Today, I talked to Dr. Janet Timbie, a Professor at the Catholic University of America. She is an expert on all things ancient Egypt and Christianity. We talk about an ancient monk, Shenoute, and his Christology!

This week I talk to Dr. Sammy Alfaro about his amazing book, Divino Compañero: Toward a Hispanic Pentecostal Christology (Princeton Theological Monograph Series Book 147) 

Dr. Derwin Gray joins the show to discuss his book "How to Heal Our Racial Divide" and emphasizes the importance of understanding the theological implications of racism and prejudice. In this conversation, Dr. Gray shares his personal story of transformation, the inspiration behind his book, and the need to embody a holistic gospel that produces justice, evangelism, and discipleship. The discussion delves into issues of racism, prejudice, justice, and evangelism, with a focus on the importance of understanding Jesus' person and work in promoting reconciliation. The show also highlights the multiethnic ministry's role in manifesting God's glory and promoting reconciliation, justice, and discipleship.

The (Re)Orhodox Theology podcast recently featured Dr. Gregory Vall, a professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary of New Orleans, to discuss the significance of Ignatius of Antioch and his Christology. Ignatius, a church father who lived around 113 AD, was a member of the church at Antioch, which was significant in the early days of Christianity due to its mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. He was the first person to use the term Christianity and spoke clearly about the relationship between Christianity and Judaism. Ignatius referred to himself as an Episcoposs and was the first to use the term Catholic Church.

Dr. Vall discussed Ignatius' role in the early Christian community at Antioch and his teachings on the structure of the local church. Ignatius studied the New Testament writings, including Matthew's gospel, John's thoughts, and Paul's letters, and synthesized them into a constructive theology that foreshadows the work of later church fathers.

The conversation then focused on Ignatius of Antioch's Christology. Ignatius emphasized the unique father-son relationship between Jesus and God, recognizing Jesus as divine. He referred to Jesus as the Son of God or the Son of the Father, establishing a unique sonship that differs from the adoption of sons and daughters of God that St. Paul speaks of. Ignatius never suggests that Jesus becomes the Son by being sent into the world, indicating that the Father-Son relationship is always present. Ignatius has a high Christology, referring to Jesus as God in Ephesians and Romans, but also emphasizes the father-son relationship, establishing strict equality and oneness between them.

The conversation also touched on the concept of high Christology, which recognizes Jesus as divine, and low Christology, which focuses on his humanity. However, in Ignatius and the New Testament, Christology is high and low because Jesus is God and man.

Dr. Vall then discussed Ignatius' rejection of docetism and his belief in Christ's true humanity through his conception of the Virgin Mary. Ignatius sees Mary as significant in His Christology because she is the one through whom and from whom he receives his humanity. The Passion and Resurrection are important moments in Christ's life, where his humanity is transformed.

The conversation explored how Ignatius reconciled the Old Testament passages that arguably could be referring to Christ manifested like the divine being wrestling Jacob or a divine being coming and visiting Abraham with two other angels. Ignatius also discussed Mary's role in Christology, referring to her as one of the figures in these statements that grounds the faith in historical reality and has a particular role vis-a-vis the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Vall explained that God is eternally happy and perfect in himself and creates out of generosity and love. Despite not needing to create the world or us, God wants to share his happiness with his creatures. The distinction between God in his inner life and God's action in the world, known as the economy of God, is important to understand in order to fully grasp Ignatius' Christology and the New Testament. Ultimately, God's action in creating and redeeming the world is part of his plan or economy, but he himself is eternal, unchangeable, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The conversation ended with the importance of reading Ignatius' work and interpreting Scripture faithfully. Ignatius' writings helped the speaker understand how Scripture and the church fathers went together. Dr. Vall pointed out that Ignatius' work provides insight into the church's reception of the New Testament and interpretation of scripture throughout history.

Chapters

[0:00:07] Exploring the Christology of Ignatius of Antioch with Dr. Gregory Vall: A Discussion on the Significance of Early Christian Theology and Church Structure

[0:06:30] A Discussion on the Significance of Ignatius of Antioch in Early Christianity and His Influence on Theology

[0:08:47] Exploring Ignatius of Antioch's Understanding of the Father-Son Relationship in His Christology

[0:12:28] Exploring Ignatius' High Christology and the Revelation of God through Jesus

[0:15:12] A Discussion on Ignatius' Christology and His Rejection of Docetism

[0:17:50] A Discussion on Ignatius of Antioch's Christology and the Role of Mary

[0:21:07] A Discussion on the Presence of Christ in the Old Testament and Mary's Role in Christology with a Theologian

[0:26:10] A Discussion on Ignatius of Antioch's Christology and the Role of Mary in the Faith

[0:28:52] A Discussion on Ignatius and the Distinction between God's Inner Life and Action in the World

[0:35:53] A Discussion on God's Creation and the Importance of Reading the Work of Ignatius Today

[0:38:04] Interview with a Scholar on the Importance of Ignatius of Antioch in Early Christianity

His Book: Learning Christ

In this episode, Dr. Turman discusses her brilliant research on the intersection of race, faith, and gender and how she challenges sexism in the Black church.

As a pioneering womanist theologian, Dr. Turman's work aims to empower marginalized communities and address issues of violence against Black women in Christianity. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of theology and has been featured in various documentaries and publications.

During the conversation, Justin and Dr. Turman delve into topics such as womanist Christology and the role of Black women in Christianity. They also discuss ways to address the issue of violence against Black women in religious spaces.

Listeners are encouraged to support Young and Sanctified by continuing to listen, sharing episodes with friends, leaving reviews, and providing feedback through Justin's email address found in the show notes.

Youngandsanctified@gmail.com

On today's episode, we have Dr. Matthew Lynch, a professor, author, and podcaster, who shares his insights on the Old Testament and how his studies in Israel captured his imagination and deepened his understanding of its context.

In this conversation, Dr. Lynch challenges the notion that the Old Testament is simply a source of spiritual edification and life lessons and instead highlights its complexity, tension, mystery, and wonder. Specifically, the conversation centers around the concern with violence in the Old Testament and how it is portrayed in texts such as Genesis three, four, and Six, as well as the flood story.

Dr. Lynch rejects reductive and simplistic readings of the text and instead proposes a non-reductive engagement with the problem of violence, acknowledging the exciting and fascinating world of the Old Testament. He warns against bifurcating Jesus and the Old Testament God and proposes a Christotelic approach that reads the Old Testament in light of Jesus' life and teachings.

The conversation explores the role of divine action in the Flood story of Genesis and how it represents a controlled cosmic meltdown that allowed God to restore creation to its original state before remaking it. Although there are still questions about violence in the story, Dr. Lynch argues that it is essential to consider how the story wants us to think about God's action and the antagonist.

Dr. Matthew Lynch is a professor of theology and philosophy at Regent University and hosts the podcast, On Script. He is also the author of several books, including Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God, which proposes a non-reductive engagement with the problem of violence in the Old Testament.

In this Episode, we explore the topic of Christology in a pluralistic world with Professor Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen from Fuller Theological Seminary. As we live in an increasingly diverse and globalized world, it's essential to consider finding common ground with those with different beliefs without compromising our orthodoxy. Professor Kärkkäinen shares his perspective on accepting other cultures while remaining true to our faith, emphasizing the importance of engaging with diverse voices worldwide. We also delve into what it means for our world to be pluralistic and how we can navigate this reality as Christians. This conversation is aimed at Gen Z viewers and pastors interested in understanding how to engage with other cultures and perspectives in a pluralistic world.

In this podcast episode, Patrick Miller, a pastor at The Crossing, and Justin discuss the challenges of navigating politics in a divided society, finding common ground, and engaging in dialogue to understand one another. They also talk about the discomfort Miller feels when referred to as a pastor and speculate that this may be a result of their Midwestern roots. They highlight the need for discipleship in politics among Christians, and Miller's work with Truth Over Tribe, a podcast and book aimed at helping Christians become apprentices of Jesus in their politic.

Guest Bio:

Patrick Miller is a pastor at The Crossing, a church in Missouri. He is the co-author of Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant and has been featured in various media outlets for his work on faith and politics. Miller is also a podcast co-host, and his show explores how Christians can engage with politics in a way informed by their faith. His show is Truth Over Tribe!

In this episode of the Young and Sanctified podcast, host Justin interviews Dr. Jessica Joustra, an assistant professor of Religion and Theology at Redeemer University. Dr. Joustra shares her research on the imitation of Christ and the works of Herman Bobbing and John Howard Yoder. The conversation provides valuable insights into how different Christian traditions have explored the question of imitation and the relevance of this topic for Christians today.

Guest Introduction:

Dr. Jessica Joustra is a professional writer and the Albert M. Walter Center for Christian Scholarship director. She holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Fuller Theological Seminary and the Free University. Dr. Joustra teaches systematic theology and ethics at a Christian university in Ancaster, Ontario. Her research focuses on how Christian scholarship can contribute to answering the pressing questions of our time.

In this episode, Dr. John Stackhouse delves into the history and core beliefs of Evangelicalism, highlighting its emergence in the 18th century from Puritanism and Pietism. He clarifies that Evangelicals take the Bible seriously, are Trinitarian Christians, and recognize each other as kin, working together to spread the message of Jesus Christ. The conversation also explores the criticism that Evangelicals have received for being loudmouthed and activist, and how this has affected their approach to theological innovation.

Dr. Stackhouse emphasizes the importance of theology for Evangelicals and suggests that innovation has been difficult due to a defensiveness that has developed over the years. However, he argues that Evangelicals have rich theological resources to draw from, including their understanding of Jesus' work, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible as the voice of God. He highlights the need for the Church to remain intellectually and theologically sharp while still caring for the poor, citing examples of Latin American evangelicals who have successfully done this.

Throughout the conversation, he raises important questions about the role of Evangelicalism in today's world and the challenges it faces in maintaining its theological depth while being innovative and responsive to the needs of society. This episode will be of interest to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Evangelical tradition and its place in contemporary Christianity.

In this episode, Dr. Kenneth J. Collins, a leading scholar in historical theology and Wesley Studies, shares his expertise in Wesleyan theology and his forthcoming book. Dr. Collins also talks about the Asbury University Revival, highlighting the emphasis on holiness, a distinguishing factor of the Wesleyan tradition. The conversation covers John Wesley's biography, unique approach to interreligious dialogue, theology and approach to ministry, understanding of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and theology of justice, advocacy, and caring for the vulnerable. The episode also explores early American Methodism and slavery and the similarities between John Calvin's and John Wesley's understanding of original sin. Dr. Collins discusses the intentional approach to discipleship in the Wesleyan tradition and how it compares to other forms of evangelism. This podcast aims to provide expert insights that will deepen our understanding of faith and the world around us and help people explore the big questions and ideas that matter most.

In this episode, Justin is joined by Dr. David Parris to discuss the complexity of Jesus' identity and the various interpretations of his teachings. Dr. Parris sheds light on his journey into studying parables, as well as his 15-year experience in cognitive linguistics. They also talk about the safe and dangerous nature of parables, their application in everyday life, and their ability to challenge people's thinking.

Guest Information:

Dr. David Parris is a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and has studied parables for over 30 years. He holds a ThM degree from Fuller Seminary and a Ph.D. in philosophical hermeneutics from the University of Nottingham. Dr. Parris has also been studying cognitive linguistics for around 15 years and has applied this field of study to the interpretation of parables. See his Youtube HERE

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Parris explains how he got into studying parables, starting with his seminary thesis on the history of the interpretation of the Great Commission.
• Parables are small stories that challenge and provoke thought.
• Cognitive linguistics is an interdisciplinary field that has been applied to the study of parables since 2005-2006.
• Understanding language and expressing it is the same as any other function of the brain, and cognitive linguistics helps bridge the gap between the language of 2000 years ago and today.
• Parables are both safe and dangerous as they can challenge people to think about how to apply the parables to their own lives.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Vince Bantu delves into the history of Christianity and its impact on global cultures. He discusses the problem of Christianity being constantly associated with Western or white culture and how this has affected evangelism and the perception of Christianity in non-Western parts of the world. He also explores the impact of imperial councils, like the Council of Nicaea, on shaping what we understand as orthodox Christianity and how this has led to the marginalization of other expressions of the faith. Additionally, he examines the work of early Christian theologians like Ephraim the Syrian and how their unique cultural perspectives have contributed to a deeper understanding of faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Christianity is often associated with Western or white culture, which has made it difficult for non-Western people to see it as relevant to them.
• Imperial councils, like the Council of Nicaea, have played a significant role in shaping what we understand as orthodox Christianity.
• The work of early Christian theologians like Ephraim the Syrian, who wrote in the Syrian language and contextualized their faith according to their culture, has contributed to a deeper understanding of theology.
• The perception of Christianity as a Western religion is the single greatest obstacle to the Gospel in the world.

Keywords: theology, bible, faith, Christian, early church, global impact, Christianity, Western culture, evangelism, imperial councils, orthodox Christianity, Ephraim the Syrian, Syrian language, culture, theology.

His book: A Multitude of All Peoples: Engaging Ancient Christianity's Global Identity

Academic Profile: Vince Bantu

Full Transcript: Here

In this podcast episode, Dr. Amy Peeler and Justin discuss the book of Hebrews and its significance for the early church. They highlight the paradoxes in the book that demonstrate the holiness and grace of God, as well as the unique way Hebrews cites the Old Testament as God's speech. The conversation explores the warnings and admonitions in the book and how it has been a valuable resource for many theological questions. The author of Hebrews draws on traditional Jewish wisdom and personalizes it to describe Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus' priesthood is highlighted, mentioning his purification for sins and his status as a sympathetic and merciful high priest. The conversation discusses the concept of Jesus' priesthood, which is superior to the Levitical priesthood.

Highlights:

• The pervasive theme of God as a Father and Jesus as a Son in the book of Hebrews and how it inspires trust in God.
• The distinction between the way Paul cites scripture and the way Hebrews does, and the importance of both.
• The story of Melchizedek and how it illustrates how Jesus is both king and priest, which was not commonly accepted in Israel.
• Jesus' priesthood as a fresh concept for the audience, and how he stands in the gap and is able to represent humanity fully, breaking the divide between God and humanity caused by sin.

Books:

You Are My Son: The Family of God in the Epistle to the Hebrews

Women and the Gender of God

In this episode, we delve into the topic of the divinity of Jesus and explore the historical and theological perspectives on this critical aspect of the Christian faith. We discuss the role of Jesus as a redeemer, the significance of his humanity, and the impact of his divinity on our understanding of God and our faith. Our guest is a renowned theologian and expert in the field who shares his insights and research on the development of high Christology in the early years of Christianity.

Key Takeaways:

• The earliest followers of Jesus began to think of him in divine terms within three to five years of knowing him.
• Jesus is an ideal of humanity and the embodiment of God's love.
• The incarnation of God in Jesus is essential for our understanding of God's love and redemption.
• The cross is a crucial moment demonstrating Jesus' unconditional love for humanity and his divinity.
• Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is a signpost along the way that God can use to guide us.

Keywords: Theology, Bible, Faith, Christian, Jesus, Divinity, High Christology, Incarnation, Redemption, Love, Humanity, God, Scholarship, Heart.

Guest: Dr. David Capes

Book Referenced: The State of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent Research

Additional Resources:

• The One and the Many in the Israelite Conception of God by AR Johnson
• A Man Attested by God: The Human Jesus of the Synoptic Gospels by Daniel Kirk
• Two Powers in Heaven: Early Rabbinic Reports about Christianity and Gnosticism by Alan Segal
• Christology in the Making: A New Testament Inquiry Into the Origins of the Doctrine of the Incarnation by Jimmy Dunn

Please email me: youngandsanctified@gmail.com

Dr. Loren Johns joins Justin to discuss the fascinating connection between Rome and America and the thriving ideology of Christian nationalism. The conversation focuses on the central role of Lamb Christology in the book of Revelation and how it offers the center of our faith in Jesus.

Show Notes:

• Introduction to Dr. Loren Johns and his background in theology
• The connection between Rome and America and the thriving ideology of Christian nationalism
• A discussion on the book "To Follow the Lamb" by Ted Grimsrud
• The importance of Lamb Christology in the book of Revelation
• The central role of Lamb Christology in offering the center of our faith in Jesus
• The difference between the traditional definition of Witness and a deeper understanding of the term

Tweetable Moments:

• "Lamb Christology is the center of the book of Revelation and offers the center of our faith in Jesus." - Dr. Loren Johns
• "Lamb Christology is about being vulnerable yet victorious, just like Jesus." - Dr. Loren Johns
• "The book of Revelation asks readers to consider Jesus specifically in the role of the Lamb." - Dr. Loren Johns

Guest: Loren Johns, Retired New Testament Professor, See his CV here

His Chapter: "Jesus in the Book of Revelation,” in Oxford Handbook on Revelation

Additional: To Follow the Lamb: A Peaceable Reading of the Book of Revelation

Tags: theology, Christian, Bible, faith

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Abernethy delves into the hope of a Messiah in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. He explores the different figures of hope, including the hope of a divided king, the hope of a suffering servant, and the hope for an anointed messenger. He also looks at how these passages in Isaiah have been applied to Jesus in the New Testament, and how they continue to shape our understanding of Christology today.

Key Takeaways:

1. Passages in Isaiah that talk about the coming of God and the work of bringing salvation are applied to Jesus in the New Testament, as Jesus is the very person of God who has come to bring salvation.
2. The idea of a virgin conceiving and having a son, which is found in Isaiah 7, is originally a historical sign referring to a child who will be a sign of God's deliverance to King Ahaz, but it is applied to Jesus in an even more profound way in the New Testament.
3. The passages in Isaiah that talk about a coming future divided King who will come with a sword in his mouth and establish justice in this world, are something that we continue to hope for today, as we look at all the issues of injustice in our world.
4. The Church is now the body of Christ in the world today, one thing that people should say is, oh, where is this reign of justice and righteousness in the world? They should be able to point to the Church, they should be able to point to the Body of Christ, to our kind of the hands and feet of our God who very much cares for justice and righteousness.

Tweetable Moments:

• "The hope of a Messiah in the Old Testament is found in several figures, including the hope of a divided king, the hope of a suffering servant, and the hope for an anointed messenger."
• "Passages in Isaiah that talk about the coming of God and the work of bringing salvation are applied to Jesus in the New Testament, as Jesus is the very person of God who has come to bring salvation."
• "The Church is now the body of Christ in the world today, one thing that people should say is, oh, where is this reign of justice and righteousness in the world? They should be able to point to the Church, they should be able to point to the Body of Christ."

Keywords: theology, bible, Christian, faith, Gospel of Mark, Christology, Yahweh, Jesus, Second Temple Judaism, the early church

Guest: Andrew T. Abernethy is associate professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College.

His book we discussed: God's Messiah in the Old Testament: Expectations of a Coming King

His most recent book: Savoring Scripture: A Six-Step Guide to Studying the Bible

In this episode, we talk to 18-year-old Ian Martin, the founder of GZT (Gen Z Translations), a popular social media account that aims to share scripture in a modern and accessible way. Ian shares his story of how he got involved in November 2021, and how he has been running the account full-time since Summer 2022. He also talks about the importance of putting scripture first and foremost in the posts, and how they use modern trends and language to capture the essence of the scripture.

Key Takeaways:

• The main purpose of the GZT account is to get scripture in front of people daily and have it on their minds and hearts.
• The GZT team regularly receives DMs from people with suggestions and appreciation for the content.
• Ian believes that true freedom is found within the boundaries of what God has for us, and that God's love for us is fully purposed in enjoying Him and living out his will for our lives.
• Ian thinks it would be amazing for Gen Z to have a very public presence for Jesus, showing how much we love Him and sharing Christ.
• He also believes that Gen Z needs to be more involved in the church because a lot of what we see culturally leads to the belief that Gen Z does not care about Jesus

Instagram Account: https://instagram.com/thegzt?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Springtide Research Institute: here

In this episode, Dr. Adam Winn, a New Testament professor, joins us to discuss the Christology of Mark's Gospel. He offers context to the book of Mark and two themes of Jesus Christology. He delves into the implicit and explicit ways that Jesus is presented as the Yahweh of Israel in the text and how it connects to Second Temple Judaism. He also talks about his current project, which aims to trace the belief of Jesus as Yahweh from Second Temple Judaism to the early church.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark's context under Rome influences its content.
• Christological themes: Power and suffering.
• Jesus' actions and statements, such as walking on water and saying "I am" connect him to Yahweh's self-revelation in the Old Testament
• Adam Winn and David Wilhite are working on a project that traces the belief of Jesus as Yahweh from Second Temple Judaism to the early church.
• The belief in Jesus as Yahweh is rooted in Second Temple Judaism, which was not invented by early Christians.

Keywords: theology, bible, Christian, faith, Gospel of Mark, Christology, Yahweh, Jesus, Second Temple Judaism, the early church

Guest: Adam Winn is a professor specializing in Second Temple Judaism and the New Testament. He is currently working on a project that traces the belief of Jesus as Yahweh from Second Temple Judaism to the early church.

His book we discussed: Reading Mark's Christology Under Caesar: Jesus the Messiah and Roman Imperial Ideology

Additional Resources:

• Adam Winn's book, Christology in Mark's Gospel: Four Views
• Adam Winn's academic profile

Support this work: https://www.patreon.com/JRPolsley?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Guest: Dr. Darrel Bock, New Testament Scholar and Author

In this episode of Young and Sanctified, host Justin interviews Dr. Darrel Bock, a New Testament Scholar and author, about navigating the different representations of Jesus in the Gospels. Dr. Bock discusses the importance of understanding the differences and similarities in the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John and provides insights into the Christology presented in each. He also talks about the importance of reading the Gospels both vertically and horizontally to fully appreciate the distinct contributions of each book to the canon.

Key Takeaways:

• The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) present a similar narrative of Jesus' life and teachings, while the Gospel of John presents a distinct Christology.
• The Christology presented in the Synoptic Gospels, and the Gospel of John ultimately reaches the same conclusion but takes different routes to get there.
• In order to fully understand and appreciate the Gospels, it is important to understand both their similarities and differences. This can be achieved by reading the Gospels both vertically (in their own terms) and horizontally (in comparison to one another).
• Dr. Bock recommends reading the Gospels in their entirety, rather than blending them together, in order to fully appreciate the distinct emphasis of each book.
• Dr. Bock also recommends reading his book "Jesus Godman" as an executive summary of his earlier work "Jesus According to Scripture"

Additional Resources:

• Dr. Bock's' book "Jesus Godman"
• Dr. Mark Strauss' book "Four Portraits, One Jesus: An Introduction to Jesus and the Gospels"

Keywords: theology, bible, history, Jesus, Christology, Synoptic Gospels, Gospel of John, vertical reading, horizontal reading, Jesus Godman, Jesus According to Scripture

His book: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-according-Scripture-Restoring-Portrait/dp/0801098084

email me: youngandsanctified@gmail.com