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. (more…)
Christ the Center discusses the theology of the influential Roman Catholic Karl Rahner. Rahner’s theology is a composite of Kantian, Hegelian and Heideggerian philosophies. The panel discusses these philosophic influences and compares Rahner’s approach to apologetics with a Reformed approach - particularly the system taught by Cornelius Van Til. This episode will prove useful not only for the philosophically-minded apologist, but also for anyone interested in seeing the influence of one’s theological system upon apologetic methodology. The discussion may also help listeners to realize that much of modern Roman Catholic theology is quite different from that which was taught during the Reformation.
This episode is brought to you in part by The Confessional Presbyterian, a journal for discussion of Presbyterian doctrine and practice. (more…)
Our doctrine of Scripture is extremely important and drives the discussion of practically all other topics. Since we hold Scripture to be our principium cognoscendi externum it is our rule by which we are to judge and interpret all other truth. There are, however, many issues surrounding the role of Scripture and our understanding of it particularly as they relate to life in the church. The panel discusses issues such as dogmatism and multi-perspectivalism as they debate and engage these issues.
This episode is brought to you in part by the Confessional Presbyterian. (more…)
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.
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.
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This is part 2 of a 2 part discussion with Guy Prentiss Waters. Part 1 is also available for download.
The Christ the Center panel had the distinct privilege of discussing N. T. Wright’s new book Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision with Guy Prentiss Waters, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dr. Waters is an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church in America and did his doctoral work under the supervision of E. P. Sanders at Duke University. Dr. Waters has written numerous books and articles, including The End of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul, Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul, The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology, and he has co-edited with Gary Johnson By Faith Alone and has contributed a chapter to the recent publication The Law is Not of Faith. Dr. Waters and the panel discuss various features of Wright’s book, such as what is new in the book from what Wright has previously published, continuities with Wright’s past work, and the tone of the book. This a a fascinating and detailed discussion that we have divided into two episodes.
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The Christ the Center panel had the distinct privilege of discussing N. T. Wright’s new book Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision with Guy Prentiss Waters, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dr. Waters is an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church in America and did his doctoral work under the supervision of E. P. Sanders at Duke University. Dr. Waters has written numerous books and articles, including The End of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul, Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul, The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology, and he has co-edited with Gary Johnson By Faith Alone and has contributed a chapter to the recent publication The Law is Not of Faith. Dr. Waters and the panel discuss various features of Wright’s book, such as what is new in the book from what Wright has previously published, continuities with Wright’s past work, and the tone of the book. This a a fascinating and detailed discussion that we have divided into two episodes.
Part 2 of this discussion is also available. (more…)
Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. discusses the relationship of the forensic to the other elements of the work of Christ in accomplishing redemption for his people. This is an excerpt from Christ the Center episode 57.
The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Cornelis P. Venema, president of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana and professor of doctrinal studies, about his forthcoming book, Children at the Lord’s Table: Assessing the Case for Paedocommunion, due out in March from Reformation Heritage Books. Dr. Venema discussed the causes for the rise in interest in the idea that since we baptize infants, children should also be admitted to the Lord’s table without a prior profession of faith. Following the general contours of the book, Dr. Venema addresses the historical, confessional, and biblical arguments for paedocommunion and shows why this practice is ultimately unbiblical. Whether you are for or against the admission of children to the Lord’s supper, you will appreciate both the discussion here and the book. Dr. Venema is also the author of the following books: Christ and the Future, Getting the Gospel Right, Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ, The Promise of the Future, and Accepted and Renewed in Christ. (more…)
Christ the Center had the honor to interview the newest faculty member of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Rev. Dr. David Garner, who also serves as the institution’s vice president of advancement, about the doctrine of adoption. Adoption, one of the benefits of redemption that the believer gains by faith alone in union with Christ, relates to the believer’s gaining admittance into the family of God because of the work of the Son of God, elder brother Jesus Christ. Many aspects of the doctrine are discussed in this episode. Dr. Garner did his dissertation on this topic and has contributed a chapter, “The First and Last Son,” to Resurrection and Eschatology.
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