Hope with Our Backs Against the Wall: Faith, Solidarity, and the Work of Love with Luther Smith

In this episode of The Academy Podcast, host Shalom Agtarap sits down with scholar, teacher, and longtime Academy faculty member Luther Smith to explore how spiritual formation shapes the way we engage the world.

Drawing deeply from the wisdom of Howard Thurman and the witness of those who have lived with their “backs against the wall,” Luther reflects on the inseparable connection between personal spiritual practice and social transformation. He shares formative stories from his childhood during the civil rights era, the influence of family and faith community, and the ways prophetic remembering helps sustain hope in difficult times.

Luther also speaks about the enduring gift of The Academy for Spiritual Formation as a place where questions are welcomed, companions are formed, and faithful disciples learn not only what to believe—but how to live.

Together, Shalom and Luther reflect on five essential spiritual practices—listening deeply, prophetic remembering, transforming conflict, crossing identity boundaries, and celebration—and how these practices nurture beloved community even amid suffering and injustice.

Show Notes

Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission.

Audio editing and production by Tim Savage.

A special thanks to the staff of The Upper Room, the Academy team, and everyone who helps bring this podcast to life.

For more information and resources, visit academy.upperroom.org/resources

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