RTS Washington Faculty Podcast: Recent Episodes
Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
In this episode, Dr. Redd sits down with the Chancellor & CEO of RTS, Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, to discuss his call to pastor Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.Read more here: https://rts.edu/news/reformed-theological-seminary-celebrates-dr-j-scott-redd-jr-s-call-to-senior-pastor-role-at-briarwood-presbyterian-church/?utm_content=335592310&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-228540009Follow RTS Washington on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
This week, Dr. Keene rejoins the faculty to talk about the process of commentary writing, along with the writing process in general. Dr. Sutanto's favorite Edinburgh restaurant: Ting Thai: https://www.tingthai.co.uk/.Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our certificates and degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we’re discussing Ezekiel’s final vision: the new temple. We’ll investigate how Israel interpreted this vision and how Jesus is the fulfillment of new temple imagery. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. You can click the "apply" button or simply email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we're discussing Ezekiel's prophecy against Gog, the Lord's intervention, and what this text teaches us about our place in the world today. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
We've arrived at one of our favorite scenes in Ezekiel—the valley of dry bones. In this episode, we'll see how God's sovereignty in regeneration is not only a matter of orthodoxy, but a deeply hopeful and practical aid for ministry today. For information about our first class in Chicago, visit the Summer 2025/2026 tab of our upcoming classes page: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/#Summer2025-2026AYWant to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
This week, Tommy Keene joins us to discuss shepherd imagery and the new covenant in Ezekiel 33-36, paying close attention to Ezekiel's anticipation of the coming Davidic Shepherd and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we’re continuing our study of Ezekiel with the ‘spine’ of the book: the oracles against the nations. We’re discussing the purpose that these oracles serve, how to preach through them, and what these texts tell us about how God’s Word relates to unbelievers today. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we're discussing both generational guilt and individual responsibility for sin by looking at Ezekiel's creative responses to Israel's rebellion.Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find the one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we're talking about the depth of Israel's sin, God's hand in it, and what we can learn about our own struggle with sin in the Christian life. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we're joined by one of RTS Washington's longest-tenured staff, our registrar Jenny McGahey. We're looking back over the last 30 years at RTS Washington, highlighting how the Lord has sustained our campus through each of its various seasons. Along with our history, we're also sharing our hopes for the future of RTS Washington, including the announcement of a brand-new extension campus!Have you considered joining the RTS Washington community? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we're talking about Satan—who he is, how he works, and how the church has thought about him.Our 30th Anniversary weekend is coming up soon! We're hosting an Evening of Song with Keith and Kristyn Getty on March 28th, followed by a full day of lectures and a reception on March 29th. Visit https://www.rtsdc30.com/ for more information and to register. Want to continue the conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
This week's episode concludes our History and Hope series. In this episode, Dr. Sean Lucas unpacks the history of Reformed Theology in the Presbyterian Church in America. This lecture was delivered remotely via Zoom and is introduced by Dr. Irwyn Ince.For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year has been marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker has offered insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church.Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington
We're glad to bring you another lecture in the History and Hope series, this time featuring Dr. S. Donald Fortson discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year has been marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker has offered insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church.Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
We're thrilled to bring you another lecture in the History and Hope series, featuring Sam Ferguson discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Anglican tradition.For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year has been marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker has offered insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church.Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
This week, our conversation is led by Elizabeth Wagner, Deputy Director of Admissions at RTS Washington and New York. We're sharing our seminary stories—how we got here, what we learned, and how we made it work. We'd love for you to be a part of the RTS community. Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you at www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
This week we’re diving in to Ezekiel 12, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the suffering it brings, the necessity of repentance, and God's work in the church today. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDCX: x.com/rtswashington
This week, we look at the Israelites’ hidden sins, their consequences, and how our life can be impacted by the sins we try to hide from God.Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu for more information. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rts.washington/X: https://x.com/rtswashington
This week we discuss the themes of judgment, the role of the land, and the significance of the term "Son of Man" as used by Ezekiel and its connection to Jesus. We'll explore the broader implications of these themes for understanding messianic expectations, the day of the Lord, and the remnant theology. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu for more information. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rts.washington/X: https://x.com/rtswashington
Episodes 207: History and Hope: John Muether on Reformed Theology in the Orthodox PCWe are thrilled to bring you our first lecture in the History and Hope series, featuring John Muether discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year will be marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker will offer insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church.
shoRTS: Zach Purvis on Writing in the ReformationIt's conference season, and as is our tradition we ambushed friends and colleagues at the Evangelical Theological Society to hear what they're working on.In this episode Dr. Zachary Purvis, Lecturer in Church History at Edinburgh Theological Seminary, speaks with us about Reformation scribal culture. How did Reformation authors write their works, and how does the printing press change the writing process? What happened to their notes and letters? What do we learn about their theological interests from their annotations and edits? You can read more from Dr. Purvis here: https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/authors/zachary-purvis
Episodes 206: History and Hopes: Mark Dever on Reformed Theology in the Baptist TraditionWe are thrilled to bring you our first lecture in the History and Hope series, featuring Mark Dever discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Baptist tradition.For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year will be marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker will offer insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church.Dr. Devers erves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/
Episode 205: Judgement and Justice (Ezekiel 4-5)After an extensive prologue and call, we now get to hear God's plan for Jerusalem, and it is very dark indeed. Peter Lee walks us through the ancient siege and the history of Jerusalem's fall; Gray reflects on the nature of God's justice; Paul and Tommy talk to us about preaching and bearing witness to the judgement of God. Also one of the faculty makes a startling admission related to Lord of the Rings.
Episode 204. "Election Reflections""Look to the rock from which you were hewn" (Isa. 51:1). We were all a bit surprised this morning by the discovery that the results of yesterday's election had, in fact, been called. Whether you are elated and discouraged by the news, there's no denying that emotions are high and that there is division even in the body of Christ. We take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to discuss the unifying and peacemaking perspective provided by the Kingdom of God.
Episode 203: Called to an "Unsuccessful" Ministry (Ezekiel 2-3)Ministry is hard, and sometimes we don't talk enough about that. Ezekiel 2-3 provides a lens through which we can see the mystery of the purposes of God, which helps us to better understand our calling even when it doesn't seem to be fruitful.
Episode 202: Theophanies, Chariots, and Wheels within Wheels (Ezekiel 1)Returning to our series on Ezekiel, we are transported into the heavenly realms to gaze on the glory of God in his war chariot. What is the significance of the imagery? Where is it going? After a brief debate about the nature of theophanies, Drs. Sutanto Redd and Lee give us a tour of this dramatic picture of divine presence.
Episode 201. God and Humanity: The Book! (ft. Gray Sutanto)It's that time of the year again: Dr. Sutanto has just released a new book! With theological anthropology all the rage right now (and rightly so), we discuss Gray's contributions to the nature of humanity, the impact of the fall, and the corporate character humans as God's image.Relevant links: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/06/herman-bavinck-kuyper-nazi-racism-christian-nationalism/Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/God-Humanity-Theological-Anthropology-Explorations/dp/0567709019/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S0LCWE9I9HMF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xCegnzJk1ZNIdkcj1Vwqvothgf8BvPHCmQij06sp7QbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.SLUH0wSpMi-OobGcs4rDzofjAqOi4GlgiUooxv64PL0&dib_tag=se&keywords=god+and+humanity+sutanto&qid=1727898659&sprefix=god+and+humanity+sutanto%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1
Episode 201: An Introduction to EzekielOur main course for the podcast this season will be an exegetical and theological "tour" of Ezekiel. Today we introduced the book and the author. What is unique about Ezekiel? How does it fit in the rest of Scripture? What are its key themes and how is it structured?Also this week, we introduce (or re-introduce) a new segment: Professorial Plugs, were we talk about the things we're reading, watching, or listening to. Stay till the end!
Episode 200: "Our 30th Year (and our 200th Episode)This year at RTS Washington we are celebrating 30 years of serving the church in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. As one does when one turns 30, we reminisce a bit, and what better episode to do so than this, our 200th. Join us for a bit or oral history and future hopes!
Episode 199. Denominational DiversityRTS Washington is entering our 30th year, and to celebrate we are reflection on the history and tradition of the denominations we serve. In this episode the faculty reflect on the distinctives of their own denominational affiliations
Drs. Peter Lee and Tommy Keene are finally getting to co-teach a class. In preparation for Covenant Theology, they sit down to talk about the nature of covenant in Scripture and why it's important.
Episode 198. The Public Theology of Abraham Kuyper (ft. Vincent Bacote)We are pleased to share this recent lecture with you! Dr. Vincent Bacote, Professor of Theology and Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College, recently taught a class for us and delivered this public lecture, analyzing the life and influence of Abraham Kuyper.
Episode 197. What was Paul's Thorn in the Flesh?This week we dive into the RTS mailbag. In 2 Cor. 12 Paul talks about a "revelation" that he received from Jesus: "my grace is sufficient for you." It's a challenging text for a number of reasons, not the least of which is identifying the "thorn" in question. How did Paul's conversation take place? Why three times? Join our discussion!
Episode 196: Pentecost: A Discussion with Dick Gaffin and Nancy GuthrieThis week we have a crossover episode with Conversations on the Bible with Nancy Guthrie. In this discussion with Nancy and Dr. Richard Gaffin and Tommy Keene, we discuss the significance of Pentecost within the narrative of Acts, in Redemptive History, and in the life of the church. You can find other interviews on the book of Acts, and also an abridged version of this interview, on Nancy's podcast: https://www.crossway.org/articles/conversations-on-the-bible-with-nancy-guthrie/Nancy's book Saved is an excellent resource for Acts. Check it out on Crossway's website, or wherever you get your books. https://www.amazon.com/Saved-Experiencing-Promise-Book-Acts/dp/143359286X/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1
In this Summer shoRTS episode, Gray Sutanto sits down to talk to us about his two contributions to the recently published Ruined Sinners to Reclaim, edited by David and Jonathan Gibson. It's a fascinating expansion of the traditional doctrine of the noetic effects of sin and the corresponding grace that we find in Christ Jesus.
Episode 195. Was Acts 15 the first presbytery meeting? (Tough Texts! Episode 13)The work of the church doesn't always feel glamorous. Our culture values individualism, freedom of conscience, and authenticity; it's also suspicious of institutions and matters of polity and order. Is there wisdom to be found in committees and councils? In this episode, we take a look at Acts 15 to tease out some principles central to how the early church "does business."Article by Jennifer Patterson: https://wng.org/opinions/patterson-on-bavinck-1639400581More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 193: Bavinck and Advanced Studies at RTS Washington (w/ Joshua Patrasahan and Isaac Whitney)We are joined with two of our students from our Advanced Studies initiative at RTS Washington, Joshua Patrasahan and Isaac Whitney, both of him recently presented papers at the Abraham Kuyper conference. They talk to use about the details of their research, and Dr. Sutanto tells us a bit more about the Advanced Studies initiative. We give thanks to the Abraham Kuyper Leadership Fund for sponsoring the Neo-Calvinist Initiative and the Adam F. Redd Family Grant for sponsoring the Advanced Studies Initiative at RTS Washington.
Episode 193: How does the unbeliever "know God" (Rom. 1:18ff)? (Tough Texts! Episode 12)Returning to our "tough texts" series, this week we considered Romans 1:18-25. It's a challenging text for many reasons, but in particular we are discuss what this reveals about the unbeliever's knowledge of God. How do they know God, and what exactly does that knowledge entail? Is the knowledge of God "natural," and if so, what about other things that we seem to know "by nature?"
Episode 192. "For Thine is the Kingdom" (The Lord's Prayer, Part 9)The conclusion of the Lord's prayer redirects our thoughts to the God-centeredness of the Kingdom, and the posture of dependence in prayer. We also discuss the text-critical issues with this last line of the prayer and the place of the prayer in church liturgy.More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 191. "Lead us not into Temptation" (The Lord's Prayer, Part 8)With this, the last petition of the Lord's Prayer, our Lord teaches us how to live faithfully in the world. What's the relationship between testing and temptation? How are we "kept" as we struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil? Join us for this penultimate episode in our series on the Lord's Prayer.More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 190. "And Forgive us our Debts" (The Lord's Prayer, Part 7)Jesus tells us to pray not only for our physical needs, but also our spiritual ones. In this episode we discuss how to best translate the word "debts," why Jesus uses that word instead of "sins" or "transgressions," and the importance of forgiving others even as we pray for ourselves. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 189. Thy Will be Done. Lord's Prayer Part 5Jesus turns from our prayer for God to prayer for ourselves, and we begin with "bread." Clearly bread means more than just bread, but what exactly? Today we discuss what this petition teaches us about ourselves, about our need for one another, and about our posture in prayer. Also: Gray has some thoughts about low-carb diets.We also have an opportunity to talk with Dr. Sutanto about his recently released book. You can check that out here: https://www.amazon.com/Clark-Handbook-Neo-Calvinism-Handbooks/dp/0567698084/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 188. Thy Will be Done. Lord's Prayer Part 5We round out our discussion of the first half of the Lord's Prayer this week by discussing that nature of God's providence. In his wisdom he has chosen to incorporate us, and our prayers, into the working out of his grand design. How does that impact what we pray about? How does it "work" theologically? And what does this petition tell us about God's work and wisdom? More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 187. Thy Kingdom Come. Lord's Prayer Part 4Jesus comes preaching the Kingdom of God. And he prays for it too. What are we praying for when we pray "thy Kingdom come?" Is this about evangelism, or is the a broader and deeper scope to the kingdom? How does it relate to the New Heavens and the New Earth? More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
shoRTS: Tommy and Scott sat down mid-January (yes, it's taken awhile to get this one out because we've had so many special guests of late!) to discuss the formation and reliability of the OT. Although the episode wasn't short, our studio participation was! And yet this was a fascinating deep dive into the very complex nature of how we received the OT. Topics include prophetic discourse, the dead sea scrolls, scribal editing, canon formation, the self-authentication of Scripture, and text-criticism.
Episode 186. Hallowed Be Thy Name. Lord's Prayer Part 3What does it mean to "hallow" the name of God? If God is already holy, why do we pray for him to make his name holy? This week we discuss the name of God, the way in which it is to be honored, and how this petition embraces everything unique about the Christian religion. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 185. Neo-Calvinism, China, and Western Philosophy (ft. Alex Tseng)Prior to his lecture in our Global Bavinck Scholars series at RTS Washington, Alex Tseng joined us for a far ranging discussion of missions, the Chinese church, the impact of Western Philosophy on Eastern culture, and, of course, Neo-Calvinism.More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
We were recently host to Dr. Alex Tseng for our Global Bavinck Scholars series of lectures, and so our podcast this week comes in two parts. First we are please to release Dr. Tseng's lecture.Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck brought insights from the historic Reformed confession of faith to bear on the philosophical trends of his day. What would a similar Neo-Calvinist engagement of culture and philosophy look like today in different contexts around the world? How might this theological engagement of culture proceed in Asian contexts? Theologian and philosopher Shao Kai (“Alex”) Tseng will draw from Bavinck’s example of wrestling with thinkers like Hegel to propose how Neo-Calvinism can philosophically engage contemporary Asian cultures. Dr. Tseng has authored books on Hegel, Kant, and Barth, and he serves as a research professor in the philosophy department of Zheijang University in Hangzhou, China.More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 184: "Our Father"We continue our discussion of the Lord's Prayer this week with the preface. Though not unprecedented, Jesus addressing God as "Father," and encouraging his disciples to do likewise, is significant. It signals a new level of intimacy and corporate identity for the people of God. EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 183: Introduction to the Lord's PrayerWe begin a new series for the new semester: the Lord's Prayer. In this introductory episode we talk about how the Lord's Prayer came to be known as such, how to use it, why it's so important, and what it teaches us about prayer. This short prayer provides us with ample opportunity for theological, historical, and spiritual reflection. EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 181: When does the Millennium Start (Rev. 20:1-10)? (Tough Texts! Episode 11)There has been debates about the nature and timing of the 1000 year reign of Jesus since the early church. What are our interpretative options? Is this a literal period of history, or is it "just a metaphor?" What should Christians be doing now in light of this text? Our discussion includes exegetical and theological reflections on the nature of the end times and the hope of the Christian church. EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 180: Why does God command Israel to destroy everyone in the land (Joshua 6:19)? (Tough Texts Episode 10)When the Israelites go into the land God commands them to devote the inhabitants to destruction. Is this unjust of God? Some have even called it a genocide--is that an accurate description? The profs examine the issue historically and theologically. EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 179: Is the Incarnation both True and Necessary (Matt. 2)?The nativity story is so well known that it may not seem like a tough text; Christians don't notice anything odd about it, and non-Christians just receive it as symbolic or mythological. But these texts each have exegetical, historical, and theological challenges worth pondering. In our last episode of 2023 we discuss the interpretation and implication of the virgin birth.EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 178: Can We (and Should we) Harmonize Synoptic Texts (John 2)?Does Jesus cleanse the temple twice? How do we navigate seemingly conflicting accounts of the same event in the Bible? While harmonization may be a necessary step in understanding how the Bible provides "a window" into history, it can also distract us from seeing "the portrait" painted by each particular text. The faculty discuss the tension involved in this dynamic and how these issues ultimately reinforce the trustworthiness of God's word. EPISODE LINKSGaffin, Word and Spirit: https://www.amazon.com/Word-Spirit-Selected-Writings-Systematic/dp/1955859019/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=word+and+spirit+gaffin&qid=1702665183&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Faculty shoRTS: Jeremiah in Revelation (ft. Matthew Dudreck)If you want to understand Revelation, you need to be a student of the OT, and particularly the prophets. Matthew Dudreck, associate professor of NT at Reformation Bible College, walks us through how Jeremiah helps us interpret this amazing NT book. EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 178: Who were the Nephilim (Genesis 6)? Tough Texts! Episode 7Genesis 6 tells us about the Nephilim, who are somehow associated with the "sons of God" marrying the "daughters of men." Who are all these individuals? Is this a reference to angelic beings? Or is there a more ordinary explanation for what's going on? What does this tell us about the historicity of Genesis as a whole? Join us as we spend some time on this text, as well as related texts that seem to interpret it.
Faculty shoRTS: Adamic Christology in Hebrews (ft. Tim Bertolet)Adam is never mentioned in Hebrews and yet the argument of the book makes copious use of an Adamic Christology (similar to that of Paul). Where do we see that emphases and how does it help us better understand the book? Tommy talks with Hebrews scholar Tim Bertolet about about the subject and his new book. EPISODE LINKSTim's book: https://www.amazon.com/Obedience-Sonship-Ascension-Christian-Literature/dp/1948048906/ref=sr_1_1?crid=293FNMZHSE0IB&keywords=the+obedience+of+sonship+bertolet&qid=1701793608&sprefix=the+obedience+of+sonship+bertolet%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 177: Is there an Unforgivable Sin (Mark 3:28-29)? What does Jesus mean when he says that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven? Is he speaking hyperbolically? What is the sin against the Spirit? Drs. Redd, Lee, Jeon, and Keene talk about this and related texts alongside the doctrines of perseverance and assurance.EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: give2rtsdc.com/
Faculty shoRTS: Job and Redemptive History (ft. Stephen Coleman)Job (along with other OT wisdom literature) is often seen as a challenge for those committed to a redemptive-historical approach to Scripture. Can we read Job in its own original context while also seeing it as a part of God's progressive revelation of His kingdom, fulfilled in Christ? Dr. Stephen Coleman argues we can.EPISODE LINKSMore about RTS: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: http://give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 176. Isaiah 14 tells us about a mysterious figure who is judged and condemned. Is that Satan? If not, then where does the Bible tells us about Satan came to power? Did he fall from heaven? Dr. Scott Redd walks us through the OT material on the subject before we head into NT texts and a theological discussion on the matter.
Faculty shoRTS: Has the Definitive Dogmatic Theology Written (ft. Cameron Clausing)With the theological conferences well under way, Dr. Tommy Keene sits down with Dr. Carmeron Clausing to discuss Bavinck's view of the relationship between history and theology. Theology, Cam tells us, is absolute and true, but also constrained and contextualized by the historical moment. Cam's book: https://www.amazon.com/Theology-History-Methodology-Herman-Bavinck/dp/019766587X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cameron+clausing&qid=1700614533&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840More about RTS: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/Donate: http://give2rtsdc.com/
Episode 175. We are pleased to bring you a special lecture by Dr. Mike Allen, Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS Orlando. Dr. Allen spoke to us about the issues and interests in contemporary theology and how they impact our thinking about the Bible and redemption.
Episode 174. This week we handle the difficult challenge of the Bible's seeming endorsement of slavery. Why does the OT have commands about slavery? Why do neither Paul nor Peter argue for the end of this unjust institution? We argue that they the theology, ethic, and redemptive movement of the Bible opposes all forms of oppression, including slavery.
Episode 173. In this special episode, pastor and scholar Cory Brock shares with us Bavinck's perspective on a Christian view of the sciences. Dr. Brock gave this talk as a part of RTS Washington's Lectures in Neo-Calvinism series.Christianity, according to Bavinck, provides a unique and solid foundation on which scientific criticism can function. Dr. Brock is one of the translators of the recently published Christianity and Science by Herman Bavinck, which you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Science-Herman-Bavinck/dp/1433579200/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=christianity+and+science&link_code=qs&qid=1698328691&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-1
Episode 172. We've covered miracles, but now it's time for the big one: creation. With some fear and trembling the professors talk through the various creation views. Was the world created in six 24-hour days, or are there other options for understanding Genesis 1-2? What are the hermeneutical and theological consequences of each view?
Episode 171. In our second episode of this series on tough things to believe in the Bible, we address the miracles. While many accept the miracles at face value, for most moderns the Bibles claims about the miraculous are a non-starter. How should we think about the miracles and why should we believe these things really happened?
Episode 170. We begin a new series with the Fall semester: tough texts. This series will look at "stumbling block" passages of Scripture--ones that are either difficult to interpret or difficult to believe. In this first episode we consider why that is. The doctrine of divine inspiration makes interpretation challenging, but also more rewarding.
Episode 169. We had the privilege of speaking with three experts on Bavinck and Neo-Calvinism this week: Drs. Cory Brock, Marinus de Jong, and our own Gray Sutanto. The topics were wonderfully wide-ranging, from the recent translation of Bavinck's Christianity and Science to the calling of pastor-scholar and the necessity of contextualization. Join us for this fascinating discussion.
Episode 168. The summer is over and we are glad to say that we have finished the race! In this episode we launch into the last of the fruits of the Spirit: self-control. What makes it "Spiritual?" To what extent is it defining all the other fruits? How does it connect with salvation in general, and the Christian Life in particular? Join us as we close out this challenging and convicting time considering Spiritual virtues.
Episode 167. Gentleness isn't a "technique" or "strategy" for winning people to the Gospel. It's not a pragmatic decision. Rather, it is the manner by which Jesus deals with his wayward children, and as such it should characterize our own lives. We discuss how to grow in gentleness without compromising the truth.
Episode 166. As we discuss faithfulness, the next fruit of the Spirit on our list, we begin with a translation issue: how does faith relate to faithfulness? What does faithfulness look like, not only with respect to God, but to one another? How can we cultivate it in our own lives and minisitries.
Episode 165. We continue our discussion of Paul's virtue list by discussing "kindness." What makes this a unique fruit, and how does it exemplify Christ? When should we be kind, and when should we stand for truth? What characterizes a kind person and how is that character helpful to the Kingdom of Christ?
Episode 164. Returning to the Fruits of the Spirit this week, the profs open with some interesting theological questions. Will patience be required in heaven? What is the essence of patience? But matters get very practical very quickly because, as Dr. Jeon notes, this fruit is exceptionally challenging in real life.
Episode 162. Dr. Bobby Jamieson joins our elite "two-timers club" of special guests to speak with us about a relatively recent "school" of Biblical Interpretation, TIS. After defining our terms Bobby talks with us about some of the distinctives of TIS and how a robust exegetical method incorporates history and theology into its process.
You can find Bobby's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Reasoning-Christological-Trinitarian-Exegesis/dp/1540964671/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=biblical+reasoning&link_code=qs&qid=1687985066&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-1
We welcome Dr. Lloyd Kim back to the podcast with a follow-up discussion on missions. As the head of Mission to the World he is able to provide a uniquely informative and encouraging take on what missions looks like in 2023. We get an update on the PCA's efforts to raise up the next generation of missionaries, and we also talk about what comes after the 10-40 window, the problems with colonialism, and "miss-reached" nations.
Episode 160. RTS Washington was pleased to host Dr. James Eglinton on our campus on May 11th. In this special lecture we are introduced to a groundbreaking work by J. H. Bavinck, recently translated by Dr. Eglinton, Personality and Worldview. In it we are given a new perspective on worldview, one which encourages us to upgrade from "the compass" to "the map."For the translation:"https://www.amazon.com/Personality-Worldview-J-H-Bavinck/dp/1433584832/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1684774608&refinements=p_27%3AJames+Eglinton&s=books&sr=1-1&text=James+EglintonFor more about RTS Washington: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/
Episode 159. What is true biblical peace? Where does it come from and can we possess it in the tumult of everyday life? This week we consider what Paul means by "peace," it's eschatological foundations, and the implications for life in the church. For more about RTS Washington check out our website: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/
Episode 158. What considerations should impact your decision to recommend a book? What does an endorsement mean, why are they useful, and what pitfalls should we avoid? This week we discuss how endorsements work both in the academy and the pulpit. For more about RTS Washington check out our website: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/
Episode 157. What is Christian joy and why is it "unspeakable?" Is the joy we have something future, or is it possible to have joy in the midst of suffering? Does this mean that our sorrow isn't real? Will heaven make the sad things become untrue? Discuss with us as we continue our discussion of the Fruit of the Spirit.If your interested in Peter's books: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Finding-Christ-like-Suffering/dp/1532664532For more about RTS Washington check out our website: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/
Episode 156. This marks the first episode in a new series on the Fruit of the Spirit. The profs discuss the nature of the fruits, how best to develop them, and why love is the first and foremost mentioned by Paul in Galatians 5. For more about RTS: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/
Episode 155. We have a special episode for you this week. With the publication of Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction by Dr. Gray Sutanto and Dr. Cory Brock, we were privileged to host a discussion of Neo-Calvinism between Dr. Sutanto and Jennifer Patterson, director of the Institute of Theology and Public Life. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the intersection of Reformed Theology and the modern world. You can get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Neo-Calvinism-Theological-Introduction-Gray-Sutanto/dp/1683596463If you would like more information about RTS Washington: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ And for more on the Institute for Theology and Publish Life: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/programs/the-institute-for-theology-and-public-life/
Episode 154. As Dr. Paul Jeon puts it, "Seminary is a trajectory." It gives you a framework and foundation on which you can build. How does one do that exactly? Join the profs as they discuss how to make the most of your seminary education after seminary. They also answer listener questions.
Episode 153. Most seminary students have to work while they take classes. It's a real challenge and can feel like you have two fulltime jobs, but there are also unique opportunities. This week we discuss working while in seminary and how families, students, and churches can support that work. For more information about RTS Washington check out our website. http://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc
Episode 152. Continuing our series on getting the most out of seminary, the profs discuss how to best prepare for your time at seminary. This can be a great time of spiritual growth, in addition to theological and pastoral training. What conversations and resources can help you hit the ground running?
Episode 151. How would you guide a church congregation that speaks twelve different languages? This week we are joined by Rev. Chris Sicks to discuss his ministry at One Voice Fellowship (https://onevoicefellowship.org/). He tells us about ministering in a radically multilingual context, the power of works of service, and the little things that tangibly demonstrate the love of Jesus.For more, check out Chris Sicks's book, Tangible. https://onevoicefellowship.org/
Episode 150. We're pleased to have Dr. Karen Swallow Prior on campus this week. In this episode she talks to the professors about how Christians can uniquely speak about the good, the true, and the beautiful. Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Why should Christians and pastors care about fiction? How does the evangelical imaginarium impact our thinking?
Episode 149. Rev. Dr. Mike Park joins us to talk about who should consider seminary. Have you wondered if seminary is right for you? Maybe you're a pastor wanting to deepen your theological well. Or maybe you're a mom or lay leader or just an "ordinary Christian" and think seminary might be beyond you? Today we talk about why seminary might be the right fit, and what to expect from a seminary education.
Episode 148. In this very special episode we are pleased to share with you a lecture from Dr. Christopher Watkin on his upcoming book Biblical Critical Theory. How does the storyline of the Bible provide a comprehensive vision for analyzing and illuminating the world around us? Listen to find out! For more content like this, or to enroll in classes, follow our website: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/
Episode 147. Drs. Keene and Redd discuss the art and skill of reading, especially for theological training. Reading isn't a passive thing; it's a skill that needs to be developed and trained. How do we do that, and what are the unique challenges seminarians face when writing papers and studying for exams?
Episode 146. The professors provide advice on developing good study habits in and outside of seminary. This continues our "How to Thrive in Seminary Series." Topics include productivity, what to read and what to skim, helpful software for study, and the impact of learning on post-seminary life.
Episode 145. This week we discover why our guest, Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, is known locally as the Indiana Jones of the Westminster Standards. We talk about the role of Confessions in the life of the church, the history of the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the recent discovery of piles of primary source material from the proceedings of the Westminster Assembly.
Episode 144. And so 2022 comes to a close. Join the faculty of RTS Washington as we discuss the theological highlights of 2022. We talk about the resurgence of neo-Calvinism, the role of RTS in seminary education, important publications and commentaries, and why Gray doesn't care about Star Wars.
Today (December 15th, 2022) marks the 100th birthday of Dr. Meredith Kline, professor emeritus at Westminster Seminary California and likely the most influential Reformed OT theologian you haven't read. Join us as we talk to Dr. John Muether and Dr. Peter Lee as they reflect on Kline's teaching and influence on Reformed theology.
Episode 143: This week we take listener questions in a more relaxed "grab bag" episode. We discuss "what should we do about worship when Christmas is on a Sunday?" Also: "How do you preach redemptive-historically on books like Job?" and "What's the difference between coveting and a godly desire to grow?"
Preaching Without Notes? A Rejoinder by Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
Episode 141: The profs just came back from various academic theological conferences. What are some benefits of attending these conferences? And what do they have to do with Jedis and Siths? Ask a question: rts.edu/washington/podcast About RTS Washington: rts.edu/washington Upcoming classes: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/
Episode 140: Today the profs welcome Richard B. Gaffin Jr. as a guest to the podcast. Dr. Gaffin is Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. They talk about Pauline theology, Gaffin’s influences, work, career, and more. Enjoy!Ask a question: rts.edu/washington/podcast About RTS Washington: rts.edu/washington Upcoming classes: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/
Episode 139: Today Drs. Redd, Lee, and Keene discuss the how of seminary—degrees, modalities, schedules, and specific tips to make the best of your theological studies. We will be doing more of these types of episodes over the next year, focusing on seminary life and getting the most out of your time in Graduate school.Ask a question: rts.edu/washington/podcast About RTS Washington: rts.edu/washington Upcoming classes: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/
Episode 138: Tommy and Paul talk about preaching without notes—what it is, why and how to do it. Listen, learn, and enjoy!Ask a question: rts.edu/washington/podcast About RTS Washington: rts.edu/washington Upcoming classes: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/
Episode 137: Today the faculty have a brief conversation on how to start and endure well in pastoral ministry. Topics include emotional health, self-care, confessionalism and presbyterianism, how Paul Jeon keeps up with everything he does, and more. Enjoy!Ask a question: rts.edu/washington/podcast About RTS Washington: rts.edu/washington Upcoming classes: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/
Episode 136: Today’s episode is a conversation between Tommy Keene and Peter Lee regarding wisdom. Topics include wisdom (duh!), the fear of the Lord and faith, wisdom and law, wisdom and elves, and more. Enjoy!
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Episode 135: Today the profs give us a readers’ guide to the letters to Timothy and Titus. Who wrote them? What’s their purpose? What are some of their main features? Enjoy the conversation!
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Episode 134: Today the profs give us a readers’ guide to the book of Job. Check it out!
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Episode 133: In this episode the profs talk about the value and meaning of kingship in the Bible.
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Episode 132: Today the profs give us a readers’ guide to Samuel. Why Samuel rather than 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel? Why Samuel rather than Saul & David? Does God repent and therefore change? Check it out!
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Episode 131: The profs give a readers’ guide to the book of Jude. Enjoy!
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Episode 129: Scott and Gray talk about the Bible, Christianity, and philosophy. Topics include philosophy defined, biblical philosophy, and engaging with other philosophies. Enjoy!
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Episode 128: Today the profs answer a listener question. Topics include baptismal regeneration, water ordeals, vipers in diapers, and more.
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Episode 127: The profs talk about some of their post-sermon experiences as guest preachers.
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Episode 126: How should we use Hebrew and Greek in preaching? Dr. Tommy Keene answers. Check it out!
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Episode 125: Today we answer a listener question: How can I continue to develop in my ability to preach and teach the Old Testament? Scott and Gray give their takes from their respective biblical-theological and systematic perspectives. Thanks for the question, Trevor!
Episode with Chris Watkin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christianity-among-the-philosophers-ft-chris-watkin/
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Episode 124: Our executive producer asks Dr. Tommy Keene about Bible translations. With so many available, how do I pick one? Do I have to pick one? Are some translations better than others? Check it out!
Episode 123: Today Scott asks Tommy about typology and its importance for biblical interpretation. Enjoy!
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122: We had the privilege of hosting Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III for a conversation and Q&A on covenant theology. Check it out! And thanks to Mike Kreider, Austin Kettle, and Daniel Kunkel for asking questions.
Resources:
Poythress, Vern. Understanding Dispensationalists. https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Dispensationalists-Vern-S-Poythress/dp/0875523749/
Waters, Reid, Muether (eds.). Covenant Theology. https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Theology-Theological-Historical-Perspectives/dp/1433560038/
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Episode 121: Scott and Peter talk about their favorite topic: the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12-22). What is it and what is its role in the history of redemption? Enjoy!
Resources:
Waters, Reid, Muether, eds. Covenant Theology. https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Theology-Theological-Historical-Perspectives/dp/1433560038/
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Episode 120: Scott, Peter, and Gray talk about crafting, telling, and interpreting stories. Topics include hermeneutics, simulacrum, narratology, dischronologization, inspiration, authorial intent, Obi-Wan Kenobi, MindHunter, the counsel of God as the precondition for the meaningfulness of every fact, epistemological humility, subjectivity, objectivity, error theory, House, irrationality, ectypal and archetypal knowledge, and more.
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Episode 119: Scott and Gray talk about their experiences and lessons learned in pursuing doctoral degrees. Check it out!
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Episode 118: Scott and Gray talk about Neo-Calvinism—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s relevant.
Brock, Cory; Sutanto, Gray. Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction. https://www.amazon.com/Neo-Calvinism-Theological-Introduction-Cory-Brock/dp/1683596463/
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Episode 117: Our executive producer asks Dr. Tommy Keene about Melchizedek—his identity, role, and significance in Hebrews. Enjoy!
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Episode 116: It’s summer, so we’ll be posting “shoRTS.” In this episode, our executive producer asks Tommy—ahem—Dr. Keene about the authorship of Hebrews. Check it out!
Episode 115: The profs revisit Romans and talk about some of its trickier chapters: 5, 7, and 9-11. Enjoy the conversation!
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Episode 114: Today the faculty discuss Romans—its occasion, purpose, main themes, and theological-pastoral character. They also talk about the Gentile-Jew controversy and the New Perspective on Paul. Enjoy!
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Episode 113: Today the profs continue their readers’ guide to Psalms by taking about the book’s subject, shape, five-fold division, teleology, and voice. Check it out!
Futato, Mark. Interpreting the Psalms. https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Psalms-Exegetical-Handbooks-Testament/dp/0825427657/
Anderson, Bernhard W. Out of the Depths. https://www.amazon.com/Out-Depths-Psalms-Speak-Today/dp/0664258328/
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Episode 112: Today the profs return to the Readers’ Guides series and talk about the genre of the book of Psalms. Enjoy!
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Episode 111: Today the profs talk about the image of God in humanity as created and as redeemed in Christ, and share some thoughts on its implications for corporate responsibility and racial diversity. Enjoy!
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Episode 110: Today the profs talk about 1 Peter—its thesis, audience, outline, Old Testament connections, contemporary relevance, and more.
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Episode 109: Today the profs give us a readers’ guide to the Gospel of Mark. They talk about Mark’s authorship, style, canonical place and function, theological point, Messianic secret, rhetorical purpose, and more.
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Episode 108: Today’s episode is a conversation with Henk van den Belt. Dr. van den Belt is professor of Systematic Theology at the Faculty of Religion and Theology and Director of the Herman Bavinck Center for Reformed and Evangelical Theology at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. Enjoy!
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Episode 107: In today’s episode, the profs sit down with Dr. Scott Swain to talk about his ecclesiological journey from Baptist to Presbyterian. Please note no infants were sprinkled during this recording. Enjoy!
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Episode 106: With Paul, Tommy, and Gray out, Scott and Peter give us a readers’ guide to arguably the important book of the Old Testament. They talk about Deuteronomy’s place in the canon, audience, historical setting, main message, literary structure, and more.
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Episode 105: Continuing on the Readers’ Guides to Books of the Bible series, today the profs tackle the book of beginnings.
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Episode 104: Today the profs welcome Alicia Akins as a guest to the podcast. Alicia is one of our students, a member at Grace DC Downtown, and a writer. They talk about Alicia’s story and her recently-published book, Invitations to Abundance: How The Feasts of The Bible Nourish Us Today. Enjoy!
Alicia Akins’ blog: https://feetcrymercy.com
Invitations to Abundance: https://www.amazon.com/Invitations-Abundance-Feasts-Bible-Nourish/dp/0736984275/
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Episode 103: Today the profs begin a new series. In this first episode, they discuss the importance of understanding genre, literary structure, and themes as we read the books of the Bible. Enjoy!
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Episode 102: Today the profs talk with Aaron White. Dr. White is senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Charleston, Ohio, and a Luke-Acts and Septuagint scholar. Topics include the Septuagint, the pastor-scholar life, fluency in biblical languages, thorny exegetical issues, and more. Dr. White will be teaching the Introduction to the Septuagint class at our campus during Reading Week this spring (March 14-17). Enjoy!
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Episode 101: Today the profs interview Nana Dolce. Nana serves as Associate Director of Women’s Workshops for the Charles Simeon Trust and as an instructor of our Women’s Teaching labs. Nana talks about her experience as a Bible teacher and her forthcoming book The Seed of the Woman: 30 Narratives that Point Us to Jesus (10ofThose).
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Episode 100: The profs answer three questions they often get: Does God change? Why should we study the Old Testament? Is studying biblical backgrounds necessary to understand the Bible?
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Episode 99: The faculty welcomes back Dr. Peter Lee to the podcast after a seven-month sabbatical. They talk about the benefits of sabbath-ing, and the projects he worked on. Enjoy!
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Episode 98: Today the profs wrap up the Ten Commandment series. They talk about the uses of the Law in the Old Testament, Paul, and the Reformed tradition, how to preach obedience without being legalistic, regeneration, the imitation of Christ, and more. Enjoy!
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Episode 96: Today the faculty interviews John Bolt. Dr. Bolt is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, and editor of the English translation of Herman Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics and Reformed Ethics. The conversation focuses on the latter, especially the second volume—its distinctive approach, contribution, and usefulness. Enjoy!
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Episode 97: Today the profs talk about the tenth commandment. Topics include the unity of the Ten Commandments, godly contentment, godly ambition, and more.
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Episode 95: Today the faculty discusses the ninth commandment. What does it teach us positively and negatively? How does it promote life and flourishing? How might it be misused? Can we really speak truthfully as finite creatures? Also, is fiction okay? Disclaimer: Santa Claus is discussed and it is acknowledged that he is not real.
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Episode 93: The profs talk about their Christmas traditions. Topics include chilling with the fam, Harry Potter Lego Advent calendars, Elf On The Shelf, stockings, fake Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and more. Merry Christmas!
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Episode 94: Today the profs discuss the eighth commandment and its breath of application. What does this commandment imply for our public ethic? Topics include disadvantaging ourselves for our neighbors’ advantage, money as seed, rights and duties, stewardship, frugality, and more.
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Episode 92: Today the profs discuss the seventh commandment. Topics include the scope of this commandment, the effects of sexual sin, helpful and unhelpful approaches to dealing with sexual immorality, questions of identity, and more.
Resources:
Keller, Tim & Kathy. The Meaning of Marriage. https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Marriage-Facing-Complexities-Commitment/dp/1594631875/
Trueman, Carl. The Rise and Triumph of The Modern Self. https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism/dp/1433556332/
Butterfield, Rosaria. The Secrets of an Unlikely Convert. https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Thoughts-Unlikely-Convert-Professors/dp/1884527388/
Hersh, Sharon. Mom, Sex Is No Big Deal. https://www.amazon.com/Mom-sex-big-deal-developing-ebook/dp/B003FCVDOC/
Learn more about RTS Washington: https://rts.edu/washington
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Episode 91: Today the profs interview Michael Allen. Dr. Allen is the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at RTS Orlando. They talk about the Paideia Center, theological discipleship, and the book groups are currently working through, Augustine’s City of God. They also discuss Dr. Allen’s forthcoming books. Enjoy!
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Episode 90: The profs talk with Greg Lanier and Will Ross about the Septuagint—what it is and why it matters. Dr. Lanier is associate professor of New Testament at RTS Orlando. Dr. Ross is assistant professor of Old Testament at RTS Charlotte. Enjoy!
The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T6FJHRV/
Septuaginta: A Readers Edition, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619708434/
A Book-By-Book Guide to Septuagint Vocabulary, https://www.amazon.com/gp/ product/1683071964/
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Episode 89: The profs discuss the sixth commandment. What’s forbidden in it, what’s required in it, and how do we get there hermeneutically? What are some of its practical applications in situations of abuse and bullying, the academy, pastoral ministry, social justice, and social media?
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Episode 88: Today the profs discuss the fifth commandment. What does this commandment teach us about God’s design for human relationships? What might obeying it look like in various cultural contexts? What should human authority look like in light of divine authority? Enjoy!
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Episode 87: In this shoRTS episode, Scott and Tommy ask Gray about affect theory—what it is, and what some of its insights and implications are for theological and religious studies. Enjoy!
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Episode 86: Today the profs sit down with Dave Silvernail to talk about church polity. Dr. Silvernail serves as senior pastor at Potomac Hills Presbyterian in Leesburg, VA, and as visiting lecturer in practical and pastoral theology at our campus. Topics include models of polity, church membership and discipline, Reformed ecclesiology, Robert’s rules of order, and more. Enjoy!
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Episode 85: Continuing our series on the Ten Commandments, today’s discussion is on the fourth: the Sabbath day. What are the biblical, theological, and pastoral reasons for this commandment? What does it look like to keep the Sabbath holy? Enjoy the conversation!
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Episode 84: Today the profs welcome Oliver Crisp as a guest to the podcast. Dr. Crisp is the Professor of Analytic Theology and Director of the Logos Institute for Analytic and Exegetical Theology at the University of St. Andrews. Topics: Are analytic theology and Reformed theology incompatible? Is analytic theology a top-down, deductive method? How does it intersect with Bavinck studies? What are some of its implications for seminary and pastoral contexts? How should we think about theological retrieval? Enjoy the episode!
Publications by Oliver Crisp: https://risweb.st-andrews.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/oliver-daniel-crisp(523eee7c-13c1-4807-b5c7-3a46bc453fd0)/researchoutput.html
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Episode 83: What does it mean to take name of the Lord in vain? Is this commandment kept by simply avoiding using God’s name as an expletive? In sum, no. Enjoy!
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Episode 82: Today the profs talk about evangelism with Randy Newman. Dr. Newman is the Senior Teaching Fellow for Apologetics and Evangelism at The C. S. Lewis Institute in the Washington, DC area, and a guest lecturer at RTS Washington. Enjoy!
Books by Randy Newman: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Newman/e/B001KI1W0S
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Episode 81: In this installment, profs talk about the second commandment. Does the Lord care about how we worship him? What does it mean that God is jealous? Are representations of Christ okay? Do images enhance or diminish our worship? Why is the regulative principle so freeing? And don’t miss the excursus on demons.
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Episode 80: Today the profs talk about the first commandment. What does it mean to have no other gods but the Lord? Can we obey this commandment? How? Are “other gods“ even real? What does idolatry look like in our lives and in the church? Enjoy the conversation.
Episode 79: Today we begin a series on the Ten Commandments. Why are they important? What role ought they play in the Christian life? Topics include Law & Gospel, the three uses of the Law, the law of Christ v. legalism, delighting in the law of the Lord, and more. Enjoy!
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Episode 78: Yet another bonus Summer ShoRTS! Our executive producer asks Tommy about corporate prayer—how we can do it better. Also, next week we’re getting the whole Washington faculty back together to start a new episode series on the Ten Commandments.
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Episode 77: A bonus ShoRTS episode! Did Jesus and Paul preach the same message? How did we get from Jesus’s teaching to Paul’s preaching? Is it legitimate to read Paul’s theology and terminology into the Gospel accounts? Listen as Tommy Keene answers these questions.
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Episode 76: Scott Redd and Tommy Keene talk with Dr. Michael Horton about the Holy Spirit. Dr. Horton is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California, and a guest lecturer at the RTS Washington campus.
Resources:
Horton. Rediscovering the Holy Spirit. https://www.amazon.com/Rediscovering-Holy-Spirit-Perfecting-Redemption/dp/0310534062/
Horton. “Lord and Giver of Life: Rediscovering The Holy Spirit.” Video lecture at RTS Washington, 2019. https://youtu.be/Bu-ATgqNJrc
Episode 75: Scott Redd sits down with Rev. Dr. Rufus T. Burton, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Martinsburg, WV, and instructor in church history at RTS Washington. Dr. Burton talks about his calling to pastoral ministry and doctoral studies, his dissertation on the holiness of God as a communicable attribute, dogmatic and Trinitarian theology, the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, and more.
Dr. Burton will be teaching the History of Christianity II course starting Friday, August 17. There’s still time to sign up as a student or auditor.
Learn more about upcoming classes: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/#FALL2021
Request auditor registration: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/admissions/audit/
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Episode 74: Scott Redd offers reasons to study theology at a graduate level. This is the last episode in our Summer ShoRTS series of 2021.
Redd, Scott. “7 Reasons to Study Theology.” http://sunergoi.com/?p=1194#.YRMmBi1h1pQ
Submit your questions. https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/faculty/podcast/
Episode 71: Tommy Keene offers guidance on engaging with imagery in the book of Revelation.
Episode 70: Scott Redd talks about defamiliarization—what it is, some biblical examples, and how it can help Bible teachers and preachers be more effective.
Episode 69: In this installment of Summer ShoRTS, Dr. Peter Lee offers some thoughts on apocalypticism and the doctrine of union with Christ.
Episode 68: Scott Redd and Peter Lee talk with Gray Sutanto about the role of theology proper in our apologetics. This is our fourth Summer ShoRTS series episode. Enjoy!
Episode 67: Tommy Keene asks Scott Redd about his dissertation on constituent postponement in biblical Hebrew poetry. This is the third episode of our Summer ShoRTS series. Enjoy!
Episode 66: In the second installment of our Summer ShoRTS series, Paul Jeon shares some of his thoughts on preaching.
Episode 65: Today we begin a new series titled Summer ShoRTS. Listen as Scott Redd asks Tommy Keene how one should read the book fo Hebrews.
Episode 64: In this episode, the profs wrap up the Apostles’ Creed series with a conversation on the Creed’s value and use in the life of the church and the individual believer.
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Episode 63: The faculty welcome Dr. Lloyd Kim as a guest to the podcast. Dr. Kim serves as the Coordinator for Mission to the World (MTW), the mission-sending agency for the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). They talk about his calling to and experience in the mission field, his work at MTW, and what the work of global missions looks like these days. Enjoy!
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Episode 62: Today the profs tackle the last line in the Apostles’ Creed. What is the “life everlasting” and what will it be like? Perhaps the most important question, will our favorite pillows, our home-made swords, Tommy’s kitchen floors, and Disney World be in the new heavens and the new earth? Enjoy!
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Episode 61: Today the profs tackle the penultimate line in the Apostles’ Creed, i.e. we believe in “the resurrection of the body.” Listen as the profs discuss why our bodily resurrection is good news for us and for all of creation, even now. Also, don’t worry, Peter Lee has a wonderful plan for your life. Enjoy!
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Episode 60: Continuing on the Apostles’ Creed series, the profs talk about belief on “the forgiveness of sins.” Topics include sin’s power and pervasiveness, our need to be delivered from it, how Jesus redeems us from sin, what the forgiveness of sins means pastorally, why forgiveness is scandalous, the wonder of God’s forgiveness, and more. Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven, whose sins are covered (Psalm 32:1). Enjoy the episode!
Submit your questions: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/faculty/podcast/
Episode 59: Today’s guest is Dr. Michael J. Kruger, president and Samuel C. Patterson professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at RTS Charlotte. Dr. Kruger addresses the question of the New Testament canon—why these 27 books? He answers five common misconceptions about the origins of the NT canon, and several related questions from the profs. He also tell us he knows who wrote Hebrews and then he tells us it’s a joke. Enjoy the episode!
Canon Revisited. https://www.amazon.com/Canon-Revisited-Establishing-Authority-Testament/dp/1433505002/
Surviving Religion 101. https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Religion-101-Letters-Christian/dp/1433572079/
More books by Dr. Michael J. Kruger:
https://www.amazon.com/Michael-J-Kruger/e/B001JRX244/
Episode 58: Today’s guest is Dr. Vern Poythress, distinguished professor of New Testament, biblical interpretation, and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, PA, and author of books on pretty much every topic under the sun. Dr. Poythress and the faculty talk about the relationship between science and faith, particularly a Christian approach to science. Topics discussed include science and the interpretation of Scripture, the Bible and sociology, philosophy, history, and computer science; and how doctrine should inform our love for one another. Enjoy the conversation!
https://frame-poythress.org
Vern Poythress’s books. https://www.amazon.com/Vern-S-Poythress/e/B001HD38BM/
Ramm, Bernard. Christian View of Science and Scripture. https://www.amazon.com/Christian-View-Science-Scripture-Bernard/dp/0802814298/
Frame, John. The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. https://www.amazon.com/Doctrine-Knowledge-God-Theology-Lordship/dp/0875522629/
Frame, John. The Doctrine of the Christian Life. https://www.amazon.com/Doctrine-Christian-Life-Theology-Lordship/dp/0875527965/
Episode 57: Today the profs tackle the Apostles’ Creed article on “the communion of saints”—its meaning, distinction from belief in “the catholic church,” and implications for the Christian life and ministry. Also, Dr. Keene explains why Christians aren’t special snowflakes.
Vanhoozer, Kevin. Biblical Authority After Babel. https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Authority-after-Babel-Christianity/dp/1587433931/
Gaffin, Richard. By Faith, Not By Sight. https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Not-Sight-Order-Salvation/dp/1596384433/
Gaffin, Richard. “The Mystery of Union with Christ.” https://www.monergism.com/legacy/mt/mp3/mystery-union-christ-mp3-series-richard-b-gaffin-jr
Gaffin, Richard. Perspectives on Pentecost. https://www.amazon.com/Perspectives-Pentecost-Richard-Gaffin-Jr/dp/0875522696/
Episode 56: Is the church an epilogue to the gospel? A club for people of similar faith? A corporation? Today’s conversation centers on the Apostles’ Creed article on “the holy catholic church.” Topics include church vs. kingdom, catholicity, universality, de-churched spirituality, ethnic and theological diversity, the maturing/becoming of the church, and more. Enjoy the episode!
Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics: Prolegomena, Vol. I, p. 85. https://www.amazon.com/Reformed-Dogmatics-Vol-1-Prolegomena/dp/0801026326/
Hurtado, Larry. Destroyer of The Gods, https://www.amazon.com/Destroyer-gods-Early-Christian-Distinctiveness/dp/1481304747
Bavinck, Herman. The Catholicity of Christianity and The Church, https://bavinck.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/bavinck-catholicity.pdf
Trueman, Carl. The Creedal Imperative, https://www.amazon.com/Creedal-Imperative-Carl-R-Trueman/dp/1433521903/
Allen, Michael. Reformed Catholicity, https://www.amazon.com/Reformed-Catholicity-Retrieval-Theology-Interpretation/dp/0801049792/
Clowney, Edmund. The Church, https://www.amazon.com/Church-Contours-Christian-Theology/dp/0830815341/
Robert’s Rules of Order, https://www.amazon.com/Roberts-Rules-Order-Newly-Revised/dp/1541736699/
Ferguson, Sinclair. The Holy Spirit, https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Spirit-Contours-Christian-Theology/dp/0830815368/
Today the profs have extended and very technical conversation on hesitation forms from a biblical, theological, systematic, and covenantal perspective. Enjoy!
Today’s guest is Dr. Joshua Ralston, Reader in Christian-Muslim Relations at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh and director and co-founder of the Christian-Muslim Studies Network. Dr. Ralston and the profs talk about diversity within Islam, conceptions and misconceptions of shari’a, anti-secularist discourse in Islam, Muslim critiques of Christianity and its relation to the state, as well as friendships and constructive approaches to dialogue with Muslims.
Ralston, Law and the Rule of God: A Christian Engagement with Shari’a, https://www.amazon.com/Law-Rule-God-Christian-Engagement-dp-1108489826/dp/1108489826/
Siddiqui, Christians, Muslims, and Jesus, https://www.amazon.com/Law-Rule-God-Christian-Engagement-dp-1108489826/dp/1108489826/
Ayoub, A Muslim View of Christianity: Essays on Dialogue, https://www.amazon.com/Muslim-View-Christianity-Essays-Dialogue/dp/1570756902
Goddard, A History of Christian-Muslim Relations, https://www.amazon.com/History-Christian-Muslim-Relations-Hugh-Goddard/dp/1566633400/
Accad, Reynolds, Sacred Misinterpretation: Reaching across the Christian-Muslim Divide, https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Misinterpretation-Reaching-across-Christian-Muslim-ebook/dp/B07SW8HZ5B/
Ralston, Islam as a Christian Trope: The Place and Function of Islam in Reformed Dogmatic Theology, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/muwo.12220
Episode 53: In the first episode of our second year as a podcast—woot, woot!—we take time to reflect on the things we’ve learned and enjoyed so far. Listen as we give all honor and praise to our producer and editor, and discuss some of our favorite interviews, the ubiquity of uhms, ahhs, and duhs, and why we love RTS. Enjoy!
Episode 52: The profs begin to unpack the third and final section of the Apostles’ Creed. Why does the creed give special attention to the Holy Spirit? And why should we? Topics include the trinitarian structure of the creed, God’s indivisible works, the expansiveness of the Spirit’s work, humility in ministry, OT backgrounds, grieving and walking in step with the Spirit, the OT temple and the church, inspiration, the focus of the creed, and more.
The profs welcome Dr. J. Nicholas Reid, associate professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at RTS Orlando, to the podcast. Dr. Reid is one of the editors and contributors to the recent volume Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives (Crossway, 2020). Topics include the importance of a solid covenant theology, the importance of biblical backgrounds, why Scott Swain is the boss, whether Reformed covenant theology is an imposition on the text of Scripture, imprisonment in the ancient world, as well as how and why one goes from studying fine arts to becoming an Assyriologist.
Waters, Muether, Reid (eds.), Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives, https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Theology-Theological-Historical-Perspectives/dp/1433560038/
Currid, Barrett, ESV BIble Atlas, https://www.amazon.com/Crossway-Bible-Atlas-Currid-2010-06-10/dp/B017YCGTU6/
Younger, Context of Scripture, https://www.amazon.com/Context-Scripture-4-Supplements/dp/9004166742/
Episode 50: On this episode, the profs talk about the Apostles’ Creed article on the final judgment. Why is this doctrine important? Does God just “forgive and forget”? Topics discussed include OT background to this doctrine, its now-and-not-yet aspects, how it should give us hope, inspire humility, and shape the way we live today. Enjoy!
Episode 49: Continuing on the Apostles’ Creed series, today the profs consider the next two statements: that Jesus “ascended to heaven“ and “is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” Why are these affirmations significant for the work of Christ and our faith? And what does it mean that the Son of God becomes the Son of God? Listen as the biblical theology guys make the mess and the systematic theology guy fixes it.
Episode 48: Today the profs welcome Dr. Charlie M. Wingard to the conversation. Dr. Wingard serves as senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi, and as associate professor of pastoral theology and dean of students at RTS Jackson. He’s also the author of Help for the New Pastor: Practical Advice for Your First Year of Ministry (P&R, 2018). As you might expect, the profs are excited to have a REAL pastor on the podcast. Enjoy the episode!
Episode 47: The profs discuss the next line on the Apostles’ Creed, which deals with the resurrection of Christ. What does the resurrection mean for Christ, our theology, the Christian life, and the church? How does the New Testament appropriate it? How does the Old Testament shed light on its significance? Despite Dr. Keene’s absence, this episode is still worth listening. Enjoy!
Episode 46: Today the profs discuss the controversial “descensus clause” in the Apostles’ Creed, i.e., that Jesus “descended into hell.” Is this a redundant statement, since the creed already says Jesus died and was buried? Is it the result of bad theology? Or is it rightly articulating the teaching of Scripture? Listen as the faculty engages with this issue from biblical, systematic, and Reformed perspectives.
Episode 45: The profs continue walking through this classical confession of Christian faith, and on this episode they discuss Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial. The Creed seems to slow down in order to highlight these events. Why? Why did Jesus die? And what did his death accomplish? How do we benefit from it? As a bonus, the profs give some fashion advice. Enjoy the conversation!
Episode 44: We pick back up our series on the Apostles’ Creed with a discussion on Jesus’ suffering “under Pontius Pilate.” Why does the Creed focus on this historical figure? What does Jesus’ humiliation demonstrate? How does his suffering underscore the uniqueness of the Christian faith? Also, don’t miss the profs’ insightful comments on the meaning of Pontius and the correct pronunciation of Pilate.
Episode 43
We are taking a break in this episode to talk through the tragic and unsettling events of the last few weeks. How can Christians find peace amidst unrest? How do we "seek first His Kingdom" while seeking good in this world? What does pastoral ministry look like when everyone's mind is elsewhere? Join our conversation.
Episode 42
It's that time of year when some of us are resolving to do better. We want to pray more, eat less, learn a new skill, or finish what we started. Why do we resolve, and what makes the new year a particularly appropriate time for such resolutions? The faculty engages these questions from a biblical and theological perspective.
Episode 41
As 2020 comes to an end, we take time to reflect on lessons we have learned and things we are grateful for over the course of this wild year. Highlights: God, pastors, fear, this podcast, and YOU our listeners.
Episode 40
Continuing our series through the Apostles’ Creed, today we talk about the other side of the incarnation: the Son was not only “conceived of by the Holy Spirit“ but also “born of the Virgin Mary.” What’s the significance of this uniquely miraculous birth? We touch on other miraculous births in the Bible, the Magnificat, Mary as theotokos, and Jesus’ qualifications as our Savior. Merry Christmas!
Episode 39
We return to our series on the Apostles’ Creed, rounding into the Christmas season with a discussion of the Spirit's work in the conception, birth, life, and death of our Lord. The Spiritual conception of Jesus is more than just proof that he is a Divine person—it does that, but it is also the climactic moment in which God fulfills his promise to be with his people in a new and and perfect way.
Episode 38
We welcome Dr. D. Blair Smith, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS Charlotte, for a discussion on the Fatherhood of God as it relates to the doctrines of the Trinity and redemption. What’s the value of reading patristic writings in this connection? What does the Old Testament teach us about the Fatherhood of God? And how can a fuller understanding of God as Father enrich our worship and everyday lives? Also, don’t miss Blair’s excellent, climactically articulated 4-point “ramble” in response to Tommy’s question.
Episode 37
We welcome Chris Watkin to the podcast to discuss how Christianity helps us think about the crucial philosophical and cultural issues of the day. Our faith resists a binary appropriation of ideas, as if we must either affirm or reject the culture around us. Rather, it "diagonalizes" issues by bringing God's word to bear on everything we address.
Show notes
Watkin, Thinking Through Creation. https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-through-Creation-Cultural-Critique/dp/1629953016/
Thinking Through The Bible, https://www.thinkingthroughthebible.com
Episode 36
Each word describing Jesus in the creed is rich with significance. He is "Son" and "Messiah" and "Lord." How do these three interact? What is their biblical and theological significance? How do they relate to the ministry of the church, both theologically and practically?
Episode 35
The doctrine of the Trinity is at the heart of the Christianity. "When Scripture wants to summarize salvation," says Dr. Scott Swain, "it summarizes it in a Trinitarian way." We are pleased to welcome Dr. Swain, President and James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS Orlando, to this week's discussion.
Allen & Swain, eds., The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Handbook-Reformed-Theology-Handbooks/dp/0198723911
Swain, The Trinity: An Introduction, https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Introduction-Studies-Systematic-Theology/dp/1433561212/
Holmes, The Quest for the Trinity: The Doctrine of God in Scripture, History and Modernity, https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Trinity-Doctrine-Scripture-Modernity/dp/0830839860/
Episode 34
The doctrine of creation is at the heart of the Christian religion and confession. We can't understand the work of Christ without first understanding the Trinitarian work of creation. This week the faculty discusses how creation ex nihilo shapes our witness and message.
Episode 33
The creed is more than a set of propositions; it's a personal commitment that begins with a defining relationship, God the Father. This week the faculty considers the nature of faith, the Trinitarian character of the creed, and the significance of the claim that God is Father.
Episode 32
We were pleased to welcome Dr. Irwyn Ince at our annual ReForum for a discussion of his recent book, The Beautiful Community. Listen in as Irwyn and the faculty discuss issues of ethnicity, community, and ecclesiology.
Episode 31
Gray Sutanto and Tim Keller discuss Herman Bavinck, Christian epistemology, and gospel ministry in global cities. The conversation was moderated by Scott Redd and Jay Harvey as part of a joint effort between RTS Washington and RTS New York City and was recorded on the evening of Oct. 19, 2020.
Show notes:
Bavinck, Christian Worldview: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Worldview-Herman-Bavinck/dp/1433563193/
Keller, The Reason for God: https://www.amazon.com/Reason-God-Belief-Age-Skepticism/dp/1594483493/
Keller, Center Church: https://www.amazon.com/Center-Church-Balanced-Gospel-Centered-Ministry/dp/0310494184/
Sutanto, God and Knowledge: Herman Bavinck's Christian Epistomology: https://www.amazon.com/God-Knowledge-Theological-Epistemology-Systematic/dp/0567692280/
Episode 30
In this milestone episode (our 30th!) of The Faculty Podcast we introduce a new logo, new music, and a new series! This week we begin a phrase by phrase discussion of The Apostles' Creed. In this episode we discuss why creeds are necessary for the Christian Church, their unifying function, and the way in which they encourage both creativity and orthodoxy.
Note to our listeners: this series on the creed will be our "regular" programming, interspersed between special guests and one-off episodes.
Show Notes: Episode 30 of The Faculty Podcast
Redd, The Wholeness Imperative. https://www.amazon.com/Wholeness-Imperative-Unifies-Desires-Identity/dp/1527101525/
Trueman, The Creedal Imperative. https://www.amazon.com/Creedal-Imperative-Carl-R-Trueman/dp/1433521903/
Episode 29
Dr. James Eglinton joins us to discuss his recent book on Herman Bavinck. Though sometimes presented as a "Jekyll and Hyde" figure (the modern Bavinck and the orthodox Bavinck), Eglinton argues that Bavinck was a comprehensive, organic, and wholistic thinker, integrating the Christian worldview into every area of life. We touch on politics, education, anthropology, and his relationship with Vos and Kuyper.
Show notes: Eglinton, Bavinck: A Critical Biography, https://www.amazon.com/Bavinck-Critical-Biography-James-Eglinton/dp/1540961354/
Bavinck, Christian Wordlview, https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Worldview-Herman-Bavinck/dp/1433563193/
Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, https://www.amazon.com/Reformed-Dogmatics-Set-Herman-Bavinck/dp/0801035767/
Episode 28
This week we welcome international speaker and celebrated author (and podcaster) Nancy Guthrie to the show. Nancy talks with us about the importance of Biblical Theology for understanding the Scriptures: all of the Scripture is practical because "it causes us to adore Christ." Other topics include: how women can use their seminary education and how pastors can treat women in their church as theological colleagues.
Show notes: www.nancyguthrie.com
Help Me Teach the Bible Podcast. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/help-me-teach-the-bible/
God Does His Best with Empty. https://www.amazon.com/God-Does-Best-Work-Empty/dp/1496439694
Clowney, The Unfolding Mystery. https://www.amazon.com/Unfolding-Mystery-Second-Discovering-Testament/dp/1596388927
Wright, Knowing Christ Through The Old Testament. https://www.amazon.com/Knowing-Jesus-Through-Old-Testament/dp/0830816933
Goldsworthy, The Goldsworthy Trilogy. https://www.amazon.com/Goldsworthy-Trilogy-Gospel-Kingdom-Revelation/dp/1842270362
DeRouchie, 40 Questions about Biblical Theology. https://www.amazon.com/40-Questions-About-Biblical-Theology/dp/0825445604
Episode 27
This week we discuss the life and legacy of Geerhardus Vos with author and pastor Rev. Danny Olinger. What drove his work? What relationships influenced him? And why did he go on so many long walks? We additionally consider the work of his wife Catherine and daughter Marianne Radius.
Show Notes: Olinger, Geerhardus Vos, https://www.amazon.com/Geerhardus-Vos-Theologian-Confessional-Presbyterian/dp/0998748722#:~:text=About%20the%20Author-,Danny%20E.,of%20A%20Geerhardus%20Vos%20Anthology.
Vos, Grace and Glory, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HQ3R62X/
Vos, Biblical Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Theology-Geerhardus-Vos/dp/1848714327/
Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/8D0F2473-B236-415A-A0DD-3981EF2CE302
Radius, 120 Dramatic Story Sermons for Children’s Church, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801077303/
Radius, The Tent of God, https://www.amazon.com/Tent-God-Journey-Through-Testament/dp/B0006BW970/
Episode 26
Many of us have and continue to worship virtually during this difficult season, which raises the question: why did we ever worship together in the first place? Is it merely a matter of convenience? A relic of a pre-internet era? This week we discuss the importance of embodied corporate worship. Why does God want us to meet together, and how can we begin to return to that vision safely post-Covid?
Episode 25
Julius Kim, the new President of The Gospel Coalition (TGC) joins us for a wide ranging discussion about ministry in a digital age. After a discussion of the unique work of TGC, we address pastoral burnout, race and division in the US, the role of seminary education, and the nature of pastoral leadership.
Show notes: The New President of TGC: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/unlikely-pilgrimage-tgc-new-president-julius-kim/
Kim, Preaching the Whole Counsel of God, https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Whole-Counsel-God-Gospel-Centered/dp/0310519632/
Sande, The Peacemaker, https://www.amazon.com/Peacemaker-Biblical-Resolving-Personal-Conflict/dp/0801064856/
Episode 24
Paul tells Timothy to entrust "what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses" to "faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). In this episode we discuss our "philosophy of teaching." Why do we teach the way we do, and what have we learned over the years? What makes for effective education in the church and the seminary?
Show Notes:
Adler, How to Read a Book, https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Book-Classic-Intelligent/dp/0671212095/
Reinke, Lit!, https://www.amazon.com/Lit-Christian-Guide-Reading-Books/dp/1433522268/
Webster, The Culture of Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Theology-John-Webster/dp/1540960803/
Keller, Preaching, https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Communicating-Faith-Age-Skepticism/dp/0143108719/
Episode 23
How should Christians use the authority and influence that they have received from God? Should Christians seek power, and if they have it how should they steward it? This week we discuss how the cross transforms the way we think about the nature of power and authority, whether locally, pastorally, or politically.
Episode 22
Dr. Mike Allen, Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at RTS Orlando, joins us to discuss the Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS), an increasingly influential approach to reading and exegeting the Bible. Topics include ministering to the whole person, Mike's upcoming Ephesians commentary, and tools for the theologian's toolkit.
Show notes: Allen, Ephesians. https://www.amazon.com/Ephesians-Brazos-Theological-Commentary-Bible/dp/1587430967
Barclay, Paul and the Gift. https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Gift-John-M-Barclay/dp/0802875327/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=barclay+the+gift&qid=1597773317&sr=8-2
Reno, Sanctified Vision, https://www.amazon.com/Sanctified-Vision-Introduction-Christian-Interpretation/dp/0801880882/
IVP, Ancient Christian Commentary, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V9S2DN
Treier, Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture, https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Theological-Interpretation-Scripture-Recovering/dp/0801031788
Christian Classics Ethereal Library, https://www.ccel.org
Episode 21
This week we welcome George Harinck to the podcast to discuss the legacy of Abraham Kuyper. What was his theological program all about, and in what respect does his work continue in neocalvinism?
Episode 20
We often talk about rest as if it is a necessary evil, a failure of will, a problem to overcome. The Bible speaks very differently about rest. It is a reward, a victory, a celebration, and an act of faith. Join us as we discuss the need to rest and explore best practices for its pursuit, especially in pastoral ministry.
Episode 19
This week the faculty discuss the pastors, professors, and mentors that influenced and shaped them, whether pastorally, personally, or academically.
Episode 18
In this episode we talk about how story shapes the way we think and communicate, both positively and negatively. Whether fiction or non-fiction, story shapes our lives, our spiritual development, and our ability to read and proclaim the Gospel.
Recommended resources:
Wood, How Fiction Works, https://www.amazon.com/How-Fiction-Works-Tenth-Anniversary/dp/1250183928/
Lewis, “On Three Ways of Writing for Children,” http://myweb.scu.edu.tw/~jmklassen/scu99b/chlitgrad/3ways.pdf
Selderhuis, John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life, https://www.amazon.com/John-Calvin-Pilgrims-Herman-Selderhuis/dp/0830829210/
Godfrey, John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor, https://www.amazon.com/John-Calvin-W-Robert-Godfrey/dp/1433501325/
Olinger, Geehardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian, https://www.amazon.com/Geerhardus-Vos-Theologian-Confessional-Presbyterian/dp/0998748722/
Kuyper, Encyclopedia of Sacred Theology: Its Principles, https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Sacred-Theology-Its-Principles/dp/1375990969/
Episode 17
This week we handle a frequently asked student question: how do we do personal devotions? Many can testify that personal devotion can be challenging, ironically but particularly in the midst of pastoral ministry. How can pastors maintain a personal relationship with Christ amidst the pressure of ministry?
Show Notes:
Keller, Prayer, https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Experiencing-Awe-Intimacy-God/dp/0143108581/
Pratt, Pray with Your Eyes Open, https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Your-Eyes-Open-Ourselves/dp/0875523781/
Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Christian-Donald-Whitney/dp/1615216170/
Blanchard, Right with God, https://www.amazon.com/Right-God-John-Blanchard/dp/0851510450/
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, https://www.amazon.com/Institutes-Christian-Religion-John-Calvin/dp/1598561685/
Episode 16
This week on the podcast Peter Lee walks us through the difficult task of cultivating joy amidst suffering. How can Christians recognize the reality of suffering while, at the same time, keep the command to "count it all joy" amidst trial?
For more, you can find Dr. Lee's book on joy here: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Finding-Christ-like-Suffering/dp/1532664532/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=joy+unspeakable+lee&qid=1594257844&sr=8-1
Show Notes
Keller, Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering, https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-through-Pain-Suffering/dp/1594634408/
Billings, Rejoicing in Lament, https://www.amazon.com/Rejoicing-Lament-Wrestling-Incurable-Cancer/dp/1587433583/
Lewis, A Grief Observed, https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652381/
McCartney, Why Does it Have to Hurt?, https://www.amazon.com/Why-Does-Have-Hurt-Christian/dp/0875523862/
Currid, Why Do I Suffer? https://www.amazon.com/Why-Do-Suffer-Suffering-Sovereignty/dp/1781915067/
Emerson, Smith, Divided by Faith, https://www.amazon.com/Divided-Faith-Evangelical-Religion-Problem-dp-0195147073/dp/0195147073/
Ellis, Free at Last? https://www.amazon.com/Free-at-Last-Paperback-Common/dp/B00FBBF7TC/
Episode 15
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ligon Duncan to the podcast to address the recent and historic vote in Mississippi to replace its state flag, presenting a powerful case that Christians should promote the justice and dignity of their neighbors.
He also shares with us how RTS is adapting and flourishing amidst the challenges presented by covid-19.
Show notes: https://ligonduncan.com/a-statement-on-the-flag-of-mississippi/
https://www.amazon.com/Dominion-Christian-Revolution-Remade-World/dp/0465093507
https://ligonduncan.com/a-pastoral-letter-on-racism-and-the-gospel/
Episode 14
Dr. Scott Redd talks with us about his newest article on cultivating wholeness in a fragmented world. Focusing particularly on the Mosaic covenant, we then look at how a covenantal understanding of Christ's work provides a robust answer to the fragmentation we experience, both as individuals and as a society.
Show notes:
Redd, “Fragmentation and Wholeness in the Mosaic Eschatology.” https://journal.rts.edu/article/fragmentation-and-wholeness-in-the-mosaic-eschatology/
Venema, Christ and Covenant Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Covenant-Theology-Republication-Covenants/dp/1629952516/
Robertson, The Christ of the Covenants, https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Covenants-Palmer-Robertson/dp/0875524184/
Muether, Reid, Waters, Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives, https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Theology-Theological-Historical-Perspectives/dp/1433560038/
Horton, Introducing Covenant Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Covenant-Theology-Michael-Horton/dp/080107195X/
Kline, The Structure of Biblical Authority, https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Biblical-Authority-Meredith-Kline/dp/1579100694/
Belcher, The Fulfillment of the Promises of God, https://www.amazon.com/Fulfillment-Promises-God-Explanation-Covenant/dp/1527105199/
Vos, Biblical Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Theology-Old-New-Testaments/dp/1592442919/
Rhodes, Covenants Made Simple, https://www.amazon.com/Covenants-Made-Simple-Understanding-Unfolding/dp/1596389753/
Episode 13
In this episode the faculty explore the "pastor-scholar" model of ministry. Should pastoral ministry include scholarly pursuits? How does pastoral scholarship benefit the church? And is any of this possible given the amount of "real work" incumbent on real pastors?
Show notes: Center for Pastor Theologians, https://www.pastortheologians.com/
Wilson, Hiestand, Becoming a Pastor Theologian, https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Pastor-Theologian-Possibilities-Leadership/dp/0830851712/
Manetsch, Calvin’s Company of Pastors, https://www.amazon.com/Calvins-Company-Pastors-1536-1609-Historical/dp/0190224479/
Vanhoozer, Hearers and Doers, https://www.amazon.com/Hearers-Doers-Disciples-Scripture-Doctrine/dp/1683591348/
Episode 12
This week we spoke with Dr. James Anderson, professor of Theology and Philosophy at RTS Charlotte about analytic philosophy, analytic theology, apologetics, and worldview.
Show notes:
T&T Clark Handbook of Analytic Theology, https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/tt-clark-handbook-of-analytic-theology-9780567681294/
Paradox in Christian Theology, https://rts.edu/resources/paradox-in-christian-theology/
Choose Your Own Adventure, https://www.cyoa.com/
Commodore 64, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_64
Episode 11
The events of the last week remind us of the far-reaching effects of sin in our world and the deep pain that is born of historical oppression and public evil. How do Christians grieve, how do they lament, and how they love their neighbor in a time of racial injustice and civil unrest?
Episode 10
This week we conclude our three-part series on Public Theology by welcoming Jennifer Patterson, director of RTS's own Institute of Theology and Public Life to the show.
Show notes: Augustine, City of God. https://www.amazon.com/City-Penguin-Classics-Augustine-Hippo/dp/0140448942/
Taylor, Secular Age. https://www.amazon.com/Secular-Age-Charles-Taylor/dp/0674986911/
Smith, How not to be Secular: https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Be-Secular-Reading/dp/0802867618/
Keller, Preaching. https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Communicating-Faith-Age-Skepticism/dp/0525953035/ Kaemingk, Christian Hospitality. https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Hospitality-Muslim-Immigration-Fear/dp/0802874584/
Bavinck, Christian Worldview. https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Worldview-Herman-Bavinck/dp/1433563193/
O'Donovan, The Desire of the Nations. https://www.amazon.com/Desire-Nations-ODonovan/dp/0521665167/
Episode 9
This week we are joined by RTS Washington Irwyn Ince as we continue our discussion of Public Theology, both inside and outside of the church. Topics include racial reconciliation, spirituality of the church, social justice, and the horrifying death of Ahmaud Arbery.
Show notes: Ince: The Beautiful Community. https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Community-Unity-Diversity-Church/dp/0830848312
Malcolm Foley article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/ahmaud-arbery/
McCaulley: Reading While Black. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086KQSS2X/
Handbook of Analytic Theology. https://www.bloomsbury.com/(S(unsntajeqssuw255bd4jdu3k))/us/tt-clark-handbook-of-analytic-theology-9780567681300/
Episode 8
In this episode we launch a multi-week series on Public Theology. After discussion the nature and need of public theology we address a basic and fundamental principle of method: how to disagree well. In keeping with the "winsomely Reformed" ethos of RTS, we discuss how stand for the truth while striving to listen well and learn from those who disagree.
Show notes: Fools for Christ by Pelikan: https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Christ-Jaroslav-Pelikan/dp/1579108024/
Van Til, "Nature and Scripture." https://thirdmill.org/magazine/hof/ST12006/Nature%20And%20Scripture%20by%20Van%20Til.pdf
Episode 7
With so many great translations and commentaries available to the pastor, is it really that valuable to understand the original languages? In this episode, Peter provides nuance to the topic of suffering, Tommy compares translations to pick-up trucks, and Gray talks about Bavinck (but not the one you're thinking).
References: "Christian Cruelty in the Face of Covid": https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/04/christian-cruelty-face-covid-19/610477/
"How Should Christians Act During a Pandemic?" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/opinion/sunday/covid-easter-christians.html
Exegetical Fallacies: https://www.amazon.com/Exegetical-Fallacies-D-Carson-ebook/dp/B00CZALQ1A/
Calvin and the Biblical Languages: https://www.amazon.com/Calvin-Biblical-Languages-John-Currid/dp/1845502124
Between the Beginning and the End: https://www.amazon.com/Between-Beginning-End-Radical-Kingdom/dp/0802871305/
Episode 6
The coronavirus has put many of our plans on hold, which means it's all the more important that we cultivate a robust view of Christian calling. What does God want me to do now? In this episode we reflect on the theology of calling, but with particular attention to the way in which situational and practical matters shape our decisions.
Highlights: Sutanto coins the phrase #theNextFaithfulThing, Peter Lee keeps us grounded, Jeon reflects on practical considerations, and Redd and Keene timidly suggest that a comment Spurgeon once made might be less than helpful (maybe).
Notes: Waltke, Bruce. Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion? https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Will-God-Pagan-Notion-ebook/dp/B001E95V64/
Episode 5
Join us as we discuss Herman Bavinck and Reformed Theology with our newest Faculty Member, Dr. Gray Sutanto. Gray is a currently a pastor in Jakarta and will be joining the faculty of RTS Washington as Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology in June.
Episode 4
In this episode, Drs. Jeon, Keene, Lee, and Redd talk about the pros and cons of following the liturgical calendar, the benefits of studying at seminary, and more. Enjoy! Send us your questions at tkeene@rts.edu.
Notes: Paul and Pentecost: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+20%3A16&version=ESV 15 Things Seminary Couldn't Teach Me: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/publication/15-things-seminary-couldnt-teach/ 15 Things Seminary Teaches Me That My Busy Pastor(ate) Can’t: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/15-things-seminary-teaches-busy-pastorate-cant/ Dorothy Entering Technicolor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6D8PAGelN8
Episode 3
In this episode we discuss the nature of theodicy and the value of lament, particularly in times of unprecedented challenge and change.
Episode 1: Here is the first installment of a new offering from the RTS faculty in an effort to stay connected as a community. In this first episode, Drs. Tommy Keene, Peter Lee, Paul Jeon, and Scott Redd talk about a theology of presence in a time of social distancing.