The clock said that I still had thirty minutes left to prepare.  My PDA reminded me that the radio station would be calling at 20 minutes past the hour.  It was too late to get nervous.

Sure, the thought that countless numbers of people might be listening to the broadcast loomed over me.  Any slip of the tongue or confusion on my part could be embarassing. I can’t take any of it back.  It is live radio.

There are some great benefits to speaking on the radio.  If I do goof up, no one can see me blush!  In addition there is very little time spent in make-up.

One of my best friends makes a living in national radio.  He is very competent in his craft.  Yet, I chuckle quietly as I remember him say that some of us guests have a face-well-suited-for-radio.

The engineer calls.  He welcomes me to the program.  In the background the host is already on the topic.  A friend asked for his opinion on a book.  I have read that book and our conversation will focus on what this book says and the controversy about God that it has stirred up.

I am not controversial by nature.  In fact I am a peacemaker by choice.  Most of the time I don’t understand why people  need to be argumentative.  

My world strongly values ”academic freedom.”  In graduate education knowledge and information are not a reason to become negative but an opportunity to detail our own thinking.  In the world of dialogue we can sharpen our own defense of what we believe.  If our views are true then we should take the time to build a believable case from Biblical authority.  Once we do that we can have confidence that our faith is solid.

The host of the show is well read, excellent in his thinking, experienced in his craft and gracious with his guests.  I have always had a great time conversing with him.  Once in a while I can tell that he is pressing me.  It’s a sparring match with words.

Our repartee gives his audience some entertainment while they learn.  This lively exchange gives the audience a performance that makes these live moments memorable.  For  me I rapidly try and think before I speak and always smile while I talk. 

Listen in on AM 1500 WLQV every Thursday at 4:30PM EST for Theological Thursdays.  Or check it out on the web at www.GodandCulture.com  Tune in and listen to me smile.