The Ask a Theologian Podcast

In this episode of Ask a Theologian, I talk with Dr. Jeffrey Lamp, senior professor of New Testament at Oral Roberts University, about eco-theology—what he prefers to call “creation care”—and why it belongs at the center of biblical theology. We walk through Genesis 1–2 to rethink “dominion” as serving and protecting creation, and we discuss how sin turns vocation into exploitation. Dr. Lamp also...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ed Gungor about forgiveness and the real tension between justice and mercy. We explore how justice names the wrong and demands accountability, while mercy insists that people are more than their failures and holds out the hope of restoration. We discuss how the cross is the one place where, theologically, justice and mercy don’t compete but converge—mercy expressed...

In this Ask a Theologian episode, I talk with Dr. Joseph Dutko about his book The Pentecostal Gender Paradox and define complementarianism (role limits for women, especially in church) versus egalitarianism (no gender-based limits on calling or leadership). We explore why Pentecostalism can be egalitarian “on paper” yet restrictive in practice, including how church language like “allow women to sp...

In this episode of Ask a Theologian, I talk with Dr. Josh Brahinsky, an anthropologist, ethnographer, and neuroscientist from Stanford and McGill, about his new book, Tongues of Fire: How Charismatic Prayer Changes Evangelical Brains and Inspires Spirit-Filled Activism. He explains that his project doesn’t try to prove God or not-God, but examines embodied religious experience: how theology, pract...

I chat with Dr. Zachary Juliano, rector of Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church and author of the book, The Homiliary of Paul the Deacon, about what early church practice (especially the second to fifth centuries) can teach contemporary Christians seeking to anchor themselves in historic theology. We explore how ancient Christians shaped daily and weekly spiritual rhythms around light, seasons, and...

I rejoin my conversation with Dr. John Anthony Dunn about his book, A Biblical Theology of Alcohol, and we look beyond wine to possible biblical references to beer. He argues the Hebrew term “shakar” likely refers to a grain-based drink (not distilled “strong drink”), drawing on evidence from Numbers 6, ancient Near Eastern terms, the Mishnah, and even a possible brewing allusion in Ecclesiastes a...

In this episode of Ask a Theologian, I talk with Dr. John Anthony Dunn, associate professor at Bethany Seminary, about his new book, "Let the Mountains Drip Sweet Wine: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol." John explains he’s been working on it since signing the contract in 2013, aiming for a comprehensive biblical theology rather than a proof-text battle over whether Christians should drink. We discus...

I talk with Dr. Joseph Lear about Christian ethics—what’s right and wrong, a shared vision of the good, and how to live in a world that isn’t as it should be. We discuss sexuality as an everyday ethical issue, the importance of virtue and habits, and how spiritual disciplines can exist without real moral formation. We also explore ethical behaviour online, emphasizing generosity and knowing when t...

Today we are introducing a new subseries, Ask a Theologian Junior Edition, and talk with Quinn Swoboda, a children’s pastor and theology student, about why parents feel afraid to discuss theology with kids—often from fear of being wrong and from church cultures where questions aren’t welcomed. We explore how kids read our body language and may stop asking if we react with anxiety, so I should affi...

In this episode I talk with Dr. Wayne Park, chancellor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Texas and professor of congregational and marketplace leadership, about integrating faith and work. He pushes back on the idea that workplace faith is just Bible studies or evangelism, and argues that work has intrinsic value and can contribute “kingdom value” and the common good. We explore how the workplace...

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Andy Everhart from the London School of Theology. Andy introduces us to Communio Dei, a concept emphasizing diversity and community in understanding the Imago Dei. We discuss his upcoming book, the integration of different disciplines in theological studies, and the importance of relational theology in shaping our engagement with society. This conversation is rich...

In this episode of the Ask a Theologian podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Cartledge, the principal of the London School of Theology. We delved into the difference between practical and systematic theology, emphasizing practical theology's focus on the contemporary church and its empirical research methods. Dr. Cartledge shared how practical theologians study living tradit...

Hey everyone, welcome back to Ask A Theologian! I apologize for the hiatus—my wife and I are in the midst of transitioning out from our roles as lead pastors, and things have been hectic. But onward we go! Today, I'm excited to have Dr. Pam Engelbert join us. She's a practical theologian and Pentecostal minister who focuses on grief support, among other roles. We delve into her book, '...

This episode is a little different than our normal podcast. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jeremy D. Sims who is the professor of Spiritual Formation at Southeastern University. We talk about what spiritual direction is and why it's needed today. After exploring the topic, I asked Dr. Sims to take me through what a session of spiritual direction might look like. I got quite personal for me a...

In this episode of the Ask a Theologian podcast, I chat with Dr. Wolfgang Vondey, a professor of Christian Theology and Pentecostal Studies at Birmingham University in the UK. We delve into the unique aspects of Pentecostal systematic theology, focusing on the metaphor of the altar. Dr. Vondey explains that the altar serves not as an abstract concept but as a metaphor rooted in concrete experience...

In this episode of The Ask a Theologian podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. John Newton, a professor and scholar from Alpha Crucis University College in Melbourne, Australia. We jumped right into the complexities of the Book of Revelation, especially focusing on debunking dispensationalism within Pentecostal theology. Dr. Newton shared his journey from a classical Pentecostal background to...

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of comparative theology with Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Kärkkäinen, who also teaches at the University of Helsinki, explains that comparative theology involves engaging with multiple religious traditions, often positioning Christianity in dialogue with another faith like Islam. We discuss how this diffe...

On today's episode, we're diving into the fascinating topic of post-colonial perspectives on Pentecostalism with Dr. U-Wen Low from the University of Birmingham in the UK. The conversation is facinating as Dr. Low sheds light on the importance of decolonizing efforts within theology. We discuss how post-colonial thinking aims to dismantle oppressive structures, drawing from historical cont...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marty Mittlestadt from Evangel University about the intriguing concept of reception history and its significance in theology. We explored how various groups throughout history have interpreted scripture, particularly focusing on the transition from historical criticism to a reader-centred approach known as reception history. Dr. Mittlestadt...

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Mark Lau Branson, a practical theologian at Fuller Theological Seminary and a member of La Fuente, a multicultural, multiethnic, and multigenerational church. We discuss the complexities and insights of multicultural church life based on Dr. Branson's book 'Churches, Cultures, and Leadership,' co-authored with Juan Martinez. Ke...

In this episode I sat down with Dr. Tanya Riches of Eastern College Australia. Dr. Riches shares her journey growing up in the Hillsong Church, being part of its music scene, and how those experiences shaped her creatively and spiritually. She talks about her academic pursuits, including her degrees in psychology, political economy, and theology, and how she’s integrated traditional liturgical pra...

On this episode, I sat down with Dr. W. David O. Taylor, an Associate Professor of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Anglican priest, to chat about his book A Body of Praise. Our conversation led us into how he met Bono, the lead singer of the band U2, and his connection with Eugene Peterson. We also talked about theological anthropology, full sensory worship, the disabled, art and the b...

In this episode I sat down with Dr. Marshall Clark, president of the Society for Pentecostal Studies and lecturer at Vanguard University and the London School of Theology. Dr. Clark shared her background growing up in a migrant church in England, her PhD research on female spirituality within Pentecostalism, and the significant roles women have played as 'disruptors' in religious history. Our conv...

In this episode, I chatted with Dr. Susan Maros, associate professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Calling in Context and Power, Agency, and Women in the Mission of God.' We discussed how identities shape our calling and vocation, especially for women in conservative evangelical circles. Dr. Maros shared her experiences and insights into how context, culture,...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Richard Park, an Associate Professor of Theology at Vanguard University, to chat about his book 'Calling, the Blueprint.' Dr. Park shares his journey and passion for helping people discover their calling, whether it's in ministry, dentistry, or any other field. He helps unpack the biblical concept of calling, the importance of mentorship, and how everyday tasks...