Dead Theologians Podcast

What does it actually mean to be human? In this episode of the Dead Theologians Podcast , we explore one of the oldest and most important questions in theology, philosophy, and human existence itself. Are humans made of body and soul? Body, soul, and spirit? Or are we better understood as an inseparable unity? Featuring quotes and ideas from John Calvin, Karl Barth, and Watchman Nee, we discuss du...

In Part 2 of our conversation on women in ministry, we pick up where we left off—returning to one of the most discussed passages in this debate: 1 Corinthians 14. What does Paul mean when he says women should “remain silent in the churches”? Is this a universal command—or a response to a specific situation? We look at how the Church has historically understood and practiced this, including example...

Few topics generate more discussion in the Church today than women in ministry. In this episode, we begin that conversation by bringing together voices from across church history alongside a biblical framework for understanding the issue. Through guided readings, we hear from Macrina the Younger, Thomas Aquinas, and Catherine Booth—three figures who represent different moments in how the Church ha...

How do we read the Bible today? Is there only one correct interpretation of a passage? Are some interpretations simply wrong? How do we know? In this episode, Matt & Matt talk teaching approaches, practical frameworks like SOAP Bible study, and how to responsibly apply Scripture to our own lives. Our goal isn’t to make interpretation feel elusive or academic — but empowering. Scripture was giv...

How should Christians read the Bible? In this opening episode of Season 2 of the Dead Theologians Podcast , we step back to ask one of the most foundational—and often overlooked—questions of the Christian faith: how do we interpret Scripture in the first place? To explore this, we listen in on a moderated conversation between two towering early church thinkers with sharply different approaches to...

We loved bringing Season 1 of the Dead Theologians Podcast to you. In this in-between episode, we reflect on the highs, lows, and unexpected moments from Season 1—and respond to listener questions covering theology, church life, calling, Scripture, and more. We’ll also share a glimpse of what’s ahead as we prepare for Season 2. If you have questions or topics you’d like us to explore in the future...

We loved bringing Season 1 to you. Before Season 2 begins, we’re answering listener questions and reflecting on what we’ve learned so far. Here’s a sneak preview of what we’ll be discussing next.

After our conversation on faith and science with Augustine and Galileo, Matt & Matt return to explore one of the most defining cultural moments in that conversation: the Scopes Monkey Trial, now 100 years later. In this episode, we revisit the trial that became a national spectacle — not just a legal case, but a symbolic showdown between Scripture and science, tradition and modernism, fear and...

In this episode, Augustine of Hippo and Galileo Galilei step across time to wrestle with one of the oldest and most misunderstood tensions in Christian history: the relationship between faith and science. Through their imagined dialogue, we explore how Scripture, reason, tradition, and discovery were never meant to be enemies—but partners in the pursuit of truth. Matt & Matt reflect on where t...

After our lively theological encounter between John Calvin and John Wesley, Matt & Matt return to explore the everyday implications of those deep doctrinal debates. In this episode, we unpack the practical questions surrounding Calvinism and Arminianism: What do these positions mean for evangelism and discipleship ? Is salvation secure , or can we fall away ? Who is really accountable — and wh...

Can God be sovereign and still give us free will? In this episode, we sit down with two towering theological figures— John Calvin and John Wesley —to explore one of the most debated tensions in church history: how divine sovereignty and human freedom interact in salvation. Calvin’s teachings gave rise to Reformed Theology , with its well-known TULIP acronym (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election...

What if I don’t feel God? In this follow-up to our conversation with Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa, we explore the tension between intellect and emotion in the Christian life. What role do feelings play in worship, doubt, and discipleship? And what happens when the emotions fade? Matt Jones and Matt Lingafelt reflect on their own journeys of faith—shaped by both apologetics and steady commitment,...

What does it really mean to know God? In this episode, we bring together Augustine of Hippo , one of the Church’s greatest theological minds, and Gregory of Nyssa , a mystical voice from the early church, for a fascinating dialogue on faith, intellect, and the mystery of God’s presence. Augustine wrestles with understanding God through reason and reflection, while Gregory calls us into the depths...

What we believe shapes how we live. Orthodoxy isn’t about cold creeds—it’s about seeing Jesus clearly and letting that truth transform everything. After hearing Athanasius and Arius debate, we reflect on why right belief still matters today. In a time when it’s easy to drift into vague spirituality or personal truth, how can Christians stay anchored to the gospel? We explore how orthodoxy guards o...

Is Jesus fully God—or something less? In this episode, we feature Athanasius, the passionate defender of Christ’s divinity, and Arius, whose controversial teaching claimed Jesus was a created being. Their debate rocked the early church and led to the formation of the Nicene Creed—a confession still shaping Christianity today. With modern views of Jesus constantly shifting, this ancient debate rema...

Martin Luther never set out to start a movement; he just wanted to reform his church. But what started as protest sparked the Protestant Reformation. What about us? How do we know when it’s right to leave a church? What’s the difference between church hurt, conviction, and a genuine need to move on? We talk honestly about how to recognize the difference and how Scripture calls us to stay anchored...

What happens when Scripture and tradition collide? In this premiere episode, we sit down two theological titans—Martin Luther and Thomas Aquinas—for a conversation that shaped church history and still impacts us today. With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, American Christians continue to wrestle with questions of authority, church tradition, and the role of Scripture.