Reformed Forum

Reformed theologians have approached the discipline of apologetics from several different vantage points. Proponents of presuppositional, classical, and evidential approaches differ with one another on several important apologetic questions. One primary subject is the nature and proper use of evidences. Should the apologist use historical arguments for the creation, the truthfulness of Scriptures, the resurrection? If so, what role do those evidences play in an apologetic exchange?

Dr. Scott Oliphint recently spoke about apologetics on the Unbelievable? program with Justin Brierley to dialogue with Kurt Jaros about apologetic methodology. The conversation touched upon several different apologetic topics, but perhaps the most interesting exchange focused on the use of evidences. It is often assumed that Van Tilian presuppositional apologists eschew the use of evidences. On this episode of Christ the Center, the panel addresses this common assumption. They demonstrate how a covenantal approach to apologetics not only allows the apologist to use evidence, but also provides the only proper context in which they may be used.

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Jared Oliphint, Jim Cassidy

James Dolezal, part-time professor of Theology and Church History at Cairn University in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, reviews God Is Impassible and Impassioned: Toward a Theology of Divine Emotion by Rob Lister. The book explores the significance of God’s emotional experience and most especially the question of divine suffering.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal

In this episode, Jared Oliphint speaks with Owen Strachan, the Executive Director for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. The council exists, “to set forth the teachings of the Bible about the complementary differences between men and women, created equally in the image of God, because these teachings are essential for obedience to Scripture and for the health of the family and the church.” Listen to this excellent conversation of the work of this important organization.

Participants: Jared Oliphint, Owen Strachan

Daniel Schrock reviews Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation by James K. A. Smith. In this first book of what is planned as a three-book set, Smith describes the liturgical structures that influence and shape our thoughts and affections. For Smith, malls, stadiums, and universities are all venues that express a form of cultural liturgy. Listen as Daniel Schrock, pastor of Third Reformed Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA, describes and interacts with this book.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Daniel Schrock

On today’s episode we talk about what kind of preparation is helpful for someone thinking about seminary; which college majors are most helpful, what kind of readings lists should someone be looking at, what to look for in professors, and the level of involvement in the local church. Preparing for seminary is preparing for a lifetime of learning.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

On today’s episode we discuss Genesis 2:18-24. We begin today’s discussion by finishing up talking about the two trees in the garden from our previous episode and then we discuss the creation of woman. We consider how it was “not good” for Adam to be alone. Also, we talk about the fact that the woman is created from the man. We also consider the creation of woman in light of the covenant given to Adam and the mandate to take dominion, to be fruitful and multiply. Finally, we consider the way in which marriage is given as a picture of the the covenant relationship between God and His people, between Jesus Christ and His bride, the church. We invite your comments and feedback!

Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta

Jason Pickard reviews Classical Christian Doctrine: Introducing the Essentials of the Ancient Faith by Ronald E. Heine and published by Baker Academic.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jason Pickard

How can Catholic theologians seemingly contradict the official teaching of the Catholic Church? Many commentators believe that, in a recent homily, Pope Francis did just that. While the Vatican has since “clarified” his remarks, the question remains for many other Catholic theologians, who seem to promote doctrinal views in sharp contrast to previous declarations of the Catholic Church. Many Catholics now affirm a view of salvation that is “inclusive,” that is, broad enough to include not only explicit Catholics, but also Muslims, Jews, agnostics, and atheists. Many critics cry foul, since this appears to be a blatant contradiction of traditional Catholic teaching.

In this episode, Camden Bucey leads a discussion that touches upon the changes in prolegomena that allow many Catholic theologians to affirm the church’s historic pronouncements while leaving room for new doctrinal formulations such as this contemporary inclusivism. The grand project of Vatican II was to update the Catholic church for a modern age, to open the windows and let in fresh air. To accomplish this overhaul, many theologians resorted to a Kantian-esque view of revelation and history. Listen as the panel discusses the workings of this type of “both-and” theologizing.

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Nick Batzig

In this episode, Jeff Waddington covers God Is a Communicative Being: Divine Communicativeness and Harmony in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards by William M. Schweitzer and published by T&T Clark. The book explores Edwards’s statement, “The great and universal end of God’s creating the world was to communicate himself. God is a communicative being.” Listen as Jeff provides an overview of the issues, but if you’d like to go deeper, read Jeff’s review in the Spring 2013 issue of The Westminster Theological Journal.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

On Today’s episode we discuss Genesis 2 broadly and the covenant God made with Adam. We consider objections to and reasons for saying that Adam was in a covenant. We discuss the nature of this covenant. We also consider how the “first Adam” relates to Jesus Christ, the “second” and “last Adam.” Finally, we discuss how Adam’s role as a covenant head relates to the gospel and the implications for denying this role for Adam. We invite your comments and feedback!

Participants: Adam York, Chad Bond, Mark A. Winder, Matt Cotta