Finding the Unknown God

In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith explore the themes of divine election, the search for the unknown God, and humans attempts of understanding God through mysticsm. They discuss the contrasting views of Erasmus and Luther on election, the significance of Paul's sermon at the Areopagus, and how mysticism has influenced Lutheran thought. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preaching and the certainty of God's promises in contrast to the uncertainty of human understanding.   Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson

What is the right sacrifice before God? Dr. Paulson continues to examine Cain and Able in an effort to refute the notion that the difference between the two was a result of the correct use of free will. Paulson argues that Luther rightly demonstrates that the difference was between faith and works. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

Dr. Paulson opens up an examination of the story of Cain and Abel. Here at the first murder, there are lessons to be learned about why free will is a fiction and how no man can appraoch God through the law. After his attempted sacrafice fails, Cain's anger and desporation leads him away from God.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

Dr. Paulson discusses the difference between free will and dominion over creation. Here, the conversation turns to Genesis, but it demonstrates how Luther explained that Adam and Eve were not exercising free will but rather utilizing the gift of dominion over creation.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

Dr. Paulson continues to analyze the appeal Erasmus makes to Sirach in chapter 15. Here, Erasmus speculates, creating an internally consistent logic about free will, creation, and sin. Though his speculation may be consistent, Luther aptly demonstrates how Scripture does not support it.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

This week, Dr. Paulson outlines Erasmus' bold claim that the existence of the law necessitates human free will. Erasmus begins to argue against the clarity of Scripture and advocates for looking at Sirach chapter 15 to examine the relationship between the law and free will. Paulson demonstrates how Luther used the Scriptures to prove this theory wrong. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

This episode begins an examination of the Apostle Paul's proclamation that where there is no law, there is no sin. From here, Dr. Paulson will examine Erasmus and Luther as they consider what it means to be free and what, if any, glimpse can be gathered from looking back to Eden.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

Dr. Paulson continues to characterize the dialogue between Luther and Erasmus. As Erasmus begins to grasp every possible need for free will, he finally arrives at an argument based on societal behavior. Erasmus knows Luther does not want society to be lawless and appeals to the law's ability to rein in chaos. Luther, of course, does not give in and continues his appeal to Scripture.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

Is the Gospel just a feeling of relief? Steve Paulson addresses the difference between the internal need for relief from the law and the external reality of the Gospel. The Gospel is not an internal force but an external act proclaimed and done for you. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

Paulson continues the conversation about the "spiritual man" who cannot be judged. But how do you know if you can claim such spirituality? The man who cannot be considered is not identified by internal revelation, thoughts, or theological musings. Instead, the fortification from judgment comes from the certainty of the external word of the Gospel preached.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson