Distinctive Christianity

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Bernard Aubert to discuss his article “J. Gresham Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ: Then and Now”. What is the context of Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ and why was the book so important? Taking us through the overlapping contexts of the Fundamentalism-Modernist Controversy, the Presbyterian Controversy, and a context in the academy where the Hellenization Thesis and the “History of Religion School” was prominent - Dr. Aubert helps us understand this book, in context. Moreover, he takes us through how Machen’s confessional Presbyterian background and classical education, in which historical context and authorial intent are emphasized, aided Machen’s work in New Testament studies. Bringing it all together, Dr. Aubert shows why the topic was key when it came to standards for ministers, in his Presbyterian context – and was a key defense of the historical reliability of the New Testament, the integrity of the Gospels’ presentation of Jesus’ birth, and indeed - the Incarnation, itself. Further aiding our understanding of Machen’s book, we also ask about how the book was received, in its time, as well as how the book’s arguments stood up over time.

Article: “J. Gresham Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ: Then and Now”

The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen

Other resources by Dr. Aubert:

- “Calvin and the Interpretation of Scripture”, Verbum Christi

- The Sheperd-Flock Motif in the Miletus Discourse (Acts 20:17-38) Against its Historical Background

- Reformed Standards of Unity: The Historic Confessions of Faith Confessed by the Presbyterian Churches

Also: check out a database Dr. Aubert did work on that is a comprehensive list of prooftexts in key Reformed confessions: standards.wts.edu

In this episode, Skyler flies solo with some thoughts on the contrast between The Gospel of Mark and Plato's Allegory of the Cave - specifically in regard to what the problem is, who and what the solution is, and what it means to "see". Instead of one's own acquisition of knowledge being a basis of the soul's ascent out of the world, perhaps the Gospel is Truth coming to us and healing us (embodied) in the world, trusting his eyes to see, with hope and patience for a Kingdom to be received by the very Grace who saved us.

One wise and informed warning against some of the symbolic interpretation of the passage is found in the brilliant work of Dr. Lydia McGrew here, here, here and here.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Bill Dennison to discuss his article “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul”. Starting with the “tension between common grace and human depravity”, how do we understand the Antithesis in relation to subject-matter that seems like neutral ground for believer and unbeliever alike? Given the seriousness of sin upon our hearts and minds, how do we approach unbelieving systems in an informed manner that doesn’t compromise what Scripture has revealed? Doesn’t Plato and the Bible both teach the immortality of the soul, and thus that particular insight serve as a bridge of agreement? Taking Plato as a test case, Dr. Dennison takes us through the depth and structure of Plato’s system (especially as found in the Phaedo) and takes us into the context of the particular view of the soul and its immortality. Having properly understood Plato (as Plato), we can then analyze the level of agreement that is truly there between the Bible and Plato. Once both Plato and the Bible are adequately understood, therein lies a striking example of the danger of unwarranted synthesis, and the syncretism that has always plagued the Israel of God. Listen in as Dr. D gives us both the context of this paper, as well as the current significance of understanding this kind of analysis. Instead of nostalgia driving people simply back to earlier forms of errors, perhaps its time to systematically understand the destructive potential of an emphasis on common grace when unaccompanied by a robust Biblical view of the Fall and of man in his sinful state, including Christians. As Dr. D writes: “antithesis must precede common grace”.

Article: “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul”

Book: In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics

Also check out as basically a “part two” of the article discussed: “Dutch Neo-Calvinism and the Roots for Transformation: An Introductory Essay”

Hear our past interviews with Dr. Dennison:

- Karl Marx

- Cornelius Van Til on the Problem of Evil

-Also check out Dr. D’s sermon series on Revelation

Other resources:

Plato’s Phaedo

Plato by R.M. Hare

The Westminster Confession of Faith (esp. chapters 6, 9, 32)

The Defense of the Faith; Common Grace and the Gospel by Cornelius Van Til

In this episode, we welcome missionary and a church planter Lauren Montenegro to discuss her chapter in the recent book The Nicene Creed titled: “The Virgin Mary”. What is Mariology, and what are the four Marian dogmas? What is the basis and defining logic of Mariology, and does Protestant have one? What is the Rosary, and do Roman Catholics worship and pray to Mary? Listen in as Lauren takes us into this and more – as she takes us into the global world of Marian apparitions, visions and images. There are around 2,400 claims of Marian apparitions in the world, even though few than 20 are officially recognized by the Vatican; moreover, in 184 of these claims, “Mary allegedly requested that a chapel be built” in order to attain blessings from her. How should Protestants understand the place of these personal revelations of Mary, the ongoing revelation of Mariology – and the place of sincerity when it comes to evaluating faithful Christianity? Lauren takes us through this and more as we try to understand and evaluate something at the heart of global Roman Catholicism.

Book: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words edited by Mark Gilbert and Leonardo De Chirico

Some other articles by Lauren Montenegro:

• "A Significant Change in the Roman Catholic World of Apparitions"
• "Mary: An Evangelical Review of Netflix's Somewhat-Catholic Film"

Other resources:

See chapter 8 of Lumen Gentium (Vatican II)

The Cult of the Saints by Peter Brown

Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion by Stephen Shoemaker

A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?; Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?; Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach by Leonardo De Chirico

Who Is My Mother? by Eric Svendsen

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Leonardo De Chirico to discuss his book A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?. Is Mariology simply an accretion, and what is at stake for those who hold Scripture is the Word of God, the Gospel is essential – and that history matters? Who was Mary, the Mary of history and of Scripture? What does it mean for her to be called by the angel Gabriel “favored” by God twice in Luke 1? Is there any indication of her immaculate conception, perpetual virginity, or bodily assumption in Scripture – or sources that should otherwise be treated as historical? What of Paul’s near-silence, and the account in Mark 3 of Jesus’ question to the crowd, in the face of the intervention of “his mother and brothers”, defining his family (including “mother”) as something other than biological? Join us as Dr. De Chirico takes through what the Scriptures, and helps us in understanding the development that occurred between the actual Mary of Scripture and history into the imaginative and mythical “Mary” of Rome, Eastern Orthodoxy, as well as a few Protestants claiming a mystical experience (i.e. a burning of their bosom) with their newfound heavenly mother. Listen in as Dr. De Chirico takes us on a tour from Mary to Mariology, and how the developed and developing “Mary of the church” has consistently obfuscated and obscured both the work and person of God, the Son – as well as nearly replacing the work and person of God, the Spirit.

Book: A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?

Reformanda Initiative

Vatican Files

Some other resources by Dr. De Chirico:

- “No Longer Accretions. The Problem of Roman Catholicism in Dialogue with Gavin Ortlund”

- Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (also here)

- A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy

- Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?

- Evangelical Theological Perspectives on post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism

Also check out the recent book edited by Dr. De Chirico, including a chapter contributed by him: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words

Other resources:

What Happened at Vatican II by John W. O'Malley

• See chapter 8 of Lumen Gentium (Vatican II)

The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

Who Is My Mother?:The Role and Status of the Mother of Jesus in The New Testament and Roman Catholicism by Eric D. Svendsen

Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos (also here)

Karl Rahner by Camden Bucey

1 Kings (EEC) by John Oswalt (also here)

Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact by Michael Haykin (also here)

From Prisoner to Prince: The Joseph Story in Biblical Theology by Samuel Emadi

"A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth" by Mitchell Chase

Josephus and Jesus by T.C. Schmidt

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

• Book of Luke
• Book of Mark
• Book of 1 Timothy
• Book of 2 Timothy

Also check out the LDS/Mormon Gospel Topics Essay: "Mother in Heaven"; as well as the LDS hymn "O My Father" (also here). For a real-life historical example of the connection being made, see here.

NOTE: There is a lengthy set of clips at the outset that highlight Bruce R. McConkie's teachings that will be covered in this episode. While we encourage you to listen to them in their entirety, the actual interview starts around 00:11:54.

In this episode, we welcome back Bill McKeever of the Mormonism Research Ministry to discuss LDS Apostle Elder Bruce R. McConkie and his legacy. Who was Elder Bruce R. McConkie, and why does matter? What are some highlights of his work – and why has his controversial book Mormon Doctrine had such a profound impact on theological understanding both for those within the LDS community, and those on the outside of the community? In this interview, we ask Bill about his view of the rise and fall of Bruce R. McConkie and what insight that may provide into the nature of LDS theology, authority-claims, and theological commitments. When Christians might disagree so thoroughly with McConkie’s conclusions, why do they so often appreciate his clarity on topics such as the Nature of God(s), the exclusive claims of Joseph Smith’s restoration of priesthood and Church, and his boldly declaring the “heresies” that define “apostate Christendom”? While LDS often maintain their rhetorical commitment to restored authority via living prophets and apostles, why is there such a casual and dismissive attitude toward one of the great doctrinal authorities in Mormon history? In other words, when even those skeptical toward the doctrinal status of many of McConkie’s teachings acknowledge him as one of the most respected Scripture-scholars and the “most doctrinaire leader of his era”, why has his reputation suffered so thoroughly by even many within the LDS community? Moreover, should Christian-outsiders continue to focus on McConkie’s published works?

Article: “Bruce R. McConkie: Respected General Authority, or Theological Hack?”

Check out: Mormonism Research Ministry

Also check out:

“An LDS Apostle’s Answers, Grounded in Mormon ‘Truth’”; “Opposing a Mormon Prophet, Seer, Revelator” by Sharon Lindbloom

Some Bruce R. McConkie resources:

“Elder Bruce R. McConkie Dies” (May 1985)

Mormon Doctrine

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 volumes)

The Messiah Series (6 volumes)

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith

“Celestial Marriage”

“All Are Alike Unto God”

“Our Relationship with the Lord”

“The Seven Deadly Heresies”

“What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace?”

“The Mystery of Godliness”

“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”

Other resources:

“Speaking with Authority: The Theological Influence of Elder Bruce R. McConkie” by David James Buerger

Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985 by Devery Anderson

Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

In this episode, we welcome Devery S. Anderson to discuss his book Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985. Who was Elder Bruce R. McConkie, what is his lasting influence and why? What has made Bruce R. McConkie stand out, especially when one engages Mormon Doctrine and theology? From his many books, conference talks, firesides, and even private correspondence – McConkie has had incredible influence on the theological understanding and reputation of the LDS Church, both from the inside and the outside. Devery takes us through many of the behind-the-scenes controversies over McConkie’s book Mormon Doctrine and his famous talk “The Seven Deadly Heresies” – as well as his surprising role in President Kimball’s 1978 reversal on the temple and priesthood ban on black people. How did an LDS apostle so educated in the doctrinal disputes of the past engage with theological change? The answers to this, in combination with the answer given by those who opposed him, bring out tensions within the LDS mind and community that remain even today.

Book: Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985

Other resources by Devery Anderson:

- The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History

- Joseph Smith’s Quorum of the Annointed, 1842-1845: A Documentary History

- Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement

Some resources by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith (3 volumes)

Mormon Doctrine

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 volumes)

The Messiah Series (6 volumes)

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith

“Joseph Smith – The Mighty Prophet of the Restoration”

“The Mystery of Mormonism”

“All Are Alike Unto God”

“Our Relationship with the Lord”

“The Seven Deadly Heresies”

“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”

Other resources:

Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Note: The audio clips in the middle of the episode are a from a speech given by McConkie in 1978, however, there is no audio. BYU made this recording using someone else's voice.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Joshua Mitchell to discuss his book Plato’s Fable: On the Mortal Condition in Shadowy Times. What is Plato’s Republic, and why does it matter? What is “the Good”, and why is philosophy “bound up with things divine”? How and why does Plato connect the condition of the soul with the condition of the city? Dr. Mitchell takes us through highlights from this foundational text for philosophy, Western Civilization – and one of the more influential extra-biblical texts for Christians. From the mimetic aspect of life, to the purpose of stories to aid the soul, to the embracing of death for new life – Plato’s text can aid even modern man in recognizing the problems inherent in man’s mortal condition, the dangers and necessities of evaluating the traditions of our fathers, the absolute need for the Divine gift, and to evaluate the Fable of Liberalism that informs much of the politics of our own time. Join us as Dr. Mitchell takes us through the religious awakening of our time often masquerading as “secularism”, the necessity of Biblical truth to correct the incomplete religion most wrongly identify with Karl Marx, as well as the dangers inherent in Right or Left embracing either Nietzsche or Thrasymachus. Listen in as we see the lessons and wisdom we can learn from Socrates, as well as the salvation and sanctification we need from Christ Jesus – both as embodied individuals and in our body politic.

Book: Plato’s Fable: On the Mortal Condition in Shadowy Times

Plato’s Republic: here, here or here

Some other resources by Dr. Mitchell:

Video Essay – Identity Politics: Guilt and Scapegoat

American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time

- Please check out our previous interview here

The Fragility of Freedom: Tocqueville on Religion, Democracy and the American Future

Tocqueville in Arabia: The Anxieties of the Democratic Age

Not By Reason Alone: Religion, History and Identity in Early Modern Thought

Other resources:

Confessions; The City of God by Saint Augustine

On the Incarnation by Athanasius

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Gravity and Grace by Simone Weil

Socrates by Paul Johnson

In this episode, we welcome Dr. David Talcott to discuss his book Plato. Who was Plato (427-347 BC), and why does he matter? From his “theory of Forms”, to his “Divided Line” and even his famous Allegory of the Cave – Plato has been one of the most influential thinkers and writers in Western Civilization. British philosopher Alfred North Whitehead famously stated that the “safest generalization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of footnotes to Plato”, and yet many today would not even know how to approach reading a Platonic dialogue. Listen in as Dr. Talcott helps us learn some of the basic themes and structures of Plato’s thought – why they mattered in ancient Greece, and why they matter now. A pupil to Socrates, as Dr. Talcott writes the “most fundamental commitment of Platonism is an unrelentingly spiritual orientation to the world”. Perhaps there are reasons why so many Christians in history have seen much wisdom, insight and usefulness to this ancient Greek philosopher.

Book: Plato

Some other resources by Dr. Talcott:

“Plato and Aristotle: Enemies or Partners?”

A Christian Appraisal of Plato: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four

“Hey Republicans: Stop Dissing Philosophy” (also here)

Plato:

- The Apology (also here)

- The Republic

- The Symposium

- The Laws

Other resources:

Plato and the Socratic Dialogue; Plato and the Post-Socratic Dialogue: The Return to the Philosophy of Nature by Charles Kahn

Plato of Athens by Robin Waterfield

“The Death of Socrates: How To Read A Painting”

US Supreme Court: Obergefell v. Hodges (see Oral Argument: April 28, 2015, Part One, Justice Alito)

For Music, credit and thanks to Atmospherious.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. John Oswalt to discuss his wonderful new commentaries 1 Kings and 2 Kings (EEC). What is 1-2 Kings, and what can we say about how it was compiled? Indeed, what is the difference between simply chronicling the history of the Kings, and the historical writing we see in these texts, prophetically interpreted? From the wisdom Solomon sought to the question of King Josiah’s “reforms”, Dr. Oswalt takes us on a tour of many highlights of this very important Biblical book. In the text that documents the building of the Temple, why is so much of the primary focus on the Word of the Lord, rather than ritual? Why was Baal, and Baal-worship such a threat to the loyalty of Israel to God? Are the miraculous events recorded between King Hezekiah and the Assyrian King Sennacherib taking place in real time and space? Highlighting the patience and faithfulness of the unique God, the only God – how do the majestic prayers of Solomon and Hezekiah give voice to the primary message of the text? Dr. Oswalt takes us through this and more, as we also discuss some of the contemporary relevance of this text for those both engaging the messy history of Christianity, as well as the problem of decay and apostasy in self-identified Christianity today. Indeed, one of the keys to rightly understanding the prophetic message of 1-2 Kings may just be found in the ending most have seen as simply bizarre.

Books: 1 Kings and 2 Kings (EEC)

Some other books by Dr. Oswalt:

- The Bible Among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature?

Listen to our previous interview: here

- The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39; The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 (NICOT)

- The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah

Other resources:

Miracles by C.S. Lewis

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

• Book of 1 Kings
• Book of 2 Kings
• Book of Psalms