RTS Washington Faculty Podcast

Episode 33 The creed is more than a set of propositions; it's a personal commitment that begins with a defining relationship, God the Father. This week the faculty considers the nature of faith, the Trinitarian character of the creed, and the significance of the claim that God is Father.

Episode 32 We were pleased to welcome Dr. Irwyn Ince at our annual ReForum for a discussion of his recent book, The Beautiful Community. Listen in as Irwyn and the faculty discuss issues of ethnicity, community, and ecclesiology.

Episode 31 Gray Sutanto and Tim Keller discuss Herman Bavinck, Christian epistemology, and gospel ministry in global cities. The conversation was moderated by Scott Redd and Jay Harvey as part of a joint effort between RTS Washington and RTS New York City and was recorded on the evening of Oct. 19, 2020. Show notes: Bavinck, Christian Worldview: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Worldview-Herman-Ba...

Episode 30 In this milestone episode (our 30th!) of The Faculty Podcast we introduce a new logo, new music, and a new series! This week we begin a phrase by phrase discussion of The Apostles' Creed. In this episode we discuss why creeds are necessary for the Christian Church, their unifying function, and the way in which they encourage both creativity and orthodoxy. Note to our listeners: this ser...

Episode 29 Dr. James Eglinton joins us to discuss his recent book on Herman Bavinck. Though sometimes presented as a "Jekyll and Hyde" figure (the modern Bavinck and the orthodox Bavinck), Eglinton argues that Bavinck was a comprehensive, organic, and wholistic thinker, integrating the Christian worldview into every area of life. We touch on politics, education, anthropology, and his relationship...

Episode 28 This week we welcome international speaker and celebrated author (and podcaster) Nancy Guthrie to the show. Nancy talks with us about the importance of Biblical Theology for understanding the Scriptures: all of the Scripture is practical because "it causes us to adore Christ." Other topics include: how women can use their seminary education and how pastors can treat women in their churc...

Episode 27 This week we discuss the life and legacy of Geerhardus Vos with author and pastor Rev. Danny Olinger. What drove his work? What relationships influenced him? And why did he go on so many long walks? We additionally consider the work of his wife Catherine and daughter Marianne Radius. Show Notes: Olinger, Geerhardus Vos, https://www.amazon.com/Geerhardus-Vos-Theologian-Confessional-Presb...

Episode 26 Many of us have and continue to worship virtually during this difficult season, which raises the question: why did we ever worship together in the first place? Is it merely a matter of convenience? A relic of a pre-internet era? This week we discuss the importance of embodied corporate worship. Why does God want us to meet together, and how can we begin to return to that vision safely p...

Episode 25 Julius Kim, the new President of The Gospel Coalition (TGC) joins us for a wide ranging discussion about ministry in a digital age. After a discussion of the unique work of TGC, we address pastoral burnout, race and division in the US, the role of seminary education, and the nature of pastoral leadership. Show notes: The New President of TGC: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/u...

Episode 24 Paul tells Timothy to entrust "what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses" to "faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). In this episode we discuss our "philosophy of teaching." Why do we teach the way we do, and what have we learned over the years? What makes for effective education in the church and the seminary? Show Notes: Adler, How to Rea...

Episode 23 How should Christians use the authority and influence that they have received from God? Should Christians seek power, and if they have it how should they steward it? This week we discuss how the cross transforms the way we think about the nature of power and authority, whether locally, pastorally, or politically.

Episode 22 Dr. Mike Allen, Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at RTS Orlando, joins us to discuss the Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS), an increasingly influential approach to reading and exegeting the Bible. Topics include ministering to the whole person, Mike's upcoming Ephesians commentary, and tools for the theologian's toolkit. Show notes: Allen, Ephesians. https:...

Episode 21 This week we welcome George Harinck to the podcast to discuss the legacy of Abraham Kuyper. What was his theological program all about, and in what respect does his work continue in neocalvinism?

Episode 20 We often talk about rest as if it is a necessary evil, a failure of will, a problem to overcome. The Bible speaks very differently about rest. It is a reward, a victory, a celebration, and an act of faith. Join us as we discuss the need to rest and explore best practices for its pursuit, especially in pastoral ministry.

Episode 19 This week the faculty discuss the pastors, professors, and mentors that influenced and shaped them, whether pastorally, personally, or academically.

Episode 18 In this episode we talk about how story shapes the way we think and communicate, both positively and negatively. Whether fiction or non-fiction, story shapes our lives, our spiritual development, and our ability to read and proclaim the Gospel. Recommended resources: Wood, How Fiction Works, https://www.amazon.com/How-Fiction-Works-Tenth-Anniversary/dp/1250183928/ Lewis, “On Three Ways...

Episode 17 This week we handle a frequently asked student question: how do we do personal devotions? Many can testify that personal devotion can be challenging, ironically but particularly in the midst of pastoral ministry. How can pastors maintain a personal relationship with Christ amidst the pressure of ministry? Show Notes: Keller, Prayer, https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Experiencing-Awe-Intimac...

Episode 16 This week on the podcast Peter Lee walks us through the difficult task of cultivating joy amidst suffering. How can Christians recognize the reality of suffering while, at the same time, keep the command to "count it all joy" amidst trial? For more, you can find Dr. Lee's book on joy here: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Finding-Christ-like-Suffering/dp/1532664532/ref=sr_1_1?dchi...

Episode 15 We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ligon Duncan to the podcast to address the recent and historic vote in Mississippi to replace its state flag, presenting a powerful case that Christians should promote the justice and dignity of their neighbors. He also shares with us how RTS is adapting and flourishing amidst the challenges presented by covid-19. Show notes: https://ligonduncan.com/a-state...

Episode 14 Dr. Scott Redd talks with us about his newest article on cultivating wholeness in a fragmented world. Focusing particularly on the Mosaic covenant, we then look at how a covenantal understanding of Christ's work provides a robust answer to the fragmentation we experience, both as individuals and as a society. Show notes: Redd, “Fragmentation and Wholeness in the Mosaic Eschatology.” htt...

Episode 13 In this episode the faculty explore the "pastor-scholar" model of ministry. Should pastoral ministry include scholarly pursuits? How does pastoral scholarship benefit the church? And is any of this possible given the amount of "real work" incumbent on real pastors? Show notes: Center for Pastor Theologians, https://www.pastortheologians.com/ Wilson, Hiestand, Becoming a Pastor Theologia...

Episode 12 This week we spoke with Dr. James Anderson, professor of Theology and Philosophy at RTS Charlotte about analytic philosophy, analytic theology, apologetics, and worldview. Show notes: T&T Clark Handbook of Analytic Theology, https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/tt-clark-handbook-of-analytic-theology-9780567681294/ Paradox in Christian Theology, https://rts.edu/resources/paradox-in-christian-th...

Episode 11 The events of the last week remind us of the far-reaching effects of sin in our world and the deep pain that is born of historical oppression and public evil. How do Christians grieve, how do they lament, and how they love their neighbor in a time of racial injustice and civil unrest?

Episode 10 This week we conclude our three-part series on Public Theology by welcoming Jennifer Patterson, director of RTS's own Institute of Theology and Public Life to the show. Show notes: Augustine, City of God. https://www.amazon.com/City-Penguin-Classics-Augustine-Hippo/dp/0140448942/ Taylor, Secular Age. https://www.amazon.com/Secular-Age-Charles-Taylor/dp/0674986911/ Smith, How not to be S...

Episode 9 This week we are joined by RTS Washington Irwyn Ince as we continue our discussion of Public Theology, both inside and outside of the church. Topics include racial reconciliation, spirituality of the church, social justice, and the horrifying death of Ahmaud Arbery. Show notes: Ince: The Beautiful Community. https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Community-Unity-Diversity-Church/dp/0830848312...