Theology Unpacked

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how, between 500 and 750, the pope navigates a changing political landscape, negotiating with emperors in the East while forging new alliances with the emerging dynasties of the Latin West, as Christianity spread through kingdoms, monasteries and pilgrimage to Rome.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explore how St Augustine of Hippo made sense of the sack of Rome, presenting the rise and fall of empires within God's universal plan and arguing that the true focus of history is the eternal destiny of individual souls rather than earthly kingdoms.He also examines how the Saxon monk Bede told the story of the Christian mission to the English, weaving together martyrdom, miracles, heresy and missionary witness to portray God's providential work in Britain's history.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, theological controversies, and new migrant kingdoms elevated the bishop of Rome into an increasingly significant political and spiritual leader. He concludes with Gregory the Great and his mission to the Saxons through Augustine of Canterbury, showing how it helped establish Christianity in England and expanded Rome's influence in the West.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ examines how two Christians tell their version of history from the early centuries through Luke’s Acts of the Apostles and Eusebius’ History of the Church, presenting historical events as part of God’s unfolding plan for humanity.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ takes us on a race through the first 400 years of Christianity, tracing its journey in the Roman Empire from a persecuted minority to an imperial faith.He explores how bishops and church councils began to define orthodoxy, establishing shared beliefs and practices across diverse Christian communities. Councils such as First Council of Nicaea and First Council of Constantinople shaped core doctrines, including the Trinity, while the growing influence of the bishop of Rome laid the foundations for the papacy.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ reflect on how a faith tradition writes its ‘salvation history’ and the different ways of ‘reading a tradition’ for those who come after.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ revisits Christian claims about resurrection in the modern era, exploring how the modern Catechism presents resurrection life with humility about the “how” and “when” of the transformed creation, while still affirming the promise of eternal life.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ offers a first introduction to the roots of the distinctive Christian language of “sacraments,” tracing its development from the Greek mysteria and its connection to the sacred, liberating dramas of the ancient mystery religions. He then explores how baptism, the Eucharist, and other Christian rites came to be understood as participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, woven into a rich symbolic tapestry of Scripture, covenant, creation, and salvation history. Drawing especially on Augustine, Dr John also introduces the classic understanding of sacrament as a sacred sign, a visible symbol that reveals and communicates God’s saving work.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how Christians have understood the claim that Christ “died for us,” beginning with the rich variety of New Testament and liturgical images and tracing how these were developed in the tradition.He then examines several twentieth-century attempts to make sense of this mystery in ways meaningful to the modern world, including the renewal of theology at the Second Vatican Council, the existential approach of Karl Rahner, the social and political vision of Liberation Theology, and René Girard’s scapegoat theory as developed by Raymund Schwager.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ compares how Athanasius of Alexandria and Anselm of Canterbury connect the Incarnation with the atonement as they answer the question of why God became human.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ returns to the New Testament matrices for interpreting the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross, revisiting themes from earlier episodes through the lens of atoning sacrifice in the Letter to the Hebrews.🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit Centre📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop LibraryIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ contrasts the more selective Augustinian tradition of Aquinas, which allows for grace-enabled human cooperation, with Luther’s reading of Paul and Augustine, which sees the will as enslaved by sin and salvation as entirely the work of grace. He traces the consequences of Luther’s theology for Christian practice before glancing at the Catholic response at Trent and the recent Catholic–Lutheran joint declaration, showing how both traditions describe different dimensions of grace, freedom, sin, and responsibility.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the controversy over how Paul’s teaching on grace was interpreted in the centuries following the rise of the Christian Empire, tracing its development from a relational experience of divine favour to a complex theological debate about freedom and justice. With a sideways glance at the life of St Anthony and the ascetical tradition, it highlights the tension between human effort and dependence on God, which comes to a head when Augustine takes on the monk Pelagius and his followers.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ continuing from the previous episode, explores how Paul articulates enduring themes of Christian theology, especially the relationship between Torah, grace, and freedom. Moving from the sharp contrasts of Galatians to a more balanced vision in Romans.📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores Paul’s message of rescue from final judgment, showing how early Christian teaching drew on Jewish ideas of light, darkness, and divine election while centring salvation on a relationship with Jesus Christ.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores Paul’s message of rescue from final judgment, showing how early Christian teaching drew on Jewish ideas of light, darkness, and divine election while centring salvation on a relationship with Jesus Christ.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores Paul’s message of rescue from final judgment, showing how early Christian teaching drew on Jewish ideas of light, darkness, and divine election while centring salvation on a relationship with Jesus Christ.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how Christian theology emerges from transformative encounters with the divine, focusing on Paul the Apostle and his attempt to explain how the death of one man, Christ, can bring about the rescue of all humankind from sin and death.Drawing especially on his letter to the Romans, Paul develops the parallel between Adam and Christ as the “old” and “new” Adam: just as all share in Adam’s mortality, all may share in Christ’s new life through identification with him.This framework shapes later theological debates on Christ’s nature and original sin, while also opening into a broader, cosmic vision of Christ as the archetype of a restored humanity and creation.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ begins a series exploring different “models” of salvation, returning to the early Christian theme of resurrection and rescue as the vindication of the just one. He situates this within the formation and selection of the four canonical Gospels, alongside alternative ancient gospels and interpretations, while highlighting a Jewish-Christian perspective, seen in texts like James, where faith is lived out through action and shaped by the expectation of God’s final vindication. 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the elaborated, personal encounters presented by John: Mary in the garden, the disciples in the sealed room, and Thomas moving from doubt to confession—inviting the reader-disciple into faith in the risen Christ.The garden setting evokes the theme of new creation, culminating in recognition when Jesus calls Mary by name and in the gift of the Spirit that forms a renewed community, and returning to the question of the two endings of the Gospel, with the coda of the miraculous catch of fish and the resurrection Eucharist at the lakeside.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores Luke’s account of the resurrection as a carefully sequenced series of encounters unfolding within a single day: the women at the tomb, the road to Emmaus, Jesus’ appearance to the gathered disciples, and his ascension from Bethany.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ shows how the Gospels shape resurrection differently, especially in Mark and Matthew. The earliest version of Mark famously ends without any resurrection appearance of Jesus, leaving the reader-disciple standing before the empty tomb and invited to respond in Faith. By contrast, Matthew expands the empty-tomb narrative that affirm Jesus’ divine authority and commission the disciples as witnesses.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the earliest account of the resurrection, found not in the Gospels but in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, and explores how Paul presents this tradition to a new, largely Gentile Christian community.It explains why Paul emphasises the reliability and diversity of witnesses, including himself, rather than the vivid details of resurrection encounters, in order to establish both the truth of the resurrection and his authority as an apostle.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how John portrays Jesus’ death as a deliberate fulfilment of Scripture, culminating in his final words, “It is accomplished,” as he surrenders his spirit. Reprising John’s language of Jesus being “lifted up” throughout the Gospel, the Crucifixion is shown as a parodied enthronement that becomes a paradox: what looks like shameful humiliation is, in truth, the Son of Man’s exaltation and rightful kingship. The pierced side, the flow of blood and water, and the careful burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus serve as both fulfilment of prophecy and trustworthy witness that Jesus truly died, completing the work that renews creation.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ shows how St. John prepares readers for the Passion by tracing the Gospel’s recurring sacrificial imagery, above all Jesus as the Passover lamb, so that the crucifixion can be read as God’s saving work and true liberation. John then elaborates the crucifixion through a series of highly visual, localised scenes, presenting Jesus as in full control and repeatedly framing events as the fulfilment of Scripture. Amid this liturgical and theological depth, the narrative also holds moments of striking tenderness and mutual love at the foot of the cross.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ contrasts Matthew’s Passion narrative, which closely follows Mark, with Luke’s more expansive account that elaborates the crucifixion scene to foreground reconciliation with the Father, the forgiveness of sins, and the presence of Jesus’ faithful disciples among the witnesses.Luke also foreshadows the coming destruction of Jerusalem, as Jesus speaks prophetically to the women on the road and shares in the city’s future suffering with a striking note of solidarity.Dr John also explores the creative tensions in Luke’s theology of the cross, God’s saving plan unfolding through human violence, while centring Jesus’ prayer of forgiveness and the promise of paradise as signs that salvation is already being accomplished.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Dr John compares Mark and Matthew’s accounts of Jesus’ Crucifixion and burial, showing how the evangelists grapple with the apparent failure and scandal of the Cross.By weaving in Isaiah’s suffering servant, the distress psalms, especially Psalm 22, the evangelists present Jesus’ death as the decisive moment of God’s saving work and the dawn of a new creation. Listen to the full episode now.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ compares the two significantly different Gospel accounts of the Roman trial, with Luke focusing on the legal process and the distinctive episode of Jesus before Herod, while John centres the drama on an extended, searching dialogue between Jesus and Pilate. Luke presents Jesus as repeatedly declared innocent by Roman and Jewish authorities, situating his trial within a wider theme of reconciliation and a divinely guided history, even as political pressure leads to a serious failure of justice. John, by contrast, frames the trial as a cosmic confrontation about kingship, truth, and authority, in which Jesus knowingly accepts being handed over, revealing that beneath human decisions and guilt, the events unfold according to the saving will of God.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ compares the parallel accounts of Jesus’ trial before Pilate in Mark and Matthew, the summary highlights how Matthew elaborates the scene by shifting responsibility onto the Jerusalem crowds while still exposing Pilate’s weakness in the face of pressure. He reflects on how Matthew's details were later misread with deadly consequences, fuelling the false and tragic claim that the Jewish people across all ages bore collective guilt for Jesus’ death. At the same time, he underlines that the governor’s own soldiers ultimately mock and lead Jesus to execution, drawing together the theological nuances and historical reverberations of the Gospel narratives.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ follows the story to Jesus’ first trial before the high priest and the council, comparing how each Gospel narrates this moment and drawing out the theological importance of the judgment theme. Mark and Matthew present an informal trial focused on Jesus’ identity, Luke reshapes the scene to emphasise political motives, and John offers a uniquely fragmented account in which Jesus’ claims have already provoked judgment long before the hearing. Across all four versions, Jesus’ self-revelation in a moment of utter vulnerability becomes the catalyst for condemnation, while the leaders frame him as a political threat to be handed over to Rome.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ shows how all four Gospels share the same basic sequence of Jesus’ agony, betrayal and arrest, yet each narrates the garden scene with a distinct theological emphasis. Mark highlights Jesus’ fear and humanity, John presents him as taking divine initiative, Luke underscores healing and cosmic conflict, and Matthew (though less discussed) frames the moment through fulfilment of Scripture and obedient surrender. These approaches, along with shared details such as cutting of the servant’s ear and Mark’s detail of a fleeing young man, offer complementary perspectives on Jesus’ anguish, agency and mission in the garden and at his arrest.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ reflects on what the Eucharist may have meant to early Christians by beginning with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians and then tracing Eucharistic themes across all four Gospels. It shows that the Last Supper was understood not only as a memorial of Jesus’ saving action but also as a sign of intimate union with him, expressed through themes of service, unity, and imitation, especially in John’s symbolic actions and dialogues.The post-resurrection dialogue between Jesus with Peter brings these themes to a climax, revealing the Eucharist as both the presence of the risen Christ and a call to live and love as he did in the world.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how the Gospel accounts structure the Last Supper within the themes of covenant, sacrifice and divine love, while also allowing for a comparative look at the three synoptic accounts and their shared institution of the Eucharist. It shows how Jesus’ actions and words are rooted in Passover, the covenant at Sinai and the prophetic promises of a renewed covenant written on transformed hearts.While Mark, Matthew and Luke each offer distinct emphases, they collectively reveal Jesus as the Passover lamb, the suffering servant and the mediator of the new covenant. John, reinforces the call to humble love.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how the synoptic writers narrate Jesus’ prophetic judgment speech over the Temple and the city of Jerusalem, each offering a slightly different perspective on the end time, and then places John’s Gospel in dialogue with them.While the synoptics emphasise dramatic prophecies about the Temple’s destruction and cosmic upheaval, John relocates the centre of judgment to the present response to Jesus so that he becomes the true Temple and the decisive locus of God’s saving presence, especially in the crucifixion.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ examines Jesus’ final prophetic discourse over the Temple and Jerusalem, showing how the synoptic Gospels narrate this moment differently and offer distinct perspectives on the end time: Mark emphasises imminent judgment and hope for persecuted believers, Matthew shifts the focus to long-term vigilance and compassionate action through parables such as the bridesmaids, talents, and Last Judgment, while Luke situates the prophecy more clearly after the fall of Jerusalem, highlighting historical fulfilment and ongoing faithfulness in a world where judgment has already begun to unfold.These accounts portray Jesus as prophet and Messiah announcing both historical and cosmic judgment, providing an apocalyptic backdrop to the Passion and shaping later Christian understandings of Salvation.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ moves into Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem through the synoptic Gospels, Mark, Matthew, and Luke, each shaping the narrative with distinct emphases.He centres on Jesus’ confrontations with the religious leaders in the Temple, where his teaching and authority provoke mounting tension and reveal divine judgment at work. The episode culminates with the widow’s offering, a symbol of total faithfulness that foreshadows Jesus’ own self-giving sacrifice.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ traces ideas of sin and atonement in the Jewish tradition that lie behind much of Christian language, such as the Jewish Day of Atonement with the Christian seasons of Lent and Easter, where Ash Wednesday and Good Friday recall collective repentance and Christ’s sacrifice carrying the sins of the world into the wilderness.He also reflects on the first Christian ascetics, the desert fathers, whose retreat into the wilderness embodied Lent’s call to repentance and renewal, seeing the desert not as punishment but as the place to encounter God.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores ancient reflections on cosmic justice, reward, and punishment across Greek, Hindu, and Jewish traditions, showing how different cultures grappled with the suffering of the righteous. The stories of Plato’s philosopher, Arjuna’s divine duty, and Job’s trials reveal a shared search for meaning and vindication through encounter with the divine. These ideas provide the cultural and spiritual background for the Christian vision of salvation, where the just one is ultimately vindicated through Christ’s suffering and resurrection.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this final episode of the "Galilee to Jerusalem" series of the “Theology Unpacked” podcast, Dr John Moffatt SJ looks at the theme of miracles, a challenge for many people shaped by today’s scientific way of thinking.He suggests that instead of seeing miracles as impossible events, we can understand them as signs of God at work in people’s lives. The Gospel stories then become invitations to notice where we too might experience God’s presence in our own lives.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ revisits how the Gospels and Paul’s letters, shaped by Jewish scripture and tradition, formed early Christian understandings of Jesus as both divine and human, laying the groundwork for later doctrines of the Trinity and Christ’s dual nature.He highlights the range of early interpretations—from those that denied Jesus’ divinity to Gnostic views that rejected his humanity—and notes that debates about Christ’s nature and meaning continue to shape Christian theology today.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit Centre📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop LibraryIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explored the diversity of early Christian spiritual experiences, particularly regarding the role of the Spirit. Whether through charismatic expressions or the spirituality grounded in word, action, and discernment, the Spirit was recognised by its confession of Jesus as Lord and God made flesh. At its heart, Christian spirituality is revealed as a lived relationship with the crucified and risen Christ, where both the Spirit and the person of Jesus remain central.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the different layers of text articulating expectations for those who commit to a Christian way of life, and the different models present in early Christianity itself.In time, the mark of true Christian ethics emphasis on character, intention, and the transformative power of grace over mere rule-following. 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ unfolds through powerful dialogues that put every listener at a crossroads: the crowds after the feeding of the five thousand, the fiery disputes with the Judeans and Pharisees, and the intimate Last Supper discourses with the disciples.Across these moments, Jesus as the “bread of life” discourse and "as one with the Father" has led some disciples to deeper faith while others reject his hard sayings. The episode closes with words of consolation, assuring his followers of peace and courage in him, who has conquered the world.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores key dialogues of Jesus’ encounter with Nathanael, the Jerusalem witnesses, Nicodemus, and the Samaritan woman that guide both the characters and the reader toward deeper insight into who Jesus truly is. Through symbolic language and spiritual metaphors, the Gospel of John moves its audience from surface-level misunderstandings to a transformative recognition of Jesus as Messiah and Saviour of the world. These encounters reveal that true understanding comes through faith, not literal interpretation, and invite all people into a new way of seeing and worshipping.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ outlines how John’s Gospel differs from the others by presenting Jesus’ divine identity from the very beginning and shaping the narrative around festivals, signs, places, dialogues, and meditations that all reveal him as the Son of God.Temple rituals, geography, and miracle “signs” are reinterpreted as symbols fulfilled in Jesus, while intimate dialogues and meditations invite the reader into deeper recognition and belief. The story builds toward the Passion, where unique features like the foot-washing and extended Last Supper teachings turn the Gospel into a sacred drama of revelation and glory.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how John’s Gospel differs from the Synoptics in its structure, layered composition, and extended dialogues, highlighting traditional identifications of its author with John the Apostle and his community. It presents a developed theology of Jesus as the eternal Word and Wisdom of God, drawing on Jewish scripture and Greek philosophy to portray him as both cosmic and historical. Together with John’s letters, the Gospel affirms Jesus’ full divinity and humanity, showing how authentic accounts of him arose through the Spirit’s action in scripture, community, and tradition.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how Matthew and Luke offer contrasting interpretations of the destruction of Jerusalem as divine judgment, rooted in prophetic tradition yet shaped by their distinct theological aims. It emphasises the importance of reading these ancient gospel texts carefully and in context, especially in light of the harm caused by decontextualised interpretations throughout history. The discussion is framed by the renewed Christian–Jewish relationship articulated in Vatican II, which affirms the enduring covenant with the Jewish people and rejects any notion that Judaism has been replaced or superseded by Christianity.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores a key Lucan theme: the outsider, emphasising how Jesus redefines true faith through mercy and the acceptance of those once considered beyond the fold. The Good Samaritan becomes a symbol of the restoration of Israel, showing that even those once excluded, like Samaritans, are central to God's plan. In accepting the rejected, Jesus becomes one himself, highlighting the cost of such radical compassion.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores Luke’s powerful portrayal of mercy and forgiveness, especially through Jesus’s interactions at a series of “disastrous dinner parties,” where he challenges social and religious norms by extending grace to sinners and outsiders.These meals become moments of revelation, emphasising that true righteousness comes not from status or ritual, but from repentance, humility, and faith. Luke brings the theme to its climax at the cross, where mercy is extended even in death, as Jesus promises paradise to a repentant criminal—showing that divine forgiveness knows no limits.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how Luke shapes his Gospel in a unique way, adding stories and details that bring extra depth to Jesus’ life and teaching. Compared to Matthew and Mark, Luke focuses more on real-life encounters, a broader view of history, and the world Jesus lived in. He also offers a more balanced view of the Pharisees and highlights how powerful leaders played a role in Jesus’ death, helping us see the Gospel as rooted in Jewish tradition but reaching out to all of humanity.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.