A History of Christian Theology

Welcome to A History of Christian Theology! Today, Chad sits down with his friend and colleague, Dr. Andrew Chronister. Like Chad, Dr. Chronister teaches ancient languages at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in addition to serving as a professor of patristics. Similarly, they both received their PhDs from Saint Louis University and studied St. Augustine's work there. Their conversation today centers around Dr. Chorinister's newest book: "Augustine in the Pelagian Controversy: Defending Church Unity," which was released in December (2024) with Catholic University of America Press. As Augustinian scholars, their conversation is lively and interesting as they approach the issue of the Pelagian Controversy from multiple angles. Thanks to Dr. Chronister for taking the time to chat on this important topic and for providing Chad with a copy of his book. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Augustine in the Pelagian Controversy"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! This week, Chad talks with Dr. Abigail Favale about her book "The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory" with Ignatius Press. Dr. Favale's book came out in 2022 and has received excellent reviews, and while the topic is not one we often discuss on the podcast, Chad thought it would make for an interesting conversation, and he was absolutely right! Dr. Favale currently works at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, where she is a professor and writer. Her topics of interest revolve around matters of women and gender from a Catholic Perspective. In today's episode, she and Chad discuss the philosophy and theology of gender and different ways we approach it. Thanks to Dr. Favale for taking the time to join us! We hope you enjoy!Buy "The Genesis of Gender"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Today, Chad sits down with Dr. Matthew Bates to discuss his newly released book "Beyond the Salvation Wars: Why Both Protestants and Catholics Must Reimagine How We Are Saved" with Brazos Press. Dr. Bates is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and the author of several books. He talks with Chad about his position on the order of salvation and his counterproposal to Protestant and Catholic understandings of salvation. Thanks to Dr. Bates for coming on the podcast and Brazos Press for providing us with a copy of the book.And thank you for being patient with us as we work on getting episodes out! Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for episodes with Abigail Favale and Andrew Chronister. If you enjoy these episodes, please like and review us on iTunes and Spotify!We hope you enjoy!Buy "Beyond the Salvation Wars"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

On this episode, Chad chats with Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School about his latest book "Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically" with Zondervan Academic. Dr. Vanhoozer explains his thesis of how we ought to read and respond to the Bible through the lens of Christ's transfiguration. He received his PhD from Cambridge University, served as Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, has written over 20 books, and is currently Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity. His work covers many areas of theology and has inspired and influenced many to study the Bible, including Chad. We're thankful to Dr. Vanhoozer for taking the time to meet and to Zondervan for providing a copy of his book!Stay on the lookout for more episodes coming soon and we hope you enjoy!uy "Mere Christian Hermeneutics"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

This week on A History of Christian Theology Chad sits down with Dr. Simon P. Kennedy to talk about his latest book "Against Worldview: Reimagining Christian Formation as Growth in Wisdom" with Lexham Press. Their conversation focuses on why evangelicals talk so much about worldview, what it is, why it's important, Dr Kennedy's critiques, and his suggestions on how we might want to reframe our view of or approach to it. Dr. Kennedy is both a research fellow at the University of Queensland and a non-resident fellow at the Danube Institute as well as teaching at numerous institutes like Lachlan Macquarie Institute and Queensland Theological College. We're very thankful to Dr. Kennedy for his time and to Lexham Press for sending us a copy of his book, be sure to check it out below!Buy "Against Worldview"Subscribe to out Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! This week we're happy to welcome Dr. Brad Littlejohn to the podcast to discuss his newly released book "Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License" with B&H Academic Press. He and Chad take a bit of a break from our regular sort of conversations to discuss contemporary issues of freedom, what it is and isn't, and how we as Christians ought to think about it. Dr. Littlejohn is currently a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington D.C. We're thankful to B&H Academic Press for sending us a copy of his book, and Dr. Littlejohn for sitting down to chat. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

In this episode, Chad interviews Dr. Nijay Gupta about his upcoming book "The Affections of Christ Jesus- Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology" with Eerdmans Publishing: it is scheduled for release near the end of February this year. They discuss how the idea of love is often overlooked in Paul's work as well as the Biblical view of affection and emotion in Christian Theology. Dr. Gupta's accomplishments are wide-ranging. Currently, he is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, serves as co-chair of the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research, has authored numerous books, co-hosts the "Slow Theology" podcast, and is the senior editor for the New Living Translation of the Bible. We're very thankful to Dr. Gupta for taking the time to sit down with Chad and to Eerdmans Publishing for providing an early copy of the book and setting up the interview. We hope you enjoy!Buy "The Affections of Christ Jesus- Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

This week Chad sits down with Dr. Ronnie Kurtz to discuss the topics of his latest book "Light Unapproachable: Divine Incompressibility and the Task of Theology" with InterVarsity Press. They cover a number of topics ranging from 2nd vs 3rd person theology all the way to their shared love for St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Kurtz is an Assistant Professor of Theology at Cedarville University as well as the author of a number of other books. He previously taught at both Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College as well as pastoring a church in Kansas City. We're glad we got the opportunity to talk with him and we hope you enjoy!Buy "Light Unapproachable: Divine Incompressibility and the Task of Theology"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

This week Chad sits down with Dr. Rubén Rosario Rodriguez to discuss his newest book "Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology" with Baker Academic Press. Dr. Rosario Rodriguez is an associate professor of theology at St. Louis University and the coordinator for both the MTS and MARE programs. Some of you may remember when he joined Chad last year to discuss one of his other 5 books, we're thankful to have Dr. Rosario Rodriguez back on the podcast. In this episode, Ruben and Chad discuss several topics surrounding Calvinism including the historical context of his work as well as why and how Calvin has impacted communities outside of the Western world. Special thanks to Dr. Rosario Rodriguez as well as Baker Academic Press, we hope you enjoy!Buy "Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Dr. Philip Hussey joins Chad today to discuss his new book "Supralapsarianism Reconsidered: Jonathan Edwards and the Reformed Tradition" with T&T Clark as part of their "Studies in Systematic Theology" series. Along with being an author, Dr. Hussey is the head pastor at Christ Fellowship Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Chad's conversation with Dr. Hussey covers systematic vs dogmatic theology, supralapsarianism, Johnathan Edwards, and much more. Huge thanks to Dr. Hussey for joining us as well as T&T Clark.Just a reminder, there are several upcoming episodes on their way so make sure to stay tuned for those. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Supralapsarianism Reconsidered: Jonathan Edwards and the Reformed Tradition"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Modern Theology! On this episode, Chad talks with Dr. Brad East about one of his newest books "Letters to a Future Saint" by Eerdman's Publishing. Dr. East talks about the idea behind the book and his views on the different types of Christian literature. Although you may be used to Chad reviewing more academic or rigorous books, Dr. East's book is an intriguing read and offers insight into shepherding Christians who are new to the faith. As always, we hope you enjoy!Buy "Letters to a Future Saint"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome to Episode 168. Today Chad join Dr. Alex Fogleman to discuss his newly released book "Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation" with Cambridge University Press. Dr. Fogleman is an Assistant Research Professor of Theology at Baylor University as well as the founding director of "The Catechesis Institute." His book covers what the early church thought it meant to know God and how they chose to teach it. Thanks again to Alex for his insightful book and thought provoking conversation. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation"The Catechesis InstituteSubscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

On this episode, Dr. Andrew Remington Rillera discuses his new book "Lamb of the Free" with Chad. Dr. Rillera's new book looks at the different ways that New Testament authors apply sacrificial imagery to Jesus through the lens of Old Testament law. Dr. Rillera received his PhD from Duke university where he studied New Testament, Theology, and Early Judaism and is currently an associate professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at King's University in Edmonton, Alberta. He discusses a few of his other extensive works while talking with Chad, some of those are linked below.Buy "Lamb of the Free"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheologyMore works by Dr. Rillera:Dr. Rillera's work on the EphesiansHis interview on The Bible Project Podcast

Dr. Thomas Harmon joins Chad on the podcast to discuss the background for his new book "The Universal Way of Salvation in the Thought of Augustine", how Augustine challenged the philosophers of his time, as well as some of Dr. Hamon's work with Shakespeare. Dr. Harmon is the associate director of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas and has been published in numerous journals about several topics.Buy "The Universal Way of Salvation in the Thought of Augustine"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

In a special release of an episode that was previously a Patreon exclusive, we present the second and final part of Tom, Chad, and Trevor's discussion on conversion and their spiritual journeys. In response to questions from multiple listeners, our hosts get personal and shed some light on their upbringings in faith. For more exclusive episodes, backlog files, and other content, subscribe to our Patreon.Twitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Chad Kim gives a lecture on Augustine as a leader drawing insights from his dissertation research at the Schaeffer House in St. Louis, MO. 

Harrison Perkins joins the podcast today to discuss his new book, "Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction" (Lexham Academic, 2024). Perkins pastors at Oakland Hills Community Church in Detroit, and has a variety of research, writing, and teaching positions. Join us as he discusses how covenant theology serves the faith!Buy "Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction"Subscribe to out Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Richard Burnett joins the podcast today to discuss his new book, "Machen's Hope: The Transformation of a Modernist in the New Princeton" (Eerdman's, 2024), a spanning biography on J. Gresham Machen, the founder of Westminster Theological Seminary and a main figure of the anti-modernist revolt at Princeton. This text attempts to reevaluate many of the common characterizations of Machen's life and the manner in which he navigated the theological tensions of early-20th century academic theology.Buy "Machen's Hope""Subscribe to out Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Dr. Vince Bantu of the Meacham School of Haymanot joins us today to discuss his new book "Gospel Haymanot: A Constructive Theology and Critical Reflection on African and Diasporic Christianity", a collection of voices, edited by Bantu, which engages with the resources of the Black Church and puts forward notes toward how these forces can contribute to and should be recognized within the effort of reforming the Eurocentricity of Christian Theology.LinksBuy Gospel Haymanot on AmazonMeacham School of Haymanottwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Dr. Jamie Kreiner joins us today to discuss her recently published translations of dialogues between John Cassian, a 4th century theologian credited with importing the ideas of early Christian monasticism to the Latin world, and various Egyptian monks on the subjects of distraction, concentration, and freedom from vice. In this podcast, Kreiner discusses the pertinence of these topics to the modern world as well as her approach to her translation of these previously-untranslated texts.

Join us for our interview with Brian Zahnd on his recently released book, "The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross" (IVP, 2024). Following a pilgrimage where he spent time contemplating the crucifix in many different churches, Zahnd realized the kaleidoscopic possibilities behind an interpretation to and an emotional response to such imagery, leading to the publishing of this book. In an interesting and engaging interview, Zahnd discusses his inspirations, his life as a Christian, and even the Lord of the Rings.Hope you enjoy this conversation!

Today's podcast features an interview with Dr. Gregory Wiebe concerning his book "Fallen Angels in the Theology of St. Augustine" (Oxford University Press, 2021). For our long-time listeners, this subject matter's inclusion in the podcast will come at no surprise. This conversation presents a wide-spanning dialogue on Angelology and Demonology in the work of St. Augustine. Hope you enjoy!

For a fun twist, my dad asked if he could interview me about my new book The Way of Humility, St. Augustine's Theology of Preaching (Catholic University of America Press, 2023). I had a very good time and appreciate all the time he took to read it. He has read plenty of my bad high school papers, but this one took a lot more time. I am blessed that both of my parents have beens so supportive in my academic and spiritual journey. Thank you to all parents who support their kids! You do tremendous and live changing work. You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/AHOCTYou can buy the book here: https://www.cuapress.org/9780813237398/the-way-of-humility/

Glen L Thompson's The Jingjiao: the Earliest Christian Church in China (Eerdmans Press, 2024) provides a thorough introduction to a very little known history of the centuries old story of Christians in China. Dr. Thompson comes on the podcast to provide some background on the book and some really fascinating stories, including how a Chinese Christian was once the head of the Syriac Church! As a historian of early Christianity, this is a history I knew nothing about and I am sure listeners will learn a lot from this great book. Links:Glen Thompson's BookSupport our Show on Patreon for exclusive content, early release episodes, and a forum for listeners and the hosts.Glen's website on Christianity in the Fourth Centurytwitter: @theologyxian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

For today's episode, we interview Dr. Brad Littlejohn on his recently published book Why Do Protestants Convert? (co-authored with Chris Castaldo). In this podcast, we explore some of the reasons behind the recent trend of conversions from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, especially among prominent Protestant intellectuals.  Far from an apologetic undertaking, this book takes on the approach of attempting to understand the phenomena which have led to this shift, and provides intrigue for those of all faith backgrounds.

Today we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Kriner, Associate Professor of English at Wheaton College, whose new book "In Thought, Word, and Seed: Reckonings from a Midwest Farm" (Eerdmans, 2023) discusses her recent life on a farm in Northern Illinois and how her interactions with the land have reconfigured her own faith. This literary work, engaging with a variety of themes and intersections of various fields, incorporates theological considerations in a manner that draws our focus toward the importance of attention and its constituent elements. 

Today our longtime Editorial Assistant, Grant Bellchamber, joins us for an interview with Dr. Dru Johnson on his recently published book "What Hath Darwin to Do With Scripture?: Comparing the Conceptual Worlds of the Bible and Evolution" (IV Press, 2023). We discuss the evolutionary notions of scarcity and fit in relation to the Old Testament writers' own conception of Creation as Dr. Johnson attempts to put the two understandings into a dialectical relation. Join us as we explore an interesting approach to an, often, highly-fraught intellectual relationship.

We welcome my good friend Drew Martin to the podcast today to talk about his book The Covenant with Moses and the Kingdom of God (Brill, 2023). His work crosses disciplinary boundaries like history, theology, and political theory. We talk mostly about how covenant theology works and how that overlaps with political theory.

In her book, Augustine on the Will (Oxford University Press, 2019), Dr. Kantzer Komline discusses Augustine's theological stance on the will, which developed throughout his lifetime, and its implications for his theology and Western thought as a whole. On this podcast, we've invited her for an in-depth discussion on Augustine's theology and his broader intellectual development, a topic which has been the focus of much debate amongst scholars.

Ty Paul Monroe, an associate professor of Theology at Assumption University, joins the podcast to discuss his new book, “Putting on Christ: Augustine's Early Theology of Salvation and the Sacraments” (CUA Press, 2022). With his deep, theological approach to a reading of Augustine, his work fits right in with our host's own academic work. Join us as we interrogate the connection between Augustine's early understanding of central Christian beliefs and Donatist and Neo-Platonist lines of thinking.

Jacob Wright offers a compelling proposal for Why the Bible Began (Cambridge University Press, 2023) in his book of that title. This book was chosen as one of the best books of 2023 by the New Yorker. In our conversation, we talk about what it means that the Bible laid the foundation for a people and the scribes who wrote, edited, and collected the work. We talk briefly about what it means for the people of God in the 21st century in the land of Israel and Palestine and the catastrophic events of October 7th. Also, please consider supporting A History of Christian Theology by subscribing to our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT), where we will be posting exclusive content and episodes in the upcoming weeks.

Andrew Hofer's new study The Power of Patristic Preaching (Catholic University Press, 2023) surveys several key early Christian theologians and preachers. We talk through Origen, Leo the Great, and Gregory the Great, three figures we haven't discussed much on this podcast. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing to our Patreon, which helps make this possible: https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT

Join us as we delve into Dr. Benjamin Laird's latest book, 'Creating the Canon' (IVPress, 2023), offering a comprehensive exploration of the intriguing journey behind the New Testament's origins. Dr. Laird focuses on the pivotal concept of apostolic authority and unravels the challenges and rewards associated with emphasizing this narrative in the New Testament's formation. Additionally, check out our Patreon, as we'll begin providing exclusive benefits to subscribers soon:https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT

In a monumental third interview, we venture into the fascinating world of Paul Hinlicky, a multifaceted individual who wears two significant hats: farmer and theologian. Join us as we explore the compelling narrative of how he embarked on this unique path, the intricacies of his agricultural endeavors, and the profound intersection between his Christian faith, particularly within the Lutheran tradition, and the art of farming. This conversation promises to be a captivating exploration of faith, agriculture, and the meaningful synergy between the two in Paul's life.

We have Scot McKnight on again to talk us through his new translation of the New Testament with IVPress called The Second Testament. We talk through translation choices, different methods of translation, and why it's so important to read the bible in Greek. 

Emily Dumler-Winkcler brings our conversation into the modern period with her book Modern Virtue: Mary Wollstonecraft and a Tradition of Dissent (Oxford University Press, 2022). Dr. Dumler-Winkcler has some insights into the nature of tradition and how Wollstonecraft fits into the virtue tradition. Also, we discuss Wollstonecraft's lesser known theological convictions which are often overlooked in scholarship on the early feminist. 

Dr. KJ Drake works through the history of the doctrine known as the Extra-Calvinisticum in his book The Flesh of the Word: The Extra Calvinisticum from Zwingli to Early Orthodoxy (Oxford University Press, 2021. Although this is not a popularly discussed doctrine it drives at the heart of what the Reformers were debating in the early years of the Protestant Reformation. Dr. Drake provides a window into how the Reformers answered the question: “where is Christ after the resurrection?”

Dr. Ruben Rosario Rodriguez gives his case for a new way of thinking about theology in his book Theological Fragments (Westminster John Knox Press, 2023). We talk about our experience teaching undergrads at a Jesuit university and how that has shaped Dr. Rosario's approach to teaching and doing theology. 

Grant Kaplan has been working on the relationship between Faith and Reason in the Christian tradition (Catholic University Press, 2022). We discuss differing Catholic and Protestant approaches to the question and why many of the ancient doctors of the church have the greatest insights. 

Paul Hinlicky comes back on the pod to discuss Between Humanis Philosophy and Apocalyptic Theology: The Twentieth Century Sojourn of Samuel Stefan Osusky (T and T Clark, 2016). This fascinating man confronted some of the great historical disasters of the twentieth century from Communism to Nazism and found that the biblical faith of his childhood was the only thing which could carry him through the dark times. 

Matthew Lynch talks with us about his new book Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God (IVPress 20223). We cover how the question of violence has to be considered canonically as well as dig into the weird stories of the Nephilim.CONTENT WARNING: Rape; in the context of Old Testament studies

Today we talk with Dr. Scot McKnight professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary about his recently released book Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan, 2023). We talk about his own background with Revelation as well as our mutual love for baseball. I hope you will enjoy this episode.

Dr. Paul Hinlicky is Professor Emeritus of Theology at Roanoke College in Virginia. Dr. Hinlicky talks with us about early Christian reception of the Greek philosophical tradition in a work entitled Divine Complexity (Fortress Press, 2010). We also delve into his work in Slovakia and his connection to Robert Jenson. 

This week we do a deep dive into Augustine's rhetorical theology. We talk about the ways Augustine as a rhetorician framed his theology in different ways using the tools he learned from his particular trade. Dr. Gronewoller's book, Rhetorical Economy in Augustine's Theology (Oxford University Press, 2021) has many fascinating elements, but we focus mainly on how rhetoric helps Augustine better explain the problem of evil. 

In this episode, Tom, Trevor, and Chad rejoin forces to discuss St. Augustine's Enchiridion and his definition of hope. Trevor is currently writing his PhD thesis on hope in the field of philosophical theology, so we are certainly in for an apt and in-depth conversation on this important aspect of the Christian life and theology. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

We sat down this week with Hannah Nation to discuss her recently published book under Intervarsity Press, '"Faithful Disobedience". Nation speaks on leaders of the faith in an environment that is growing increasingly hostile toward Christianity. We hope you enjoy the interview!

In this episode, we talk with Brad East whose book The Church's Book (Eerdmans Press, 2022) explores the relationship between the church and scripture. It was an illuminating book and conversation where Dr. East expounds upon the book and how Robert Jenson, among other theologians, can help us understand what the bible is. 

In this final episode on the Christological Controversies, Tom, Trevor, and Chad work their way through the Chalcedonian definition and what that means for how Christians understand the two natures of Christ.

Tom, Trevor, and Chad continue their conversation over the Christological Controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries. In this episode, we cover the question over the name “theotokos” for Mary and why this was such a hot topic for Nestorius and Cyril. This is the second of three in the series on this important topic of early Christianity.

Dr. Benjamin Wheaton comes on the podcast to explore his thesis in Suffering Not Power: Atonement in the Middle Ages (Lexham Press). Although many have thought since Gustav Aulen that a kind of Christus Victor was the predominate view, Wheaton explains why we should nuance that view and see other ways of viewing the atonement in Dante, and several other early preachers and commentators. *A technical issue occurred in the recording of this episode, but much of the content was able to be retained*

Jordan Daniel Wood discusses his recently released monograph The Whole Mystery of Christ: Creation as Incarnation in Maximus the Confessor (University of Notre Dame Press, 2022). Dr. Wood talks us through some the controversial aspects of his thesis, but why it can still be understood as an orthodox perspective. We even cover a little bit of Hegel and his role in Dr. Wood's work.