Distinctive Christianity

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Stephen Westerholm to discuss his book Justification Reconsidered: Rethinking a Pauline Theme. What is the Doctrine of Justification, and why is Paul so central to a Biblical definition of the doctrine? Noting “how we construe Paul’s claim that one is ‘justified by faith, not by works of the law’ depends, at least in part, on the question we think it addresses” - we discuss the impact of more recent scholarship that shifts the definition of Justification based on an updating of our view of the first-century context, interpreting “works of the law” to primarily mean horizontal boundary markers, and a view of the “righteous” and “righteousness” that emphasizes covenant inclusion and covenant faithfulness. Indeed, many are saying today that concerns overs sin and salvation are more tours of the introspective consciences of Augustine, Luther and Calvin than of the historical Paul in his actual context. Taking us into the clear teaching of 1 Thessalonians, we see that the question of how one is saved from God’s wrath is clearly the question at the heart of Paul’s message, even before the “first clearly formulated ‘doctrine’ of justification” we find in Galatians: “A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Moreover, we see the concern over “rightousness” - for example: in Genesis 18, the Psalms, and Proverbs - as deriving from Creation, not just covenant. As Dr. Westerholm writes: “The apostle is using language of ‘righteousness’ in ordinary ways to speak of the extraordinary divine answer to the human predicament...stated in terms of universal human culpability before God.” Listen in as we ask Dr. Westerholm about how to best understand the more careful scholarship about the first-century Jewish backdrop and how it may impact our view of Paul’s teaching, whether Paul and James contradict about faith and works, as well as whether Augustine is the source of the confessional Protestant view of Justification – rather than the historical Paul in his authentic context.Book: Justification Reconsidered: Rethinking a Pauline ThemeAlso, check out Dr. Westerholm’s new commentary on Romans!Other books by Dr. Westerholm:Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The “Lutheran” Paul and His CriticsRomans: Text, Readers, and the History of InterpretationUnderstanding Paul: The Early Christian Worldview of the Letter to the RomansUnderstanding Matthew: The Early Christian Worldview of the First GospelOther resources:Augsburg Confession Article IVBelgic Confession Article 22-23fWCF ch. 11; WLC Q.70f; WSC Q. 33Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians by Martin LutherJohn Calvin’s Letter to Sadoleto (1539)The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon MorrisInterpreting Galatians by Moises Silva- Also, “Faith Versus Works of the Law in Galatians”, found in Justification and Variegated Nomism (2 vol.’s), edited by D. A. Carson, Peter T. O’Brien, and Mark A. SeifridAugustine of Hippo by Bradley GreenNotes on Galatians by J. Gresham MachenOriginal Sin by Henri BlocherWhere is Boasting?: Early Jewish Soteriology and Paul’s Response in Romans 1-5; Defending Substitution: An Essay on Atonement in Paul by Simon GathercoleCracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul by Robert J. CaraJustification and the New Pespectives on Paul by Guy Waters (also here, and here)James Revisited by Brandon CroweUncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger (also here, here and here)

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Naomi Rood to discuss Homer’s Odyssey. Consisting of around 12,100 lines of verse (separated into 24 books) and being around 2,700 years old, what is the Odyssey and why does it matter? We ask about authorship, composition – as well as how it connects and relates to the Iliad? What is some of the major themes of the poem? Taking us into the Proem (1.1-10), how does this give us insight into the heart of the epic, it’s emphasis on “man”, as well as the connection to the divine? What is xenia (or, hospitality), and why is it such a big deal in the moral world both assumed and taught in the poem? Listen in, as we land on Book IX of the Odyssey, and discuss how Homer – in the story of Odysseus and Polyphemus (the Cyclops) engages the question of what is civilization – as well as themes of humanity and the gods, Hesiodic Golden Age and their passing age, light and darkness, death and rebirth, metis (or cunning, intelligence) and bie (or physical strength). We also hear about the Homeric conception of the hero, as well as the contrast between Achilles and Odysseus. Teaching about home, and homecoming – as well as marriage and the deep partnership Odysseus has with Penelope, we ask Dr. Rood what many are missing if they are only interacting with the recently released movie. We end by asking about why this poem should matter, even today – as well as some encouragement for those who have yet to read this gift from the ancient Greeks.Two notes on the episode for clarification:Pertaining to the issue of whether the Odyssey was written down with Athens primarily in mind, Dr. Rood did want the listener to hear about some scholarship that thinks so. However, to be clear: she does not think so - and views the Homeric Epics as more Panhellenic in their origin and purpose.In the discussion about theoxenia - we failed to clearly point out that Athena does, in fact, appear in disguise on Ithaca - both in the form of Mentes and Mentor, etc. However, Dr. Rood's point in the discussion was that theoxenia doesn't seem to occur in order to explicitly test mortals on their morals, or xenia. For example, the disguised Athena doesn't test Telemachus on xenia (or "hospitality"), but rather encourages him to leave home and learn about his father Odysseus. Some resources by Dr. Rood:- “Implied Vengeance in the Simile of Grieving Vultures (Odyssey 16. 216-19)” (Classical Quarterly)- “Hesiod’s Metallurgy Simile (Th. 861-7)” (The Cambridge Classical Journal)- “Craft Similes and the Construction of Heroes in the Iliad” (Harvard Studies in Classical Philology)Check out translations by: Albert Cook, Robert Fagles (note the Introduction by Bernard Knox), Daniel Mendelsohn (also here), or Peter GreenOther resources:Twelve Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World by Carl J. RichardHomeric Moments: Clues to Delight in Reading the Odyssey and the Iliad by Eva BrannThe Best of the Achaeans by Gregory NagyThe World of Odysseus by M. I. FinleyHomer and His Iliad by Robin Lane FoxAlexander at the End of the World by Rachel KousserCheck out Greg Lanier: “Can You Read Homer’s Odyssey in Ancient Greek?”; “First look at the fourth-century fragment of Odyssey Book 12” - “4th Century Fragment of the Odyssey Discovered in Utrecht University Library” (Sept. 14, 2026)The Odyssey of Political Theory by Patrick J. DeneenWho Killed Homer? by Victor Davis Hanson and John HeathThe Odyssey in Athens by Erwin CookOxford Readings in Greek Religion, edited by Richard BuxtonThe Odyssey Effect by Erica StevensonThe Oxford Critical Guide to Homer’s Odyssey, edited by Joel P. ChristensenPotentially relevant past episodes on Plato: here, here and herePotentially relevant past episodes on Irenaues of Lyons: here and here“Christian Allegoresis of the Odyssey?” by Jovana SijakovicHomer: The Theologian by Robert LambertonThe Bow and the Lyre: A Platonic Reading of the Odyssey by Seth Benardete

In this episode, we welcome Dr. David Mark Rathel to discuss his book Andrew Fuller and the Search for a Faith Worthy of All Acceptation: Exploring Fuller’s Soteriology in Its Historical Context. Who was Andrew Fuller (1754-1815), and why does he matter? One of the most important and impactful English Particular Baptist Ministers and Theologians, Fuller’s influence is often linked to The Baptist Missionary Society – as well as works such as Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation. Seen as responding to hyper-Calvinism in his time, Dr. Rathel takes us into the complex question of what indeed was the hyper-Calvinism of his time – as well as it’s historical origins and development. Originating with a matrix of English Puritanism, we are introduced to figures such as Tobias Crisp and Joseph Hussey as we see extreme anxiety over assurance of salvation lead to fundamental changes in the pactum salutis (covenant of redemption), Christology, as well as the limits of gospel proclamation. Over time, this anxiety shifts from issues of eternity into issues of “Adamic Inability” – yet consistently centered on concerns over gospel assurance and free grace. The cumulative weight of understanding the polemical and historical context of Fuller’s time contributes significantly to our clarity of why and how Fuller argues against the hyper-Calvinism of his time, while relying upon those who even held to some of the positions of the hyper-Calvinists of an earlier period of time. Yet, through all of the details of this impressive historical investigation comes many relevant questions for us today, including the place of assurance in our understanding – as well as whether or not preaching the necessity of all to exercise faith in Christ is to be guilty of legalism. What is the place of history in our understanding of both the history of redemption, as well as our own lives, when it comes to the salvation of God? We then end by asking Dr. Rathel about the true legacy of Andrew Fuller, and what that should mean for us today.Book: Andrew Fuller and the Search for a Faith Worthy of All Acceptation: Exploring Fuller’s Soteriology in Its Historical ContextGospel Worthy of All Acceptation by Andrew FullerOther resources by Dr. Rathel: - Baptists and the Emerging Church Movement: A Baptistic Assessment of Four Themes of Emerging Church Ecclesiology - Lecture on Divine SimplicityOther resources:Reading Andrew Fuller; Rooted in the Word by Michael Haykin“Student Cracks theologian’s baffling religious code” (BBC)

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Haykin to discuss his book Rooted in the Word: Wisdom from the English Particular Baptists. Who are the Baptists, and what is both their place in a broader shared orthodoxy – as well as their core distinctives? With the “first clearly identifiable Particular Baptist church was founded in London in 1638”, Dr. Haykin takes us into the debates surrounding Baptist origins – as well as why he argues for their origins being found in “the matrix of English Puritanism”. How early do we see Baptist confessionalism, and how should we best understand how the Baptist confessions interacted with Baptist polity? Though there may have been some influence from the Westminster Confession of Faith upon the text of the Second London Baptist Confession, Dr. Haykin reminds us that the First London Baptist Confession of Faith was earlier than the Westminster Assembly. Listen in as we ask Dr. Haykin about some of the historic Baptist arguments for Baptist distinctive commitments to believers’ baptism, by immersion – as well as congregational polity. We also hear some highlights about men behind two of the famous hymns written by Baptists of the this early period: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (written by Robert Robinson), and “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” (written by John Fawcett). We also hear some thoughts on the life and legacy of William Carey, “the father of the modern missions movement” – and the context of his work promoting more focus on spreading the Gospel of Grace throughout the world. We end with some of Dr. Haykin’s thoughts on how Baptists should appreciate both their place in a broader Christianity, as well as their own distinctive heritage and history.Book: Rooted in the Word: Wisdom from the English Particular BaptistsSome other resources by Dr. Haykin:- Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands: Recovering Sacrament in the Baptist Tradition- Kiffin, Knollys and Keach: Rediscovering Our Baptist Heritage- Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact - A Thousand Beauteous Dyes: Toward a Reformed Theology of Color- Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church- The Spirit of God: The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century- The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical SpiritualityPast interviews: here, here and hereAlso check out: “’Emblem of the throng that praise the Lamb’: Learning from some English Particular Baptist Associations of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries”Hymns: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “Blest Be the Tie that Binds”Other resources:Trinity and Creation by Richard BarcellosOrthodox Radicals: Baptist Identity in the English Revolution by Matthew BinghamWith Freedom Fired: The Story of Robert Robinson, Cambridge Nonconformist by Graham HughesThe English Baptists of the Seventeenth Century; The English Separatist Tradition: From Marian Martyrs to the Pilgrim Fathers by Barrington Raymond WhiteThe Tailor-King: The Rise and Fall of the Anabaptist Kingdom of Munster by Anthony Arthur

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Ed Romine to discuss his article “Elohim v. Yahweh: Divine Complexity of the LDS Church Contra Divine Simplicity of Creedal Christianity”. What is the doctrine of Simplicity, and why does it matter? Is it biblical, is it creedal – and why have so many of the great Christian theologians affirm a robust articulation of the Triune God’s Simplicity? We then ask Ed about how this contrasts with the consistent LDS prophetic teaching of a “corporeal and complex” status of godhood – consistent with a cosmology based on eternally-existent matter and law. Comparing and contrasting the care, core commitments and articulation of one like Thomas Aquinas (in his Summa Theologica) versus LDS apostle Elder Charles Penrose (in a classic 1884 talk) – Ed takes us into what this reveals about the core differences between the doctrine of LDS authorities and those of Creedal Christianity, and why this matters. Whether God is Simple “without body, parts, or passions” – or is in part defined by the complexity of an exalted status of one’s body, parts, and passions leads to completely different definitions of what one means when they say they worship Jesus. Indeed, what one means when they say Jesus is God is at the core of the very definition of Christianity, itself.Book: A Faithful Steward: Essays in Honor of Richard C. BarcellosCheck out First Baptist Church of ProvoSome other resources by Dr. Romine:The Booming Baritone Bell of England: The Pedagogy and Practice of Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s Open-Air Preaching (hear interview here, here and here)- Also check out our past review of President Nelson’s April 2024 General Conference TalkSome other resources:Trinity and Creation by Richard BarcellosAll That Is In God by James DolezalReformed Dogmatics by Herman BavinckSumma Theologica by Thomas AquinasThe Last Superstition; Aquinas by Ed FeserAquinas by F.C. Copleston“King Follett Discourse”; “Sermon in the Grove” by Joseph Smith (also here, here)President Brigham Young: JD 1. 238; 5.58President Wilford Woodruff: JD 19. 229President Lorenzo Snow: JD 14. 302“The Personality of God…” by Elder Charles Penrose“The Scriptures Speak” by Elder LeGrand Richards“The Living Christ” by Elder Bernard P. Brockbank

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Peter Gentry to discuss the book, co-authored with Dr. Christophe Rico, The Mother of the Infant King, Isaiah 7:14: ‘alma and parthenos in the World of the Bible: A Linguistic Perspective. Isaiah 7:14, especially given the quotation in Matthew 1:23 – is considered one of the most controversial passages in the Old Testament. Translated traditionally as “virgin”, and yet in modern translations typically rendered “young woman” – what is the actual meaning of the world ‘alma and how do we know? Whether from arguments from etymology, to the argument of “duplicate use”, to the alleged counter-point in Proverbs 30:19, to even broad claims regarding Jewish tradition – Dr. Gentry takes us into each of these arguments, why they are made, and what is wrong with them. Focusing quite a bit on linguistic analysis, both of ‘alma and the Greek translation of “parthenos” – Dr. Gentry answers the question of whether or not Genesis 24:43 is a counter-point. What is the context of Isaiah 7, the textual evidence regarding Isaiah 7:14 specifically – and how does it tie into the larger context of Isaiah’s book as a whole? We then ask about whether or not the evangelist Matthew rightly reads and understands Isaiah 7:14 in his quotation in Matthew 1:23? Contrary to the modern consensus, Dr. Gentry explains to us some of why a close study of Isaiah suggests that the Prophet did actually predict a virgin birth in the distant future – and that Jesus of Nazareth does indeed fulfill that specific prophecy.Book: The Mother of the Infant King, Isaiah 7:14: ‘alma and parthenos in the World of the Bible: A Linguistic PerspectiveOther resources by Dr. Gentry:- “Does Isaiah Predict the Virgin Birth?”- How To Read and Understand the Biblical Prophets- Kingdom Through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants- Text History of the Greek Ecclesiastes- Check out the Hexapla InstituteOther resources:Biblical Words and Their Meaning by Moises SilvaExegetical Fallacies by D.A. CarsonThe Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen- Check out our interview with Dr. Bernard Aubert about this bookScourby: Isaiah, Matthew, LukeLDS resources:1 Nephi 11:15, 18; Alma 7:10CFM Diagram“The Father and the Son” (Q15)Prophet-President Brigham Young: JD 1.46-53; 4.217-218; 8.115; 11.268Elder Heber C. Kimball: JD 8.211The Seer by Elder Orson Pratt (also JD 19.319)Jesus the Christ by Elder James TalmageDoctrines of Salvation (3 vol.’s) by President Joseph Fielding Smith (also here)Mormon Doctrine; Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 vol.’s); “The Mystery of Godliness” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie (also here, and here)

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Vern Poythress to discuss his book Redeeming Philosophy: A God-Centered Approach to the Big Questions. Starting with the question of what is philosophy – and contrasting the commitment to “wisdom” we find contrasted between Athens and Jerusalem. Calling for a redemption of philosophy, we ask Dr. Poythress about what is a distinctively Christian approach to philosophy. Indeed, is the Bible able to truly teach man philosophy? Writing “Genesis 1-2 provides foundational instruction to guide human learning about the world,” the Bible gives man a programmatic perspective, much larger than a shallow reading may catch. Along those lines, the fall of man into sin in Genesis 3 provides a crucial perspective into the mind of man – and it’s tendency toward the lust for autonomy, which comes in many various philosophical forms. What is the Problem of “the One and the Many”, and why don’t the approaches of brilliant thinkers such as Thales, Plato and Aristotle struggle to account for the unity and the diversity of the cosmos? Indeed, how may the Trinity actually provide a basis for both the unity and diversity in a way that avoids reduction and illusion? Why should Christians avoid the false alternatives of Idealism and Empiricism, or Modernism and Postmodernism? Listen in, as Dr. Poythress takes us through this and more – including a response to, with philosophy in mind, the question of how Christ Jesus is the wisdom of God, even “the way, the Truth, and the life”.Book: Redeeming Philosophy: A God-Centered Approach to the Big QuestionsOther resources by Dr. Poythress:- Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach (hear our previous interview here)- The Mystery of the Trinity: A Trinitarian Approach to the Attributes of God- Logic: A God-Centered Approach to the Foundation of Western Thought- Biblical Typology: How the Old Testament Points to Christ, His Church, and the Consummation- The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation- Making Sense of Man: Using Biblical Perspectives to Develop a Theology of Humanity- Mediator: A Biblical Theology- Redeeming Mathematic: A God-Centered Approach- Interpreting Eden: A Guide to Faithfully Reading and Understanding Genesis 1-3- In the Beginning Was the Word: Language: A God-Centered ApproachOther resources:The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til (also here)The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God; The Doctrine of the Word of God by John FrameBiblical Critical Theory by Christopher WatkinPaul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics by William D. DennisonFrom Darwin to Hitler; Darwinian Racism by Richard Weikart From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race by J. Daniel Hays (and here)American Awakening by Joshua MitchellCheck out our previous interviews about Colossians: here and hereCheck out our previous interviews about Plato: here, here and hereMind and Cosmos by Thomas NagelGalileo’s Daughter by Dava SobelGalileo Revisited by Dom Paschal ScottiInfinitesimal by Amir AlexanderThe Origin of Science and the Science of Its Origin; The Savior of Science by Stanley JakiThe Territories of Science and Religion; The Bible, Protestantism, and the Rise of Natural Science; The Fall of Man and the Foundations of Science by Peter HarrisonPersonal Knowledge by Michael PolanyiScourby: 1 CorinthiansPlato’s Euthyphro (and here, here)LDS sources mentioned:D&C 93; Abraham 3, 4Founding Prophet/President Joseph Smith’s “King Follett Discourse”; “Sermon in the Grove” (also here, here, here – and here, here, here)A Rational Theology; Joseph Smith as Scientist by Elder John A. Widtsoe“Nature of Man” (July 3, 1859) by President/Prophet Brigham Young (also JD 7.277)“Our Great Potential” (April 1977) by President Spencer W. Kimball

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Andrew S. Malone to discuss his book God’s Mediators: A Biblical Theology of Priesthood. What is the Priesthood, according to the Bible? Moreover, what is a priest – and how do we understand their “two-way role”? Even in the era of Moses, how do we understand Exodus 19:6 relative to the Aaronic Priesthood being introduced later in Exodus 28? What was the Aaronic Priesthood – and how does it relate and overlap with the Levites? What was their origins – and what are some thoughts on the distinctive nature of Israelite priesthood, as well as the how we better understand the change in what we see of priestly activity across the Old Testament? Who was the High Priest, what was his relation to Moses, his distinctive attire – and his unique role and responsibility in the cult of Israel? Listen in as Dr. Malone takes us into this, and more as we hear about how we should balance the significant continuity and discontinuity across the Bible. Was Jesus of Nazareth a (High) Priest, and how should we understand that relative to his authority as presented in the New Testament? Taking us into the rich theology of the Epistle to the Hebrews, we ask Dr. Malone how to best understand the parallel and substantive connection of the relationship of the Aaronic Priest and corporate Israel – as well as Christ Jesus and the church, both aiding us in seeing the identity and work of Christ our Priest, as well as better understanding the priesthood of all believers in regard to both the church, and the world.Book: God’s Mediators: A Biblical Theology of PriesthoodSome other resources by Dr. Malone:- To Walk and To Please God: A Theology of 1 and 2 Thessalonians- Knowing Jesus in the Old Testament?: A Fresh Look At Christophanies- “John Owen and Old Testament Christophanies” (Reformed Theological Review)- “God The Illeist: Third-Person Self-References and Trinitarian Hints in the Old Testament” (Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society)- “Drawing Near to God: Spatial Metaphors for Salvation” (Southern Baptist Journal of Theology)- “Acceptable Anachronism in Biblical Studies” (The Bible Translator)Other resources:“Roman Catholic Theology and Practice of the Priesthood Contrasted with Protestant Theology and Practice of the Priesthood” by Rachel Ciano and and Gregg AllisonThe Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology; “You are a Priest Forever: Psalm 110 and the Melchizedekian Priesthood of Christ” by Matthew EmadiWho Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus; “The Levitical Priesthood” by L. Michael MoralesJesus The Priest by Nicholas PerrinThe Temple and the Church’s Mission; Colossians (BECNT) by G.K. Beale“A Critical Examination of the Roman Catholic Definitions of Dulia and Latria” by Lauren MontenegroLDS resources:D&C 20; 42; 68; 84; 107; 121; 124; 132; Articles of Faith 1.5True to the Faith: A Gospel ReferenceGospel Principles A Rational Theology; Evidences and Reconciliations; Priesthood and Church Government by Elder John A. WidtsoeThe Words of Joseph Smith:- At one place, Smith distinguishes between Melchizedek and the “Aaronic or Levitical” priesthoods (p. 38-39). Yet, at other places, Smith distinguishes between “Aaron, Abraham, and Melchizedek” – Levitical, Abraham’s “patriarchal power”, and the “three grand orders of priesthood” as “the King of Shalom”, “patriarchal authority”, and Levitical. (pp. 244-246) – (also here, here, here); “King Follett Discourse”; “Sermon in the Grove” (also here, here)“Priesthood is the means to exaltation. The priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man on earth to act in all things pertaining to the salvation of men. It is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls. Without this priesthood power, men are lost. Only through this power does man ‘hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church,’ enabling him to receive ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened’ unto him (see D&C 107:18-19), enabling him to enter the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and to have his wife and children bound to him in an everlasting tie, enabling him to become a patriarch to his posterity forever, and enabling him to receive a fullness of the blessings of the Lord.” - President Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.494; “Our Great Potential” (also here)President Brigham Young: JD 2.179-191; 3.191-196; 4:77; 7.201-206; 9:86-93, 279-281; 12.56-64; 16.185-189; 17.113-115, 19.45-50President John Taylor: JD 2.40-41; 19.51-57; 21.358-372; 22.193-204 (also here – as well as The Goverment of God)Gospel Doctrine by President Joseph F. SmithThe Way to Perfection; Doctrines of Salvation (3 vol.’s) by President Joseph Fielding Smith“The Cornerstone of Our Faith” by President Gordon B. Hinckley“Honoring the Priesthood”; “The Price of Priesthood Power” by President Russell M. Nelson (also here)Elder Parley P. Pratt: JD 1:256-263Elder Orson Hyde: JD 8.19-26Elder Orson Pratt: JD 20:144-145Elder George Q. Cannon: JD 25.288-295; 25.295-298; 26. 241-253Elder Erastus Snow: JD 19:278-279“What Every Elder Should Know – and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government” by Elder Boyd K. Packer“Blessings of the Priesthood” by Elder Robert D. Hales“Honor the Priesthood and Use it Well” by Elder Richard G. ScottThe Truth, The Way, the Life by (Seventy) B. H. RobertsPriesthood Blessings; Priests of the Most High God by Donald GoffLost Legacy: The Mormon Office of Presiding Patriarch by Irene M. Bates and E. Gary Smith; also check out my interview with Bradley Campbell on the LDS Presiding Patriarch“Gospel Trilogy” – “Meaning of the Atonement” (or here) by Cleon SkuosenEarly Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael QuinnThe Refiner’s Fire by John BrookeThe Power of Godliness by Jonathan StapleyAlso check out the coverage by Dr. Kyle Beshears in ch.’s 18 and 19 of 40 Questions About Mormonism

In this episode, we welcome The Reverend Michael J. Glodo to discuss his book The Lord Bless You and Keep You: The Promise of the Gospel in the Aaronic Blessing. Found in Numbers 6:22-27, what is the Aaronic Blessing and why does it matter? Landing on the themes and threads of blessing and keeping, of the Lord’s “face” and presence, as well as the purpose and eschatology of the peace promised in this incredibly rich passage of Scripture. Going back to the beginning, even in the Biblical account of the creation of man in the image and likeness of God, we see the purpose of man’s face – and in the Fall, we see man’s face marred in rebellion, guilt and sin. As he writes: “The story that precedes the blessing of God’s gracious gaze is one of the people seeing, avoiding, longing for, and catching a glimpse of the face of God.” Taking us through “the story of faces”, Rev. Glodo takes us through some highlights of the “long-running story” within which the Aaronic Blessing both takes part and points toward as we eventually see the face of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Not only do we see the storyline and the theology of Scripture exemplified in the Aaronic Blessing, but we can also learn much about the worship of God by his covenant people. Indeed, what is a benediction, and how is it a distinct and essential part of worship, both for Israel of old – and the church today? Listen in as Rev. Glodo gives us a tour of the tapestry of all the Aaronic Blessing has to offer God’s people, even today.Book: The Lord Bless You and Keep You: The Promise of the Gospel in the Aaronic BlessingOther resources by The Reverend Michael J. Glodo:Sermon: “God’s Gracious Gaze” (Numbers 6.22-27)Video: “What is the place of prayer in worship?”Check out Rev. Glodo’s Website Also, check out St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church - “The Church in the Old Testament” (Westminster Society Journal)- “Sola Ecclesia: The Lost Reformation Doctrine”- “Covenant Sign and Seal: The Symbolic Significance of Circumcision and Its Application to the New Testament Believer” (also Part Two)Other resources:Till We Have Faces by C.S. LewisMetaphors We Live By by George Lakoff and Mark JohnsonMere Christian Hermeneutics by Kevin J. VanhoozerLeading in Prayer; The Shaping of the Reformed Baptismal Rite in the Sixteenth Century; Holy Communion in the Piety of the Reformed Church by Hughes Oliphant OldA Way to Pray by Matthew HenryGod is the Gospel by John PiperUnion with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. BealeSecond Helvetic Confession, chapter 18E.g. OPC Book of Church OrderCharles Wesley: “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown” (audio clip: Washington Choral Arts Society)Scourby: Numbers, GenesisAlso check out the Ketef Hinnom AmuletsLDS Clips:News: here, here and hereFounding Prophet Joseph Smith: JSH-1 (and here); also, herePresident Brigham Young: JD 10.230-31Elder Orson Pratt: The Seer, p.255Elder George Q. Cannon: Gospel Truth, p.324Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Our Relationship with the Lord” (also, here)Elder LeGrand Richards: “Strange Creeds of Christendom”President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We Look to Christ”Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” (also, here and here)For more discussion of the LDS doctrine of The Great Apostasy – please check out this interview. 

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Matthew Emadi to continue to discuss Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Listen in as Dr. Emadi takes us on a tour of one of the most important and insightful texts of Scripture, as the apostle Paul proclaims “the Gospel of God” for all who will hear. This installment will cover Romans 4:1-5:9.Please read (and even listen) to Romans (ESV, KJV).Hear our previous episode on Romans 1-3 here.Check out Christ Covenant Church Utah and the Salt Lake School of TheologyOther resources by Dr. Emadi:The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology“You are a Priest Forever: Psalm 110 and the Melchizedekian Priesthood of Christ”“The Fulfillment of the Land Promise In the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Critique of Dispensationalism”What Is a Church?; How Can I Serve My Church?“The Leper’s Cleansing and Our Salvation” (TGC)“What Do Mormons Believe About God” (TGC)Check out past episodes with Dr. Emadi:“Melchizedek and his Priesthood”“The Church”“John 14:28: ‘for the Father is Greater than I’”“The Temple”Other resources:The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon MorrisUncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger“Indicative and Imperative: The Basic Structure of Pauline Ethics” by William DennisonThe Pauline Eschatology; Biblical Theology by Geerhardus VosFather, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8: The Roman Reception of Paul’s Trinitarian Theology by Ron C. FayThanksgiving: An Investigation of a Pauline Theme by David PaoThe Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God; “God is Love and He Doesn’t Need Us” by D. A. CarsonCracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul by Robert CaraPerspectives Old and New on Paul; Justification Reconsidered; Understanding Paul; Romans: Text, Readers, and the History of Interpretation by Stephen WesterholmPaul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F. F. BruceBy Faith, Not By Sight by Richard GaffinPaul: An Outline of His Theology by Herman RidderbosOriginal Sin: Illuminating the Riddle by Henri BlocherThe Cross and the Prodigal; Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth BaileyAmerican Awakening by Joshua Mitchell (also, here)Alexander at the End of the World by Rachel KousserAugustine of Hippo: His Life and Impact by Bradley GreenJoseph Smith Translation, Romans 4; “David”Gospel Doctrine by President Joseph F. Smith; D&C 138The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball