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Reformed Forum supports the church in presenting every person mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28) by providing Reformed theological resources to pastors, scholars, and anyone who desires to grow in their understanding of Scripture and the

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  1. 97Presuppositional Apologetics and Southern Seminary (1859-2009)Jeff and Camden discuss new books including The Betrayal by Douglas Bond, the 1541 French edition of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Greg Bahnsen’s Presuppositional Apologetics: Stated and Defended, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1859-2009) by Gregory A. Wills and several others. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington32 min
  2. 98The New Shape of World ChristianityMark A. Noll discusses his latest book The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith. Dr. Noll is Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. In addition to Dr. Noll, Christ the Center was pleased to welcome back Darryl G. Hart. Hart has written several books including A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State and Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham. The main point of the book is that American Christianity is important for the world primarily because the world is coming more and more to look like America. Noll argues that the key to understanding the new shape of global Christianity lies in understanding the shifts and changes Christianity underwent when it moved from Europe to America. Noll focuses on three main factors: What happened in the US in the late 18th c. The voluntary element of the great mission work The type of faith that resulted. Bibliography Berry, Wendell. What are People For?: Essays. San Francisco: North Point Press, 1990. Hart, D. G. Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2004. ———. A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State. Ivan R. Dee, Publisher, 2006. Hart, D. G., and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. P & R Publishing, 2007. Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. Rev Exp. Oxford University Press, USA, 2007. Kalu, Ogbu. African Pentecostalism: An Introduction. Oxford University Press, USA, 2008. Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1992. ———. America’s God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln. New Ed. Oxford University Press, USA, 2005. ———. God and Race in American Politics: A Short History. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2008. ———. The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009. ———. The Old Religion in a New World: The History of North American Christianity. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001. Protestantism and Politics in Korea. Univ of Washington Pr, 2009. Sanneh, Lamin O. Disciples of All Nations: Pillars of World Christianity. 1st ed. Oxford University Press, USA, 2007. ———. Whose Religion Is Christianity?: The Gospel beyond the West. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Mark A. Noll53 min
  3. 99Loving the ChurchChrist the Center had the pleasure of interviewing Ted Kluck, author and athlete, about his recent publication, Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion, co-authored with Kevin DeYoung and published by Moody Press. We discussed the recent wave of books, blogs, articles, and interviews calling for the rejection of the institutional church in favor of an individualistic Christianity. Ted explained that while we may experience frustration with our churches from time to time, that rejecting them is no option for the Biblical Christian. The panel also conversed about the relationship of this trend to the emerging church phenomenon, a topic Ted and Kevin DeYoung touched upon in their previous book Why We Are Not Emergent. God created the church and it cannot be so easily dispensed with. Bibliography Carson, D. A. Becoming Conversant with the Emergent Church: Understanding a Movement and its Implications. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2005. DeYoung, Kevin and Ted Kluck. Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion. Chicago IL: Moody Publishers, 2009. ———. Why We’re Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Be. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2008. Kluck, Ted. Facing Tyson: Fifteen Fighters, Fifteen Stories. Guilford Conn.: The Lyons Press, 2006. ———. Headlocks and Dropkicks: A Butt-kicking Ride Through the World of Professional Wrestling. Santa Barbara Calif.: Praeger Publishers, 2009. ———. Paper Tiger: One Athlete’s Journey to the Underbelly of Pro Football. Guilford CT: Lyons Press, 2007. Viola, Frank and George Barna. Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of our Church Practices. [Ill.].: Barna Books, 2008. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Ted Kluck47 min
  4. 100The Masculine MandateRichard D. Phillips visits Christ the Center to discuss his new book The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling to Men. The book is a reaction to recent cultural trends as well as John Eldredge’s mega-hit Wild at Heart. Much more than a simple reaction, Rev. Phillips promotes a positive, biblical approach to masculinity by touching on biblical anthropology and God’s specific call that men should “work” and “keep.” Rick is Senior Minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC and the author of several books including Jesus the Evangelist, What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace?, and the Hebrews and Zechariah Reformed Expository commentaries. Links Rick Phillips on Christ the Center episode 30: Cultural Relevance, Mercy Ministry and the Social Gospel Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Bibliography Eldredge, John. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Passionate Soul of a Man. Nashville Tenn.: T. Nelson, 2001. Phillips, Richard D. Hebrews. Reformed expository commentary. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2006. ———. Jesus the Evangelist: Learning to Share the Gospel From the Book of John. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2007. ———. The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling to Men. Lake Mary Fla.: Reformation Trust Pub., 2009. ———. What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace? Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2008. ———. Saved by Grace: The Glory of Salvation in Ephesians 2. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009. ———. Zechariah. P & R Publishing, 2007. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Rick Phillips57 min
  5. 101New Testament TheologyChrist the Center was pleased to welcome Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner to discuss New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ. Dr. Schreiner’s book has been warmly welcomed by many respected scholars in the reformed community and listeners will understand why when they hear Dr. Schreiner detail his project. Bibliography Ridderbos, Herman. The Coming of the Kingdom. Edinburgh: Christian World Publications, 1979. Schreiner, Thomas R. New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ. Baker Academic, 2008. Vos, Geerhardus. Biblical Theology. New Ed. Banner of Truth, 1975. ———. Pauline Eschatology. P & R Publishing, 1979. ———. The Eschatology of the Old Testament. P & R Publishing, 2001. ———. The Kingdom of God and the Church. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co, 1972. Vos, Geerhardus, and Richard B., Jr. Gaffin. Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation: The Shorter Writings of Geerhardus Vos. P & R Publishing, 2001. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF Participants: Camden Bucey, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Tom Schreiner54 min
  6. 102Reformed Media Review #14Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey play clips of Keith Olberman, R.C. Sproul and The Onion. The clips provide fodder for a discussion that touches on Christianity and politics, presuppositional apologetics, and Jonathan Edwards and conversion. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington45 min
  7. 103The Doctrine of AssuranceBurk Parsons visits Christ the Center to discuss two books he has edited. A majority of the discussion centers on Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace, a wonderful collection of contributions on the reformed doctrine of assurance. Burk explains the importance of the doctrine for the Christian life. The second book is John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology, another great book about the great reformer. This book stands out from the multitude of recent Calvin titles in that it was written for the layperson. Listen to Burk speak about these two books. Links TableTalk Magazine Upcoming Ligonier conferences Bibliography Beeke, Joel. The Quest for Full Assurance: The Legacy of Calvin and His Successors. Edinburgh; Carlisle Pa.: Banner of Truth, 1999. Parsons, Burk, ed. Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2006. —. John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust, 2008. Ryle, J. C. Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots. Cambridge Eng.: J. Clarke, 1956. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF photo by Scott Ingram Photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/scingram/ / CC BY-NC 2.0 Participants: Burk Parsons, Camden Bucey, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig59 min
  8. 104Reformed Media Review #15Nick Batzig, Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey discuss the usual book news. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig29 min
  9. 105Restoration Prophecy in Ezra-NehemiahThe Christ the Center corporal’s guard spoke with Matthew Patton, PhD student in biblical studies at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, IL about his paper “Searching for a Truly Repentant Israel: Ezra-Nehemiah and Restoration Prophecy.” A very fascinating discussion was had about such things as the already/not yet eschatology of Ezra-Nehemiah and how even though Israel was back in the land, they had not returned from exile. The significance of typology was also addressed. One of the strengths of Matt’s research is that he shows the intertexuality of the various parts of the Bible. This paper particularly highlights Nehemiah’s prayer and his citations and allusions to Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and 1st Kings. This discussion augers well for future in-depth biblical theological and exegetical conversations. order Nehemiah and the Wall by Justin Gerard from 12 Stone Art Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Matthew Patton1 hr 9 min
  10. 106William Perkins and the Development of Puritan PreachingDr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. visits Christ the Center to speak about William Perkins’ role in the development of Puritan preaching. Pipa argues that Perkins’ overall influence and his book The Arte of Prophecying were significant factors in shifting the dominant Puritan model for preaching. Bibliography Perkins, William. The Art of Prophecying, or, A treatise concerning the sacred and only true manner and method of preaching. London: Printed by Iohn Legatt, 1631. Pipa, Jr. Joseph A. Root and Branch. Evangelical Press, 1997. ———. The Covenant. Southern Presbyterian Press, 2005. ———. The Lord’s Day. Christian Focus, 1996. ———.Westminster Confession Of Faith Study Book: A Study Guide for Churches. Christian Focus, 2005. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF Participants: Camden Bucey, Joseph A. Pipa, Jr., Nick Batzig58 min
  11. 107Paul’s Two-Age Construction and ApologeticsBill Dennison returns to Christ the Center to bring the fire about the eschatological structure of Paul’s thought and its relation to apologetics. Dr. Dennison has written a wonderful book title Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics which was originally his ThM thesis at Westminster Theological Seminary. This is a fantastic discussion regarding the interconnectedness of the theological encyclopedia. Dr. Dennison is Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA as well as Visiting Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Northwest Theological Seminary. In addition to the book which is the topic of discussion today, Bill has authored The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God, 1884-1925 and A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies: In Search of a Method and Starting Point. Links Northwest Theological Seminary Christ the Center 53 – The Young Bultmann with Bill Dennison Bibliography Dennison, William D. Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2000. —. A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies: in Search of a Method and Starting Point. Eugene Or.: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2007. —. The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God,1884-1925. American university studies. New York: P. Lang, 2008. Oliphint, K. Scott, and Lane G. Tipton. Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics. 1st ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007. Tipton, Lane G., and Jeffrey C. Waddington. Resurrection and Eschatology: Theology in Service of the Church : Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig54 min
  12. 108Church MembershipThe Christ the Center panel met with Dr. Guy Waters, associate professor of NT at RTS/Jackson, about the importance of membership in a local congregation. The biblical basis for church membership was explored along with its connection to mutual support, discipline and observance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Also discussed was the significance of the non-communicant/communicant member distinction. It was noted that aversion to local church membership among Christians is a relatively recent phenomenon and so this proved to be a very practical conversation. photo is by claudio_ar [CC BY-NC-SA 2.0] Links Guy Waters on N. T. Wright’s Doctrine of Justification, Part 1 and Part 2 Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters, Jeff Waddington, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig51 min
  13. 109Luther and MediaGiven that Reformation Day is near, we thought it would be time to focus our attention on the monk with the mallet. Carl Trueman, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary speaks about Martin Luther and media. Luther’s is an interesting study in the effects of media on the church. Trueman discusses Luther’s context and draws parallels to the contemporary church. All the way from the printing press to Twitter, join us for a fascinating discussion on a timely subject. Books by Carl Trueman Luther’s Legacy: Salvation and English Reformers, 1525–1556 Minority Report: Unpopular Thoughts on Everything from Ancient Christianity to Zen Calvinism The Claims of Truth: John Owen’s Trinitarian Theology John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man Wages of Spin: Critical Writings on Historic and Contemporary Evangelicalism Links Dr. Trueman’s articles and posts at Reformation21. Themelios Carl Trueman fan page on Facebook (this is just plain humorous) Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Nick Batzig58 min
  14. 110Doolan and Stein on God’s SimplicityJames Dolezal discusses books by Gregory Doolan and Edith Stein on God’s simplicity. Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Nick Batzig28 min
  15. 111Sacrifices and Festivals in the Old TestamentThe old Christ the Center crew met with Dr. Ben Shaw, associate professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in one of those Carolinas, to converse about the Christological basis of the Old Testament sacrifices and festivals. It was a fascinating and enriching discussion about biblical hermeneutics and biblical theology, typology and eschatology, and the forward looking nature of Old Testament religion. Old Testament saints while saved in the same way as New Testament saints, lived with a sense of incompleteness and longing that would only be fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig1 hr 2 min
  16. 112Credo-Baptism During the ReformationWhen approaching the question of credo-baptism during the Reformation, James Dolezal argues for viewing three distinct categories: Anabaptists, general baptists, and particular baptists. The theological differences between these groups are as great as the differences among all forms of paedo-baptism. As such, it is important to trace these three groups separately throughout the Reformation. This informative discussion chronicles this history and concludes with a friendly debate on the issue of credo-baptism from a covenantal position. For credo- and paedo-baptists alike, this discussion will be both engaging and insightful. Bibliography Belyea, G. “Origins of the Particular Baptists.” Themelios. 32, no. 3 (2007): 40-67. Klaassen, Walter. Anabaptism in Outline: Selected Primary Sources. Kitchener Ont. Scottdale Pa.: Herald Press, 1981. Renihan, James. True Confessions: Baptist Documents in the Reformed Family. Owensboro Ky.: RBAP, 2004. White, B. The English Baptists of the Seventeenth Century. London: Baptist Historical Society, 1983. Other Formats Zotero RDF Dublin Core RDF Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Nick Batzig1 hr 22 min
  17. 113Christian EssentialismK. Scott Oliphint returns to Christ the Center to discuss God’s attributes. Understanding God as He is related to creation is no doubt a complicated task. Traditionally, theologians have spoken of God’s attributes using the communicable/incommunicable distinction. While this remains a helpful distinction, Oliphint presents another distinction more closely tied to covenantal theology. Dr. Oliphint is Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Westmister Theological Seminary and is the author of Reasons for Faith: Philosophy in the Service of Theology. Participants: Camden Bucey, K. Scott Oliphint, Nick Batzig48 min
  18. 114A God-Centered Approach to LanguageDr. Vern Sheridan Poythress returns to Christ the Center to discuss his latest book In the Beginning was the Word: Language: A God-Centered Approach to Language published by Crossway. The panel discusses Dr. Poythress’s multi-perspectival approach to Biblical studies and theology and specifically the trinitarian basis for language and the meaning of language. Contrary to evolutionary theory, language is not merely a humanly constructed reality but is a gift from God. The panel also considers the unique problems about how modernism and postmodernism view language Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Vern Poythress1 hr 1 min
  19. 115BioethicsThe Christ the Center panel had the privilege of conversing with Dr. David VanDrunen, the Robert B. Strimple professor of systematic theology and ethics at Westminster Seminary in California, about his new book published by Crossway entitled Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions. The panel talked about the rise in the importance of bioethics with the advances in contemporary medical technology and procedures. Dr. VanDrunen stressed the necessity of Scripture and godly wisdom (as seen, for instance, in Proverbs) in dealing with these matters. The challenges of “beginning of life” (abortion, in-vitro fertilization) and “end of life” (euthanasia, physician assisted suicide) issues were discussed at length. Especially helpful was the brief discussion about the difference between actively seeking to end someone’s life and withholding heroic measures, with particular attention paid to the question of withholding nutrition. This is a thoughtful and very practical episode. Links Bioethics: New Questions to New Technologies by David VanDrunen Office Hours, a podcast of Westminster Seminary California episode graphic from Frabuleuse Participants: Camden Bucey, David VanDrunen, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig51 min
  20. 116The 100th EpisodeWhile celebrating the 100th episode, Jeff, Jim, Camden and friends engage in an open forum. The conversation begins with a discussion of Westminster Theological Seminary and admissions, then quickly charts a course to “punchy” territory. Listen to the participants debate the issues of what it means to be “Reformed” and the eschatology of credo-baptism. Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Jonathan Brack107:50
  21. 117Counterfeit GodsChrist the Center recently interviewed Rev. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer PCA in Manhattan, about his most recent book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters. The panel discussed the nature of sin as idolatry and how such things as money, sex, and power, vie for God’s rightful place in the human heart. Pastor Keller provided powerful insights into the nature of idolatry and how the human heart really is deceitful. This was a very fruitful discussion. Participants: Jeff Waddington, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Tim Keller52 min
  22. 118Collision: Christopher Hitchens vs. Douglas WilsonCamden, Jared and Jonathan critically review the DVD Collision: Is Christianity Good for the World?, a documentary of the debates between Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack41 min
  23. 119GalatiansChrist the Center was pleased to speak with David B. McWilliams about his commentary on Galatians. Pastor McWilliams has been the Senior Pastor at Covenant for most of the last 20 years. David’s passions are Christ centered preaching, applying theology to the life of the church, and shepherding people. Join us for a great discussion on Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Links Covenant Presbyterian Lakeland Participants: Camden Bucey, David McWilliams, Glen Clary, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig54 min
  24. 120Books on ApologeticsCamden, Jonathan and Jared chat about books on apologetics. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack42 min
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