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- 313Insider MovementsWe welcome David Garner and Phil DeHart to speak about Insider Movements, which are increasingly popular approaches to missions predicated on controversial theological and hermeneutic foundations. Insider Movements have gained particular influence in mission fields and religio-sociological contexts that are particularly hostile to Christianity. Dr. Garner is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary at Pastor of Teaching at Proclamation Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Bryn Mawr, PA. Dr. Garner has written “High Stakes: Insider Movement Hermeneutics and the Gospel,” an excellent essay on the subject. Phil DeHart has worked in the missions field in Asia and is currently a student at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Garner has also coordinated with the producers of the film Half Devil, Half Child, a documentary on Insider Movements, to offer a special discount to Reformed Forum listeners. Just visit halfdevilhalfchild.com to purchase the digital download, and use the code “reform” to receive 25% off the download price of the film. Episode image by terbeck. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Garner, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Phil DeHart
- 314The Confessional Presbyterian Journal, 2012In this episode, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy discuss the 2012 issue of the Confessional Presbyterian Journal. The issue contains two highlights. The first is the articles section which consists of some of the lectures given at the 2012 Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary conference celebrating the 200th anniversary of the founding of Princeton Seminary. The second is a give-and-take dialogue concerning several Westminster Seminary California theological distinctives relative to the Law/Gospel relation, Two Kingdom Theology, and whether or not the Covenant of Works was republished in the Mosaic Administration. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 315Reasons for FaithK. Scott Oliphint, Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, speaks about the relationship of philosophy to theology. Dr. Oliphint has written Reasons for Faith: Philosophy in the Service of Theology, and he takes us through a number of important sections in his book. Related Articles by Dr. Oliphint “Using Reason by Faith,” Westminster Theological Journal, 73 no 1 (Spring 2011): 97-112. “Epistemology and Christian Belief,” Westminster Theological Journal, 63:1 (Fall 2001): 151-182. “Plantinga on Warrant,” Westminster Theological Journal 57, no. 1 (1995): 81-102. “Jerusalem and Athens revisited,” Westminster Theological Journal, 49 no 1 (Spring 1987): 65-90. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, K. Scott Oliphint
- 316B.B. Warfield’s Scientifically Constructive Theological ScholarshipListen as Jeff Waddington reviews B. B. Warfield’s Scientifically Constructive Theological Scholarship by David P. Smith and published by Pickwick. Smith seeks to correct the perception that Warfield relies upon a faulty epistemology. Instead, he strives to demonstrate that Warfield overcomes many of the issues embedded in Western approaches to epistemology. Reformed apologists will certainly want to explore this title. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 317Harmonizing the GospelsDr. Vern Poythress speaks about the important topic of harmonizing the gospels by sharing with us features of his book Inerrancy and the Gospels: A God-Centered Approach to the Challenges of Harmonization. Answering the challenges of critics, Dr. Poythress argues for the uncompromisingly foundational role of Scripture and a proper attitude as we come to approach it. He provides several useful principles for the task of harmonization and walks the reader through a number of examples in order to demonstrate his God-centered approach. Dr. Poythress is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Vern Poythress
- 318Introductions and FoundationsIn this, the premiere episode of Proclaiming Christ, we introduce the panelists for this new Reformed Forum podcast on biblical preaching. We also begin to discuss foundational aspects of preaching. We welcome your feedback! Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta
- 319Christosis: Pauline Soteriology in Light of DeificationIn this episode, we review Christosis: Pauline Soteriology in Light of Deification in Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria by Ben C. Blackwell and published by Mohr Siebeck. Dr. Blackwell is Assistant Professor of Christianity at Houston Baptist University. He also studied at Durham University and was a research assistant for N.T. Wright. This monograph is a revised version of Blackwell’s thesis submitted at Durham. In it, he examines whether theosis and deification, as understood by representatives of the early church, are appropriate means of describing Pauline soteriology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 320Old Princeton and Right ReasonDr. Paul Kjoss Helseth, Professor of Christian Thought at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, joins the panel at Christ the Center to speak about Old Princeton and right reason. Many in the Reformed tradition have criticized Old Princeton theologians such as Charles Hodge and B. B. Warfield for explicating a view of human reason that is not in accord with traditional Reformed doctrines, such as a Reformed understanding of the noetic effects of sin. Dr. Helseth seeks to remedy this common assessment by situating Old Princeton’s treatment of human reason within their doctrine of regeneration. Related Publications by Dr. Helseth Right Reason and the Princeton Mind: An Unorthodox Proposal. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2010. “‘Right Reason’ & the Science of Theology at Old Princeton Seminary,” in The Confessional Presbyterian, Volume 8, 2012. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Jared Oliphint, Paul K. Helseth
- 321Notable Books (February 2013)Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey introduce several recent titles worth mentioning. Stephen R. Holmes, Quest for the Trinity: The Doctrine of God in Scripture, History and Modernity G. R. Evans, Roots of the Reformation: Tradition, Emergence and Rupture, 2nd edition Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson, eds., The Kingdom of God (Theology in Community) Wayne Grudem, Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More Than 100 Disputed Questions Derek Cooper, Christianity & World Religions: An Introduction to the World’s Major Faiths Scott M. Manetsch, Calvin’s Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609 (Oxford Studies in Historical Theology) Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 322The Reorganization of Princeton SeminaryThe reorganization of Princeton Theological Seminary was a key event in the American Presbyterian modernist-fundamentalist controversy of the early 20th century. The seminary was governed by a board of directors, who oversaw the academic aspects of the seminary, and a separate board of trustees who oversaw the remaining aspects of the organization. Seeking to resolve the growing tension between factions within the seminary, the General Assembly moved to reorganize the seminary in a fashion that was understood as shifting the majority of governing power in favor of the modernist agenda. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Darryl G. Hart back to the program to speak about this event and its significance for American Presbyterianism. Dr. Hart’s article on the subject, “The Reorganization of Princeton Theological Seminary and the Exhaustion of American Presbyterianism” is published in The Confessional Presbyterian Journal Vol. 8, 2012. Hart has also authored, co-authored, or edited several books on this era of church history including Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism, Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America, and The Selected Shorter Writings of J. Gresham Machen. Dr. Hart is Visiting Assistant Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Jason Pickard
- 323Kingdoms Apart: Engaging the Two Kingdoms PerspectiveJim Cassidy speaks about Kingdoms Apart: Engaging the Two Kingdoms Perspective, edited by Ryan C. McIlhenny. In this collection of essays, Neo-Calvinist scholars address issues on which they differ with R2K advocates, such as the nature and extent of Christ’s kingdom, the idea of Christian culture, cosmic redemption, the cultural mandate, natural law, and common grace. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 324Regeneration and Redemptive-HistoryIn this episode of Christ the Center, Rev. Dr. Scott R. Wright develops a redemptive-historical understanding of the doctrine of regeneration. Rev. Wright is senior pastor of Redeemer Church (PCA) in Hudson, Ohio. His dissertation, “Regeneration and Redemptive History,” is a thoroughgoing treatment of regeneration in the tradition of Geerhardus Vos. Often, regeneration is treated statically, without reference to biblical eschatology and the categories of historia and ordo salutis. This can lead to serious problems in systematic theology, such as positing essentially different modes of salvation between the testaments. Wright reorients the discussion along biblical categories and brings a fresh approach to the study of this important Reformed doctrine. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Jim Cassidy, Scott R. Wright
- 325Presuppositions for PreachingOn this episode of Proclaiming Christ we talk about presuppositions that underlie the sermon preparation process. In particular, we deal with presuppositions which govern the proper reading and interpretation of Scripture while preparing to preach. We welcome your feedback! Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta
- 326Johannes OecolampadiusDr. Diane Poythress joins us to speak about the important reformer of Basel, Johannes Oecolampadius. Though Oecolampadius’ influence was extraordinary, many English-speaking historians and theologians are not familiar with his life and work. Dr. Poythress introduces us to Oecolampadius and his great significance for the present day. Dr. Poythress’ dissertation, “Johannes Oecolampadius’ Exposition of Isaiah, Chapters 36-37,” is one of the only lengthy treatments of Oecolampadius in English. She has also written an excellent book on him titled, Reformer of Basel: The Life, Thought, and Influence of Johannes Oecolampadius, published by Reformation Heritage Books. Participants: Camden Bucey, Diane Poythress, Jason Pickard
- 327Preparing to PreachIn this week’s episode we discuss sermon preparation. As the panel considers the kind of work that must go on before a preacher is ready to preach, we discuss things like: the importance of prayer; the reading, re-reading and meditation on Scripture, the importance of the original languages. We also briefly discuss whether all preaching should be consecutive expository (lectio continua) or whether there is a place for timely, topical-textual sermons. Please join us by listening along and we invite you to share your thoughts, questions, and comments. Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta
- 328Calvin’s Company of PastorsChrist the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Scott Manetsch to the program to speak about Reformed pastoral ministry and his book Calvin’s Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609, which is published by Oxford University Press. Dr. Manetsch is Professor of Church History at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his scholarly expertise is in the area of late medieval and Reformation history, with particular interest in Calvin and French Protestantism, Theodore Beza, sixteenth-century Geneva, church discipline, and pastoral ministry in the Reformation era. Listen to this fascinating discussion of pastoral life in late 16th and early 17th century Geneva. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Jim Cassidy, Scott Manetsch
- 329Sermon DeliveryIn this episode of Proclaiming Christ the panel considers sermon delivery. We discuss things like: whether to use a manuscript or not, sermon application, resources, and things not to do while preaching. Please join us by listening along. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, and comments. Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta
- 330Family-Integrated ChurchesOn this episode, we welcome Dr. Sam Waldron to speak about the family-integrated church movement, which seeks to recover a biblical understanding of the family, especially in its relationship to the local church. You can read more about the movement from The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches. Dr. Waldron explains several features of the movement, critically examining several strengths and shortcomings in light of Scripture. He has written on the subject before. Dr. Waldron is Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology at the Midwest Center for Theological Studies. He is also one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Waldron is the author of numerous books including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued?, and MacArthur’s Millennial Manifesto: A Friendly Response. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Sam Waldron
- 331Regeneration in John 3On the heels of our previous discussion with Rev. Dr. Scott Wright, the panel discusses the doctrine of regeneration by looking to Jesus’ teaching in John 3. Adam York, Deryck Barson, and Camden Bucey look at features of regeneration pertaining to both the accomplishment and the application of redemption. Through the lenses of God’s typological son, the nation of Israel, and the eschatological son, Jesus Christ, the panel situates God’s regenerating work within his overall plan of salvation. Participants: Adam York, Camden Bucey, Deryck Barson
- 332Introducing GenesisIn today’s episode, the Proclaiming Christ panel considers an introduction to the book of Genesis. Among the topics discussed are: the absolute, supernatural work of God in Creation, the way in which creation looks forward toward ultimate, eschatological glory of God, and the way in which the Genesis account challenges various forms of unbelief. We also consider resources for the study of Genesis. We welcome you to listen along as we discuss matters foundational to the study and preaching of this wonderful book. Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta
- 333A Review of Schaeffer on the Christian Life by William EdgarCamden Bucey and Jim Cassidy speak about William Edgar’s book Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality published by Crossway. William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, draws from his extensive personal experience with Francis Schaeffer to offer a portrait of the theoretical and practical sides of Schaeffer’s approach to the Christian life. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 334Francis Schaeffer’s Christian SpiritualityWe welcome William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, to the program to reflect upon Francis Schaeffer’s life and thought. Dr. Edgar focuses on Schaeffer’s Christian spirituality in Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality, a unique and welcome addition to the literature on Schaeffer. Having spent time with Schaeffer at L’Abri in Switzerland and having been deeply influenced by Schaeffer’s ministry, Dr. Edgar’s book brings a warm tone to a rich and insightful treatment of the Christian life. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jim Cassidy, William Edgar
- 335Genesis 1:1-2 – The Doctrine of God in CreationIn this episode we discuss the first two verses of Genesis 1. The episode focuses on the centrality of God in creation. We begin by discussing some interpretive assumptions involved in reading this passage. We also consider: the distinctiveness of the God of the Bible over against the pagan myths, God’s sovereignty and freedom in creation, creation ex nihilo, the creation of the invisible heavens and the visible earth, the initial formlessness of creation, and the work of God’s Spirit, and many other things. Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta
- 336A Review of Bound Together by Chris BraunsCamden Bucey and Jim Cassidy review Chris Brauns’ book Bound Together: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices published by Zondervan. This book is a welcome and accessible introduction to the biblical conception of corporate solidarity. Brauns introduces the “principle of the rope” to explain how humans are connected with one another, a fundamental concept at the heart of both the doctrine of sin and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
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