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Church Grammar

by Brandon D. Smith

The Church Grammar podcast engages theology and the church in a fresh way, centered on wide-ranging conversations with scholars and Bible teachers.

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Episodes

  1. Scripture, Allegory, and Evangelicals (Oh My!)

    Brandon Smith discusses the diversity of views and practice of allegory in church history, and how evangelicals can think about the issue today. Check out Brandon’s book on the topic, Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church – https://amzn.to/4vjUY2Z * NOTE: the Luther quote was...

  2. The State of Hermeneutics and Christian Higher Education (with Kevin Vanhoozer)

    Brandon Smith and Kevin Vanhoozer discuss literal and spiritual readings of Scripture, Protestant hermeneutics and retrieval, and how Christian higher education can survive. Read Kevin’s books: https://shorturl.at/DeyyR Watch this on YouTube at youtube.com/@churchgrammar Church Grammar is…

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  3. Jennifer Frey on Classical Education, the Great Books, and Cultivating Wonder

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Frey. We discuss how classical education and the Great Books benefit students (1:26), the role of curiosity and wonder in formation and education (21:27), books that capture students' attention (43:51), and more. Read Jennifer's books. Church…

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  4. Erik Lundeen on Biblical Interpretation in the Reformation

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Erik Lundeen of Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. We discuss the literal sense in the Reformation era (3:49), Christian and Jewish commentaries' impact on the Reformation (13:35), Calvin and other Reformers as bridges to the modern period (34:11), and more.…

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  5. Kelly Kapic on True Humanity, the Love of God, and Productivity and Rest

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Kelly Kapic of Covenant College. We discuss productivity in Christianity and according to the world (2:21), theological anthropology and the good life (4:17), Chalcedonian Christology and our humanity (8:17), dealing with friendship, sexuality, and...

  6. James Wood on Postliberalism, Political Theology, and the Church’s Witness

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. James Wood of Redeemer University. We discuss postliberal political theory (3:56), the church's witness in the world (22:49), Christian nationalism and church/state relations (40:19), and more. Check out James's podcast, The Civitas Podcast. Church Grammar…

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  7. David Hogg on Medieval Theology’s Relationship to Nicaea and the Reformation

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. David Hogg of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss studying medieval theology before it was cool (2:42), the relationship between Nicaea and the Medieval period (9:43), the papacy in Christian history (19:25), the relationship between the Reformation and the…

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  8. Matthew Levering on the Pope, Mary, and Justification in Catholic-Protestant Dialogue (Repost)

    This episode is a repost of our conversation with Dr. Matthew Levering of Mundelein Seminary. We discuss becoming a Christian and his path to Catholicism (4:40), major doctrines Catholics and Protestants agree on (14:22), what Catholics believe about justification by faith (15:50), the veneration...

  9. Steven Duby on Habakkuk and Theological Commentary

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Steven Duby of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss writing a theological commentary with various disciplines involved (2:30), insights from biblical studies and authorial intent(s) (9:50); history of interpretation and theological debates in Habakkuk (16:54); tips...

  10. Baptist Q&A with Matthew Emerson

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Emerson of Oklahoma Baptist University. We discuss paedobaptism and catholicity, changing liturgy in the church, Baptists and the state, and more. Buy Matt's new book with Luke Stamps, The Baptist Vision. This episode is sponsored by Logos. Try the...

  11. Thomas Joseph White on Theological Interpretation, the Book of Exodus, and Catholic-Protestant Dialogue

    This episode is a conversation with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. of the Angelicum. We discuss biblical and theological interpretation in the 20th century (2:32), the relationship between literal and spiritual senses in interpreting Exodus (12:33), metaphysics and Scripture (34:56),...

  12. Scott Williams on Divine Self-Knowledge, Reception of Nicaea, and Philosophical Theology

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Scott Williams of the University of North Carolina–Asheville. We discuss divine self-knowledge (3:30), Nicaea and the Trinity in the Sixth Ecumenical Council (36:02), Henry of Ghent's contribution to trinitarian theology (58:30), and more. Read Scott's book...

  13. Sam Emadi on Joseph in Biblical Theology and the History of Interpretation

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Samuel Emadi of Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church. We discuss Joseph in the history of interpretation (4:44), Joseph in biblical theology and typology (9:59), advice for preaching (48:31), and more. Read Samuel's books. This episode is sponsored by Logos. Try…

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  14. Rhyne Putman on the Virgin Conception and Birth of Jesus

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Rhyne Putman of Williams Baptist University. We discuss the importance of Jesus's genealogies and his role as the "virgin-born king" (3:48), the virgin birth in the Christian tradition (11:54), the biblical and theological importance of the virgin birth...

  15. Ryan Fields on Ecclesiology, Catholicity, and the Free Church

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Ryan Fields of Faith Evangelical Free Church. We discuss becoming a free church pastor (2:14), a definition of catholicity (7:02), a definition of and argument for a free church (11:38), catholicity in the free church (24:43), the local and eschatological...

  16. Kevin Vanhoozer on Hermeneutics, Theology, and the Transfiguration

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. We discuss his new book on hermeneutics (2:24), reflections on decades of studying hermeneutics (26:57), issues that still need to be tackled in the study of hermeneutics (35:36), and more. Buy Kevin's...

  17. Allegory, Asceticism, and Early Christian Biographies with Winston Hottman

    This episode is a conversation with Winston Hottman originally posted at the Center for Baptist Renewal podcast. We discuss Athanasius's Life of Antony and two works by Gregory of Nyssa: The Life of Moses and The Life of Macrina. Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of...

  18. Stephen Presley and Ched Spellman on Irenaeus and Christian Cultural Engagement

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Stephen Presley of the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dr. Ched Spellman of Cedarville University. We discuss all things Irenaeus of Lyons, including his cultural and ecclesiological context...

  19. Thomas Schreiner on Revelation with a Fresh Take on the Millennium

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Thomas Schreiner of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He returns to discuss the Book of Revelation, including why he wrote his new commentary (2:12), recapitulation and symbolism in the book (6:12), the book's relationship to related extrabiblical...

  20. Daniel Treier on Christology and Scripture

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Daniel Treier of Wheaton College. We discuss Christology in Scripture and the Christian Tradition (2:20), Christology and communion with God (11:18), union with Christ and adoption (21:43), the incarnation and its implications (24:45), Christ and his...

  21. Ross Inman on Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Ross Inman of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss his journey into philosophy (1:58), a definition for philosophy as a way of life (7:58), the practicality of philosophy (or lack thereof) (12:36), the relationship between philosophy,...

  22. Craig Bartholomew and Heath Thomas on Reading the Minor Prophets Theologically

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Craig Bartholomew of the Kirby Laing Centre and Dr. Heath Thomas of Oklahoma Baptist University. We discuss a theological reading of the Minor Prophets (1:27), problems with interpreting the Minor Prophets (16:40), Jesus and Jonah (22:36), the Trinity in…

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  23. Jonathan Edwards (If You Can Keep Him) with Kyle Strobel and Zachary Bowden

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Kyle Strobel of Talbot School of Theology and Dr. Zachary Bowden of Cedarville University. We discuss Jonathan Edwards on the Trinity and creation (2:24), salvation and the Christian life (23:46), slaveholding (39:07), and more. Buy Kyle's books and read...

  24. Fred Sanders on the Holy Spirit and the Trinity in Salvation (Repost)

    This episode is a repost of a conversation with Dr. Fred Sanders of Biola University. We discuss the names for the Holy Spirit in Scripture (2:16), the seeming "silence" of the Spirit in major moments in the biblical narrative (5:17), the Spirit in the OT (15:40), the Trinity in salvation…

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  25. Todd Hains on Luther and Biblical Interpretation

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Todd Hains of Lexham Press. We discuss what the Reformation was all about (4:28), Luther's relationship to the church fathers and the rule of faith (15:44), Luther's interpretive instincts and his doctrine of the Word (35:02), Lutheranism's contribution to...

  26. Collin Hansen on Tips from Tim Keller’s Life and Ministry

    This episode is a conversation with Collin Hansen of The Gospel Coalition. We discuss writing a book about Tim Keller during his last days (1:41), his major influences (13:25), projecting his legacy (27:07), lessons from his life and ministry (32:50), and more. Buy Collin's books. Check out...

  27. Lynn Cohick on Women in Evangelicalism, Academia, and the Early Church (Repost)

    This episode is a repost of a conversation with Dr. Lynn Cohick of Houston Christian University. We discuss becoming a scholar (5:30), the present and future of the United Methodist Church (9:40), being a female scholar in evangelicalism (14:15), women in the early church (38:30), and more. Buy...

  28. John Behr on Easter and John’s Gospel (Repost)

    This episode is a conversation with Fr. John Behr of the University of Aberdeen. We discuss his transition from St. Vladimir's Seminary to the University of Aberdeen (2:35), how to read John's Gospel (4:00), the authorship of John's Gospel (9:13), John as "the high priest of Pascha" (16:22), the...

  29. The Trinity and Blaspheming the Holy Spirit

    This episode is a short talk based on my post at the Center for Baptist Renewal, "The Trinity and Blaspheming the Holy Spirit." Read it here. Check out Brandon’s new book: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation: Seeing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in John’s Apocalypse (IVP Academic, 2022). You can...

  30. Daniel Treier on Evangelical Theology in Biblical, Trinitarian, and Creedal Perspective (Repost)

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Daniel Treier of Wheaton College. We discuss sports heroes (3:29), defining evangelical theology (6:16), the Nicene Creed and theological method (9:10); the Ten Commandments as moral formation (12:00), the Lord’s Prayer as spiritual formation (14:16), the...

  31. The Trinity in the Book of Revelation with Madison Pierce

    Today's episode features a discussion about my new book with Madison Pierce of Western Theological Seminary. You can purchase the book here and also preorder my next one, The Biblical Trinity, here. Church Grammar is presented by the Christian Standard Bible and Cedarville University's Graduate...

  32. Thomas Weinandy on Christology in the Gospels and the Mystery of the Incarnation

    This episode is a conversation with Fr. Thomas Weinandy. We discuss the making of the Jesus Becoming Jesus series (1:50), the Synoptic Gospels' contribution to Christology and Trinitarian theology (11:14), Christology and Trinitarian theology in John's Gospel (22:49), immutability and…

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  33. Trevin Wax on Orthodoxy and Heresy in Theology and Cultural Engagement

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Trevin Wax of the North American Mission Board. We discuss our years serving and podcasting together (2:32), the definition of orthodoxy (6:13), the inclusivity of orthodoxy and the exclusivity of heresy (10:08), orthodoxy and cultural engagement (24:28).…

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  34. William Marsh on Luther’s Hermeneutics and Reformation Truths and Myths

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. William Marsh of Cedarville University. We discuss truths and myths regarding the late medieval church and Luther's concerns (3:03), Luther's hermeneutics and their relationship to the Christian tradition (19:37), the Reformers on reading and preaching...

  35. Darian Lockett on Reading the Catholic Epistles and the Biblical Canon

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Darian Lockett of Talbot School of Theology. We discuss how the Catholic Epistles fit together in the biblical canon (1:22), faith and works in Paul and James (22:52), scholarship on James (28:05), scholarship on 2 Peter and Jude (34:17), and more. Buy...

  36. Biblical Reasoning (Part 2): Bobby Jamieson on Theology and Exegesis

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Bobby Jamieson of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. We discuss the benefits of theological resources in doing exegesis (2:15), partitive exegesis as a rule for reading Christologically (19:28), things that "need to die" in biblical studies scholarship (38:06)…

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  37. Biblical Reasoning (Part 1): Tyler Wittman on Theology and Exegesis

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Tyler Wittman of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss the relationship between theology and exegesis (2:18), honoring God in exegesis (9:34), the Trinity and the New Testament (20:07), inseparable operations and appropriations (27:23), and...

  38. Matthew Bingham on Baptist Origins, Historiography, and Being “Reformed”

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Bingham of Oak Hill College. We discuss how to understand Baptist history (1:28), the shared identity of 17th-century baptistic churches in the context of the English Reformation (4:50), the development of a Baptist identity (25:57), popular Baptist...

  39. Timothy George on Evangelicals, the Great Tradition, and Christian Higher Education (Repost)

    This episode is a repost of a conversation with Dr. Timothy George of Beeson Divinity School. We discuss being a Baptist and appreciating the Great Tradition (2:00), ecumenism and catholicity (7:35), the future of Christian higher education (22:35), and more. Buy Timothy's books. Church Grammar…

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  40. Jarvis Williams on Ethnicity, Diversity, and the Church’s Mission

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jarvis Williams of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss the phrase "redemptive kingdom diversity" (1:27), a biblical theology of the people of God (4:42), the difference between "race" and "ethnicity," and avoiding extreme positions on...

  41. Madison Pierce and Ched Spellman on Anonymous Authors and Audiences in the New Testament

    This episode is a conversation with Drs. Madison Pierce of Western Theological Seminary and Ched Spellman of Cedarville University. We discuss the anonymous authorship and audience of Hebrews (7:50), the hermeneutical effect of anonymous authorship (24:26), the development of the canon and...

  42. Steven Duby on Divine Attributes, the Incarnation, and Engaging Other Scholars

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Steven Duby of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss "classical theism" as an aid for reading Scripture and doing Christology (3:12), boundaries the doctrine of God provides for the doctrine of the incarnation (19:12), the best case for the covenant of...

  43. Gavin Ortlund on Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals and Theological Triage (Repost)

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Gavin Ortlund of First Baptist Church of Ojai, California. We discuss how evangelicals can retrieve theology from the past (2:50), benefits and dangers of retrieval (6:05), evangelicals who "leave" to other traditions (11:01), retrieving Augustine and…

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  44. Michael Svigel on Urban Legends in Church History

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Michael Svigel of Dallas Theological Seminary. We discuss the Lord's Supper in the early church (2:19), philosophy's influence on early Christian theology (6:45), where the doctrine of the Trinity came from (13:48), the role of Constantine and the Roman...

  45. Jeremy Treat on the Atonement and Pastoring in the Pandemic

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jeremy Treat of Reality LA. We discuss the NBA (1:33), integrating the Kingdom and the cross in atonement theories (5:20), a definition the gospel (11:23), how atonement theories relate to one another (14:07), the implications of living out the gospel...

  46. Thomas Joseph White on Tough Trinity Questions

    This episode is a conversation with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. of the Angelicum. We discuss the continuity and discontinuity between Scripture and Nicaea (3:17), the relationship between ontology/theology and economy (10:30), omnipresence and incarnation (20:00), simplicity and persons…

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  47. Matthew Bennett on Truths and Myths about Islam

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Bennett of Cedarville University. We discuss what we can learn from Islamic culture (3:52), the history of Muhammad and Islam origins (7:58), Jesus in the Qur'an (15:18), the role of the Bible in the Qur'an (21:00), truths and myths about jihad and...

  48. Carmen Imes on Sinai, God’s Covenants, and the Biblical Story (Repost)

    This episode is repost of my conversation with Dr. Carmen Imes of Talbot School of Theology. We discuss the Institute for Biblical Research (2:05), YHWH and Sinai (3:00), God's covenants and the Great Commission (16:43), Gentile inclusion and the "spirit" of the Law (24:58), and practical...

  49. John Meade on the Development of the Biblical Canon, Canon Lists, and Origen the Text Critic

    This episode is a conversation with Dr. John Meade of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss early biblical canon lists (1:06), the Old and New Testaments and "other writings" in the lists (7:00), the canon up to the Reformation (18:11), the unity and diversity of "authoritative" books (25:42), why we can...

  50. Gregory of Nazianzus’s “Theological Orations” with Matthew Emerson

    This is a crossover episode with Dr. Matthew Emerson from the new Center for Baptist Renewal podcast and YouTube Channel. We discuss one of the books from our CBR Theology Classics Reading Challenge, Gregory of Nazianzus's Theological Orations. Subscribe to the CBR podcast: Apple | Spotify |...

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TOPICS IN THIS SHOW

Academic Christianity Biblical Studies Church History Contemporary Faith Scholarly Dialogue Spiritual Formation Theology

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Church Grammar podcast engages theology and the church in a fresh way, centered on wide-ranging conversations with scholars and Bible teachers.

HOSTED BY

Brandon D. Smith

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Church Grammar have?

Church Grammar currently has 137 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Church Grammar about?

The Church Grammar podcast engages theology and the church in a fresh way, centered on wide-ranging conversations with scholars and Bible teachers.

How often does Church Grammar release new episodes?

Church Grammar publishes regularly with 137 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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You can listen to Church Grammar on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Church Grammar?

Church Grammar is created and hosted by Brandon D. Smith.
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