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Distinctive Christianity

Brendon Scoggin and Skyler Hamilton

Comparing Mormon and Creedal Christian Thought

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  • Sunday · 1 hr 50 min

    241. Matthew Emadi on Romans 4:1-5:9

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Matthew Emadi to continue to discuss Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Listen in as Dr. Emadi takes us on a tour of one of the most important and insightful texts of Scripture, as the apostle Paul proclaims “the Gospel of God” for all who will hear. This installment will cover Romans 4:1-5:9. Please read (and even listen) to Romans (ESV, KJV). Hear our previous episode on Romans 1-3 here. Check out Christ Covenant Church Utah and the Salt Lake School of Theology Other resources by Dr. Emadi: The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology “You are a Priest Forever: Psalm 110 and the Melchizedekian Priesthood of Christ” “The Fulfillment of the Land Promise In the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Critique of Dispensationalism” What Is a Church?; How Can I Serve My Church? “The Leper’s Cleansing and Our Salvation” (TGC) “What Do Mormons Believe About God” (TGC) Check out past episodes with Dr. Emadi: “Melchizedek and his Priesthood” “The Church” “John 14:28: ‘for the Father is Greater than I’” “The Temple” Other resources: The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger “Indicative and Imperative: The Basic Structure of Pauline Ethics” by William Dennison The Pauline Eschatology; Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos Father, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8: The Roman Reception of Paul’s Trinitarian Theology by Ron C. Fay Thanksgiving: An Investigation of a Pauline Theme by David Pao The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God; “God is Love and He Doesn’t Need Us” by D. A. Carson Cracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul by Robert Cara Perspectives Old and New on Paul; Justification Reconsidered; Understanding Paul; Romans: Text, Readers, and the History of Interpretation by Stephen Westerholm Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F. F. Bruce By Faith, Not By Sight by Richard Gaffin Paul: An Outline of His Theology by Herman Ridderbos Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle by Henri Blocher The Cross and the Prodigal; Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell (also, here) Alexander at the End of the World by Rachel Kousser Augustine of Hippo: His Life and Impact by Bradley Green Joseph Smith Translation, Romans 4; “David” Gospel Doctrine by President Joseph F. Smith; D&C 138 The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball

  • August 31 · 2 hr 25 min

    240. Lane Tipton on The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Lane Tipton to discuss his book The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til. Who was Cornelius Van Til (1895-1987), and why does he matter? A Reformed thinker, theologian, and philosopher – Tipton writes that Van Til was “one of the most profound theological minds of the past century”, consistently committed to the Creator-creature distinction – and opposing all forms of “mutualism” wherein “God, the Creator, participates in the change of the creature or that the creature participates in the essence of the Creator.” Integrating both Old Princeton and Old Amsterdam – Dr. Tipton takes us through the standard Trinitarian language and grammar Van Til shares with what came before, including John Calvin’s Autothean Conception of the Eternal Person of the Son. Distinguishing between The Son Simpliciter (or the Son “as a distinct personal subsistent who is the underived and uncommunicated essence of God”) and The Son Filiatio (or the Son “considered in relation to the Father in the processional relation”, i.e. being begotten of the Father), we ask Dr. Tipton why this distinction is important for clarity and consistency in understanding the Triune God. Was Van Til novel, or so distinct in his articulation of the Trinity as to be inconsistent or contrary to the Westminster Confession of Faith, or any other significant creedal or confessional heritage? We ask Dr. Tipton specifically about Van Til’s quotation about God being “numerically one” or “one person” – and hear the context of Van Til’s affirmation of God as “absolute personality” in the context of debates over the Boston Personalism (of scholars such as Edgar Sheffield Brightman and A.C. Knudson) as well as the rationalism of Gordon Clark. What is the “deeper protestant conception”, both of God and of man – and how does it compare and contrast with the “deeper Roman Catholic conception” of Thomas Aquinas – and why does this matter in terms of any attempt at ressourcement and retrieval from Christian tradition? Does “anthropomorphism” in the Bible undermine our claims that this theology is derived from Scripture? What about the claims of “bad fruit” (based on some of the work and behavior of people who claim Van Til as an influence) evidencing the need to avoid his work? We end the interview asking what should be understood as the real legacy of Cornelius Van Til, and why does it matter today. Book: The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til Other resources by Dr. Tipton: - “Resurrection, Proof, and Presuppositionalism: Acts 17:30-31” (also here) - “Paul’s Christological Interpretation of Creation and Presuppositional Apologetics” - “Christology in Colossians 1:15-20 and Hebrews 1:1-4: An Exercise in Biblico-Systematic Theology” - “The Archetypal Image in Colossians 1:15: Theological Implications” - Foundations of Covenant Theology: A Biblical-Theological Study of Genesis 1-3 (also here) - Union with Christ: The Benefits of His Suffering and Glory (also here) - Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til (also here) - Reformed Forum: Vos Group; Van Til Group - “Van Til’s Trinitarian Theology” - “The Trinitarian Theology of Thomas Aquinas” - “Van Til’s Doctrine of Revelation” - “Van Til and Idealism” Red Grace Media: “Anthony Burgess, Original Righteousness, and Deeper Protestant Conception”; “Anthony Burgess, Infused Grace, and Nature and Grace in the Reformed Tradition” Also check out: “Covenant Theology and Eastern Orthodoxy” (Some) Resources by Cornelius Van Til: The Defense of the Faith An Introduction to Systematic Theology Survey of Christian Epistemology A Christian Theory of Knowledge Common Grace and the Gospel Christianity and Barthianism Also check out: The Problem of Evil (as well as our interview with Dr. Dennison here) Other resources: The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 2 Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman by John Muether Van Til’s Apologetic; Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen Reformed Dogmatics; Grace and Glory by Geerhardus Vos Geerdhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian by Danny Olinger Calvin and Calvinism, Volume 5 in The Works of Benjamin B. Warfield (also here) Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck All That is in God by James Dolezal God’s Time For Us: Barth’s Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ by James Cassidy Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics; In Defense of the Eschaton by William Dennison God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here and here) Bearing the Cross; “The Intellectual Development of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Influences and Commentaries” by David Garrow (hear out interview here, and here) Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach; “‘The Clay of Paganism with the Iron of Christianity’: Cornelius Van Til’s Critique of Roman Catholicism”; A Christian Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? by Leonardo De Chirico The Trinitarian Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas by Gilles Emery, OP The Natural Desire to See God by Lawrence Feingold Bound for Beatitude: A Thomistic Study in Eschatology and Ethics by Reinhard Hutter The Glory of God’s Grace: Deification According to St. Thomas Aquinas by Daria Spezzano LDS sources: “Our Great Potential” (April 1977) by President Spencer W. Kimball Founding Prophet/President Joseph Smith’s “King Follett Discourse”; “Sermon in the Grove” (also here, here, here – and here, here, here) A Rational Theology; Joseph Smith as Scientist by Elder John A. Widtsoe “Nature of Man” (July 3, 1859) by President/Prophet Brigham Young

  • August 23 · 1 hr 50 min

    239. Danny Olinger on Geerhardus Vos

    In this episode, we welcome Reverend Danny Olinger to discuss his book Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian. Who was Geerhardus Vos (1862-1949), and why does he matter? The “Father of Reformed Biblical Theology”, and one of the great Reformed exegetes of Scripture since the Reformation – Vos has played a pivotal role in systematizing and organizing both the method of “the history of special revelation” and the use of the method in reading the Bible as an inspired and organic whole. From a defense of Mosaic authorship, to an underrated systematic theology, to the deepest exposition of the eschatology of both the Psalter and the Pauline corpus to date – Vos was a consistent reminder of what theology is ultimately about: God – even communion with the Triune God in Christ Jesus. What is Biblical Theology, or as Vos preferred “The History of Special Revelation” – and how does it differ from and work with Systematic Theology? Why was 1 Corinthians 15.45 such a key text throughout the work of Vos? Listen in as Reverend Olinger also takes us through this and more, including an often forgotten doctrinal debate over Supralapsarianism – as well as the much more famous controversy over the work and trial of “Vos’s counterpart in biblical theology at Union Seminary”: Charles Briggs. Though a teacher and supporter of J. Gresham Machen, we will ask about why Vos did not follow him to either Westminster Theological Seminary or the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. That being the case, as one will hear, there has been no theologian or scholar who has been more influential on the identity of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, either at its organization or even today – including a particular emphasis on “the deeper Protestant conception”, “heavenly-mindedness” and the pilgrim identity of the Church. Book: Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian Other resources by Rev. Olinger: - A Geerhardus Vos Anthology: Biblical and Theological Insights Alphabetically Arranged - History of a Pilgrim People: The Historical Writings of Charles G. Dennison - Church and His Church-Bride: Meredith G. Kline’s Biblical-Theological Reading of the Book of Revelation Some resources by Geerhardus Vos: - “The Prospects of an American Theology” - The Mosaic Origin of the Pentateuchal Codes - Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments - “The Nature and Aims of Biblical Theology” - The Pauline Eschatology - The Eschatology of the Old Testament, edited by James T. Dennison Jr. - The Kingdom of God and the Church - The Self-Disclosure of Jesus - Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Seminary - Reformed Dogmatics. translated and edited by Richard B. Gaffin Jr. - Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation: The Shorter Writings of Geerhardus Vos, edited by Richard B. Gaffin Jr. - Natural Theology, translated by Albert Gootjes Other resources: Redemptive Historical Preaching by Charlie Dennison E.g. Habakkuk; Pattern of New Testament Authority; Archive - “Some Thoughts on Preaching” Reformed Forum: Vos Group (and here) E.g. “The Nature and Attributes of God”; “God’s Relation to Time and Eternity” Kerux: A Journal of Biblical Theology - “Geerhardus Vos: Life Between Two Worlds” by James Dennison - “Reason, History and Revelation: Biblical Theology and the Enlightenment” by William D. Dennison - “The Redemptive-Historical Hermeneutic and Preaching” by William D. Dennison "Geerhardus Vos, A Pioneer of Biblical Theology at Old Princeton Seminary"; Part Two by Ardel Caneday Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics by William D. Dennison (also here, and here) The Last Adam: A Theology of the Obedient Life of Jesus in the Gospels by Brandon Crowe The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1: 16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger In Search for the City on a Hill by Richard Gamble The Presbyterian Controversy: Fundamentalists, Modernists, and Moderates by Bradley Longfield Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America by D. G. Hart The Modernist Impulse in American Protestantism by William R. Hutchison Mormons and the Bible by Philip L. Barlow Scourby: Genesis, Romans, 1 Corinthians

  • August 17 · 1 hr 41 min

    238. Atria Larson on Gratian and the Decretum

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Atria Larson to discuss her book Master of Penance: Gratian and the Development of Penitential Thought and Law in the Twelfth Century. Who was Gratian, a monk who lived in the 12th Century AD - and why does he matter? Though likely unintentionally, Gratian is often deemed the Father of Ecclesiastical Jurisprudence, even the “Father of Canon Law” and the study thereof. His major work: the Concordia Discordantium Canonum (A Concordance of Discordant Canons), or the Decretum is one of the most important works in the history of the West, and may be deemed “the first comprehensive and systematic legal treatise in the history of the West, and perhaps in the history of mankind”. Both jurist and theologian, Gratian collected authorities such as Scripture, the church fathers, church councils, Papal decretals, and even roman law, and sought to discover a comprehensive whole – for both education and pastoral purposes. Taking us into the rich complexity of the twelfth century of the medieval period – Dr. Larson explains to us the scholastic method, how Gratian weighs the various authorities, as well as why Gratian would write a theological treatise on Penance within what is often seen only as a legal text. Indeed, perhaps Gratian is a great example of one living in a century marked by a rich and rigorous culture of scholarship, often wrongly deemed a "dark age" and dismissed in too many over-simplistic distorted narratives. What is Penance, and how was it both theologically justified as well as practiced by priests and laity alike? Dr. Larson helps us think how Protestants should think through the medieval period more generally, as well as Gratian more specifically. How can Protestants affirm the need for Reform of the church, based on Scripture, while also avoiding the errors of dismissing a thousand years of church history? Perhaps Gratian can be a test case for a more mature Protestant engagement with a heritage far too often forgotten, if not ignored. Book: Master of Penance: Gratian and the Development of Penitential Thought and Law in the Twelfth Century Also, Gratian’s Tractatus De Penitentia: A New Latin Edition with English Translation Other resources by Dr. Larson: - The Fourth Lateran Council and the Development of Canon Law and the Ius Commune - Thomas Aquinas and Medieval Canon Law - A Companion to the Medieval Papacy: Growth of an Ideology and Institution - “Gratian, Original Sin, and the Sins of the Fathers: A Question of Sources and the Influence of the School of Laon” (Bulletin of Medieval Canon Law) - “From Protections for ‘Miserabiles Personae’ to Legal Privileges for International Travelers: The Historical Development of Medieval Canon Regarding Pilgrims” (Glossae: European Journal of Legal History) - “Passive Instrument and Active Intercessor: Anselm’s View of Mary’s Role in Redemption” (Cistercian Studies Quarterly) Other resources: “The Biography of Gratian, Father of Canon Law” by Kenneth Pennington Law and Revolution by Harold Berman Gratian the Theologian by John Wei (also here) Christian Political Theory and Church Politics in the Mid-Twelfth Century: The Ecclesiology of Gratian’s Decretum by Stanley Chodorow Engaging Thomas Aquinas by Leonardo De Chirico Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500-1500 by Yannick Imbert and Iain Wright The Spirit of Early Christian Thought by Robert Louis Wilken The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen Religion and the Rise of Western Culture by Christopher Dawson Medieval Foundations of the Western Intellectual Tradition, 400-1400 by Marcia L. Colish The Greek East and the Latin West by Philip Sherrard Ligonier The State of Theology Survey 95 Theses by Martin Luther (also here) Concerning the True Care of Souls by Martin Bucer John Calvin’s Letter to Sadoleto War Against the Idols by Carlos Eire

  • August 10 · 1 hr 59 min

    237. Bradley Green on Augustine of Hippo

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Bradley Green to discuss his book Augustine of Hippo: His Life and Impact. Called “the greatest figure of Christian antiquity”, who was Augustine (AD 354-430) – and why does he matter? What are some key highlights of his major works? Writing: “Augustine helped lay the foundation for the church’s thinking about who God is and how we properly speak about God” – we hear about how Augustine helped develop and clarify so much of how we understand the architecture of a faithful Christian worldview. Dr. Green breaks down Augustine’s major work into three major doctrinal controversies: The Pelagian Controversy, “centering on sin and grace”; The Donatist Controversy, “centering on the nature of the church – and ultimately of the sacraments”; and The Pagan Controversy, “resulting in Augustine’s magnum opus, The City of God” – a “history of redemption” that deals with nearly everything pertaining to the Christian worldview and the Christian life. Augustine champions the inspiration of Scripture, the greatness of the Triune God, the seriousness of sin, the preciousness of Christ – and the incredible wonder of the Grace of God. Listen in as Dr. Green takes us through this and more, including Augustine’s epistemology and his (perhaps underrated) doctrine of illumination. How should we understand Augustine’s place in the debate between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism? Far from championing the achievement and progression of man to the gods, based on knowledge and obedience – Augustine consistently championed the Biblical gospel of how God became man to save a people in his incredible and mysterious grace. To quote Augustine himself: “You [God] stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Book: Augustine of Hippo: His Life and Impact Some other resources by Dr. Green: - “Is Nicaea Enough?” in The Nicene Creed - The Gospel and the Mind - Covenant and Commandment: Works, Obedience and Faithfulness in the Christian Life - Shapers of Christian Orthodoxy Please check out the new book: What is Critical Theory?: A Concise Christian Analysis Some resources by Augustine: - Confessions - On the Trinity - The City of God - On the Teacher - The Enchiridion Check out: New City Press Editions (and here) Some other resources: St. Augustine by Serge Lancel Augustine of Hippo: A Life by Henry Chadwick Augustine of Hippo: A Biography by Peter Brown Studies in Tertullian and Augustine by B. B. Warfield (also here) The Light of the Mind: St. Augustine’s Theory of Knowledge by Ronald Nash Augustine and the Limits of Politics by Jean Bethke Elshtain Saeculum by R. A. Markus Justified in Christ by Chris Castaldo Original Sin by Henri Blocher Sovereignty and Responsibility by Henry Krabbendam Engaging Thomas Aquinas by Leonardo De Chirico Karl Marx by William Dennison Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton - “The Trinitarian Theology of Thomas Aquinas” - “Thomistic Sacerdotalism and Reformed Federalism” - “Theological Topics in Romans” LDS apologist article mentioned:“Early Christian Belief in a Corporeal Deity: Origen and Augustine as Reluctant Witnesses” by David L. Paulsen (also, here)

  • August 3 · 2 hr 7 min

    236. Stephen Wellum on God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Stephen Wellum to discuss his book God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ. Jesus himself asked Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” in Matthew 16:15. Ever since, some of the most key and important debates have been about how to best understand and communicate all of what Scripture teaches regarding the Eternal Son, the Word become Flesh. What is Christology, and what is at stake in the subject? Does Scripture teach that Jesus is God? What is the “communicatio idiomatum” and what should we understand by the use of the terms: “Nature” and “Person”. With Leo’s Tome and the Definition of Chalcedon articulating the Person of Christ as “two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation” – why does it matter whether Christ had two wills, or one? Moreover, does the development in our understanding of Christology help or hurt the reading of the Bible in passages such as Mark 13:32 and John 14:28? What is Kenotic Christology, and what is the proper reading of Philippians 2: 5-11? Listen in as Dr. Wellum takes us through this and more, as we also ask about how an understanding or misunderstanding of Christology impacts the understanding and practice of the sacraments, as well as an understanding of the church. Book: God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ Other resources by Dr. Wellum: - Check out: Christ Over All - The Person of Christ: An Introduction - Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants - Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior - Systematic Theology, Volume One: From Canon to Concept Other resources cited: - Book of Mormon: Mosiah15, Ether 3, 3 Nephi 11:36; Notice also Joseph Smith Translation Luke 10:22: “No man knoweth the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it.” - “To Know God is Eternal Life – God the Father of Our Spirits and Bodies – Things Created Spiritually First – Atonement by the Shedding of Blood” by President Brigham Young (Feb. 8, 1857) - A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe (also here) - Q15 Statement: “The Father and the Son” (August 1916) - Jesus the Christ by Elder James Talmage -“The Living Christ” by Elder Bernard P. Brockbank - “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou Hast Sent” by Elder Jeffrey Holland Gospel Topics Essay: “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?”; “Becoming Like God”; “Mother in Heaven” Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens Also recommended: The Mormon Jesus by John Turner The Unseen Realm; “You’ve Seen One Elohim, You’ve Seen Them All? A Critique of Mormonism’s Use of Psalm 82” by Michael Heiser The City of God by Augustine Dialogue on the Two Natures of Christ by Peter Martyr Vermigli The Flesh of the Word by K. J. Drake Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands: Recovering Sacrament in the Baptist Tradition by Michael Haykin Scourby: Matthew, Mark, John, Philippians

  • July 27 · 1 hr 30 min

    235. Peter Barnes on Athanasius of Alexandria

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Peter Barnes to discuss his book Athanasius of Alexandria: His Life and Impact. Who was Athanasius of Alexandria (AD 289/299-373), and why does he matter? What was and is Arianism, and why does it matter for the faithfulness of the church? From an attendee at the Council of Nicaea with Bishop Alexander of Alexandria to becoming Bishop of Alexandria himself, listen in as Dr. Barnes helps us understand one of the most pivotal figures in all of Christian history. Born into a transitional world from persecution into power, we hear about Athanasius navigating the complexities of the Roman world – while facing the spread of an Arian heresy that denied the full deity of Christ, as well as those who sought peace at the expense of the truth of Scripture. Indeed, contrary to the common misconception that the Council of Nicaea settled the issue (via the use of political power) – Nicaea in its time was overturned in the space of two years, and there were many church councils ruling in favor of a more Arian position (or even agnosticism on the issue). Though it may seem to outsiders as merely a quibble over letters and words - “to view Christ as God is one thing, to view Him as the highest of the angels is quite another.” To Athanasius, confessing anything less than a substantive commitment to the full deity of the Son was not Biblical and not Christian, at all. Dr. Barnes writes, “Essential to Athanasius’s thought is the premise that only God can redeem what He has created. Therefore, the Word must be truly God, for a creature cannot join other creatures to God.” Indeed, if Christ is not fully God (and by God, mean God) – then we are still dead in our sins. The irony is that though his life has been so important, we actually have little we know with certainty about his life. Yet, Athanasius’ book On the Incarnation of the Word has been one of the most important texts in the history of Christian theology – and is part of a batch of texts that give us insight into Athanasius’ thought, as well as glimpses into his pastoral priorities and ministry. In addition to this, we also ask Dr. Barnes his thoughts about Athanasius oft-quoted line that “God became man so that man might become God”, and hear his thoughts about “deification” in the thought of Athanasius. In conclusion, we ask Dr. Barnes about the legacy of Athanasius of Alexandria and why people should care today. Book: Athanasius of Alexandria: His Life and Impact Other resources by Dr. Barnes: - Living in a Halfway House: The Rise of Liberal Evangelicalism in the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales, 1865-1915 - The Gospel: Did Paul and Jesus Agree? - Galatians (EP) - Philippians (EP) - Handful of Pebbles: Theological Liberalism and the Church - Pain of a Particular Kind: The Loss of a Child Other resources: On the Incarnation of the Word by Athanasius “‘The Brilliance of the Rainbow’: Athanasius of Alexandria, the Cappodocian Fathers, and the Defense of the Doctrine of the Trinity” by Michael Haykin (hear interview here) The Spirit of Truth: Johannine Pneumatology in the Letters of Athanasius to Serapion by Haitham A. Issak Early Arianism: A View of Salvation by Robert Gregg and Dennis Groh “A Critical Examination of the Roman Catholic Definitions of Dulia and Latria” by Lauren Montenegro Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology by Richard Gaffin, Jr. Union with the Resurrected Christ by G. K. Beale God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum The Lord Jesus Christ: The Biblical Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ by Brandon Crowe The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense by Robert Bowman and J. Ed Komoszewski

  • July 20 · 1 hr 47 min

    234. Matthew Emadi on Romans 1-3

    In this episode, we welcome by Dr. Matthew Emadi to discuss Romans 1-3. Listen in as Dr. Emadi takes us on a tour of one of the most important and insightful texts of Scripture, as the apostle Paul proclaims “the Gospel of God” for all who will hear. Please read (and even listen) to Romans (ESV, KJV). Check out Crossroads Church Utah Other resources by Dr. Emadi: The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology “The Fulfillment of the Land Promise In the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Critique of Dispensationalism” What Is a Church?; How Can I Serve My Church? “The Leper’s Cleansing and Our Salvation” (TGC) “What Do Mormons Believe About God” (TGC) Check out past episodes with Dr. Emadi: “Melchizedek and his Priesthood” “The Church” “John 14:28: ‘for the Father is Greater than I’” “The Temple” Other resources: “Cleansing the Inner Vessel” by Elder Boyd K. Packer Check out The Blessed Hope podcast with Dr. Kim Riddlebarger The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger Thanksgiving: An Investigation of a Pauline Theme by David Pao Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?; Numbers 1-19; Numbers 20-36 by L. Michael Morales The Pauline Eschatology; Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos Father, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8: The Roman Reception of Paul’s Trinitarian Theology by Ron C. Fay Cracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul by Robert Cara Perspectives Old and New on Paul; Justification Reconsidered; Understanding Paul; Romans: Text, Readers, and the History of Interpretation by Stephen Westerholm Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F. F. Bruce By Faith, Not By Sight by Richard Gaffin Paul: An Outline of His Theology by Herman Ridderbos Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle by Henri Blocher American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell (also, here) Envy: A Theory of Social Behavior by Helmut Schoeck Alexander at the End of the World by Rachel Kousser Augustine of Hippo: His Life and Impact by Bradley Green Sermon Series by Charlie Dennison

  • July 17 · 1 hr 21 min

    233. Stanley Payne on The Spanish Civil War, The Soviet Union, and Communism

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Stanley Payne to discuss his book The Spanish Civil War, The Soviet Union, and Communism. The Spanish Civil War is “the most mythified civil war of the twentieth century.” Commonly misunderstood and distorted into a conflict of “Democracy” versus “Fascism”, the truth involves a revolutionary-counter-revolutionary struggle, more akin to a post-WWI political crisis than a prelude to WWII. Yet, the “grand camouflage” representing propaganda rather than history persists. How do we get at the truth of what actually happened and sift fact from fiction? How do we know the Spanish revolution actually happened – and what led to it? Indeed, what would likely have occurred (or kept occurring) had not General Francisco Franco began the military insurrection on July 18, 1936? Moreover, Communist involvement in Spain, and Soviet policy regarding the Spanish Civil War has been “the major mystery” of the conflict. What were the “real goals” of Soviet policy in the Spanish war, and what light has been shed by the documents available after the fall of the Soviet Union? Listen in as Dr. Payne takes us through the grand chessboard of Soviet goals and politics – and how Spain fit into those goals and plans. Though the primary goal is to get the history of the period right – it turns out there are lessons to be learned, even for today. Book: The Spanish Civil War, The Soviet Union, and Communism Other resources by Dr. Payne: The Spanish Civil War - hear our previous interview here The Collapse of the Republic, 1933-1936: Origins of the Civil War Franco: A Personal and Political Biography Franco and Hitler: Spain, Germany and WWII A History of Fascism, 1914-1945 Spain: A Unique History “The Road to Revolution” “Antifascism without Fascism” Other resources: Fascism: Career of a Concept; Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade by Paul Gottfried Lenin: The Man, the Dictator, and the Master of Terror by Victor Sebestyan Stalin, Volume I: Paradoxes of Power, 1878-1928; Stalin, Volume II: Waiting for Hitler, 1929-1941 by Stephen Kotkin (also here, here, here and here)

  • July 13 · 1 hr 15 min

    232. D. G. Hart on Protestants and Patriots: Presbyterians in the Age of Revolution

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Darryl Hart to discuss his book Protestants and Patriots: Presbyterians in the Age of Revolution. What is Presbyterianism, and “why did Prebyterianism so often emerge as an irritant in British and American Politics between 1630 and 1800?” How did John Calvin, and his Ecclesiastical Ordinances of 1541 come to influence (and be influenced by) a British context – in which debates over Biblical ecclesiology so often involved challenges to both the Crown and bishops. What were the political implications of Presbyterianism? In “the first English installment of the case for Presbyterianism” - who was Thomas Cartwright and what was the nature of some of the debate with future archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift? Taking us into the unity and diversity of Presbyterian emphases and development across the Anglo-American world, we see how the emphasis on the spiritual independence of the church stayed consistent even as support for religious establishment in the Old World gradually shifted in the New World toward a support of “the emerging structures of liberal society”. Moreover, there was an irony in the fight for requiring confessional subscription in American Presbyterianism – as the issue of church authority was a real struggle in the church as a church, even apart from the shifting political ideals. Listen in, as Dr. Hart takes us through the place of Presbyterian Minister John Witherspoon (the only active minister to sign the Declaration of Independence) in the general story of Presbyterianism – as well as how the Presbyterian story was such a “necessary stimulant for the orthodoxy of liberal democracy” in the broader society. Book: Protestants and Patriots: Presbyterians in the Age of Revolution Other resources by Dr. Hart: Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America Also: Hear our interview on this book here Check out his course for Reformed Forum here Calvinism: A History Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyteriansim The Lost Soul of American Protestantism Benjamin Franklin: Cultural Protestant From Billy Graham to Sarah Palin: Evangelicals and the Betrayal of American Conservatism Other resources: The Institutes of the Christian Religion; Ecclesiastical Ordinances of 1541 by John Calvin The Westminster Confession of Faith The Church of Christ by James Bannerman The Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church in the Ecclesiology of Charles Hodge by Alan Strange “No Faith Worth Defending” by Carl Trueman The Puritans by David Hall The Reformation of Rights by John Witte Jr. Hot Protestants by Michael Winship How the Scots Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman American Heretics: Religious Adversaries of the Liberal Order by Jerome Copulsky John Witherspoon and the Founding of the American Republic by Jeffry Morrison Roger Sherman and the Creation of the American Republic by Mark David Hall The Declaration of Independence in Historical Context by Barry Alan Shain

  • July 6 · 1 hr 37 min

    231. Paul Gottfried on Leo Strauss and the Conservative Movement in America

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Paul Gottfried to discuss his book Leo Strauss and the Conservative Movement in America: A Critical Appraisal. Who was Leo Strauss, and why does he matter? Deeply influencing the conservative movement in America - what was Strauss’ distinctive interpretive approach to texts, including his understanding of “Jerusalem and Athens” as well as his distinction between exoteric and esoteric readings? Leo Strauss was a veteran of WWI for Germany who will eventually be an academic exile at the University of Chicago very much shaped and motivated by the trauma of WWII and the threat of the Cold War. Both connecting and distinguishing Strauss from many of his later students and varying schools of his thought – how should conservatives view the strengths and weaknesses of his/their work? Although often framed as an exercise in retrieving wisdom from the ancients, Gottfried questions how truly committed the Straussian method is to true historical awareness regarding ancient texts, rather than simply an exercise in quirky appropriation for modern concerns - or the selective use of ancient texts for a predictable story leading invariably to the assumed goodness of the modern democratic state. Though Straussians are often critiquing the “triple scourge” of relativism, historicism and postivism against the Left, what are some fundamental concerns that conservatives should have with Strauss, coming from the Right? Is a deep commitment and concern for historical context to be guilty of “historicism”? Indeed, why should Protestant Christians care about this debate, especially how Strauss’ approach can impact both the approach to ancient texts, such as Plato’s Phaedrus (and by implication, the Bible), as well as how those ancient texts may speak to the world today? Though sometimes only seen in a debate over the American founding, it is a symptom of a much larger conflict over the value of history, and even how that should or shouldn’t connect to modern concerns. Book: Leo Strauss and the Conservative Movement in America: A Critical Appraisal Also check-out Chronicles Magazine (especially the print magazine): - “Three Conceptions of Conservatism” - “The ‘Creedal Nation’ Myth Just Won’t Die” - “Further Thoughts on a Creedal Nation” Also: “Getting Rights Wrong” Check out our previous interviews: here, and here Other books by Dr. Gottfried: The Search for Historical Meaning: Hegel and the Postwar American Right Multiculturalism and the Politics of Guilt: Toward a Secular Theocracy After Liberalism: Mass Democracy in the Managerial State Fascism: The Career of a Concept Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade Other resources: Check out Bibliography of Leo Strauss - Liberalism Ancient and Modern - The City and Man - Natural Right and History Plato: Phaedrus, Republic, Timaeus, Phaedo (also here, here and here and here) Aristotle: Politics, Nicomachean Ethics Leo Strauss and Anglo-American Democracy by Grant Havers “Harry Jaffa and the Demise of the Old Republic” by Barry Shain “The Heresy of Equality” by M.E. Bradford The Morals of History by Tzvetan Todorov

  • June 29 · 2 hr 16 min

    230. Grant Havers on Leo Strauss: A Conservative Critique

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Grant Havers to discuss his book Leo Strauss and Anglo-American Democracy: A Conservative Critique. Who is Leo Strauss, and why does he matter? One of the most important and influential philosophers of the twentieth century – Strauss is often seen as unquestionably conservative, committed to the reading of ancient philosophy and the retrieval of ancient wisdom. Strauss even opposes “the triple scourge” of relativism, historicism, and positivism – based on human reason. But is there more to the story? Listen in as Dr. Havers takes us through how Straussians often downplay the role of Christianity in the development of Western Civilization – as well as assume and project secularism into the convictions of the philosophers they read and analyze. Indeed, what Dr. Havers identifies as “the lacuna in Strauss’s hermeneutic” is the pivotal and essential role that Christianity played in shaping “the Anglo-American Tradition” – and this is paired with a tendency to reinvent (and even misrepresent) Plato and Aristotle into something akin to the modern post-WWII Liberal order that actually was the project to which Strauss was dedicated. Do the Straussians truly understand the Greeks accurately? And why are Plato and Aristotle seen as more universal and timeless than Biblical religion? Indeed, can Strauss truly defend the West without a clear and robust commitment to what the Bible has contributed to its uniquely blessed heritage and tradition? We end with Dr. Havers fascinating analysis of what Protestant Christians can both learn and avoid when it comes to even Strauss’ own analysis of the divide between Jerusalem and Athens. Perhaps Strauss’ dualism between the two both honors how uniquely valuable Jerusalem has been to our culture and institutions – but also downplays how great Christian thinkers, such as John Calvin, have not simply reduced the revealed religion of the Bible into fideism and blind obedience. We end with Dr. Havers thoughts about how dependent upon Revelation (that is, the Bible) is Western Civilization, and how is this recognition necessary for any attempt to revitalize it going forward. Book: Leo Strauss and Anglo-American Democracy: A Conservative Critique Other resources by Dr. Havers: - The Medium is Still the Message: Marshall McLuhan for Our Time - Lincoln and the Politics of Christian Love Some resources by Leo Strauss: Bibliography of Leo Strauss Liberalism: Ancient and Modern Natural Right and History Studies in Platonic Political Philosophy The City and Man - “Progress or Return?” - “Jerusalem and Athens” (also here, and here – and here) - “On the Interpretation of Genesis” (also here) - “Persecution and the Art of Writing” - Thoughts on Machiavelli Other resources: Leo Strauss and the Conservative Movement in America: A Critical Appraisal by Paul Gottfried The Ancient Economy by M.I. Finley Karl Marx by William Dennison In the Beginning: The Opening Chapters of Genesis by Henri Blocher The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt The New Science by Giambattista Vico The Anxiety of Influence; The American Religion by Harold Bloom Between Philosophy and Religion, Spinoza, The Bible, and Modernity (2 vol.’s) by Brayton Polka The Origin of Sin by David Konstan

  • June 22 · 1 hr 50 min

    229. Stephen Atkinson on CWINA: Christian Witness to Israel North America

    In this episode, we welcome Reverend Stephen Atkinson of CWINA (Christian Witness to Israel North America) to discuss his article “Reformation and Re-Embracement: A Brief History of the Puritan Hope for Israel”. We start with a discussion of the oft-erroneous “gentile narrative” of the earliest Christian church that has often obscured the Jewish Christ, the Jewish Twelve, and Jewish disciples. How should the Reformed discuss the idea of the singular “olive tree” that avoids what has been the historical consequences and connotations of so-called “replacement theology”? What has Dispensationalism and then the reactionary Anti-Dispensationalism both missed in regard to the Protestant emphasis on relationship with the Jewish people that emphasized gospel ministry over the sundry politics of the Middle East? What does Romans 11 teach, and what has the range of debate been among Reformed interpreters? Listen in as we ask Reverend Atkinson about what he means by the “pirates of providence”, about his own involvement in CWINA, and his hope for the future. Article: “Reformation and Re-Embracement: A Brief History of the Puritan Hope for Israel” Check out: CWINA (Christian Witness to Israel North America) - “Romans 11 and Israel’s Future in Christ” by Joel Beeke - Awakening the Conscience Course Please check out: "The Fulfillment of the Land Promise in The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Critique of Dispensationalism" by Matthew Emadi Please also check out: “The Return of the Jewish Question” by David Azerrad The Jewish State by Yoram Hazony The Hebrew Republic by Eric Nelson The Builder’s Stone by Melanie Phillips On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization by Douglas Murray - Note this critical review by Dr. Paul Gottfried Israel by Daniel Gordis The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) by R.T. France The Letter to the Romans (NICNT) by Douglas Moo The Pauline Eschatology by Geerhardus Vos The Case for Amillenialism by Kim Riddlebarger “The Church Impotent: The History and Theology of Dispensationalism” (Jason Wallace) From Every People and Nation by J. Daniel Hays Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado Also, a relevant sermon by Rev. Dr. William Dennison on Revelation 14:14-20: "John's View of History: Reap What You Sow (Part 1)" Hitler’s Religion by Richard Weikart The Pope and the Jews; The Pope at War by David Kertzer The Aryan Jesus by Susannah Heschel Europe and the Jews by Malcolm Hay Theologians Under Hitler by Robert Ericksen The Lie That Will Not Die by Hadassa Ben-Itto Stalin and the Jews by Arno Lustiger Ordinary Men; The Origins of the Final Solution; The Path to Genocide by Christopher Browning Black Earth by Timothy Snyder clips: Romans; “O Come, O Come Immanuel” ; Luther; John Hagee; Yamma Ensemble: Psalm 104

  • June 15 · 1 hr 50 min

    228. Richard Weikart on From Darwin to Hitler

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Richard Weikart to discuss his book From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany. We begin the interview with the question of methodology, and hear about the nuances needed to understand what is, and is not, being argued in the book. How does the historian accurately and responsibly track the impact of ideas, texts, and thinkers over time? From Darwin’s On the Origin of Species being published in 1859 to Adolf Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 – how did Darwinists, themselves, promote and develop these ideas? Was was “the gospel of Darwinism”, and what was the type of rhetoric so many Darwinists used to describe their “conversion”, in addition to promoting a “new morality” in the form of some version of “social gospel”? Listen in as Dr. Weikart covers this and more, including an oft-forgotten genocide of the Hereros during the Herero Revolt (1904-06) - annihilating around 81% of the people, being justified explicitly using Darwinian concepts and thus, using scientific sanction long before Hitler did the same. Demonstrating that Darwin – and those he influenced undermined the sanctity and value of human life, we underscore that the ideas utilized by the Nazis were often mainstream, “scientific”, academic, and indeed promoted as rooted in “natural law”. Though the trail is somewhat crooked at points - in the end, perhaps Hitler demonstrated the true horror entailed by the ideas of the Darwinist worldview when a tyrant is sincerely dedicated to applying them. Book: From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany Other books by Dr. Weikart: - Hitler’s Ethic: The Nazi Pursuit of Evolutionary Progress - Hitler’s Religion: The Twisted Beliefs that Drove the Third Reich - hear past interview on this book here - Darwinian Racism: How Darwinism Influenced Hitler, Nazism, and White Nationalism - The Myth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Is His Theology Evangelical? - hear past interview on this book here - Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing Unbelievable Debate with Peter Singer Other resources: The Aryan Myth by Leon Poliakov Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn by Christopher Cox The Presbyterian Controversy by Bradley Longfield Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton, 1845-1929 by Bradley Gundlach - also, interview about B.B. Warfield here Darwinian Fairytales by David Stove Forgotten Science by S. D. Tucker Scientific Mythologies by James Herrick Admirable Evasions by Theodore Dalrymple On the point of LDS Disaffiliation and politics, there is some nuance that could’ve been said: - Check out our interview with Jeff Strong - “Why Latter-day Saints appear to be politically shifting to the Left” by Ciara Hulet (KUER 90.1) - “Ex-Mormons Are the Most Republican Religious Leavers in America” by Alex Bass (also, check out part two) The American Religious Landscape; The Nones; The Vanishing Church by Ryan Burge

  • June 8 · 2 hr 27 min

    227. Robert Bowman on Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robert Bowman to discuss his book Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism. How comparable, both in terms of content and credibility, are the visions of Joseph Smith and the apostle Paul? How fitting are the methods analyzing harmonies, differences and potential contradictions between the New Testament accounts of the Resurrection of Christ, and the “First Vision” of Joseph Smith? Listen in as Dr. Bowman takes us into how to think about analyzing the credibility of miracle claims, and how accepting the historical reality of Jesus’ Resurrection does not logically open the Christian to the criticism that they should then accept all claims of the miraculous and the visionary. Starting with the appearance of Jesus to Paul, we ask about how to carefully think through how to understand what Paul saw and what that means – both historically and theologically. How does this compare to the LDS canonical account by Joseph Smith of his own “First Vision”? Is there a way to test the credibility of Joseph Smith’s claims in a way that is not guilty of a double-standard? Are the differences between Joseph Smith’s first vision accounts of the same category and quality as the differences we find in the New Testament accounts of the Risen Lord Jesus? We then ask Dr. Bowman why this matters – and why all people should care about what a thorough side-by-side comparison reveals about the credibility of the foundational claims of Christianity and of Mormonism. Book: Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism Check out website: RobertBowman.net Some other resources by Dr. Bowman: —“Jacob Hansen’s False Version of Joseph Smith’s First Vision” - The Incarnate Christ and His Critics - Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith - The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel - “The Historical Jesus and the Biblical Church: Why the Quest Matters” - “Moroni’s New Testament: Proof that the Author of the Book of Mormon used the King James Version” - “‘Temple of Solomon’ and Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon: A Response to Robert Boylan” Other resources: D&C 20; JSH-1 (also here); “First Vision Accounts” “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Q15; read by President Nelson) “What Are People Asking about Us?”; “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith” by President Gordon B. Hinckley “Joseph Smith: A Revealer of Christ”; “Joseph Smith – The Mighty Prophet of the Restoration” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins by Steven Harper Dr. Kyle Beshears on 1832 First Vision Account Inventing Mormonism by H. Michael Marquardt and Wesley Walters (also here) Sandra Tanner on the Character of Joseph Smith Core Christianity by Michael Horton Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels by Lydia McGrew The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris Scourby: Galatians, 1 Corinthians, Acts

  • June 5 · 53 min

    226. CFM: Deuteronomy

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage of Deuteronomy. Please read (and even listen) to Deuteronomy (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “Becoming Like God”; “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?”; “Mother in Heaven” (Gospel Topics Essays) “Light of Christ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer Connecting Scripture New Testament Christ and the Bible by John Wenham The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt (also, here) Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer “Jesus and the Law” sermon series by Charlie Dennison The Pentateuch by J. Daniel Hays God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative; The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhammer “Indicative and Imperative: The Basic Structure of Pauline Ethics” by William Dennison The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson The Triumph of Grace in Deuteronomy: Faithless Israel, Faithful Yahweh in Deuteronomy by Paul Barker Treaty of the Great King: The Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy by Meredith Kline “Report of the Committee to Study Republication” (OPC) Covenant and Commandment by Bradley Green Now Choose Life: Theology and Ethics in Deuteronomy by J. Gary Millar Kingdom through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum Is God a Moral Monster?; Did God Really Command Genocide? By Paul Copan Wrestling with the Violence of God, edited by M. Daniel Carroll R. and J. Blair Wilgus

  • June 3 · 1 hr 9 min

    225. CFM: Numbers

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage of Numbers. Please read (and even listen) to Numbers (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “Two Lines of Communication” by President Dallin H. Oaks "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland “Light of Christ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer “Becoming Like God” (Gospel Topics Essays) Connecting Scripture New Testament Christ and the Bible by John Wenham The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt (also, here) When Grace Transforms by Terry Johnson “Indicative and Imperative: The Basic Structure of Pauline Ethics” by William Dennison God's Mediators: A Biblical Theology of Priesthood by Andrew Malone The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi The Pentateuch; From Every People and Nation by J. Daniel Hays God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer Numbers 1-19; Numbers 20-36 by L. Michael Morales “You Shall Be Clean”: A Biblical Theology of Defilement and Cleansing by G. Geoffrey Harper “The Leper’s Cleansing and Our Salvation” by Matthew Emadi Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger

  • June 1 · 2 hr 31 min

    224. Philip Barlow on Mormons and the Bible

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Philip Barlow to discuss his book Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion. We start with diving into founding Prophet Joseph Smith’s relationship to and with the KJV Bible, and how we see it’s place in his prophetic project. From D&C 3 to the Book of Mormon to the “Inspired Translation” of the (KJV) Bible – how should we view Joseph Smith’s view of the authority of the Bible within the broader American context in which he lived? How does Moses 1:39 fundamentally shift the theological project and the goal of the religious life? Continuing the story, Dr. Barlow takes us into the broad unity and diversity in approaching the Bible by important figures such as President Brigham Young, Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph Fielding Smith, as well as B. H. Roberts and an important BYU educator William Chamberlin. How did this spectrum of development and engagement connect to the larger picture of higher criticism of the Bible and its introduction into more of the mainstream of American life? Moreover, why did the King James Version of the Bible become the semi-official and then official Bible in English for the LDS Church? We also get the opportunity to ask Dr. Barlow about his thoughts of the recent policy change regarding Bible translations for Latter-day Saints, and how that continues the story of the book. Book: Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion Also, check out: “New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints” (December 16, 2025) -“First Presidency Statement on the King James Translation of the Bible” (August 1992 Ensign) Other resources by Dr. Barlow: “To Mend a Fractured Reality: Joseph Smith’s Project” New Historical Atlas of Religion in America D&C 3; JSH-1; Moses 1; Abraham 4; JST John; JST Romans Why the King James Version by Elder J. Reuben Clark President Brigham Young: JD 14.226-227 President John Taylor: JD 1.25 Elder Orson Pratt: JD 7:23ff, 14.257-260, 15.247-249, 16.218, 17.269 Elder George A. Smith: JD 12.264 Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian by Matthew Bowman - Seek Ye Earnestly; Man: His Origin and Destiny by President Joseph Fielding Smith Harold B. Lee: Life and Thought, 1899-1973 by Newell Bringhurst Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985 by Devery Anderson (and here) - “Joseph Smith Translation: The Doctrinal Restoration” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera The Next Mormons by Jana Reiss Other resources: WCF chapter 1 The Works of Benjamin B. Warfield, Volume 1: Revelation and Inspiration (also here) The Pauline Eschatology; Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here and here) In The Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture by Alister McGrath The King James Debate: A Plea for Realism by D.A. Carson The King James Only Controversy by James White Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry Biblical Words and Their Meaning; God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

  • May 27 · 59 min

    223. CFM: Leviticus

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage (or lack thereof) of Leviticus. Please read (and even listen) to Leviticus (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “The Law of Sacrifice” by Elder M. Russell Ballard D&C 13 Check out: Connecting Scripture New Testament Christ and the Bible by John Wenham Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus by L. Michael Morales “You Shall Be Clean”: A Biblical Theology of Defilement and Cleansing by G. Geoffrey Harper The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt (also, here) American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time by Joshua Mitchell (also, here) The Pentateuch by J. Daniel Hays God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer The Book of Leviticus (NICOT) by Gordon Wenham Leviticus by Jacob Milgrom

  • May 25 · 1 hr 46 min

    222. Kyle Beshears on 40 Questions About Mormonism

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kyle Beshears to discuss his book 40 Questions About Mormonism. Is Mormonism a “global religion”, and how do we balance the unity and diversity among the various branches of the Restoration Movement? What is some of the history and taxonomy of traditional Christian engagement with the LDS? What is the LDS priesthood, and how does it connect throughout the system of Mormon doctrine and practice? Is the LDS Godhead of “separate beings and persons” a form of “social Trinitarianism”, and how is this a paradigm for understanding fundamental differences amid superficial similarity? Listen in as we ask Dr. Beshears this, and more – including how difficult it is to prioritize sources of authority when discussing LDS doctrine, and whether “Heavenly Mother” is indeed, official doctrine. We also ask about the difference between building temples and temple theology – and ask Kyle about what he thinks is the biggest challenge from Mormonism toward traditional Christianity, and vice versa. Book: 40 Questions About Mormonism Other resources by Dr. Kyle Beshears: - “Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” (Past interview: here and here) - “’That Sacred Depository’: Biblical Content in Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision Account” (found here; past interview: here) -"The Phrase That Came To Pass" Other resources: “Approaching Latter-day Saint Doctrine” The Family Proclamation; O My Father “What Are People Asking about Us?”; “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith” by President Gordon B. Hinckley "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "The Light of Christ" by Elder Boyd K. Packer The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe The American Religion by Harold Bloom Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow “This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell Latter-day Saint Theology among Christian Theologies by Grant Underwood Scattering of the Saints, edited by Newell G. Bringhurst and John C. Hamer Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn The Mysteries of Godliness by David Buerger The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, edited by Devery Anderson The Spirit of Early Christian Thought by Robert Louis Wilken The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G. K. Beale Rediscovering the Church Fathers by Michael Haykin Biblical Theology; Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett The Triune God by Fred Sanders The Trinity by Scott Swain The Person of Christ by Stephen Wellum The Attributes of God by Gerald Bray

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