Theology Unplugged

In this episode of Theology Unplugged, we dive deep into the controversy surrounding William Lane Craig's neo-Apollinarianism. I'll walk you through the historic understanding of the hypostatic union, even though I didn't use the term explicitly, and explain what Craig is teaching in this area. While some label him a heretic, I'm not entirely convinced that his views fall outside the bounds of Cha...

Is bad theology a sin? In this episode, we explore this controversial question and how it shapes many unhealthy paradigms within the church. We dive into the tension between differing theological perspectives and ask whether it's always wrong to hold incorrect beliefs. From there, we discuss the beauty of unity and diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that God created us to be united b...

In this episode, we continue the defense of whether God still speaks today, diving deeper into the topic introduced last time. I provide nine of the best arguments for the continuation of God's direct communication, including biblical mandate, biblical precedent, historical continuation, and personal experience. Each argument is examined in light of Scripture, history, and theology, showing why ma...

In this episode, C. Michael Patton delves into the hard cessationist perspective on charismatic prophecy. Does God still speak today? Michael presents the arguments from scripture, tradition, and experience that support the view that God no longer speaks through prophecy. Join the discussion as we evaluate both sides and emphasize the importance of revering God's word in our lives. Join us as we u...

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing Traducian theory of the soul, exploring whether our souls are inherited from our parents or directly created by God. We also tackle the age-old debate surrounding the Worldwide Flood: was it a local event or a global phenomenon? Plus, we break down the logic behind dismissing biblical miracles as too bizarre to believe. Join us for a thought-provoking...

In this episode, we dive into Special Revelation, exploring its role in the theological process and how it fits into our theological understanding. We'll review the steps in the process and address some final pieces before fully integrating Special Revelation into the broader theological chart. We'll also discuss the implications of ongoing Special Revelation-if it continues, how does that expand...

In this episode, we dive into Special Revelation, exploring its role in the theological process and how it fits into our theological understanding. We'll review the steps in the process and address some final pieces before fully integrating Special Revelation into the broader theological chart. We'll also discuss the implications of ongoing Special Revelation-if it continues, how does that expand...

In this episode, we dive into the recent controversial statements made by Pope Francis regarding the possibility of salvation for non-Christians and atheists. We'll explore why these comments have raised concerns among Protestants and others who question whether this could be potential heresy. To provide context, we'll discuss the difference between ordinary and extraordinary teachings in the Cath...

In today's QnA session, we dive deep into some of the most important and challenging questions in Christian theology. We explore everything from how mental illness affects someone's relationship with God to the divisions within Protestantism and how we maintain unity in the essentials. Join us as we also discuss the meaning behind Jesus' words in Matthew 25, the origin of sin, and differences in v...

Welcome to *Theology Unplugged - Question and Answer Friday* with C. Michael Patton! In this episode, we'll dive into several key topics: Christ's fulfillment of the Law in Matthew 5 and its implications for our lives today, the challenges and nuances of Calvinism, including God's sovereignty and human free will, and the importance of inerrancy as an essential doctrine. We'll also discuss who the...

In this episode, C. Michael Patton and Tad dive deep into the power of prayer, focusing on intercession and community prayer. They explore how interceding for others is an essential part of our spiritual lives and the profound impact that praying together as a community can have. From personal experiences to biblical insights, they discuss the effectiveness of prayer in both individual and collect...

In this episode, we put the Theological Process into practice using two key examples: the command to "Greet each other with a holy kiss" and the Doctrine of the Trinity. We'll walk through each step of the process-what did it mean then, what does it mean for all time, and how does it apply today? These examples help illustrate the balance between understanding ancient cultural contexts and graspin...

In this session, we'll explore the vital role emotions play in our theology, emphasizing their importance and how they intersect with key theological concepts like impassibility and the analogia entis. We will discuss how, far from being distractions, emotions help guide us toward deeper theological truths, while also exploring how God's impassibility relates to our emotional lives. Drawing from t...

In this episode, we explore the powerful role of experience as a source of theology. God's revelation often comes to us through events in our lives, shaping our understanding of Him in unique and personal ways. We'll distinguish experience from emotions, focusing on how God can guide us and speak to us through our life circumstances. While experience can provide profound insights, it must always b...

In this episode, we shift our focus to nature as a source of theology, often referred to as God's "second book." We'll explore how creation reveals truths about God and how nature has been a key source of theological reflection throughout history. By examining the beauty, order, and complexity of the natural world, we gain insight into the Creator. We'll discuss the benefits and limitations of usi...

In this sixth Question and Answer Friday session, we explore a variety of thought-provoking topics, including what the Episcopal Church is and how it differs from other Christian traditions, whether Catholics are required to believe everything the Church teaches, and the interplay between philosophy and theology in the question "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?" We also delve into intriguing...

In episode 50 of "Through Theology in a Year," we examine the values and benefits of tradition as a key source of theology. We'll explore how tradition fits into our overall understanding of theology and contributes to a more multidimensional or "three-dimensional" theological framework. This session emphasizes how all the different aspects-Scripture, tradition, reason, experience-work together to...

In episode 49 of "Through Theology in a Year," we continue our exploration of the sources of theology by diving into the benefits and deficiencies of the six primary sources principium cognoscendi): Scripture, reason, tradition, nature, experience, and emotion. This session marks the beginning of a detailed analysis that will likely continue in future episodes, helping us understand how each sourc...

In episode 48 of "Through Theology in a Year," we begin an essential exploration of the sources for theology. We'll provide an overview of the five primary sources that inform our understanding of God-Scripture, tradition, reason, experience, and possibly a sixth, general revelation. We'll also discuss the "stage of truth," showing how these sources interact and how different Christian traditions...

Join us as we dive deep into one of the most pivotal moments in church history-the night before Martin Luther's legendary "Here I Stand" speech at the Diet of Worms. While the world remembers his bold stand on April 18, 1521, few know about the intense spiritual and emotional struggle he faced the night before. We'll explore Luther's concept of "Anfechtung," a profound, demonic-like fear that grip...

In this fifth Q and A session of "Theology Unplugged," we tackle a wide range of questions that dive deep into essential theological concepts. We discuss the distinction between monogenēs and the traditional translation of "only begotten," shedding light on how this Greek term has been understood in the New Testament and its implications for Christology. We also explore what it truly means to be P...

In episode 47 of "Through Theology in a Year," we dive into the crucial topic of the development of doctrine within Christianity. We'll explore the Vincentian canon and its significance in understanding how Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism view doctrinal development. The discussion encourages a deep respect for the Church Fathers and church history while emphasizing the Prot...

In episode 46 of "Through Theology in a Year," we explore the Eastern Orthodox Church's perspective on its place in Christian history. Presented from the viewpoint of Eastern Orthodoxy, this session delves into how the Orthodox Church sees itself as the preserver of the true, unbroken apostolic faith. We'll discuss key historical events, including the Great Schism of 1054, the significance of the...

In episode 45 of "Through Theology in a Year," we take a deep dive into the Roman Catholic Church's perspective on its historical role as the One True Church. We'll explore how Roman Catholicism views itself as the essential authority that defines the Gospel, determines the canon of Scripture, and holds the Christian faith together. The Church sees itself as the timeline and foundation upon which...

In episode 40 of "Conversations with Tad," we explore the Lord's Prayer through the lens of humility and authenticity before God. We discuss how God desires us to come before Him as our true selves, free from pretense or guardedness. However, sin acts as a barrier, preventing us from fully being ourselves in His presence. Through His grace, God calls us to confess our sins-not to condemn us, but t...