD), professor emeritus at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary, St Paul scholar and author, speaks with host Kevin Allen about justification, sanctification, the sacraments and 'new perspectives' on St Paul. Kevin says this is one of his best interviews because it addresses the major issues which divide the patristic and Protestant understandings of the foremost expositor of the Christian faith.

Fr. John Whiteford and host Kevin Allen speak about one of American Christianity's defining doctrines - Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) - and why it is a flawed and non-biblical notion.
 

Fr. Hans Jacobse, editor of Orthodoxy Today and President of The American Orthodox Institute speaks with host Kevin Allen about whether Eastern Orthodox Christians need to engage in the moral and social war that is being waged in our culture. They will also talk about whether "Religious Right" leaning ex-Evangelical converts are taking over the Orthodox churches in America! Buckle your seat belts!

Here is part 2 of this historic interview with Metropolitan Jonah who was just enthroned as Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America for the Orthodox Church in America. In this half of the interview, His Beatitude Jonah addresses matters such as Administrative Unity among Orthodox jurisdictions, evangelism, and the events that led up to his election at the All American Council in November.

On November 12, 2008, a remarkable thing happened in Pittsburgh, PA. Just 11 days after his consecration as Bishop of Fort Worth and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of the South, Bishop Jonah was elected Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All American and Canada for the Orthodox Church in America. Kevin Allen was able to spend well over an hour on the phone with His Beatitude Jonah in a candid and fascinating interview that we are bringing you in 2 parts. In this first part we learn about his background, personal interests, conversion to Orthodoxy and the monastic life. Next week we will bring you part 2.

Join guest host Turbo Qualls and OCA priest, author, and president of The Brotherhood of St Moses the Black, Fr. Moses Berry, in their conversation about Orthodox Christianity and why it is a gift to African Americans.
 

Kevin and his guest, Orthodox journalist Glen Chancy, discuss the "Prosperity Gospel" and the implications of a "Gospel message" tied to material prosperity, especially in light of a failing economy.
 

Hispanics comprise one of the largest and fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States. Find out what what one "inner city" Orthodox parish in Los Angeles is doing to reach out and minister to them! Dn Paul Olson, a former Protestant missionary to Columbia explains.

Explore with Kevin Allen and his guest, Father Nicolas Speier, why Saint John Chrysostom calls the family "the little church" and what the true vocation of the Orthodox family is.