Mid-America Reformed Seminary's Round Table

In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with church historian, Dr. Alan Strange, and OT Professor, Dr. Andrew Compton, to explore the evolution of the papacy throughout church history. While this episode was being recorded (May 8, 2025), the College of Cardinals was meeting in conclave to elect a new Bishop of Rome. In the episode, the professors unpack the historical foundations of papal authority, from its contested early church origins to modern claims of papal supremacy. They examine how the office transformed from a regional bishopric to the powerful position we know today, discuss the theological foundations of the Reformation's challenge to papal authority, and reflect on why some modern Protestants still find themselves drawn to Rome. With historical insight and personal anecdotes—including Dr. Strange's encounter with future Pope Benedict XVI—this episode offers a thoughtful Reformed perspective on one of Christianity's most influential institutions while setting the stage for a future discussion on Pope Francis's controversial legacy.

How do Word and Sacrament bring comfort to the doubting heart? In this final installment of our series on assurance, Dr. Cornelis Venema explores how God's appointed means of grace provide concrete reassurance amid life's uncertainties. Dr. Venema unpacks how gospel-centered preaching—proclaiming what Christ has done rather than what we must do—serves as the foundation for genuine assurance. He particularly emphasizes the often-neglected role of the sacraments, showing how Baptism and the Lord's Supper are not empty rituals but visible seals of God's promises meant to strengthen our wavering faith. Whether you struggle with legalistic tendencies, feel trapped on the "anxious bench," or simply desire deeper confidence in God's love, Dr. Venema helps us see that assurance comes not through extraordinary experiences but through ordinary means God has graciously provided.

Can Christians truly be sure of their salvation—and if so, on what basis? In this episode of Marscast, host Jared Luttjeboer welcomes back Dr. Cornelis Venema to explore the doctrine of assurance through the lens of the Reformed confessions and pastoral wisdom from the church's history. Far from being a modern dilemma, the struggle for assurance has deep roots in the life of the church, and our theological forefathers left us language and categories deeply embedded in a Christ-centered hope.From the debates of the Reformation to the pastoral tone of the Canons of Dort and the Westminster Confession, this conversation sheds light on how assurance was understood as something deeply connected to faith in Christ, the witness of the Spirit, and the fruit of new life. Whether you're new to this topic or have wrestled with it for years, this episode invites you to rest more deeply in God's promises, to understand the role of self-examination without falling into despair, and to see how the Reformed tradition has long spoken to this very human question: Can I really be sure?

In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with Dr. Cornelis Venema, President Emeritus of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, to explore the doctrine of assurance. Dr. Venema challenges the common misconception that assurance is merely a fluctuating feeling dependent on our spiritual performance. Instead, he reveals how assurance is fundamentally rooted in God's unshakable promises rather than our own efforts. Drawing from scriptural passages in Romans 8 and various Psalms, Dr. Venema explains how the Holy Spirit witnesses to believers' spirits, confirming their adoption as God's children. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective for those who struggle with doubt, reminding listeners that assurance isn't earned but freely received through faith.

In this episode, we wrap up our series on common grace with Dr. Andrew Compton, Rev. Steve Swets, and Dr. J. Mark Beach. They begin by revisiting the controversial 1924 debate that split the Christian Reformed Church and discuss Emeritus Professor at Calvin Theological Seminary John Bolt's recent analysis that questions whether this division was truly necessary. They'll also explore how common grace applies to our everyday lives as Christians. How does this doctrine help us navigate cultural engagement, education, politics, and our work lives while maintaining our distinct Christian identity? So, whether you're wrestling with how to live faithfully "in but not of" our increasingly secular world or just curious about balancing theological principles with practical realities, you'll find plenty to reflect on in today's conversation.

At the 2025 Ligonier National Conference, longtime friends and former roommates Dr. Sinclair Ferguson and Dr. Alan Strange reunited for a rich and engaging conversation. With warmth and humor, they reflected on Presbyterianism, the beauty of union with Christ, and their enduring love for the books of Romans and John.

At the 2025 Ligonier National Conference, Dr. Alan Strange and Dr. John Tweeddale, Academic Dean of Reformation Bible College, discussed the accelerated program partnership between our institutions.

At the 2025 Ligonier National Conference, Interim President Dr. Alan Strange sat down with B.A. Snider of Great Commission Publications to reflect on GCP's 50-year anniversary. Together, they looked back on decades of publishing gospel-centered resources, equipping the church, and advancing the Great Commission.

This episode looks into the historical 1924 controversy over "common grace" that led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Church. Our hosts explore how Abraham Kuyper's theological concepts, brought from the Netherlands to America, sparked significant debate within the Christian Reformed Church. They examine the three points of common grace adopted by the CRC Synod of Kalamazoo and why figures like Herman Hoeksema rejected these principles. The conversation touches on the theological nuances between different Dutch terms for grace, the complex relationship between common grace and antithesis, and how these concepts have been applied (and sometimes misapplied) in engaging with culture and scholarship over the past century.

In this episode of MARSCAST, Dr. Andrew Compton is joined by colleagues Dr. J. Mark Beach and alumnus and pastor Rev. Steve Swets to explore the theological concept of common grace. They unpack various definitions of common grace, distinguish it from saving grace, and analyze how Scripture uses terms for "grace" in both narrow and broader contexts. Through their scholarly yet accessible discussion, they highlight how Reformed theology reconciles God's goodness toward all creation with a robust doctrine of human depravity.

In this episode, Jared Luttjeboer interviews alumnus and pastor Rev. Harold Miller. He takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the church's most quiet yet important ministries: pastoral visitation. Drawing from years of pastoral experience, Miller reveals the deep theological significance of visiting congregants in hospitals, nursing homes, and even prisons. More than just a courtesy call, these visits represent Christ's love in action—a shepherding practice that extends far beyond the walls of the church.

In this episode, host Jared and Pastor Richard Zekveld explore the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and its practical implications. They discuss how Christ's blood and Spirit work together in cleansing believers, the distinction between receiving the Spirit at conversion versus ongoing filling, and finding assurance amid doubt. Pastor Zekveld shares insights on experiencing the Spirit's presence through ordinary means of grace while offering practical wisdom for cultivating Spirit-led ministry that avoids both neglect and excess.

In this final installment of MARSCAST's Part 2 series on Christian nationalism, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with Dr. Alan Strange to explore a crucial question: Is Christian nationalism the answer for Christians seeking to engage with culture and politics, or is there a better way? Dr. Strange offers a thoughtful examination of how Christians should approach political engagement in a pluralistic society, arguing that judgment must begin within the church itself before attempting to transform the broader culture. He challenges listeners to consider whether our confessional standards provide sufficient guidance for today's complex cultural landscape, while emphasizing the primacy of seeking God's kingdom first in all aspects of life. Join the conversation as we consider what it truly means to seek first the kingdom of God in an ever-polarized world.

In this second installment of our series on Christian nationalism, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with Dr. Alan Strange, Interim President of Mid-America Reformed Seminary and Professor of Church History, to examine Doug Wilson's distinctive approach to Christian nationalism.Dr. Strange unpacks Wilson's "theocratic libertarian" vision as presented in his book Mere Christendom, contrasting it with Stephen Wolfe's natural law perspective. The conversation explores how Wilson's theonomic framework leads him to assert that "theocracy is inevitable" while advocating for the elimination of government agencies and the enforcement of biblical law in civil society.The discussion also looks into the controversial Antioch Declaration, Wilson's public stance against anti-Semitic and fascist elements within the broader Christian nationalist movement, and the resulting tensions with younger figures in the movement.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange explores Stephen Wolfe's perspective on Christian nationalism. Dr. Strange examines Wolfe's approach as outlined in his book The Case for Christian Nationalism, explaining how Wolfe draws from 16th and 17th-century theologians while decontextualizing their views for modern application. The discussion looks into the evolving understanding of church-state relations throughout Protestant history, highlighting the critical differences between historical Protestant political theory and Wolfe's modern interpretation, as well as the emerging tensions between Wolfe and other Christian nationalist voices like Doug Wilson.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange returns to explore the complex and contentious topic of Christian nationalism. Building on a previous series, Dr. Strange sets out to examine the current landscape of Christian nationalism, particularly focusing on the tensions between different camps within the movement. Dr. Strange also takes a critical look at Andrew Torba and Andrew Isker's book on Christian nationalism while addressing the broader questions about faith, politics, and the relationship between Christianity and nationalist ideologies.

In this fourth installment exploring John Calvin's teachings on the Christian life, Dr. J. Mark Beach examines Calvin's practical wisdom on how believers should engage with the present world and its blessings. Drawing from Book 3, Chapter 10 of Calvin's Institutes, Dr. Beach unpacks Calvin's balanced approach between asceticism and excess, showing how Christians can properly enjoy God's good gifts while maintaining spiritual focus and faithful stewardship.

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues exploring John Calvin's insights on Christian living from his seminal work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Focusing on the themes of cross-bearing and meditation on the future life, he discusses Calvin's theological understanding of how believers should navigate life's challenges and maintain a spiritual perspective, and further unpacks Calvin's nuanced view of suffering, explaining how trials are not punishments but opportunities for spiritual growth, humility, and deeper trust in God.

What books should aspiring seminary students read to prepare for their theological education? In this episode from the archives, Dr. J. Mark Beach and Dr. Andrew Compton discuss recommended reading for future seminarians, from foundational works like Machen's Christianity and Liberalism to comprehensive Bible surveys. They share personal experiences with influential books that shaped their own theological journeys and offer practical advice about building a theological library on a budget.

Today, we're diving deep into an essential topic from our archives: systematic theology. This episode features a roundtable discussion with some of our faculty members—Dr. Cornelis Venema, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Dr. Alan Strange, and Dr. Andrew Compton—exploring why systematic theology is not just relevant but vital for ministry and the life of the church. Whether you're a pastor, a student, or someone passionate about theology, this conversation is sure to challenge and inspire you.

As we listen to another episode from the archives, we'll explore the concept of natural law – a topic with deep roots in Christian and non-Christian traditions. When this first of 3 episodes aired several years ago, Drs. Marcus Mininger, J. Mark Beach, Alan Strange, and Andrew Comp-ton discussed how natural law relates to God's moral law, its role in civil society, and its relationship to special revelation. Drawing from Reformed thinkers like John Calvin and key biblical passages like Romans 1 and 2, they'll examine how natural law functions in Christian and non-Christian contexts while considering important questions about its use and limitations in our contemporary world.

Throughout the month of January, we're reaching back into our archives, and today, we're bringing you something special - the very first faculty roundtable discussion ever recorded at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. In this groundbreaking episode from 2019, our faculty tackles the important pastoral question of the salvation of infants of believers, examining Article 1.17 of the Canons of Dort and its lasting relevance for Reformed churches today. Contributors include Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Dr. Andrew Compton, Dr. Cornelis Venema, and Dr. J. Mark Beach.

In this final episode of 2024, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues his exploration of John Calvin's insights on the Christian life and, more particularly, the concept of self-denial. Drawing from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Dr. Beach unpacks what it truly means to deny oneself—both in relation to our neighbors and to God. Calvin presents a challenging vision of Christian living: a life marked by humility, love, and a radical reorientation away from self-centeredness. How do we esteem others above ourselves? What does it mean to resign our possessions and will to God's purpose? Dr. Beach guides us through Calvin's theological landscape, offering rich insights into taking up our cross and finding grace in our human frailty.

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach joins us to unpack John Calvin's insights on the essence of the Christian life from his seminal work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Drawing from Book 3, chapters 6-10, Dr. Beach centers on Calvin's thoughts on self-denial, where he'll challenge us to move beyond nominal Christianity to a genuine faith. Calvin's teachings remind us that the Christian life is not about perfection but about continuous surrender, loving righteousness, and conforming ourselves to Christ's image. At the end of the day, we'll learn what it means to truly deny ourselves and live not for our own interests, but for God's glory.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange examines more forerunners of the Reformation, focusing on key figures like John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and Erasmus. The discussion with host Jared Luttjeboer explores these reformers' revolutionary ideas challenging the medieval Catholic Church, including critiques of church authority, biblical interpretation, and clerical corruption. Dr. Strange also highlights Wycliffe's groundbreaking assertion of Scripture as the sole criterion of doctrine, Hus's continuation of Wycliffe's reformist teachings, and Erasmus's critical yet nuanced approach to church reform.

In this episode, join host Jared Luttjeboer and Dr. Alan Strange as they embark on a new chapter exploring the forerunners of the Reformation. Together, they examine how this monumental movement reshaped the church and the world, dissecting debates about whether it marked the end of the Middle Ages or the beginning of the modern era. Along the way, they delve into the cultural, political, and spiritual factors that set the stage for the Reformation, shedding light on its impact.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange explores the theological contributions of Thomas Aquinas, a pivotal medieval thinker. Exploring Aquinas's famous five proofs for God's existence, his integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine, and his lasting impact on Western theology, Dr. Strange also introduces other significant medieval theologians like John Duns Scotus and William of Ockham. He offers insights into medieval scholastic thought, the development of theological reasoning, and the complex intellectual landscape preceding the Reformation.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange and host Jared Luttjeboer discuss the rich theological landscape of the Later Medieval period, exploring pivotal figures like Anselm of Canterbury, Peter Abelard, and Thomas Aquinas. They unpack the significant theological debates and doctrinal developments that shaped church history, examining the strengths and weaknesses of these medieval theologians' work and their lasting impact on Christian thought. Tune in now to hear Dr. Strange break down how these scholars approached questions about faith, reason, and the existence of God.

In this episode, Dr. Mininger continues his examination of the Book of Hebrews and its historical context, specifically addressing the ongoing debate about whether it was written before or after 70 AD. But more importantly, he'll discuss why this question, while interesting, might not be as crucial as some interpreters suggest.

In this episode, we'll be continuing our discussion on the preterist interpretation of the book of Hebrews. Last time, we looked at some evidence from Hebrews related to the persecution of Christians and how that might suggest the book was written before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. Today, we're going to dig deeper into the text of Hebrews itself, examining whether the author's descriptions of the temple sacrificial system indicate it was still ongoing at the time of writing. Professor of New Testament Studies, Dr. Marcus Mininger, will walk us through some of the key passages in Hebrews and the nuances of the Greek language that shed light on the timing of when this epistle was composed. He'll weigh the evidence and consider how much this dating question really matters for how we interpret the message and theology of Hebrews.

In this episode, Dr. Marcus Mininger, Professor of New Testament Studies, looks at the world of biblical interpretation, specifically examining preterist interpretations of the book of Hebrews. His discussion centers around a key question that has intrigued scholars for centuries: Was the Book of Hebrews written before or after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD? Perhaps more importantly, he'll explore whether this dating question is as crucial to understanding Hebrews as some might think. Dr. Mininger begins by examining evidence of Roman persecution in the early church and what it might tell us about when Hebrews was written.

On this episode of Marscast, host Jared Luttjeboer welcomes back Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies, Rev. Mark Vander Hart, to explore one of the most significant accounts in Genesis: The flood narrative of chapters 6-9. They dive (no pun intended) into the theological and interpretive debate between global and local flood perspectives, examining the biblical evidence, linguistic elements, and theological implications of these different views. Following their previous discussion on creation, this conversation sheds light on how this ancient account shapes our theology today.

In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with Rev. Mark Vander Hart, emeritus professor of Old Testament Studies, to explore the complex topic of creation from a Reformed perspective. Rev. Vander Hart provides a comprehensive overview of various interpretations of the Genesis creation account within Reformed theology, from Augustine to modern-day theories. He tackles the historical context, discusses the framework hypothesis, and shares his personal view on the creation days. The conversation also touches on the implications of different interpretations for core Christian doctrines, including the historical nature of Adam and Eve and its connection to Christ's incarnation. Tune in now to understand the intersection of faith, scripture, and scientific inquiry within the Reformed tradition.

In this episode, Dr. Beach continues to explore Book 3 of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, focusing on a topic that's often misunderstood: The relationship between faith and repentance. Many Christians wonder: Do we need to clean up our act before coming to God? Does our repentance earn us forgiveness? Calvin is helpful here. He provides insights for his time and ours that true repentance isn't a prerequisite for faith but rather its fruit. Join Dr. Beach now as he unpacks Calvin's thoughtful exposition on how the Holy Spirit bonds us to Christ, the nature of genuine repentance, and why this understanding is crucial for grasping the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

In today's episode, Dr. Beach explores John Calvin's thoughts on the role of the Holy Spirit in uniting believers to Christ through faith. He touches on the necessity of being "in Christ" to receive salvation's benefits, the nature of true faith as a firm knowledge of God's benevolence, and the struggle between faith and doubt in the believer's life. He also examines Calvin's critique of certain Catholic doctrines and emphasizes that genuine faith, while sometimes weak, ultimately triumphs through God's grace, highlighting Calvin's emphasis on resting in Christ's work rather than one's own efforts for assurance of salvation.

In this episode, Dr. Beach looks at the concluding chapters of Book 2 of The Institutes of the Christian Religion, where Calvin examines the work of Christ as our Redeemer. He'll unpack Calvin's discussion of Christ's three offices - Prophet, Priest, and King - and how these roles relate to our salvation. He'll also explore Calvin's insights on Christ's atoning work, looking at concepts like divine wrath, divine love, and how Christ's death and resurrection reconcile us to God.

We're diving deep once again into John Calvin's monumental work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, focusing on the end of Book 2. Joining us to unpack these theological insights is Dr. J. Mark Beach, utilizing his commentary on the Institutes, Piety's Wisdom. In this episode, we'll explore Calvin's understanding of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. Dr. Beach will guide us through Calvin's explanation of why Christ needed to be both fully God and fully man and how this enables Him to bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a just God. Dr. Beach will also discuss the historical context of Calvin's work, address common misconceptions, and examine how Calvin's theology refutes various Christological heresies that have cropped up throughout church history.

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton examines the intersection of fantasy writing and theological themes with OPC Pastor Rev. Jeremiah Montgomery. As the author of The Dark Harvest trilogy, Montgomery discusses his journey into writing fiction with a distinctively theological flavor. We explore his approach to storytelling, the influence of his reformed faith, and how his experiences in ministry have shaped his writing. From the seeds of historical events to the imaginative creation of fantasy worlds, Montgomery reveals the depth of thought behind his work and the power of fiction to convey profound truths. Tune in to learn more about how fiction can reflect the reality of good and evil, the importance of imagination, and the role of storytelling in communicating the Christian worldview. You can purchase the Dark Harvest Trilogy from P&R Publishing ⁠here⁠.

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton and Rob McKenzie continue their conversation on Rob's book Seeker's Progress, exploring how storytelling can effectively convey theological truths, make them memorable, and address common faith questions. They'll touch on the challenges of publishing Christian fiction and the importance of encouraging Christians to read more. You can find Seeker's Progress here on Amazon.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Compton once again explores the use of fiction in apologetics, featuring guest Rob McKenzie, an elder at Westminster OPC in Countryside, IL, and co-host of the "Theology Simply Profound" podcast through Reformed Forum. Rob discusses his book Seekers Progress, a modern take on John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, that addresses contemporary issues. Their conversation examines Rob's writing background and the inspiration behind Seekers Progress. Rob explains how the book examines the growing acceptance of religious pluralism within churches, using allegory to illustrate the dangers of compromising biblical truth. They also discuss the fine line between asking sincere questions and deconstructing faith, touching on themes of discernment, the resurgence of paganism in modern society, and the challenges facing contemporary Christianity.

In this episode, Dr. Venema concludes this series on the Holy Spirit by looking at the doctrine of sanctification and the role of the Holy Spirit. He discusses the biblical and theological understanding of sanctification as an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit rather than a "second blessing" or higher level of Christian experience. Dr. Venema emphasizes that sanctification is a progressive work, which will ultimately result in the complete holiness and conformity to Christ of all believers when the Spirit's work is finished. He refutes various perfectionist teachings and instead upholds the scriptural call for believers to actively put to death sin and live in obedience, all while relying on God's grace.

In today's episode, Dr. Venema will explore the controversial topic of spiritual gifts in the modern church, focusing on prophecy, speaking in tongues, and healing. He'll present a cessationist perspective, arguing that certain foundational gifts have ceased with the closure of the biblical canon while emphasizing the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for ministry and service.

In today's episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema explores the identity, deity, and distinct personhood of the Holy Spirit - the third person of the Trinity. He unpacks the various names used for the Holy Spirit in Scripture, examines attributes that confirm the Spirit's deity, and discusses the Spirit's role in creation and redemption. He'll also touch on the nature of the Spirit's work and his relationship to the Father and Son.

This episode explores John Calvin's perspective on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments as outlined in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, focusing on Book Two, Chapters 9-11. Dr. J. Mark Beach looks at Calvin's view of law and gospel, explaining how Calvin sees both continuity and differences between the testaments. Key points include: Calvin's understanding of how Christ was revealed in the Old Testament and more fully manifested in the New Testament. The similarities between the Old and New Testaments, including the same covenant substance and hope of salvation. Five key differences Calvin identifies in how the covenants are dispensed, including: The shift from earthly to heavenly focus The transition from shadows to reality in Christ The contrast between letter and spirit The move from bondage to freedom The expansion from one nation to all peoples The episode provides a nuanced look at Calvin's theology, emphasizing his view that while the manner of dispensation differs, the substance of God's covenant remains the same across both testaments.

In this episode, Dr. Beach explores John Calvin's teachings on how fallen humanity can find redemption in Christ according to Book 2, Chapter 6 of his famous work The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin argues that true knowledge of God is useless without also having faith in Him as our Redeemer through Christ. He explains how the Old Testament law was never intended to provide a way to achieve righteousness through our own efforts but rather to expose our depravity and desperate need for God's redemptive grace. Dr. Beach walks through Calvin's threefold "uses of the law" - to show our sin, restrain evil, and instruct believers in righteousness after being freed from the law's condemnation through Christ. We learn how even the Old Testament ceremonies foreshadowed the coming of the gospel promises fulfilled in Jesus. Throughout, Calvin masterfully shows how the way of salvation through grace alone in Christ alone was the same essence in both the Old and New Testaments. The law served to drive us to the Redeemer, in whom alone we can be justified and reconciled to God.

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach explores John Calvin's views on human nature and free will as presented in Book II, Chapters 2-3 of his influential work Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin grapples with the difficult question of human freedom in light of the Fall and original sin. He warns against the perils of complacency if we deny human ability, or boastfulness if we overestimate our capabilities apart from God's grace. Calvin distinguishes three types of freedom - from necessity, from sin, and from misery. He argues that while humans are not under external compulsion, our wills are bound and enslaved to sin and misery because of our corrupt nature inherited from Adam. Dr. Beach explores how Calvin viewed the human faculties of understanding and will after the Fall. He saw the intellect as still capable in earthly matters due to God's common grace but blind to spiritual truths without divine illumination. The will, though enslaved to sin, still makes choices flowing from our fallen inclinations. Calvin rejected the term "free will" as puffing up human pride yet affirmed that humans are still willing agents who make real choices, just not the ability to change their sinful nature apart from God's remedying grace. Dr. Beach also touches on Calvin's perspective on natural law, the purpose of the Ten Commandments, human society and political order, and the need for God's restraining grace to hold back the full effects of human depravity.

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach dives deep into Book 2 of John Calvin's seminal work, The Institutes of the Christian Religion. After covering knowledge of God as Creator in Book 1, Calvin turns his attention in Book 2 to understanding humanity's fallen, depraved state and need for redemption. Dr. Beach provides an in-depth analysis of Calvin's teaching on the gravity of Adam's sin, his rebellion against God's word and authority. He explores Calvin's view that Adam's fall impacted not just himself but all of humanity, passing down a "contagion" of sin and corruption to all his descendants. Calvin's doctrine of original sin or total depravity is unpacked - that from birth, mankind is infected with sin, unable to will or do true good, deserving of God's wrath. Yet this is not a doctrine of pessimism but a sober assessment following Scripture's teachings. The episode examines Calvin's nuanced view that while human nature is gravely impacted, through common grace, people can still do civil good outwardly. But the root issue remains - only God's intervening grace can remedy our inward fallenness and inability. Throughout, Dr. Beach shows how, for Calvin, rightly understanding our desperately sinful condition is crucial to grasping our need for redemption in Christ alone. This foundation sets the stage for his later teachings on salvation and the work of Christ as Redeemer.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange joins the podcast again to discuss the development of the doctrine of justification, particularly in the medieval period. He explains how Augustine recovered key aspects of Paul's teaching on justification being by grace alone while still viewing it as an ongoing process of being "made righteous" rather than a punctiliar declarative act. Dr. Strange describes how in the centuries after Augustine, there was confusion and lack of clarity around his actual views, with some of Pelagius' works even being mistakenly attributed to other church fathers. He contrasts Augustine and Aquinas' view of faith involving "caritas" or love/obedience to the law with the Reformers' view of faith as fiducia or trust in Christ alone. The discussion covers the key distinctions between the medieval Catholic view of justification as a process involving meriting grace through the sacraments and purgatory versus the Protestant Reformation's understanding of justification as a decisive declaration that happens at the moment of faith in Christ. Dr. Strange argues that the Reformation position actually recovered the biblical, Pauline view of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange continues the discussion on medieval church history. The conversation focuses on the major church councils and influential theologians from the Middle Ages. Dr. Strange begins by distinguishing the first seven ecumenical councils, which are recognized across Christian traditions, from the subsequent medieval councils after the East-West church schism in 1054. He highlights the Lateran Councils, held in Rome from the 12th-13th centuries, which solidified papal authority and church doctrine like transubstantiation. Other notable councils like Lyons, Vienna, Constance, and Basel aimed to resolve issues like the Great Schism when there were multiple claimants to the papacy. Dr. Strange also covers some of the influential medieval theologians and philosophers, including Boethius, John of Damascus, the debates between Ratramnus and Radbertus on the Eucharist, and John Scotus Eriugena's perspective integrating faith and reason. In evaluating this period, Dr. Strange praises the serious attempt to integrate faith and all areas of life while critiquing how the doctrine of the church overshadowed the doctrine of salvation.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange discusses scholasticism and mysticism in the medieval era of church history. He provides an in-depth look at scholasticism, explaining its origins in the monas-tic schools of the 9th and 10th centuries and how it contributed to the rise of universities in the 12th and 13th centuries. He analyzes the strengths and potential pitfalls of the scholastic method, which emphasizes making distinctions and applying Aristotelian logic to theological problems. The conversation then turns to mysticism, which arose partly in response to the arid intellectualism that scholasticism could produce at times. Dr. Strange examines the mystics' pursuit of direct, immediate experience of God and union with the divine. He weighs both the insights and ex-cesses of mysticism, contrasting its quest for the affective and experiential aspects of faith with the more rationalistic tendencies of some scholastics. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Strange provides historical context on key figures from both traditions, offering a nuanced perspective on scholasticism and mysticism as interconnected streams of medieval theology and philosophy. We hope this episode deepens your understanding of these influential movements while highlighting the need to ground reason and religious experience in God's revelation.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange explores the complex relationship between Christianity and Islam, examining whether the Islamic faith served as a "check" on defective Christian practice in the medieval era. He then dives into the Crusades - the series of religious wars waged by European Christians against Muslims in the medieval period, providing an overview of the reasons, motivations, and tremendous bloodshed that occurred. He then relates church/state entanglements of that era to the same tensions that still exist today, discussing how faith and politics can function properly.