Theology on Air

The Rev. Dr. Paul Sullins joins us to talk about the positive case for sex. Why was it given by God? What purposes does it serve? Have we ruined it with the Sexual Revolution? Do married couples have better sex than those not bound to the same old person? And what is off limits, even in a marital situation? 

Why the explicit label? It isn't because we use naughty words, but rather because the content is not really safe for children. We are creating content for young adults and we are talking about adult experiences. While we do not intend to be crude or licentious, there is no way to have a really honest conversation without at least some specifics. So, in the interest to our listeners, we thought we would be extra cautious and include that label.

Sarah, Patrick, Meredith, and Evan kicked off Season 5 of Theology on Air by, well, clearing the air. Theology on Tap fosters conversation among Christians who agree on the biggest of issues, but disagree on others. So we wanted to lay out where we stand on these controversial issues. This season, we tackle the subject that comes up more than any other: sex. So to act as a bit of a teaser (if you will), we are hitting the highlights of what we will discuss in more depth with guests throughout the season. We touch on God's design for sex, homosexuality, divorce, transgenderism, and more. 

Why the explicit label? It isn't because we use naughty words, but rather because the content is not really safe for children. We are creating content for young adults and we are talking about adult experiences. While we do not intend to be crude or licentious, there is no way to have a really honest conversation without at least some specifics. So, in the interest to our listeners, we thought we would be extra cautious and include that label.

To round out our season on the Reformers, we invite Methodist Bishop, Dr. Scott Jones to dialogue with Reformed Baptist pastor Aaron Wright. The question is one that divides some of the Reformation traditions: "Is perfection possible?" John Wesley would ultimately go further than, say, John Calvin or Luther in saying that, in a sense, perfect holiness was possible. But was he right? We do a bit of a deep dive to really focus on the kinds of issues the Reformation was all about. Thanks to Dr. Jones and Pr. Wright for stopping in! 

The founder of what would later be called Methodism, John Wesley worked for renewal within the Church of England for decades. Primarily a preacher to preachers, he challenged pastors to have a personal experience of knowing Christ. He considered the whole world his pulpit and his legacy has lasted for centuries. Thanks to TOT's own Meredith Mills for stopping in to share her Wesleyan knowledge! 

The empire strikes back! Dr. Richard Johnson joins Evan to look at the Council of Trent, held from 1545-1563. This was Rome's internal work towards reform as well as a response to the events of the Reformation. We'll look at what was decided and what the legacy of Trent ultimately was. 

John Calvin, along with Martin Luther, is one of the two theological titans whose work most influenced the Reformation's outcome. Known best for fully embracing God's sovereignty and predestination, Calvin had great influence among the Swiss, the English, and the Puritans who made their way to America. We look at his life, work (often summarized by "TULIP") and  legacy. Thanks to Pastor Aaron Wright of Grace Family Baptist Church for stopping in for this episode! 

Dr. Randy Hatchett of Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) joins us to look at the Anabaptist and Baptist movements. While more dispersed than other Reformation movements, they pack a punch in their theological legacy and some of the juicier stories in Church history. Muenster, anyone? We look at how the name Baptist came to be used and the birth of modern Baptists. Who are the remaining descendants of the Anabaptist movement? Or are there any? 

Episcopal Rector Patrick Hall joins us to take a look at the English Reformation. While no one person is as responsible as this reformation as say, Martin Luther or John Calvin, several powerful personalities did fight for religious freedom in England, notably King Henry VIII, Elizabeth II, and Thomas Cranmer. We also look at the legacy of the Church of England as it has spread all over the world and whose unity - like every major Protestant church - is less secure due to cultural debates.  

Three Lutheran pastors discuss the life and times of Martin Luther. Thanks to Prs. Richard Johnson and Ralph Hobratschk for joining Evan as they take a look at arguably the most significant of all the Reformers. We try to get behind the presenting issues of the Reformation (indulgences, purgatory, the sacraments) and look at the ongoing legacy of Luther. 

We look at the Bohemian reformer, Jan Hus, who closely followed John Wycliffe and who influenced Martin Luther. A noted preacher and critic of Catholic practices, Hus fought against corruption, indulgences, and ultimately Rome's own definition of the Church. Tried at the Council of Constance, his adherence to the scripture as the standard for Christian ethics would cost him his life.