Episodes

  • 200. J. Daniel Hays on Race and the Bible

    200. J. Daniel Hays on Race and the Bible
    Jan 12 2026
    In this episode, we welcome Dr. J. Daniel Hays to discuss his book From every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race. Starting with “the multi-ethnic, non-Caucasian cultural context of the Old Testament”, we start with focusing in on an important example: the Kingdom of Cush. Who were the Cushites, and what is some of their key place in history, and the text of Scripture? Why are they key for both identifying blatant past prejudice when it comes to “cultural pre-understanding”, and positively understanding what the Bible teaches about race? Contrary to both white supremacists and the claims coming from groups like the Nation of Islam - far from being artificially imported into the Biblical story, Black Africans have been there even prior to the calling of Abraham. With this, we approach the question of the so-called “Curse of Ham” in Genesis 9, what Dr. Hays calls “one of the most serious and most damaging misinterpretations of Scripture”, and we ask both what the text actually teaches and why it is preposterous to think of this as anything race-based (let alone dealing with black and white skin). Far from a race-based curse of servitude, the descendants of Ham listed in Genesis 10 (including Cushites) historically dominated the Ancient Near East for millennia, and the Kingdom of Cush prospered even well into the Christian period. Who was Moses’ wife, as documented in Numbers 12 - and did this conform or contradict what God revealed through Moses about intermarriage in Exodus and Deuteronomy? What is significant about the Ethiopian Eunuch documented in Acts 8 – and why is it significant for understanding the call of the Gospel that will bless all nations, peoples, and even races. What does Jesus’ teachings involving Samaritans have to teach us about healing centuries of racial strife and prejudice today? Listen in as Dr. Hays helps us see the big picture of the Bible’s teachings on “the nations” – including the deep connection between the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, and that holy vision of the apostle John in Revelation 5; a vision about our receiving the blessed kingdom of racial unity around the worship of the Lamb who conquered sin and death. Book: From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of RaceSome other resources by Dr. Hays:- The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God’s Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation- The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of Godliness- The Ichthus Christogram and Other Early Christian SymbolsOther resources:The Bible and Race by T. B. Maston (published, 1959)Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery; The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Keel-ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation by Stephen HaynesGod, Language and Scripture by Moises SilvaThe Kingdom of Kush: Handbook of the Napatan-Meroitic Civilization by Laszlo TorokAncient Nubia: Egypt’s Rival in Africa by David O’ConnorThe Black Kingdom of the Nile by Charles BonnetThe Oxford Handbook of Ancient NubiaUntangling Blackness in Greek Antiquity by Sarah DerbewAfrocentrism by Stephen HoweFrom Slave to Pharaoh: The Black Experience of Ancient Egypt by Donald RedfordThe Black Pharaohs: Egypt’s Nubian Rulers by Robert MarkotScourby YouBible:- The Book of Genesis- The Book of Numbers- The Book of Luke- The Book of Acts- The Book of Revelation
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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • 199. Michael Haykin on the Nicene Creed and the Doctrine of the Trinity

    199. Michael Haykin on the Nicene Creed and the Doctrine of the Trinity
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Michael Haykin to discuss his article: “‘The brilliance of the rainbow’: Athanasius of Alexandria, the Cappodocian Fathers, and the defence of the doctrine of the Trinity”. What is the Scriptural basis, as well as historical development and defense of the Doctrine of the Trinity? Is this development primarily a philosophical enterprise, or is it rooted in the Bible? What was the Arian Controversy, and why the need for the Council of Nicaea in AD 325? Who was Athanasius of Alexandria (“the black dwarf”) – and what was at stake in calling Jesus “god” while not affirming him as of “the same substance” (homoousios) with the Father? Is this an essential issue for true and faithful Christianity? Moreover, Dr. Haykin takes us into some of the changes made between the (325) Creed of Nicaea and the (381) “Nicene Creed”, which is more technically called the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. Moreover, we hear about some of the major aspects of the Pneumatomachian Controversy, and the need for more clarity when it comes to the total affirmation of the Holy Spirit as God. Who was Basil of Caesarea, and what was at stake in subordinating the Holy Spirit to anything less than “Lord and Giver of Life”? Listen in as Dr. Haykin takes us into the essential nature of the Christian commitment to the Trinity, and he gives us some of his thoughts about the importance of the Nicene Creed today.Article: “‘The brilliance of the rainbow’: Athanasius of Alexandria, the Cappodocian Fathers, and the defence of the doctrine of the Trinity”Other resources by Dr. Haykin:- Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact (hear interview here)- Rediscovering the Church Fathers - The Spirit of God:The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century - Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands: Recovering Sacrament in the Baptist Traditions - The Missionary Fellowship of William Carey - The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical SpiritualityOther resources:Ligonier State of Theology Survey;Among the shocking and tragic r esults regarding American Evangelicals:- 53% agree that “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”- 53% think that “The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being.”- 47% believe “God accepts the worship of all religions…”The Essential Trinity edited by Brandon Crowe and Carl TruemanFather, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8 by Ron FayChristianity at the Crossroads by Michael KrugerThe Story of Creeds and Confessions by Donald Fairbairn and Ryan ReevesThe Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity by Edmon Gallagher and John MeadeThe Early Christian Fathers edited and translated by Henry Bettenson- On the Incarnation by Athanasius- On the Holy Spirit by Basil the GreatAthanasius of Alexandria by Peter BarnesAthanasius by Alvyn PetersenBasil of Caesarea by Marvin JonesBasil of Caesarea by Philip RousseauChristianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav PelikanEarly Arianism: A View of Salvation by Robert Gregg and Dennis GrohWhat Every Christian Needs to Know about the Qur’an by James WhiteAudio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:Book of MatthewBook of 2 CorinthiansBook of PhilippiansBook of 1 PeterSome LDS Resources:Gospel Topics Essay: “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?”; “Becoming Like God”; “Mother in Heaven”Q15 Statement: “The Father and the Son”; Mosiah15 (also here); Ether 3 (also here); 3 Nephi 11:36- Notice also Joseph Smith Translation (JST) Luke 10:22: “No man knoweth that the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it.” (also here)The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage (also here)“Strange Creeds of Christendom” by Elder LeGrand Richards“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou Hast Sent” by Elder Jeffrey Holland“The Light of Christ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer (also here; here; here)“Rereading the Council of Nicaea and Its Creed” by Lincoln Blumell, found in Standing Apart: Mormon Historical Consciousness and the Concept of Apostasy, edited by Miranda Wilcox and John YoungThe God Who Weeps; Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens INTRO CLIPS:1) Founding Prophet, Joseph Smith: JSH-1 (also here)2) Elder LeGrand Richards: "Strange Creeds of Christendom"3) Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "The Mystery of Godliness"4) Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Our Relationship with the Lord"5) President/Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley: "We Look to Christ"6) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent"
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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • 198. Yannick Imbert on J.R.R. Tolkien

    198. Yannick Imbert on J.R.R. Tolkien
    Dec 29 2025
    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Yannick Imbert to discuss his book From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien’s Thomist Fantasy. Who was J.R.R. Tolkien, and why does he matter today? What was Tolkien’s Roman Catholicism and his own view of theology, language, and myth? What is “faerie”? What is “subcreation”? Writing, “Tolkien’s theory of fantasy is essentially a theological one”, Yannick takes us through how Tolkien’s Thomism impacts his view of the imagination, and how he sees good stories (even among the unbelievers) pointing toward their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Talking through issues of antithesis and common grace, sin and beauty, the need to engage both reason and imagination, as well as the divide between Rome and Protestantism – what can we both learn and critique of Tolkien’s work? A conservative in the realm of poetry and the arts, we both begin and end on the legacy of Tolkien today, and how he will likely be remembered indefinitely into the future.Book: From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien’s Thomist FantasySome other resources by Dr. Imbert:Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500-1500 - Also hear our previous interview hereOther resources:“Beowulf: The Monster and The Critics” by J.R.R. TolkienEngaging Thomas Aquinas; A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? by Leonardo De Chirico- Also hear our previous interview hereBiblical Critical Theory by Christopher WatkinOriginal Sin by Henri BlocherThe Defense of the Faith; Common Grace and the Gospel by Cornelius Van TilThe Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane TiptonPaul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics; A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies; “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace and Plato’s View of the Soul” by William DennisonSaint Thomas Aquinas; The Everlasting Man by G. K. ChestertonThe Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas by Etienne GilsonChristianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here)Justified in Christ: The Doctrines of Peter Martyr Vermigli and John Henry Newman and Their Ecumenical Implications by Christopher Castaldo“The Patristic Roots of the Reformed Faith” (Pastor Jason Wallace; Ancient Paths TV)
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    2 hrs and 25 mins
  • 197. Bernard Aubert on J. Gresham Machen's The Virgin Birth of Christ

    197. Bernard Aubert on J. Gresham Machen's The Virgin Birth of Christ
    Dec 22 2025

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Bernard Aubert to discuss his article “J. Gresham Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ: Then and Now”. What is the context of Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ and why was the book so important? Taking us through the overlapping contexts of the Fundamentalism-Modernist Controversy, the Presbyterian Controversy, and a context in the academy where the Hellenization Thesis and the “History of Religion School” was prominent - Dr. Aubert helps us understand this book, in context. Moreover, he takes us through how Machen’s confessional Presbyterian background and classical education, in which historical context and authorial intent are emphasized, aided Machen’s work in New Testament studies. Bringing it all together, Dr. Aubert shows why the topic was key when it came to standards for ministers, in his Presbyterian context – and was a key defense of the historical reliability of the New Testament, the integrity of the Gospels’ presentation of Jesus’ birth, and indeed - the Incarnation, itself. Further aiding our understanding of Machen’s book, we also ask about how the book was received, in its time, as well as how the book’s arguments stood up over time.


    Article: “J. Gresham Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ: Then and Now”

    The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen


    Other resources by Dr. Aubert:

    - “Calvin and the Interpretation of Scripture”, Verbum Christi

    - The Sheperd-Flock Motif in the Miletus Discourse (Acts 20:17-38) Against its Historical Background

    - Reformed Standards of Unity: The Historic Confessions of Faith Confessed by the Presbyterian Churches


    Also: check out a database Dr. Aubert did work on that is a comprehensive list of prooftexts in key Reformed confessions: standards.wts.edu
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 196. Mark 8.22-26: Prisoners in the Dungeon

    196. Mark 8.22-26: Prisoners in the Dungeon
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode, Skyler flies solo with some thoughts on the contrast between The Gospel of Mark and Plato's Allegory of the Cave - specifically in regard to what the problem is, who and what the solution is, and what it means to "see". Instead of one's own acquisition of knowledge being a basis of the soul's ascent out of the world, perhaps the Gospel is Truth coming to us and healing us (embodied) in the world, trusting his eyes to see, with hope and patience for a Kingdom to be received by the very Grace who saved us.

    One wise and informed warning against some of the symbolic interpretation of the passage is found in the brilliant work of Dr. Lydia McGrew here, here, here and here.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 195. William Dennison on Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato's View of the Soul

    195. William Dennison on Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato's View of the Soul
    Dec 15 2025

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Bill Dennison to discuss his article “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul”. Starting with the “tension between common grace and human depravity”, how do we understand the Antithesis in relation to subject-matter that seems like neutral ground for believer and unbeliever alike? Given the seriousness of sin upon our hearts and minds, how do we approach unbelieving systems in an informed manner that doesn’t compromise what Scripture has revealed? Doesn’t Plato and the Bible both teach the immortality of the soul, and thus that particular insight serve as a bridge of agreement? Taking Plato as a test case, Dr. Dennison takes us through the depth and structure of Plato’s system (especially as found in the Phaedo) and takes us into the context of the particular view of the soul and its immortality. Having properly understood Plato (as Plato), we can then analyze the level of agreement that is truly there between the Bible and Plato. Once both Plato and the Bible are adequately understood, therein lies a striking example of the danger of unwarranted synthesis, and the syncretism that has always plagued the Israel of God. Listen in as Dr. D gives us both the context of this paper, as well as the current significance of understanding this kind of analysis. Instead of nostalgia driving people simply back to earlier forms of errors, perhaps its time to systematically understand the destructive potential of an emphasis on common grace when unaccompanied by a robust Biblical view of the Fall and of man in his sinful state, including Christians. As Dr. D writes: “antithesis must precede common grace”.


    Article: “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul”


    Book: In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics

    Also check out as basically a “part two” of the article discussed: “Dutch Neo-Calvinism and the Roots for Transformation: An Introductory Essay”


    Hear our past interviews with Dr. Dennison:

    - Karl Marx

    - Cornelius Van Til on the Problem of Evil

    -Also check out Dr. D’s sermon series on Revelation


    Other resources:

    Plato’s Phaedo

    Plato by R.M. Hare


    The Westminster Confession of Faith (esp. chapters 6, 9, 32)

    The Defense of the Faith; Common Grace and the Gospel by Cornelius Van Til
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    2 hrs and 14 mins
  • 194. Lauren Montenegro on The Virgin Mary

    194. Lauren Montenegro on The Virgin Mary
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode, we welcome missionary and a church planter Lauren Montenegro to discuss her chapter in the recent book The Nicene Creed titled: “The Virgin Mary”. What is Mariology, and what are the four Marian dogmas? What is the basis and defining logic of Mariology, and does Protestant have one? What is the Rosary, and do Roman Catholics worship and pray to Mary? Listen in as Lauren takes us into this and more – as she takes us into the global world of Marian apparitions, visions and images. There are around 2,400 claims of Marian apparitions in the world, even though few than 20 are officially recognized by the Vatican; moreover, in 184 of these claims, “Mary allegedly requested that a chapel be built” in order to attain blessings from her. How should Protestants understand the place of these personal revelations of Mary, the ongoing revelation of Mariology – and the place of sincerity when it comes to evaluating faithful Christianity? Lauren takes us through this and more as we try to understand and evaluate something at the heart of global Roman Catholicism.


    Book: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words edited by Mark Gilbert and Leonardo De Chirico


    Some other articles by Lauren Montenegro:

    • "A Significant Change in the Roman Catholic World of Apparitions"
    • "Mary: An Evangelical Review of Netflix's Somewhat-Catholic Film"


    Other resources:

    See chapter 8 of Lumen Gentium (Vatican II)

    The Cult of the Saints by Peter Brown

    Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion by Stephen Shoemaker


    A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?; Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?; Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach by Leonardo De Chirico

    Who Is My Mother? by Eric Svendsen

    The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells
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    2 hrs and 16 mins
  • 193. Leonardo De Chirico on Mary: Mother of God?

    193. Leonardo De Chirico on Mary: Mother of God?
    Dec 8 2025
    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Leonardo De Chirico to discuss his book A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?. Is Mariology simply an accretion, and what is at stake for those who hold Scripture is the Word of God, the Gospel is essential – and that history matters? Who was Mary, the Mary of history and of Scripture? What does it mean for her to be called by the angel Gabriel “favored” by God twice in Luke 1? Is there any indication of her immaculate conception, perpetual virginity, or bodily assumption in Scripture – or sources that should otherwise be treated as historical? What of Paul’s near-silence, and the account in Mark 3 of Jesus’ question to the crowd, in the face of the intervention of “his mother and brothers”, defining his family (including “mother”) as something other than biological? Join us as Dr. De Chirico takes through what the Scriptures, and helps us in understanding the development that occurred between the actual Mary of Scripture and history into the imaginative and mythical “Mary” of Rome, Eastern Orthodoxy, as well as a few Protestants claiming a mystical experience (i.e. a burning of their bosom) with their newfound heavenly mother. Listen in as Dr. De Chirico takes us on a tour from Mary to Mariology, and how the developed and developing “Mary of the church” has consistently obfuscated and obscured both the work and person of God, the Son – as well as nearly replacing the work and person of God, the Spirit.Book: A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?Reformanda InitiativeVatican FilesSome other resources by Dr. De Chirico:- “No Longer Accretions. The Problem of Roman Catholicism in Dialogue with Gavin Ortlund”- Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (also here)- A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy- Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel? - Evangelical Theological Perspectives on post-Vatican II Roman CatholicismAlso check out the recent book edited by Dr. De Chirico, including a chapter contributed by him: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel WordsOther resources:What Happened at Vatican II by John W. O'MalleySee chapter 8 of Lumen Gentium (Vatican II)The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen (also here)Who Is My Mother?:The Role and Status of the Mother of Jesus in The New Testament and Roman Catholicism by Eric D. SvendsenBiblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos (also here)Karl Rahner by Camden Bucey1 Kings (EEC) by John Oswalt (also here)Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact by Michael Haykin (also here)From Prisoner to Prince: The Joseph Story in Biblical Theology by Samuel Emadi"A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth" by Mitchell ChaseJosephus and Jesus by T.C. SchmidtAudio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:Book of LukeBook of MarkBook of 1 TimothyBook of 2 TimothyAlso check out the LDS/Mormon Gospel Topics Essay: "Mother in Heaven"; as well as the LDS hymn "O My Father" (also here). For a real-life historical example of the connection being made, see here.
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    1 hr and 54 mins
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