A History of Christian Theology

A New Christianity for the New South: Paul Sanchez on William Louis Poteat and Liberal Religion in the Baptist SouthCan science and faith coexist? In the early twentieth-century Baptist South, that question was explosive — and few embodied it more than William Louis Poteat. In this episode, Chad sits down with Dr. Paul Sanchez of Oklahoma Baptist University to discuss his new book, A New Christianity for the New South, which examines the life and legacy of Poteat: biologist, devout Baptist, and influential president of Wake Forest College who insisted that modern science and Christian faith need not be enemies.Paul and Chad trace how Poteat became an unlikely champion of theological liberalism in a region that largely resisted modern intellectual currents — and how debates over evolution, biblical interpretation, education, and social order unsettled both the Baptist Church and Southern society. They explore why the New South's rising professional class praised Poteat for modernizing the region's image, why his critics resented his progressive theology, and what his story reveals about the broader modernization of the American South.Dr. Paul Anthony Sanchez (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Ruth Dickinson Chair of Religion and Assistant Professor of Religion and History in the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is also the author of California Dreaming: Evangelical Christianity and American Culture in the Golden State (forthcoming, Eerdmans).Links: 🎙️ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT 🌐 A History of Christian Theology: https://www.ahistoryofchristiantheology.com 📖 A New Christianity for the New South (USC Press): https://uscpress.com/New-Christianity-for-the-New-South 👤 Dr. Paul Sanchez at Oklahoma Baptist University: https://www.okbu.edu/directory/paul-sanchez 𝕏 Follow the podcast: @theologyxian | 📘 facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Theological Education Reimagined: Dennis Greeson and the Alexandrian InstituteWhat does it look like to recover rigorous, classical theological formation for a global, online age? In this episode, Chad sits down with Dr. Dennis Greeson, Dean of the newly launched Alexandrian Institute, to talk about a distinctive vision for training pastors, scholars, and ministry leaders — one built around deep reading, original research, and one-on-one mentorship rather than the traditional lecture-and-coursework model.Dennis and Chad discuss the Institute's British-style, fully supervised PhD (offered in partnership with Union Theological College, Belfast), what it means to read Scripture theologically and in conversation with the Great Tradition, and why the recovery of creedal, classical Christianity still matters 1,700 years after Nicaea. Along the way they explore Dennis's own work on the doctrine of creation, culture, and the legacy of Abraham Kuyper, drawn in part from his book The Way of Christ in Culture: A Vision for All of Life (co-authored with Benjamin T. Quinn).Dr. Dennis Greeson (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Dean of the Alexandrian Institute and a program coordinator and research associate at Union Theological College, Belfast. He is a fellow in public theology at the Land Center for Cultural Engagement and lives with his wife and three children in Nashville, Tennessee.Links: 🎙️ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT 🌐 A History of Christian Theology: https://www.ahistoryofchristiantheology.com 📖 The Way of Christ in Culture by Quinn & Greeson: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Christ-Culture-Vision-Everything/dp/1087775116 👤 Dr. Dennis Greeson on X: https://x.com/dennis_greeson 🏛️ The Alexandrian Institute: https://www.alexandrianinstitute.org 𝕏 Follow the podcast: @theologyxian | 📘 facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! In this episode, Chad sits down with Dr. Kelly M. Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, to discuss his award-winning book Christian Life, published by Zondervan Academic as part of the New Studies in Dogmatics series.What does it actually mean to live as a Christian? Although the phrase "Christian life" is used constantly in churches and classrooms, its theological foundation often goes unexamined. Dr. Kapic argues that the Christian life is, first and foremost, a response to the love of the triune God — flowing from God toward us and drawing us back into communion with him. Central to his account is the incarnate Son, who loved the Father for us, weaving our fragmented prayers and imperfect devotion into his own perfect faithfulness.Chad and Dr. Kapic explore the theological foundations of Christian living, the role of the church and corporate worship in shaping the believer, and what it means to be united to Christ by the Spirit. It's a rich, accessible conversation at the intersection of systematic theology and everyday faith.Dr. Kapic holds a PhD in Systematic and Historical Theology from King's College, University of London, and has authored or edited over fifteen books. Christian Life received the 2025 Award of Distinction from The Gospel Coalition and an Honorable Mention from the Southwestern Journal of Theology.📖 Buy Christian Life: [Zondervan Academic] 📬 Subscribe to our Patreon 🐦 X/Twitter: @theologyxian 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

On this episode of A History of Christian Theology, Chad sits down with Dr. Stephen Chester to discuss his recently published book, Paul through the Eyes of the Reformers: Living under Grace (Eerdmans). Dr. Chester is the Lord and Lady Coggan Professor of New Testament at Wycliffe College in Toronto and is widely known for his influential work on the interpretation of Scripture—especially regarding Paul and the Reformers.Chad and Dr. Chester enjoy a thoughtful and engaging conversation about the New Perspective on Paul: what it is, what to make of it, and how we should understand the reformer's view of Paul. Many thanks to Dr. Chester for taking the time to join us. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Paul through the Eyes of the Reformers Living under Grace"Subscribe to our PatreonX: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! On this episode, Chad sits down with his friend Jordan Steffaniak to discuss his upcoming book "Classical Theism: A Christian Introduction" with Lexam Academic set to release in February 2026. They discuss the meaning and origins of the phrase "Classical Theism" as well as the intersection between faith and philosophy.Dr. Steffaniak is the president and host of the London Lyceum podcast and a publisher with Hanover Press. He has numerous publications in several journals.We're thankful to Lexham for providing a copy of this book and to Jordan for taking the time to chat. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Classical Theism: A Christian Introduction"Subscribe to our PatreonX: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

In this episode, Charles Kim talks with Nadya Williams about her book Cultural Christians in the Early Church (Zondervan Press). 

On this episode, Chad is joined again by his friend Dr. Drew Martin to discuss his recent book on the 19th-century American theologian who is gaining fresh attention, "Grimké on the Christian Life: Christian Vitality for the Church and World," published by Crossway. Dr. Martin served for over 15 years as a pastor and church planter before joining the faculty of Covenant Seminary, where he now teaches systematic theology. Thanks to Crossway for providing a copy of the book for our interview, and to Dr. Martin for taking the time to meet. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Grimké on the Christian Life: Christian Vitality for the Church and World"Subscribe to our PatreonX: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Today on the podcast, Chad sits down with Dr. Tzvi Novick, the Abrams Jewish Thought and Culture Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Novick’s research focuses on early Jewish law and ethics. His latest book, and the focus of today's conversation, is titled "Judaism: A Guide for Christians," out now with Eerdmans Press. He and Chad discuss the interactions of Jewish and Christian groups throughout history and how it relates to Dr. Novick's research. Special thanks to Eerdmans for helping us connect with Dr. Novick, and to him for taking the time to join us. We hope you enjoy the conversation!Buy "Judaism: A Guide for Christians"Subscribe to our PatreonX: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! This week, Chad sits down with Rev. Dr. Ephraim Radner to discuss his latest book, "Mortal Goods: Reimagining Christian Political Duty" (Baker Academic). Chad recently used the book in a Sunday school class on Christianity and politics.Dr. Radner is Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. He has served in ordained roles within both the Episcopal and Anglican Churches, taught and preached across the U.S., and ministered around the world.We're grateful to Baker Academic for sending us a copy of the book — and to Dr. Radner for taking the time to join us for this conversation. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Mortal Goods: Reimagining Christian Political Duty"Subscribe to our PatreonX: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

This week on the podcast, Chad is joined by Dr. Hans Madueme, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, to discuss his award-winning book “Defending Sin: A Response to the Challenges of Evolution and the Natural Sciences” with Baker Academic Press. Drawing from his deep engagement with the intersection of faith and science, Dr. Madueme explores how Christian theology can thoughtfully respond to evolutionary theory and the natural sciences, especially when they seem to be at odds with faith and doctrine. Thanks to Dr. Madueme for the insightful dialogue and to Baker Academic for providing the book. We hope you enjoy the episode!Buy "Defending Sin: A Response to the Challenges of Evolution and the Natural Sciences"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

If you would like the handout and the remaining episodes, please become a Patreon member: patreon.com/AHOCT. This is week 1 of a class I designed on the relationship between Christianity and Politics. Only the first episode will be available on Patreon. 

Today, Chad is joined by Dr. Michael Lamb, political philosopher, ethicist, and author of the new book "A Commonwealth of Hope: Augustine’s Political Thought, published by Princeton University Press."In this episode, they dive into Dr. Lamb’s work, which challenges the prevailing view of Augustine as a purely pessimistic thinker. Instead, A Commonwealth of Hope offers a compelling reinterpretation of Augustine’s political thought as rooted in hope, not despair.Dr. Lamb brings a rich academic background, having studied and taught at Rhodes, Princeton, and Oxford. He now serves as the F.M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character and Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Humanities at Wake Forest University.A special thanks to Dr. Lamb for the insightful conversation!Buy "A Commonwealth of Hope"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome to A History of Christian Theology! Today, Chad sits down with his friend and colleague, Dr. Andrew Chronister. Like Chad, Dr. Chronister teaches ancient languages at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in addition to serving as a professor of patristics. Similarly, they both received their PhDs from Saint Louis University and studied St. Augustine's work there. Their conversation today centers around Dr. Chorinister's newest book: "Augustine in the Pelagian Controversy: Defending Church Unity," which was released in December (2024) with Catholic University of America Press. As Augustinian scholars, their conversation is lively and interesting as they approach the issue of the Pelagian Controversy from multiple angles. Thanks to Dr. Chronister for taking the time to chat on this important topic and for providing Chad with a copy of his book. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Augustine in the Pelagian Controversy"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! This week, Chad talks with Dr. Abigail Favale about her book "The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory" with Ignatius Press. Dr. Favale's book came out in 2022 and has received excellent reviews, and while the topic is not one we often discuss on the podcast, Chad thought it would make for an interesting conversation, and he was absolutely right! Dr. Favale currently works at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, where she is a professor and writer. Her topics of interest revolve around matters of women and gender from a Catholic Perspective. In today's episode, she and Chad discuss the philosophy and theology of gender and different ways we approach it. Thanks to Dr. Favale for taking the time to join us! We hope you enjoy!Buy "The Genesis of Gender"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Today, Chad sits down with Dr. Matthew Bates to discuss his newly released book "Beyond the Salvation Wars: Why Both Protestants and Catholics Must Reimagine How We Are Saved" with Brazos Press. Dr. Bates is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and the author of several books. He talks with Chad about his position on the order of salvation and his counterproposal to Protestant and Catholic understandings of salvation. Thanks to Dr. Bates for coming on the podcast and Brazos Press for providing us with a copy of the book.And thank you for being patient with us as we work on getting episodes out! Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for episodes with Abigail Favale and Andrew Chronister. If you enjoy these episodes, please like and review us on iTunes and Spotify!We hope you enjoy!Buy "Beyond the Salvation Wars"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

On this episode, Chad chats with Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School about his latest book "Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically" with Zondervan Academic. Dr. Vanhoozer explains his thesis of how we ought to read and respond to the Bible through the lens of Christ's transfiguration. He received his PhD from Cambridge University, served as Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, has written over 20 books, and is currently Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity. His work covers many areas of theology and has inspired and influenced many to study the Bible, including Chad. We're thankful to Dr. Vanhoozer for taking the time to meet and to Zondervan for providing a copy of his book!Stay on the lookout for more episodes coming soon and we hope you enjoy!uy "Mere Christian Hermeneutics"Subscribe to our Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

This week on A History of Christian Theology Chad sits down with Dr. Simon P. Kennedy to talk about his latest book "Against Worldview: Reimagining Christian Formation as Growth in Wisdom" with Lexham Press. Their conversation focuses on why evangelicals talk so much about worldview, what it is, why it’s important, Dr Kennedy’s critiques, and his suggestions on how we might want to reframe our view of or approach to it. Dr. Kennedy is both a research fellow at the University of Queensland and a non-resident fellow at the Danube Institute as well as teaching at numerous institutes like Lachlan Macquarie Institute and Queensland Theological College. We're very thankful to Dr. Kennedy for his time and to Lexham Press for sending us a copy of his book, be sure to check it out below!Buy "Against Worldview"Subscribe to out Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Christian Theology! This week we're happy to welcome Dr. Brad Littlejohn to the podcast to discuss his newly released book "Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License" with B&H Academic Press. He and Chad take a bit of a break from our regular sort of conversations to discuss contemporary issues of freedom, what it is and isn't, and how we as Christians ought to think about it. Dr. Littlejohn is currently a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington D.C. We're thankful to B&H Academic Press for sending us a copy of his book, and Dr. Littlejohn for sitting down to chat. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

In this episode, Chad interviews Dr. Nijay Gupta about his upcoming book "The Affections of Christ Jesus- Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology" with Eerdmans Publishing: it is scheduled for release near the end of February this year. They discuss how the idea of love is often overlooked in Paul's work as well as the Biblical view of affection and emotion in Christian Theology. Dr. Gupta's accomplishments are wide-ranging. Currently, he is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, serves as co-chair of the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research, has authored numerous books, co-hosts the "Slow Theology" podcast, and is the senior editor for the New Living Translation of the Bible. We're very thankful to Dr. Gupta for taking the time to sit down with Chad and to Eerdmans Publishing for providing an early copy of the book and setting up the interview. We hope you enjoy!Buy "The Affections of Christ Jesus- Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

This week Chad sits down with Dr. Ronnie Kurtz to discuss the topics of his latest book "Light Unapproachable: Divine Incompressibility and the Task of Theology" with InterVarsity Press. They cover a number of topics ranging from 2nd vs 3rd person theology all the way to their shared love for St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Kurtz is an Assistant Professor of Theology at Cedarville University as well as the author of a number of other books. He previously taught at both Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College as well as pastoring a church in Kansas City. We're glad we got the opportunity to talk with him and we hope you enjoy!Buy "Light Unapproachable: Divine Incompressibility and the Task of Theology"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

This week Chad sits down with Dr. Rubén Rosario Rodriguez to discuss his newest book "Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology" with Baker Academic Press. Dr. Rosario Rodriguez is an associate professor of theology at St. Louis University and the coordinator for both the MTS and MARE programs. Some of you may remember when he joined Chad last year to discuss one of his other 5 books, we're thankful to have Dr. Rosario Rodriguez back on the podcast. In this episode, Ruben and Chad discuss several topics surrounding Calvinism including the historical context of his work as well as why and how Calvin has impacted communities outside of the Western world. Special thanks to Dr. Rosario Rodriguez as well as Baker Academic Press, we hope you enjoy!Buy "Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Dr. Philip Hussey joins Chad today to discuss his new book "Supralapsarianism Reconsidered: Jonathan Edwards and the Reformed Tradition" with T&T Clark as part of their "Studies in Systematic Theology" series. Along with being an author, Dr. Hussey is the head pastor at Christ Fellowship Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Chad's conversation with Dr. Hussey covers systematic vs dogmatic theology, supralapsarianism, Johnathan Edwards, and much more. Huge thanks to Dr. Hussey for joining us as well as T&T Clark.Just a reminder, there are several upcoming episodes on their way so make sure to stay tuned for those. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Supralapsarianism Reconsidered: Jonathan Edwards and the Reformed Tradition"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome back to A History of Modern Theology! On this episode, Chad talks with Dr. Brad East about one of his newest books "Letters to a Future Saint" by Eerdman's Publishing. Dr. East talks about the idea behind the book and his views on the different types of Christian literature. Although you may be used to Chad reviewing more academic or rigorous books, Dr. East's book is an intriguing read and offers insight into shepherding Christians who are new to the faith. As always, we hope you enjoy!Buy "Letters to a Future Saint"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Welcome to Episode 168. Today Chad join Dr. Alex Fogleman to discuss his newly released book "Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation" with Cambridge University Press. Dr. Fogleman is an Assistant Research Professor of Theology at Baylor University as well as the founding director of "The Catechesis Institute." His book covers what the early church thought it meant to know God and how they chose to teach it. Thanks again to Alex for his insightful book and thought provoking conversation. We hope you enjoy!Buy "Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation"The Catechesis InstituteSubscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

On this episode, Dr. Andrew Remington Rillera discuses his new book "Lamb of the Free" with Chad. Dr. Rillera's new book looks at the different ways that New Testament authors apply sacrificial imagery to Jesus through the lens of Old Testament law. Dr. Rillera received his PhD from Duke university where he studied New Testament, Theology, and Early Judaism and is currently an associate professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at King's University in Edmonton, Alberta. He discusses a few of his other extensive works while talking with Chad, some of those are linked below.Buy "Lamb of the Free"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheologyMore works by Dr. Rillera:Dr. Rillera's work on the EphesiansHis interview on The Bible Project Podcast

Dr. Thomas Harmon joins Chad on the podcast to discuss the background for his new book "The Universal Way of Salvation in the Thought of Augustine", how Augustine challenged the philosophers of his time, as well as some of Dr. Hamon's work with Shakespeare. Dr. Harmon is the associate director of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas and has been published in numerous journals about several topics.Buy "The Universal Way of Salvation in the Thought of Augustine"Subscribe to our PatreonTwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

In a special release of an episode that was previously a Patreon exclusive, we present the second and final part of Tom, Chad, and Trevor's discussion on conversion and their spiritual journeys. In response to questions from multiple listeners, our hosts get personal and shed some light on their upbringings in faith. For more exclusive episodes, backlog files, and other content, subscribe to our Patreon.Twitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Chad Kim gives a lecture on Augustine as a leader drawing insights from his dissertation research at the Schaeffer House in St. Louis, MO. 

Harrison Perkins joins the podcast today to discuss his new book, "Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction" (Lexham Academic, 2024). Perkins pastors at Oakland Hills Community Church in Detroit, and has a variety of research, writing, and teaching positions. Join us as he discusses how covenant theology serves the faith!Buy "Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction"Subscribe to out Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Richard Burnett joins the podcast today to discuss his new book, "Machen's Hope: The Transformation of a Modernist in the New Princeton" (Eerdman's, 2024), a spanning biography on J. Gresham Machen, the founder of Westminster Theological Seminary and a main figure of the anti-modernist revolt at Princeton. This text attempts to reevaluate many of the common characterizations of Machen's life and the manner in which he navigated the theological tensions of early-20th century academic theology.Buy "Machen's Hope""Subscribe to out Patreontwitter: @theologyxianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

Dr. Jamie Kreiner joins us today to discuss her recently published translations of dialogues between John Cassian, a 4th century theologian credited with importing the ideas of early Christian monasticism to the Latin world, and various Egyptian monks on the subjects of distraction, concentration, and freedom from vice. In this podcast, Kreiner discusses the pertinence of these topics to the modern world as well as her approach to her translation of these previously-untranslated texts.

Join us for our interview with Brian Zahnd on his recently released book, "The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross" (IVP, 2024). Following a pilgrimage where he spent time contemplating the crucifix in many different churches, Zahnd realized the kaleidoscopic possibilities behind an interpretation to and an emotional response to such imagery, leading to the publishing of this book. In an interesting and engaging interview, Zahnd discusses his inspirations, his life as a Christian, and even the Lord of the Rings.Hope you enjoy this conversation!

Today's podcast features an interview with Dr. Gregory Wiebe concerning his book "Fallen Angels in the Theology of St. Augustine" (Oxford University Press, 2021). For our long-time listeners, this subject matter's inclusion in the podcast will come at no surprise. This conversation presents a wide-spanning dialogue on Angelology and Demonology in the work of St. Augustine. Hope you enjoy!LinksWiebe's BookSupport our Show on Patreon for exclusive content, early release episodes, and a forum for listeners and the hosts.twitter: @theologyxian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

For a fun twist, my dad asked if he could interview me about my new book The Way of Humility, St. Augustine's Theology of Preaching (Catholic University of America Press, 2023). I had a very good time and appreciate all the time he took to read it. He has read plenty of my bad high school papers, but this one took a lot more time. I am blessed that both of my parents have beens so supportive in my academic and spiritual journey. Thank you to all parents who support their kids! You do tremendous and live changing work. You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/AHOCTYou can buy the book here: https://www.cuapress.org/9780813237398/the-way-of-humility/

Glen L Thompson's The Jingjiao: the Earliest Christian Church in China (Eerdmans Press, 2024) provides a thorough introduction to a very little known history of the centuries old story of Christians in China. Dr. Thompson comes on the podcast to provide some background on the book and some really fascinating stories, including how a Chinese Christian was once the head of the Syriac Church! As a historian of early Christianity, this is a history I knew nothing about and I am sure listeners will learn a lot from this great book. Links:Glen Thompson's BookSupport our Show on Patreon for exclusive content, early release episodes, and a forum for listeners and the hosts.Glen's website on Christianity in the Fourth Centurytwitter: @theologyxian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahistoryofchristiantheology

For today's episode, we interview Dr. Brad Littlejohn on his recently published book Why Do Protestants Convert? (co-authored with Chris Castaldo). In this podcast, we explore some of the reasons behind the recent trend of conversions from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, especially among prominent Protestant intellectuals.  Far from an apologetic undertaking, this book takes on the approach of attempting to understand the phenomena which have led to this shift, and provides intrigue for those of all faith backgrounds.

Today we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Kriner, Associate Professor of English at Wheaton College, whose new book "In Thought, Word, and Seed: Reckonings from a Midwest Farm" (Eerdmans, 2023) discusses her recent life on a farm in Northern Illinois and how her interactions with the land have reconfigured her own faith. This literary work, engaging with a variety of themes and intersections of various fields, incorporates theological considerations in a manner that draws our focus toward the importance of attention and its constituent elements. 

Today our longtime Editorial Assistant, Grant Bellchamber, joins us for an interview with Dr. Dru Johnson on his recently published book "What Hath Darwin to Do With Scripture?: Comparing the Conceptual Worlds of the Bible and Evolution" (IV Press, 2023). We discuss the evolutionary notions of scarcity and fit in relation to the Old Testament writers' own conception of Creation as Dr. Johnson attempts to put the two understandings into a dialectical relation. Join us as we explore an interesting approach to an, often, highly-fraught intellectual relationship.

We welcome my good friend Drew Martin to the podcast today to talk about his book The Covenant with Moses and the Kingdom of God (Brill, 2023). His work crosses disciplinary boundaries like history, theology, and political theory. We talk mostly about how covenant theology works and how that overlaps with political theory.

In her book, Augustine on the Will (Oxford University Press, 2019), Dr. Kantzer Komline discusses Augustine's theological stance on the will, which developed throughout his lifetime, and its implications for his theology and Western thought as a whole. On this podcast, we've invited her for an in-depth discussion on Augustine's theology and his broader intellectual development, a topic which has been the focus of much debate amongst scholars.

Ty Paul Monroe, an associate professor of Theology at Assumption University, joins the podcast to discuss his new book, “Putting on Christ: Augustine’s Early Theology of Salvation and the Sacraments” (CUA Press, 2022). With his deep, theological approach to a reading of Augustine, his work fits right in with our host’s own academic work. Join us as we interrogate the connection between Augustine’s early understanding of central Christian beliefs and Donatist and Neo-Platonist lines of thinking.

Jacob Wright offers a compelling proposal for Why the Bible Began (Cambridge University Press, 2023) in his book of that title. This book was chosen as one of the best books of 2023 by the New Yorker. In our conversation, we talk about what it means that the Bible laid the foundation for a people and the scribes who wrote, edited, and collected the work. We talk briefly about what it means for the people of God in the 21st century in the land of Israel and Palestine and the catastrophic events of October 7th. Also, please consider supporting A History of Christian Theology by subscribing to our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT), where we will be posting exclusive content and episodes in the upcoming weeks.

Andrew Hofer’s new study The Power of Patristic Preaching (Catholic University Press, 2023) surveys several key early Christian theologians and preachers. We talk through Origen, Leo the Great, and Gregory the Great, three figures we haven’t discussed much on this podcast. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing to our Patreon, which helps make this possible: https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT

Join us as we delve into Dr. Benjamin Laird's latest book, 'Creating the Canon' (IVPress, 2023), offering a comprehensive exploration of the intriguing journey behind the New Testament's origins. Dr. Laird focuses on the pivotal concept of apostolic authority and unravels the challenges and rewards associated with emphasizing this narrative in the New Testament's formation. Additionally, check out our Patreon, as we'll begin providing exclusive benefits to subscribers soon:https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT

In a monumental third interview, we venture into the fascinating world of Paul Hinlicky, a multifaceted individual who wears two significant hats: farmer and theologian. Join us as we explore the compelling narrative of how he embarked on this unique path, the intricacies of his agricultural endeavors, and the profound intersection between his Christian faith, particularly within the Lutheran tradition, and the art of farming. This conversation promises to be a captivating exploration of faith, agriculture, and the meaningful synergy between the two in Paul's life.

We have Scot McKnight on again to talk us through his new translation of the New Testament with IVPress called The Second Testament. We talk through translation choices, different methods of translation, and why it’s so important to read the bible in Greek. 

Emily Dumler-Winckler brings our conversation into the modern period with her book Modern Virtue: Mary Wollstonecraft and a Tradition of Dissent (Oxford University Press, 2022). Dr. Dumler-Winckler has some insights into the nature of tradition and how Wollstonecraft fits into the virtue tradition. Also, we discuss Wollstonecraft’s lesser known theological convictions which are often overlooked in scholarship on the early feminist. 

Dr. KJ Drake works through the history of the doctrine known as the Extra-Calvinisticum in his book The Flesh of the Word: The Extra Calvinisticum from Zwingli to Early Orthodoxy (Oxford University Press, 2021. Although this is not a popularly discussed doctrine it drives at the heart of what the Reformers were debating in the early years of the Protestant Reformation. Dr. Drake provides a window into how the Reformers answered the question: “where is Christ after the resurrection?”

Dr. Ruben Rosario Rodriguez gives his case for a new way of thinking about theology in his book Theological Fragments (Westminster John Knox Press, 2023). We talk about our experience teaching undergrads at a Jesuit university and how that has shaped Dr. Rosario’s approach to teaching and doing theology. 

Grant Kaplan has been working on the relationship between Faith and Reason in the Christian tradition (Catholic University Press, 2022). We discuss differing Catholic and Protestant approaches to the question and why many of the ancient doctors of the church have the greatest insights.