When approaching the question of credo-baptism during the Reformation, James Dolezal argues for viewing three distinct categories: Anabaptists, general baptists, and particular baptists. The theological differences between these groups are as great as the differences among all forms of paedo-baptism. As such, it is important to trace these three groups separately throughout the Reformation. This informative discussion chronicles this history and concludes with a friendly debate on the issue of credo-baptism from a covenantal position. For credo- and paedo-baptists alike, this discussion will be both engaging and insightful. Read the rest of this entry »
Archive for the ‘James Dolezal’ Category
Doolan and Stein on God’s Simplicity
James Dolezal discusses books by Gregory Doolan and Edith Stein on God’s simplicity.
Thomas Aquinas
Christ the Center discusses some aspects of the life and thought of Medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas. Specifically Thomas’ doctrine of God and the nature/grace distinction come in for consideration. Especially useful is the discussion of the nature of Scholasticism and what value there is in reading Thomas. At the end of the day, the lesson is, do not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Read the rest of this entry »
Books on Doctrine of God
James, Jeff and Camden discuss various books dealing with the doctrine of God, sometimes called theology proper.
The Relationship of Philosophy to Theology
The Christ the Center panel discussed the nature of philosophy and theology and how they relate to each other. Among the topics discussed were whether theology is a science and if so is it a theoretical or practical science. The guys even tackled the question of what science is. Like the discussion about the simplicity of God, this is not for the feint of heart, but is worth pondering. Remember this, at the end of the day, theology is the science of living blessedly to God.
The Unfolding of Biblical Eschatology
Did you know that last things come first? If that sounds confusing, then you are in for a treat as the Christ the Center panel interviews Dr. R. Fowler White and Dr. Keith Mathison, president and dean respectively, of the brand new Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies. We learn about this new educational endeavor of Dr. R. C. Sproul’s Ligonier Ministries. Additionally we discuss eschatological perspectives from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on Dr. Mathison’s new book From Age to Age. Dr. White is the editor or contributor to several books, including Whatever Happened to the Reformation? Dr. Mathison is a prolific author who has written, among many titles, When Shall These Things Be? and Given for You. Listeners will want to listen carefully to this episode in order to ascertain whether Dr. Mathison is an optimistic amillennialist or a pessimistic postmillenialist. Read the rest of this entry »
The Doctrine of Simplicity
James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey recorded a recent discussion over breakfast on the doctrine of simplicity. The audio quality is not good as it was recorded on a handheld recorder in a noisy diner. Regardless, we hope this proves to be interesting and beneficial for those interested in philosophical studies of the doctrine of God.
Visit the wiki entry for this episode.
Sanctification and the Gospel
Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, joined the Christ the Center panel to discuss the nature of the gospel and the relation of the benefits of redemption to union with Christ. The significance of the contribution of John Calvin was delved into, especially his handling of the duplex gratia dei or two-fold blessing of justification and sanctification and how this relates to our union with the risen Lord.
Of special interest was the conversation about how justification and sanctification relate to each other within union. A discussion was also had regarding the distinction between definitive and progressive sanctification and the biblical basis for that distinction. The panel also discussed the relation of the historia salutis (the history of redemption or the accomplishment of redemption) to the ordo salutis (the order of salvation or its application).
Dr. Gaffin is the author of numerous articles and books, including Resurrection and Redemption, Calvin and the Sabbath, Perspectives on Pentecost, By Faith, Not By Sight and he has edited a collection of the shorter writings of Geerhardus Vos, Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation. In May of 2008 Dr. Gaffin entered into honored retirement and was the recipient of a festschrift entitled Resurrection and Eschatology co-edited by Lane G. Tipton and Jeffrey C. Waddington.
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Concise Reformed Dogmatics
Today James reviews Concise Reformed Dogmatics by Van Genderen and Velema. In addition the panel mentions several new books. Read the rest of this entry »
Redeeming Science
Science and faith are often pitted against each other. Many have felt they must make a choice between either being a person of science or a person of faith. Dr. Vern Poythress, Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and the author of Redeeming Science, joins the panel on Christ the Center to discuss the relationship between Christianity and science. He argues that not only is science compatible with Christianity, but that the Triune God of the Bible is required in order for the very possibility of science to exist. Listen to this broad-ranging discussion that touches upon science, mathematics, the creation days, and a Christian approach to education.
Links
- The Works of John Frame and Vern Poythress
- Redeeming Science is available freely online in PDF format.
- You may also download an OGG version of this episode.
