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- 1081The Sexual Revolution and the Rise of the Modern SelfDr. Carl R. Trueman joins us to speak about his significant new book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution (Crossway), in which he addresses the factors undergirding modern culture’s obsession with identity. Sexual identity in particular has dominated public discourse since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision in 2015. Tracing influential thought from Augustine to Marx and beyond, Trueman explains the historical and intellectual phenomenon of the modern conception selfhood. Trueman writes, My aim is to explain how and why a certain notion of the self has come to dominate the culture of the West, why this self finds its most obvious manifestation in the transformation of sexual mores, and what the wider implications of this transformation are and may well be in the future. Dr. Trueman is professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College. He is an esteemed church historian and previously served as the William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and Public Life at Princeton University. Trueman has authored or edited more than a dozen books, including The Creedal Imperative, Luther on the Christian Life, and Histories and Fallacies. Trueman is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman
- 1082The Fruit of the Spirit: FaithfulnessOn this week’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob pick up their discussion of the fruit of the Spirit in light of the troubling and confusing days we currently live within. What is faithfulness? God’s faithfulness? How are we to be faithful? Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1083Van Til Group #2 — The Doctrine of GodLane Tipton, Carlton Wynne, and Camden Bucey discuss pages 25–29 of Cornelius Van Til’s book, The Defense of the Faith. In this section, Van Til details the doctrine of God that structures his apologetic thought. A Reformed apologetic seeks first to understand the nature of the God it seeks to set forth and defend. In Van Til’s estimate, we must ask “what kind” of a God we believe in before we can proceed in any meaningful way to set for the arguments for the existence and revelation of this God. Links Lane Tipton lectures from Mid-America Reformed Seminary: “Van Til’s Trinitarian Theology: Reformed or Revisionist?“ Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton
- 1084Constitution and Covenant in 1 Corinthians 1–4Dr. Bradley J. Bitner, associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Seminary California, speaks about constitution and covenant in ancient Corinth and how these inform Paul’s argument to the Corinthians. Dr. Bitner has written a thorough study of the subject titled, Paul’s Political Strategy in 1 Corinthians 1–4: Constitution and Covenant (Cambridge University Press). In 1 Corinthians 1:1–4:6, we witness a collision of constitutions. This clash is the result of Paul contending for a specifically ecclesial politeia with reference to the larger colonial politeia. Birthed from Caesar’s unsystematic and privately composed memoranda, the lex coloniae provides an indispensable frame of reference for understanding life in early Roman Corinth, the colony named in his honor. For this reason, it is also crucial for the interpretation of the Pauline epistle known as 1 Corinthians. Dr. Bitner served as a pastor for three years before pursuing doctoral studies. He completed his Ph.D. in New Testament and Early Christianity in 2013 at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. He has two other book projects in progress on the biblical theology of Geerhardus Vos and Paul’s paradigm for building up the church in 1 Corinthians. Participants: Adam York, Bradley Bitner, Camden Bucey
- 1085Vos Group Excursus: The Wonderful TreeIn this episode of Vos Group, we turn to Vos’s sermon, “The Wonderful Tree,” in the collection of his sermons, Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached at Princeton Seminary. Preaching on Hosea 14:8, Vos describes the nature of religion as consisting of what God is for man and of what man is for God. Hosea features what God is for man in the metaphor of an evergreen cypress, offering life-giving sustenance and shade in all seasons. This sermon is the longest of Vos’s that we possess, and it demonstrates several surprising features, which Danny Olinger, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey discuss. Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton
- 1086The Fruit of the Spirit: GentlenessOn this week’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob pick up their discussion of the fruit of the Spirit in light of the troubling and confusing days we currently live within. Jesus describes himself in Matthew 11 as being gentle and lowly in heart. What is this gentleness? How might be live in this world like Jesus with a gentle heart? Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1087Covenant Theology in HebrewsDr. Robert Cara, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Reformed Theological Seminary and Hugh and Sallie Reaves Professor of New Testament at RTS Charlotte, discusses the covenant theology evident in the letter to the Hebrews. God has one plan and purpose for his people throughout history, and he mediates this relationship through successive covenants, ultimately finding eschatological fulfillment in the New Covenant instituted by Jesus Christ. Dr. Cara’s chapter, “Covenant in Hebrews” is available in Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives (Crossway), edited by Guy Prentiss Waters, J. Nicholas Reid, and John R. Muether. Participants: Camden Bucey, Robert Cara
- 1088The Use of Irony in Redemptive-HistoryDr. G. K. Beale speaks about the use of irony in redemptive-history, which is the subject of his book Redemptive Reversals and the Ironic Overturning of Human Wisdom (Crossway). The Bible is full of ironic situations in which God overturns the world’s wisdom by doing the opposite of what is expected―people are punished by their own sin, the persecution of the church is the catalyst for its growth, Paul claims to have strength through weakness, and more. In this book, Beale explores God’s pattern of divine irony in both judgment and salvation, finding its greatest expression in Jesus’s triumph over death through death on a cross. Unpacking this pattern throughout redemptive history, Beale shows us how God often uses what is seemingly weak and foolish to underscore his own strength and power in the lives of his people today. Dr. Beale holds the J. Gresham Machen chair of New Testament and is research professor of New Testament and biblical interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary. Links G. K. Beale, “The Book of Revelation and COVID-19” in New Horizons Volume 41, No. 9 (September 2020)G. K. Beale, Colossians and Philemon (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd, The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament (IVP Academic)G. K. Beale on Christ the Center, episode 54 — The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism Participants: Camden Bucey, Greg Beale
- 1089The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-ControlOn this week’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob bring to a close their discussion of the fruit of the Spirit in light of the troubling and confusing days we currently live within. On the heels of Paul’s words about the fruit of the Spirit, Paul writes to the Galatians, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Rob and Bob discuss self-control and the temptation of becoming conceited, provoking one another, and becoming envious of one another in this context. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1090Herman Bavinck’s Use of Friedrich SchleiermacherCory Brock describes how Herman Bavinck interacted with and appropriated the theology of Friedrich Schleiermacher throughout his academic career. There is a significant shift toward a more pronounced and direct use of Schleiermacher later in his life. But any appropriation of Schleiermacher by Bavinck may surprise people. Schleiermacher (1768–1834) is recognized as the father of modern liberal theology. It would appear that any incorporation of Schleiermacher’s theology or philosophy would compromise Bavinck’s Calvinist orthodoxy. Indeed, this manner of reading Bavinck gave rise to a so-called “two Bavincks hypothesis.” Brock builds a case for the relation of these two aspects in Bavinck in his book, Orthodox yet Modern: Herman Bavinck’s Use of Friedrich Schleiermacher (Lexham Press). Cory Brock serves as pastor of college and career at First Presbyterian Church (PCA), Jackson, Mississippi. Participants: Camden Bucey, Cory Brock, Jim Cassidy
- 1091A Very Socially Distanced Christmas!For the 5th Annual Christmas Special of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob wish you a very sanitized and socially distanced Christmas 2020. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1092Special Request for PrayerOn this special episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob ask that you pray for Dr. Benjamin L. Gladd, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, as well as his family. We also briefly discuss how the fruit of the Spirit helps in our times of personal disaster. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1093James Ussher and the Covenant of WorksHarrison Perkins discusses the theology and historical context of James Ussher with particular attention to the development of the confessional understanding of the covenant of works. Ussher was the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland between 1625 and 1656. He was a prolific scholar and significant church leader. Perkins is the author of Catholicity and the Covenant of Works: James Ussher and the Reformed Tradition (Oxford University Press). In this book, he demonstrates how Ussher used the covenant of works to inform many of the most important features of his theology. While the covenant of works is most closely identified with the Reformed tradition, Perkins makes the case that when the interconnectedness of the various doctrines is explained, there is a deep catholicity undergirding it. Ussher constructed his understanding of the covenant from traditional teachings that he appropriated from the ancient and medieval church. Perkins is pastor of London City Presbyterian Church in London and lecturer at Edinburgh Seminary in Edinburgh, Scotland. Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Harrison Perkins
- 1094The Pilgrim’s Progress: The Journey ContinuesAs we look forward to walking through Part 2 of John Bunyan’s, The Pilgrim’s Progress, we repost our first episode on Part 1. Enjoy! This week on Theology Simply Profound, with some brief introductory remarks about reading fiction and allegory using J.R.R. Tolkien, Rob and Bob set out on a little journey of their own following Christian as he makes his way out of the City of Destruction toward the Wicket Gate with the help of Evangelist in this first stage of our new discussion of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. (first aired on November 6, 2018) Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1095Genesis 26:23–25 — God Alone Gives PeaceIn Genesis 26, God confirms the covenant promise to Isaac—the heart of which is “I will be with you.” In this episode, we see how God not only keeps this promise to Isaac in the midst of conflict, but also how he continues to keep this promise to believers today, as we too journey through a hostile land, seeking peace through the gospel as we look to the land of promise where God will dwell with us perfectly. Participants: Glen Clary, Mark A. Winder
- 1096The Nativity Hymns in the Gospel of LukeOne of the highlights of the Christmas season is singing the Christmas hymns. Singing songs about the nativity of Jesus is one of the oldest traditions in the Christian church, and dates to the beginning of the New Testament church—even to the birth of Christ himself. Luke includes four such songs: Mary’s (1:46–55), Zechariah’s (1:68–79), Simeon’s (2:29–32), and the Angels’ (2:14). In this episode, Glen Clary seeks to explain the redemptive-historical significance of the songs with reference to the temple cultus. These nativity canticles register a transition in the temple cultus from shadow to reality (type to antitype) in that they proclaim the arrival of the high priest of the heaven, who will bring the earthly temple cultus to its consummate fulfillment. They serve as a liturgical bridge between the old covenant and the new covenant and set the stage for the message of Luke, introducing significant theological themes developed in Luke-Acts. Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary
- 1097The Pilgrim’s Progress: The Interpreter’s HouseAs we look forward to walking through Part 2 of John Bunyan’s, The Pilgrim’s Progress, we repost our second episode from Part 1. Enjoy! This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their journey through John Bunyan’s, The Pilgrim’s Progress. From the Wicket Gate, Christian encounters Good Will and Interpreter whose house has many rooms. Interpreter leads Christian from one room to another explaining what Christian sees along the way in this second stage of our discussion of this classic book. (first aired on November 13, 2018) Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1098Highlights from 2020Since Christ the Center began nearly thirteen years ago, we have taken time to look back on the highlights of the year. Continuing the update to our tradition from last year, here this year’s top ten clips from Christ the Center as determined by YouTube views. Ep. 633 – What Is Christendom? with David VanDrunenEp. 655 – 1689 Federalism and Reformed Covenant Theology with Jeremy BoothbyEp. 638 – John Frame and Two Divine Existences with James DolezalEp. 659 – Why Study Karl Barth? with Jim CassidyEp. 633 – The Noahic Covenant with David VanDrunenEp. 630 – The Importance of Discourse Analysis with Matthew PattonEp. 641 – The Ancient Understanding of Baptism as Washing and Regeneration with Glen ClaryEp. 629 – Abridged Bavinck with Carlton Wynne and Charles WilliamsEp. 666 – John Nelson Darby and Dispensationalism with Michael GlodoEp. 631 – What Is Public Theology? with Jordan Ballor Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Charles Williams, David VanDrunen, Glen Clary, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jeremy Boothby, Jim Cassidy, Jordan Ballor, Matthew Patton, Michael Glodo
- 1099Memorials and ResolutionsAs we begin 2021 with our first episode, Rob and Bob reflect upon memorials, resolutions, and remembering in the Christian life. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1100The Spirituality of the ChurchC. N. Willborn speaks about the spirituality of the church, the doctrine which affirms that the Church is a spiritual institution with spiritual aims. It is not administered according to the kingdom of this world. This has a direct bearing upon the work of the church, which is explicitly described and defined by Christ himself in the Great Commission of Matthew 28. Rev. Dr. Willborn is pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is the author of many works on history and theology, including the focus of this conversation, “The Soul of the Church: The Church’s Spiritual Mission” in The Confessional Presbyterian, volume 16 (2020): 201–209. Links The Confessional Presbyterian JournalChrist the Center, episode 538: “The Spirituality of the Church in the Ecclesiology of Charles Hodge” with Alan Strange. Further Reading Cunningham, William. Discussions on Church Principles. Reprint, Edmonton, AB Canada: Still Waters Revival Books, 1991: 196–210.Farmer, James O. Jr. The Metaphysical Confederacy: James Henley Thornwell and the Synthesis of Southern Values. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1986.Graham, Preston A. Jr. A Kingdom Not of this World. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 2002.Peck, Thomas. Notes on Ecclesiology. Reprint, Taylors, SC: Presbyterian Press, 2005.Robinson, Stuart. The Church of God. Reprint, Willow Volume 16 (2020) Grove, PA: The Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 2009.Strange, Alan D. The Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church in the Ecclesiology of Charles Hodge Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing Company, 2017.Thornwell, James H. The Collected Writings of James H. Thornwell, 4 vols. Reprint, Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1974. See especially volume 4.Webb, Robert A. “The Modern Mind and Christian Service,” in Elements of Truth, vol. 2. Jackson, MS: Tucker Printing House, 1915. “The Modern Mind” was a series of addresses delivered at Belhaven College for the Synod’s [Mississippi] Training School between June 22–July 2, 1915 and published by the Committee of Synod.Willborn, C. N. “The Gospel Work of the Diaconate: ‘A Ministry Proportioned in Number,’” in The Confessional Presbyterian, vol. 11 (2014): 13–23. Participants: C. N. Willborn, Camden Bucey
- 1101Vos Group #67: The Holiness of God in the ProphetsWe turn to pages 245–250 of Geerhardus Vos’s book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss the prophet’s view of God’s holiness. Vos contrasts the concept of holiness found in pagan religions with that of the biblical prophets. The concept of holiness in Scripture is God-centered. It begins with the Lord, his transcendence, and then radiates outward to creation as he is revealed. This is how we must consider holiness when it is applied to creation—whether to man made in his image, to places, or to consecrated objects used in worship. The liberal theologians Vos often addresses have no issue acknowledging the “holiness” of man understood as moral goodness. But for Vos, ethical goodness requires the comparison and relation to a holy God. In this sense, it is not possible to de-spiritualize Scripture and retain the Bible’s concept of holiness. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
- 1102Christ is King!This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss what it means for Christians to have Jesus as our king, especially in the midst of the difficult and dark days of our lives. We all have those days when we forget that God is good. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 11031 Corinthians 2:6–16 — Spiritual WisdomIn this passage, the Apostle Paul highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as the revealer and illuminator of the wisdom of God, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. That divine wisdom was eternally decreed by God before the foundation of the world and is now revealed by the Spirit through the preaching of the gospel.
- 1104David Dickson’s Sermons on LamentationsMatthew Vogan speaks about David Dickson’s Sermons on Jeremiah’s Lamentations (Naphtali Press Special Editions & Reformation Heritage Books). Mr. Vogan is General Manager of Reformation Scotland, a charitable trust whose aim is to promote the restoration of the Christian Church in Scotland by informing, educating and promoting understanding of our Reformed heritage through film, print and other media. If you are interested in connecting extracts from David Dickson’s writings with contemporary concerns, visit the David Dickson blog, which Reformation Scotland have constructed. Naphtali Press Special Editions Please considering sponsoring Naphtali Press Special Editions. Sponsorships are as low as $16.59 per month for 12 installments. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Matthew Vogan
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