J. Brandon Burks https://reformedforum.org Reformed Theological Resources Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:30:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://reformedforum.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2025/12/cropped-rf_logo_red2-32x32.jpg J. Brandon Burks – Reformed Forum https://reformedforum.org 32 32 Highlights from 2025 https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc939/ Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=49833 As Christ the Center closes out another year of weekly theological conversation, this special episode reflects on God’s faithfulness throughout 2025 by revisiting the most-watched and most-listened-to episodes of the year. Drawing from YouTube engagement, Camden Bucey highlights ten conversations that resonated deeply with listeners—spanning biblical exegesis, redemptive-historical interpretation, Trinitarian theology, apologetics, and pastoral formation. Together, these clips showcase the breadth of Reformed Forum’s work: rigorous scholarship, confessional clarity, and a steady commitment to Christ-centered interpretation of Scripture.

The episode also celebrates significant ministry milestones: thousands of students served through Reformed Academy, international reading cohorts across six continents, new books published, and the largest theology conference in Reformed Forum’s history. Framed by the theme “Growing Together into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15–16), this highlights episode not only looks back with gratitude but looks forward with confidence—inviting listeners to partner in the ongoing work of theological education for the church worldwide.

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]]> As Christ the Center closes out another year of weekly theological conversation this special episode reflects on God s faithfulness throughout 2025 by revisiting the most watched and most listened ...MiscellanyReformed Forumnono The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc907/ Fri, 16 May 2025 05:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=47872 In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. J. Brandon Burks, pastor of Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) in Florence, Kentucky, to discuss his recent article published in The Confessional Presbyterian Journal (Vol. 20, 2024): “The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials: Living According to God’s Revealed Will.”

Together, they explore the theological context of the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, uncovering how speculative theology and reliance on so-called “spectral evidence” reflected a deeper deviation from Scripture’s clarity and sufficiency. Dr. Burks outlines the influence of figures such as William Perkins, Cotton Mather, and Richard Baxter, while also shedding light on how the distinction between God’s secret and revealed will was tragically misunderstood.

The conversation goes beyond history, offering timely insights into contemporary fascination with mysticism, the spiritual dangers of neglecting the ordinary means of grace, and the need for biblically grounded theology in facing spiritual warfare today. They conclude by considering the value of a redemptive-historical and confessional framework in pastoral ministry and theological education.

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Chapters

  • 00:07 Introduction
  • 02:11 Academic Background and Church Planting in Kentucky
  • 07:36 Van Til’s Theology of Christian Education
  • 09:39 The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials
  • 15:04 Speculative Theology
  • 18:03 Williams Perkins’ Theology as a Basis
  • 24:00 Covenants with the Devil
  • 26:14 Devil’s Marks and Their Significance
  • 29:52 Exploring the Explosion of Accusations in 1692
  • 33:39 Debunking the Moldy Bread Theory
  • 35:29 The Influence of Samuel Parris
  • 39:21 The Dangers of Speculative Theology
  • 44:26 Balancing Awareness of the Spiritual Realm
  • 50:33 Misunderstandings of the Salem Witch Trials
  • 53:35 Further Reading and Resources on the Trials
  • 58:07 Conclusion

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]]> In this episode of Christ the Center Camden Bucey welcomes Dr J Brandon Burks pastor of Christ Reformed Church URCNA in Florence Kentucky to discuss his recent article published in ...ChristianLife,ThePuritansReformed Forumnono