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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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theology that faithfully summarizes its teachings.
Older episodes
- 121Highlights from 2009Continuing the Christ the Center New Year tradition, Jeff and Camden play highlight clips from 2009. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 122New Books and Thoughts on Brit HumeJeff Waddington and Camden Bucey discuss several new and forthcoming books and interact with Brit Hume’s recent comments. Recently on FoxNews, Hume offered Tiger Woods advice in the form of the redemption and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 123Listener Co-HostsAs we continue our celebration of the new year, we speak with listeners on our first listener co-host show. Participants: Camden Bucey, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig
- 124AvatarThe Reformed Media Review crew discusses Avatar, the much anticipated movie from James Cameron. Not only a visually stunning and action-packed film, Avatar makes several important statements and invokes many interesting themes that we engage from a reformed perspective. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
- 125Pastoral Ministry: Learning or Doing?Is pastoral ministry about the pastor studying and learning in order to better teach his congregation or is the ministry primarily about doing, that is, caring for the sheep in very practical, tangible ways? Christ the Center tackles what we see as a false dichotomy as the panel talks about how the pastor’s study affects the practical aspects of ministry. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy
- 126Expelled: No Intelligence AllowedJoin us today for a discussion of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, a documentary on the acceptance (or lack thereof) of intelligent design in academia. Links Science and Faith: Friends or Foes? – a conference at Westminster Theological Seminary in Glenside, PA, March 12-13, 2010 Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
- 127Meet the PuritansChrist the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Joel Beeke to discuss Meet the Puritans, which he wrote with Randall J. Pederson. This volume is a wonderful collection of short biographies as well as a guide to modern reprints of many Puritan theologians. Dr. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and brings a wealth of knowledge to this episode. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Joel Beeke, Nick Batzig
- 128Curse Your BranchesThe panel takes a critical look at David Bazan’s album Curse Your Branches. Bazan is perhaps most noted for founding the indie band Pedro the Lion, a group that gained considerable attention in the Christian indie music community. Known for his introspective and emotionally-charged lyrics, Bazan received attention from a broader group with his latest album Curse Your Branches that among other things, details his rejection of evangelical Christianity. Links David Bazan on World Cafe Last.fm Pandora Rhapsody Pedro the Lion Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
- 129Caspar Olevianus and the Apostle’s CreedR. Scott Clark visits Christ the Center again to speak about Caspar Olevianus’ An Exposition of the Apostle’s Creed. Dr. Clark is Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California. He is the author and editor of several books and is also the host of Office Hours. Books Recovering the Reformed Confession Caspar Olevian on the Substance of the Covenant Protestant Scholasticism Links Heidelblog Office Hours Feeding on Christ Participants: Camden Bucey, Nick Batzig, R. Scott Clark
- 130Curse Your Branches, RevisitedOn this episode, we revisit David Bazan’s album Curse Your Branches. This time around we focus on our apologetic foundations and make explicit some our our methodology and principial concerns. For more background, listen to our previous episode. Bazan is perhaps most noted for founding the indie band Pedro the Lion, a group that gained considerable attention in the Christian indie music community. Known for his introspective and emotionally-charged lyrics, Bazan received attention from a broader group with his latest album Curse Your Branches that among other things, details his rejection of evangelical Christianity. Links Christianity Today article David Bazan on World Cafe Last.fm Pandora Rhapsody Pedro the Lion Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
- 131The Task of the PreacherJohn Currie, Lecturer in Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, discusses the challenges involved and the task of preaching. Rev. Currie is also Director of Alumni Relations and Educational Advancement at Westminster and formerly pastored Cornerstone Orthodox Presbtyerian Church in Ambler, PA. This episode retains much value for the listeners of sermons as well. The task of the preacher and the characteristics of a faithful sermon are things every believer ought to be familiar with. episode photo provided by itspaulkelly Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, John Currie
- 132Shepherding MinistryThe Christ the Center panel had the privilege of talking with Dr. Tim Witmer, professor of practical theology, coordinator of the PT department, and supervisor of the mentored ministry program at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia as well as pastor of Crossroads Community Church (PCA) in Upper Darby, PA, about his new book, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church (P&R). The discussion revolved around the importance of formal and informal shepherding in the church by pastors and elders (and assisted by deacons) so that all members of a congregation are cared for. The book and the related courses at WTS stem from Dr. Witmer’s doctoral work at Reformed Theological Seminary and his extensive church planting and revitalization experience. This program demonstrates that sound doctrine produces sound practice. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jason Pickard, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Tim Witmer
- 133The Christian LoverMichael Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, speaks about his book The Christian Lover: The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers. In the book Haykin collects letters from one or both parties in twelve significant relationships from church history including Luther, Calvin as well as lesser-known figures. Participants: Michael A.G. Haykin, Nick Batzig
- 134A Theology of CultureThe panel examines the theological foundations for engaging culture. Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
- 135Theological PrayerThe panel discusses the relationship of theology to prayer by focusing on Colossians. Jim, Nick, and Camden explore Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae and think about the relationship of theology to prayer. Paul’s prayers, especially in the book of Colossians, provide a wonderful example for all believers whether they pray to the Lord in public and private worship. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig
- 136Creating CultureThe panel continues to examine the theological foundations for engaging culture. Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
- 137Counseling Difficult CasesThe Christ the Center panel had the privilege of conversing with Dr. George Scipione, professor of pastoral theology and director of the Biblical Counseling Institute at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA about the necessity of pastoral counseling that is biblical. Specifically, discussion was had about hard cases calling for both learning and practical wisdom. Among the many issues raised was the importance of counseling and a proper ecclesiology. Clearly the conversation scratched the surface of this important issue. Participants: Camden Bucey, George Scipione, Nick Batzig
- 138Perspectives on PentecostChrist the Center revisited with Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, professor of biblical and systematic theology, emeritus, at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, about the significance of Pentecost for redemptive history and the life of the church. Drawing from his book Perspectives on Pentecost and his “Acts and Paul” lecture notes, Dr. Gaffin explained the place of Pentecost as the culmination of that complex of events surrounding the person and work of Jesus Christ which includes his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. Pentecost, then, occurs as part of the accomplishment of redemption and is therefore unrepeatable although its significance and effects reverberate throughout the Christian life. This is a rich biblical theological discussion that will repay frequent rehearsals. episode photo by knowhimonline Books by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Perspectives on Pentecost Resurrection and Redemption By Faith, Not by Sight Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation: The Shorter Writings of Geerhardus Vos (editor) God’s Word in Servant Form: Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck and the Doctrine of Scripture Calvin and the Sabbath Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
- 139The Challenges of Urban MinistryChrist the Center is pleased to welcome Bill Snodgrass and Erica Bucey to discuss the challenges of urban ministry. Rev. Snodgrass is pastor of Grace Fellowship OPC in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. Erica serves as the Director of Development at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission in Philadelphia. Bill and Erica talk about the particular challenges churches and para-church ministries face in urban contexts and how a reformed theology offers lasting hope in the sovereign God. Links Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology 2010 Participants: Bill Snodgrass, Camden Bucey, Erica Bucey
- 140The Historical AdamThe Christ the Center panel got together recently and discussed whether Adam was a real historical person and whether it matters for our understanding of Scripture and theology as a whole. This is a nearly no holds barred conversation with some interesting audio clips thrown in for fun. While the discussion was fun, the subject is serious business indeed. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig
- 141N.T. Wright’s EpistemologyBob LaRocca details the critical realism found in the first few chapters of N.T. Wright’s The New Testament and the People of God. Christ the Center has spoken about Wright’s doctrine of justification with Guy Waters. Part 1 and Part 2 are available. Participants: Bob LaRocca, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
- 142Welcome to a Reformed ChurchCamden and Nick speak with Danny Hyde about his new book Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims. Rev. Hyde is pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in Oceanside, CA and has written a helpful resource explaining the characteristics of a Reformed church. In this accessible volume, Hyde helps the reader through the historical roots, key doctrines and practices of Reformed churches. Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Hyde, Nick Batzig
- 143Christ and Culture: Introductory RemarksThis is part one of a new series entitled Christ and Culture. Four men participate in an engaging discussion on the relationship of Christ to culture. Bill Dennison, Darryl Hart, Doug Wilson and Nelson Kloosterman each speak from their unique perspectives. This project is an asynchronous debate in the vein of the Four Views on… books published by InterVarsity Press. We recorded each participant independently over the course of three rounds – swapping recordings to the other participants between each round. This series of programs strays from the typical Christ the Center format. The listener should be aware that this is a debate and should not be seen as an endorsement for any particular speaker. Please be advised that future episodes each participant will criticize the other views. In the first round, we asked a series of questions under the following headings. General/Introductory Politics Vocation Education Fine Arts, Etc. Theological Undercurrents Common Grace Natural Law Eschatology Conclusion This introductory episode includes each participant’s opening and closing comments. The entire series is conveniently grouped under one page. Books and other media from the participants Bill Dennison Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God, 1884-1925 Darryl Hart A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestant Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham Nelson Kloosterman The Ten Commandments: Manual for the Christian Life by Joachim Douma (Kloosterman trans.) Doug Wilson Collision: Is Christianity Good for the World?: Christopher Hitchens vs. Douglas Wilson Five Cities that Ruled the World: How Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and New York Shaped Global History The Deluded Atheist: A Response to Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Doug Wilson, Nelson Kloosterman
- 144God Is Great, God Is GoodJared Oliphint leads a review discussion of God Is Great, God Is Good: Why Believing in God Is Reasonable & Responsible. Jared recently reviewed the book for TGCReviews.com. The book includes contributions from several notable philosophers and theologians including J. P. Moreland Paul Moser John Polkinghorne Michael Behe Alister McGrath Scot McKnight Gary Habermas Chad Meister William Lane Craig Join us for a reformed look at philosophy of religion. Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
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