Robert Alter’s translation of the Hebrew Bible is a delight to read, and his notes skillfully assist readers in understanding the text. That said, the notes have a limited purpose (mainly literary in focus) and the translation, while faithful and artistic, exposes readers to the oddity that is Hebrew prose and poetry. This exposure may jar readers used to translations like the NIV. [Read more…] about Robert Alter’s translation of the Hebrew Bible
Episode 9: Paul Maxwell on Trauma in Reformed Theology
In this episode, Paul Maxwell and I talk about his work on trauma and reformed theology. He argues that reformed theology conceptually teaches good and true dogma but that the individual experience of this theology among those who have experienced trauma needs to be considered. Maximal control and overly negative views of human nature can affect some people in unhelpful ways.
One of the most exciting parts about hosting a podcast like this is that I can learn from those with whom I disagree. Here, that is partially the case. But I learned more about reformed thinking and trauma and was challenged to think self-reflectively. I hope the same thing is true for you too when you hear Paul speak.
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor. And bookmark this page to see every episode.
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Episode 8: Stan Fowler on the Sacramental Character of Baptism
Heaven & Earth features conversations between myself and another person who knows something fascinating. In these conversations, I play the role of the listener and ask questions to learn more about a topic.
In this episode, Emeritus Professor Stan Fowler of Heritage Seminary talks with me about baptism in the Baptist tradition and especially its sacramental character. I think you will find this talk utterly fascinating and perhaps eye-opening. Baptism, argues Professor Fowler, is sacramental. Before you jump to conclusions about what that might mean, first listen to the conversation.
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor. And bookmark this page to see every episode. [Read more…] about Episode 8: Stan Fowler on the Sacramental Character of Baptism
Episode 7: Coleman Ford on Augustinian Friendship
Heaven & Earth features conversations between myself and another person who knows something fascinating. In these conversations, I play the role of the listener and ask questions to learn more about a topic.
Coleman Ford and I talk about Christian formation, Augustine, and friendship.
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor. And bookmark this page to see every episode.
[Read more…] about Episode 7: Coleman Ford on Augustinian Friendship
Episode 6: Rafael Bello on the non assumptus
Heaven & Earth features conversations between myself and another person who knows something fascinating. In these conversations, I play the role of the listener and ask questions to learn more about a topic.
In this episode, Rafael and I talk about Christ’s incarnation, and what it might mean for Christ to assume (or not assume) a fallen state.
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor. And bookmark this page to see every episode.
Rafael Bello is the academic editor and coordinator of the Adopt a pastor Project at Editora Fiel. He completed his PhD in 2019 and his research interests are related to Christology and the Trinity. His first book will be released soon: Sinless flesh: a critique of Karl Barth’s fallen Christ (Lexham Press, USA). He is also professor of theology and interpretation at The Martin Bucer Seminary.
A Guidebook for the Coming Christological Civil War
As we have debated the doctrine of Trinity doctrine over the past few years, so now I think we are about to enter a time of renewed debate about Christology. The reason is twofold. First, we have forgotten about theological anthropology whose language provides the linguistic and metaphysical framework for the incarnation. Second, we have underappreciated doctrines like immutability and impassibility, which stand at the very heart of Christ’s identity (and thus the Gospel).
I will explain what I mean in more detail below, but in short Christology has lost its twofold basis. And with such loss, almost every other doctrine of Christianity suffers because such doctrines require Christology to make sense.
Many Christians no longer affirm the key to classical Christology doctrine, namely, that the infinite, immutable, impassible one unites to finite, mutable, and passible humanity. Some Christians even affirm neo-apollinarianism. And rarely do churches proclaim Christology from the pulpit (at least in its more theological form).
So I think it is worth remembering some of the patterns of theological and scriptural thinking that Christians have used over the years. If we remember the past, we might just overcome the looming civil war that is coming on the horizon. [Read more…] about A Guidebook for the Coming Christological Civil War