Coffee with Deanna Thompson

Dying is part of America's null curriculum. Even in many
Christian congregations, denominations, and seminaries, death and
dying are rarely discussed. Today's guest is an author, speaker,
and professor of religion at Hamline University in St.
Paul, Minnesota, Dr. Deanna Thompson. Like all our listeners,
she's living. But like only some of our listeners, she's living
with incurable cancer.


Since her diagnosis, Dr. Thompson has brought her experiences of
cancer to bear on her work as a religious scholar. Recent books
include The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World
and Hoping for More: Having Cancer, Talking Faith, and
Accepting Grace


We could easily have focused on the Book of Deuteronomy or Martin
Luther and the Reformation for our interview. But we’re focusing
instead on Dr. Thompson’s insights into what’s it’s like to live
acutely aware of her mortality.


You can order any of Deanna's books below except one she's
writing about trauma, illness, and religious communities’
understandings and responses to those who are seriously ill. The
new book takes some of its inspiration from Paul Kalanithi's
book, When Breath Becomes Air. Reading Kalanithi may be the
best way to prepare for Deanna's next publication. Both books
will help readers find the strength and appreciation to get up
and engage the day we have.


I can only imagine how hard it is to get up and live a day fully
when one feels badly. I imagine that it is challenging to plan
trips and activities if one doesn’t know how they’ll feel on
those distant days. But look at all Dr. Thompson has accomplished
since her own diagnosis. In addition to the professional records
there are vast numbers of family pictures of fun stuff going on
with her, her husband, and her daughters. Even as this podcast is
in production she is on a trip to London.


In preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation
marked by Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Theses, I must also
recommend ordering Dr. Thompson's Crossing the
Divide: Luther, Feminism, and the Cross.


My final note, which I just find too cool to resist mentioning,
is that Dr. Thompson was recently inducted into her high school
hall of fame! Dr. Thompson’s 8th grade English teacher saw the
potential in 14-year-old Deanna, recognized Deanna’s teaching and
leadership at Hamline University since 1996, her consistent
personal traits, and recommended Dr. Thompson for consideration.
October 7th, 2016, Burnsville High School immortalized one of its
Class of 1985 graduates in Professor Deanna A. Thompson. While
neither the Coffeepot Fellowship Podcast nor United Faith Leaders
officially gives out awards yet, we’re certainly proud to stand
up and cheer Dr. Thompson.
Links:

Sponsor: United Faith Leaders


The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World by Deanna A.
Thompson


Hoping for More: Having Cancer, Talking Faith, and Accepting
Grace by Deanna A. Thompson


Crossing the Divide: Luther, Feminism, and the Cross by
Deanna A. Thompson


Deuteronomy: A Theological Commentary by Deanna A. Thompson


Deanna's Website


CaringBridge


When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi


Thomas Becket ("I am not in danger, only near to death.")


Samuel Beckett ("I can't go on. I'll go on.")


Vanderbilt University (PhD)


Yale University Divinity School (M.A.R.)


St. Olaf College (B.A.)