Wyatt Graham

Faith | Books | Culture

Episode 34: Wyatt Graham on Two-Kingdoms Teaching

by Leave a Comment

In this episode, I talk about two-kingdoms teaching as presented in the early to mid 16th century. I try to show how such a teaching can help us a sort of political theology to make sense of how we relate to governing authorities. Afterwards, two lawyers (Chad Graham and Kristopher Kinsinger) discuss the topic with me.

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode. [Read more…] about Episode 34: Wyatt Graham on Two-Kingdoms Teaching

Christian Freedom and the Sin of Silence

by 10 Comments

Tolerance is not enough anymore. Now, we must affirm someone else’s position and identity or be guilty of transgressing a social law code. “You cannot be silent and be affirming,” writes AnyYelsi Veleasco-Sanchez—she even associates silence with “cowardice.” In the past, such statements generally came from the politically left. 

Surprisingly, however, Christians have begun to make similar arguments. They criticize others for their lack of perceived support of their opinion. One pastor even wrote on the sin of silence. Even in Christian circles now, silence is no longer tolerable—only public and vocal acts of support are. 

In both cases, the form of argument is similar. Silence is betrayal.[1] Only a vocal and public affirmation of someone’s opinion and cause can prove that we are allies. The result is schism. The “pure” group cuts itself off from the rest. 

I find this form of argument profoundly unhelpful for three reasons. [Read more…] about Christian Freedom and the Sin of Silence

Jesus Introduces a New Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant

by 1 Comment

Hebrews 7:12–28 argues that Jesus brings a new Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant, fulfilling and abrogating the Old Priesthood, Law, and Covenant.

But the form of the argument and some of the Old Testament allusions do make the argument (if not the main points) hard to follow. To help with that, I’ve made a translation that sometimes paraphrases and explains the text (like a commentary) to help track the argument.

Do read the text for yourself, however, and use this as a commentary. [Read more…] about Jesus Introduces a New Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant

Episode 31: Owen Anderson on Apologetics

by 3 Comments

In this episode, professor Owen Anderson and I talk about apologetics, natural law, and even metaphysics! In addition, we talk about some of the ABCs of what sin is. 

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode.

[Read more…] about Episode 31: Owen Anderson on Apologetics

Between Legalism and Antinomianism

by 3 Comments

Protestant legalism imposes the law of Moses on Christians even though it’s abrogated.

But Peter wisely says: “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? ” (Acts 15:11). 

Protestant antinomianism denies an ongoing role for the law in the Christian life.

But Paul rightly says: “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise)” (Eph 6:2).

Between the two extremes, the reformers emphasized the law of nature, perceived in the moral laws of Moses such as the Ten Commandments. That law still guides us to live wisely and well.

But we do not do so under Protestant legalism because Christ is the end of the law; nor do we reject the law because loving God and neighbour as ourselves marks the Christian. Instead, we live under the law of Christ, allowing the law to wisely shape our lives. [Read more…] about Between Legalism and Antinomianism

Is the Civil Law of Moses Still in Effect?

by 1 Comment

Moses proscribed the death penalty for idolatry under the Mosaic Law (Deut 13:9; 17:5). Few, if any Christians today, would advocate for the same. The reason is because when there is a change of priesthood, so also is there a change in law (Heb 7:11–12). Jesus our high priest instituted a new law, which is non-coercive and has neighbourly love as its fulfillment (Gal 5:14). This is largely because the church does not exist under a particular civil administration as a nation-state. 

Given that this is so, how should Christians understand the civil law of Moses today? [Read more…] about Is the Civil Law of Moses Still in Effect?