At the Intersection of East and West: Recent Episodes
Dn. Michael Hyatt and Ancient Faith Radio
Many people today are at a crossroads of faith. Longing for roots, some have encountered Orthodox Christianity. This podcast is taken from a class formerly taught by Dn. Michael Hyatt, former Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers and now a leading business consultant.
In this study, Dn. Michael wrap up his series on Thinking Orthodox. He summarizes the book, by looking at How Jesus Christ is the epitome of an Orthodox phronema. He considers seven truths about developing an Orthodox mindset.
In this study, Dn. Michael wrap up his series on Thinking Orthodox. He summarizes the book, by looking at How Jesus Christ is the epitome of an Orthodox phronema. He considers seven truths about developing an Orthodox mindset.
As we have learned, “the theologian is one who prays.” While that is certainly important, it’s not the only characteristic of true theologians. There’s more to it than that—much more. In this episode, Dn. Michael considers ten characteristics of true theologians. Surprisingly, they’re relevant to all Orthodox Christians not just theologians.
An Orthodox Phronema sits on a three-legged stool: Tradition, Scripture, and the Fathers. In this episode, we consider the role of the Fathers. Specifically, we answer several questions about them: Who are they, why are they important, and how do they relate to Scripture and Tradition.
We’ve seen the important role Tradition plays in the shaping of our phronema. But what role does the Bible play in its development? To answer that question, we consider Holy Scriptures from three perspectives: Inspiration, Interpretation, and Instruction. We also look at how Tradition and Scripture relate to each other.
Tradition is the foundation of Orthodox Christianity. It permeates everything we believe and do. But when Orthodox Christians talk about Tradition, they mean something different that Protestants or Roman Catholics. In this episode, we consider five questions about Tradition, including what it is and what it’s not
Many people view theology as a dry, academic pursuit. In the Orthodox tradition, however, we understand theology as talking to God, not merely talking about Him. In this episode, we look at the three saints in the church’s history who bear the title “Theologian.” Their examples show us what true theology is and how to make it part of our Christian experience.
Up until this point, we have focused on understanding the concept of an Orthodox phronema—what it is and how it is different from the Western phronema. In this episode, we explore five actions you need to take in order to acquire an Orthodox phronema.
Thinking Orthodox by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou
Now that we’ve discussed the two major expressions of the Western phronema (episode 122), Dn. Michael returns to the Orthodox phronema to compare and contrast it. If we are going to acquire it, we need to know what we’re looking for. In this episode he discusses the five main attributes of an Orthodox phronema.
The concept of “phronema” (a mindset, approach, stance, or way of thinking) is inescapable. Everyone has one. However, the phronema of the West is very different from that of the East. In this episode, Dn. Michael unpacks the two major expressions of the Western phronema: Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. While they seem very different, they are more similar than you might think.
In this week’s class, Dn. Michael considers Orthodox Thinking from four different perspectives: Ancient Greek literature, the Biblical text, the writings of the fathers, and the practice of ordinary Orthodox Christians.
Dn. Michael Hyatt begins looking at chapter 2 of Thinking Orthodox by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou. It's called The Distinctiveness of Orthodox Christianity.
A new church school class has started at St. Ignatius Orthodox Church in Franklin, TN taught by Dn. Michael Hyatt. Dn. Michael is teaching through the popular book by Dr. Jeannie Constantnou - Thinking Orthodox. This is the introductory lesson. If you don't have a copy, order one today. Available in print, eBook, and Audiobook formats.
What was different about those early Christians. The little known Letter to Diognetus gives us a glimpse as Dn. Michael Hyatt continues his class on the Apostolic Fathers.
If there was a catechism manual you could read that dates back to the time of the Apostle John or very soon thereafter, would you be interested? Believe it or not there is! Learn about The Didache as Dn. Michael Hyatt continues his series on the Apostolic Fathers.
Continuing his series on the Apostolic Fathers, Dn. Michael Hyatt looks at the Martyrdom of Polycarp, one of the most inspiring and instructional accounts of martyrdom in Church history.
Dn. Michael Hyatt interviews Fr. Chad Hatfield, the President of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. Learn about his coming to Orthodoxy, his experience in Alaska, and the seminary he leads.
Ignored by much of Western Christendom, these letters give us insight into how the very early Church viewed the role of the bishop as well as the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Dn. Michael Hyatt continues his series on the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, those 2nd generation Christian writers who learned at the feet of the Apostles themselves. Dn. Michael is using The Apostolic Fathers in English by Michael W. Holmes.
This episode looks at the First Epistle of St. Clement. You will be amazed at how contemporary it is.
Dn. Michael Hyatt begins a new series on the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, those second-generation Christian writers who learned at the feet of the Apostles themselves. Dn. Michael is using The Apostolic Fathers in English by Michael W. Holmes.
In this concluding episode in the How to Be a Sinner series, Dn. Michael Hyatt interviews the author, Dr. Peter Bouteneff.
What is the difference between mercy and grace? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.
Guilt, shame, and compunction. What role do they all play in the acknowledgement and treatment of our sin? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.
As sinners, how are we to look at ourselves? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.
Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff. In this lesson, he speaks about the importance of self-awareness.
Before communion we declare that we are the chief of sinners. But is that true? If so, how are we to interpret that claim? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.
To see ourselves as God sees us is real truth and part of that is to see ourselves as sinners when revealed by the divine light. Dn. Michael Hyatt is teaching through How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.
Dn. Michael Hyatt begins a new series in his class going through the book by Dr. Peter Bouteneff entitled How to Be a Sinner. Discovering ourselves as sinners is a first step.
Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt wrap up the series teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. This final lesson is about Sacred Mission as a couple. Your marriage must be about more than itself if it's going to be healthy and flourishing.
Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt discuss the importance of Sacred Presence in the marriage as they continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
In this class, Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt address sex in the marital relationship as a means to holiness as they continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
What are we willing to sacrifice for our spouses. Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt share a personal story as they continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Before moving on to the remaining chapters, Dn. Michael and Gail address questions from AFR listeners by email as well as from the audience. They are teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Conflict is inevitable in a marriage. But when it happens, we can either advance in our relationships or decline. Today's topic is Falling Forward when conflict arises as Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
There is a struggle in marriage and that isn't all bad. Discover what can result in this next class as Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Perseverance in marriage is not only possible it is expected by God. What choices are we making today that will either build up or tear down our marriages tomorrow? Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt says that recognizing and dealing with our own sin is a necessary component of a good marriage. Together they are teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
In this episode, Dn. Michael mentions 2 books by Drs. David and Mary Ford:Marriage as a Path to HolinessGlory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage
Would you have thought that the quality of your marriage has a direct correlation to prayer? In this 5th episode of the Sacred Marriage series, Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt discuss the ramifications of your prayer life as it relates to your marriage.Together they are teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Contempt has become an epidemic in our society and it can spill over into our marriages. Dn. Michael Hyatt reminds us that as our marriages mature, we have to guard against disrespecting our spouses. Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
How do we love our spouses even when we don't feel love? Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. In part 2, they talk about the priority of pleasing God in our marriages.
In a new series, Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt team teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. In this first episode we learn that the purpose in marriage is not happiness but holiness.
As we enter the week of celebrating our Lord's coming to earth, many of us will have family members visiting or we will be visiting them. For some, this means inevitable conflict. In this final episode of his series called Peace On Earth, Dn. Michael Hyatt addresses The Persistence of Reconciliation - what happens when you've tried everything?
In part 2 of his mini-series during this Nativity season, Dn. Michael Hyatt works through the Matthew 18 principle of reconciling with our brother and uses his own family to help illustrate the point.
Between now and Christmas, Dn. Michael Hyatt teaches a short series entitled Peace on Earth. In this episode he focuses in on unresolved conflict at home, work, and church and the tools given to us by God to avoid them.
We often wonder how we will fund the growth of our parishes or pay for the needed repairs on the temple. Yet, if each member would tithe their income back into the Lord’s work, what could be possible? On today’s At the Corner of East and West, Dn. Michael Hyatt gives a sermon on the Necessity of Tithing.
In this final lesson of his teaching through Time and Despondency by Dr. Nicole Roccas, Dn. Michael Hyatt reflects on the practical take away value of the book. He identifies three implications for living in the present moment.
Dn. Michael Hyatt begins continues his look at chapter seven of Time and Despondency written by Dr. Nicole Roccas. What are the steps available to us to combat despondency? He shares the last two in this episode: Labor/Leisure and Humor.
Dn. Michael Hyatt begins continues his look at Chapter 7 of Time and Despondency written by Dr. Nicole Roccas. What are the steps available to us to combat despondency? He shares two more in this episode: gratitude and confession/community.
Dn. Michael Hyatt begins his look at Chapter 7 of Time and Despondency written by Dr. Nicole Roccas. What are the steps available to us to combat despondency?
This is the 6th lesson of "This Present Moment: Practicing Orthodox Spirituality in an Age of Distraction." Dn. Michael Hyatt is teaching through Time and Despondency by Dr. Nicole Roccas. There is a practice taught by the Fathers and modeled by Jesus to help us battle the power of negative thinking. Learn about the use of counter statement and pick up the little book recommended called Talking Back: A Monastic Handbook for Combating Demons.
Dn. Michael Hyatt shares some very valuable and practical insight into the need for and practice of prayer. He is teaching through the book by Dr. Nicole Roccas Time and Despondency and this is lesson 5.
We hear it often. "Live in the present not the past or future," but what does that mean? In lesson four, Dn. Michael Hyatt covers the next two chapters in Dr. Nicole Roccas' book, Time and Despondency.
This is lesson three in Dn. Michael Hyatt's class series "This Present Moment: Practicing Orthodox Spirituality in an Age of Distraction." He is teaching through the popular book by Dr. Nicole Roccas entitled Time and Despondency. Today he looks at the two ways of defining time: chronos and kairos.
Dn. Michael Hyatt continues his class series entitled "This Present Moment: Practicing Orthodox Spirituality in an Age of Distraction." Based on the book by Dr. Nicole Roccas—Time and Despondency—he defines despondency and differentiates it from depression.
Dn. Michael Hyatt returns to his Sunday school class and begins teaching through Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life..
Dn. Michael interviews his wife Gail about her recent trip to St. Paisius Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Safford, Arizona.
Using personal experiences, the Bible and teachings of the Church, Dn. Michael discusses the importance of handling our anger appropriately.
Dn. Michael concludes his series on reconciliation with advice on when and how to confront someone.
Dn. Michael continues his series on reconciliation. This week he discusses how to conduct ourselves when we are wronged.
Dn. Michael takes a break from his "in But Not Of" series to discuss different aspects of Christian living. This week he addresses reconciliation.
Dn. Michael concludes his discussion of St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson eleven in his series "In But Not Of."
Dn. Michael discusses chapter eight in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson ten in his series "In But Not Of."
Guest lecturer Joel Miller discusses chapter seven of St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson nine in Dn. Michael's series "In But Not Of."
Dn. Michael discusses chapter six in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson eight in his series "In But Not Of."
Dn. Michael discusses chapter five in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson seven in his series "In But Not Of."
Dn. Michael discusses chapter four in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson six in his series "In But Not Of."
Dn. Michael shares his conversion story in this two-part lecture given at the Missions and Evangelism Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. His series, "In But Not Of," will continue next week.
Dn. Michael shares his conversion story in this two-part lecture given at the Missions and Evangelism Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. His series, "In But Not Of," will continue in two weeks.
Dn. Michael discusses chapter three in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson five in his series "In But Not Of."
Dn. Michael discusses chapter two in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson four in his series "In But Not Of."
Dn. Michael continues his series," In But Not Of," and discusses chapter one of On the Incarnation.
Joel Miller stands in for Dn. Michael and continues the series "In But Not Of." In today's lesson, Joel teaches on the life of St. Athanasius.
Dn. Michael begins a new series on living "in, but not of" the world. He is using four texts from the St. Vladimir's Popular Patristics series. This week he covers C.S. Lewis's introduction to the St. Athanasius work On the Incarnation.
Dn. Michael continues his discussion of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray . This week he looks at chapter 4.
Dn. Michael discusses chapter 3 of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray . He borrows Nike's slogan and urges all of us, when it comes to prayer, to "Just Do It."
Dn. Michael continues his discussion of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray. He emphasizes the importance of humility when approaching our Lord in prayer.
Dn. Michael begins a new series discussing the book Beginning to Pray by Anthony Bloom.
In the final episode in the study of Fr. Alexander Schmemann's book Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, Dn. Michael discusses the Appendix where Fr. Alexander talks about the importance of frequent communion.
Dn. Michael asks the question, "How can we apply Fr. Alexander's teachings on Great Lent to our lives?"
Dn. Michael considers four aspects of Lenten worship: atmosphere, prayer, Scripture, and hymns.
Dn. Michael continues his discussion of the five Sundays that precede the start of Great Lent.
Dn. Michael begins a new series based on Fr. Alexander Schmemann's book Great Lent: Journey to Pascha.
Dn. Michael explains that being witnesses is part of our identity in Christ—not something that we do, but something that we are.
Dn. Michael continues his discussion of the sacraments of initiation, this time focusing exclusively on Chrismation.
Dn. Michael continues his discussion of chapter three of Fr. Alexander Schmemann's For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy, this time focusing on the Christian year.
Dcn. Michael tackles Fr. Alexander Schmemann's insights into "the sanctification of time."
Dcn. Michael continues taking his class through the Divine Liturgy, this time focusing on what's commonly called "the Liturgy of the Table."
Dcn. Michael Hyatt takes his class through the Divine Liturgy, explaining the significance of each moment up through the Kiss of Peace.
Dcn. Michael echoes Fr. Schmemann's assertion that paradise and all other utopian dreams died with the death of Christ.
Dcn. Michael tackles the second half of chapter one of Alexander Schmemann's book For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy.
A brand new season of At the Intersection of East and West. Dcn. Michael will lead his Sunday-school class through Alexander Schmemann's book For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy. Listen to the first episode here.
Ancient Faith Radio founder and Conciliar Media CEO John Maddex visits Dn. Michael's Sunday School class and Dn. Michael interviews him about his journey to Orthodoxy from a long career in evangelical Christian radio.
Dcn. Michael explains why we ask for the intercessions of the saints and why we ask Mary to "save us."
An initial stumbling block to Dcn. Michael's own conversion, the word "Theotokos" literally means "God-bearer." In this episode, Dcn. Michael discusses the development of the word and its uses in the Church throughout history.
Dcn. Michael Hyatt examines Mary at different points in Scripture to help us come to grips with her amazing example of obedience.
Dcn. Michael continues his discussion of the Theotokos, focusing on both the Magnificat and Mary as the ultimate example of humility.
Dn. Michael discusses Mary's role as the first Christian, as well as her obedience to God upon receiving the shocking announcement that she would bear a child without knowing a man.
Dn. Michael tells the story behind the story of the Theotokos according to Orthodox tradition.
Dn. Michael Hyatt discusses the seventh and final Ecumenical Council, which focuses on the use of icons in the Church.
In this episode, Dn. Michael provides an overview of the Sixth Ecumenical Council and reminds us that Christianity involves an internal battle of the will.
Today, Dn. Michael unpacks the Fifth Ecumenical Council which addressed Monophysitism and Origen.
What was settled at Chalcedon served as a watershed for future doctrinal controversies even up until today. Dn. Michael reminds us that truth matters.
As Dn. Michael begins exploring the Council of Ephesus, he observes some commonality between Evangelicals and Orthodox in the "cult of the Saints."
In a recent catechism class, Dn. Michael reflected on ten things he wishes he had known before his first visit to an Orthodox Church.
What is the final criterion of Truth? Our experience or that which we have received and has been tested by time? Dn. Michael begins his look at the Second Ecumenical Council.
Today, Dn. Michael continues his look at the Council of Nicaea and the importance of both orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
Dn. Michael continues his look at the Council of Nicaea, the first salvo in a centuries-long battle for Truth. At stake is the doctrine of the Incarnation.
Dn. Michael begins his three-part lesson on the Council of Nicaea and talks about the challenge of Arianism.
Dn. Michael continues his introduction to the Ecumenical Councils and asks the question "Why does truth matter?"
In the first of a series, Dn. Michael introduces us to the Ecumenical Councils and their importance in Christian history and theology.
In part two of Dn. Michael's lessons on marriage, he explores the roles in marriage as indicated in Scripture and the Tradition of the Church.
When one considers Orthodoxy, he or she is confronted with a clearly sacramental world view. So how does that apply to Christian marriage?
It can seem sometimes that if we are not fasting, we are preparing to fast in the Orthodox Church. In part 1, Dn. Michael helps understand why we fast.
What do Orthodox Christians say about Tradition and how does that compare with Roman Catholic and Evangelical assumptions?
Dn. Michael continues exploring the role of Scripture in the Orthodox Church and examines common proof texts used to defend Sola Scriptura—a premise that is not so much erroneous as it is impossible.
In his first podcast, Dn. Michael tackles the question of Sola Scriptura and the Tradition of the Church.