"King Jesus? But I Didn't Vote For You." w/Professor of Theology, Matthew Bates, Ph.d.

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] the cult classic, Monty Python and The Holy Grail, King Arthur has an exchange with a peasant (Dennis) where he learns that those under his rule have a very distorted view of how one actually becomes a king.  It's not not from strange women lying in ponds distributing swords. In this captivating episode, Josh sits down with Dr. Matthew Bates to discuss his upcoming book, "Why the Gospel?" which seeks to transform our understanding of the gospel by emphasizing Jesus' role as King. They delve into the implications of recognizing Jesus as an authoritative ruler, rather than merely believing in him. Dr. Bates shares insights on how the King Jesus gospel can attract those disillusioned with the church and help combat hypocrisy. They also explore the challenges of grasping the concept of kingship in today's Western culture and the importance of responding to the gospel with loyalty and allegiance. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we uncover the true essence of the gospel and its impact on the church and believers today.Guest Bio:Matthew W. Bates (Ph.D., Notre Dame) is Professor of Theology at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. Bates is a Protestant who enjoys the challenge of teaching in a Catholic context. His books include Gospel Allegiance (Brazos, 2019) the award-winning Salvation by Allegiance Alone (Baker Academic, 2017), The Birth of the Trinity (Oxford University Press, 2015), and The Hermeneutics of the Apostolic Proclamation (Baylor University Press, 2012). He also co-founded and co-hosts the popular OnScript podcast.After completing a B.S. in physics from Whitworth University (1999), Bates began a career in electrical engineering. His life took a swerve when he enrolled in a biblical studies program at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. (M.C.S., 2004, The Biblical Studies Prize). In 2005 Bates began PhD studies in theology at the University of Notre Dame, specializing in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity (CJA). His primary research training is the New Testament and second-century Christianity with secondary in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and Second Temple Judaism. Upon graduation (2010) he was named the winner of the Shaheen Award in the humanities, the top graduation prize at Notre Dame, competitive across all disciplines (press release). In 2011 Bates accepted his current academic post.Bates’s research interests include the Apostle Paul, Jesus, soteriology, early Christology, the Trinity, prosopological exegesis, the use of the Old Testament in the New, theological interpretation of Scripture, and Justin Martyr. He enjoys hiking, baseball, and chasing around his seven children. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast