Wesleyan-Arminian Theologizing, Theodicy, and Polemics

Both Wendy Mohler-Seib and Andrew Sullivan (previous guests on PlainSpoken) recommended that I speak with Dr. Clark. Despite my conversation with Brian Abasciano, the case for Arminian biblical interpretation (the notion that God makes room for our free will in matters of great importance) has been slim on my podcast. Meanwhile I gave a platform to Gilbert Grayson, an accomplished Calvinist and primary content creator for The Chorus in the Chaos.

Even after all this groundwork being laid, you’ll see my conversation with Richie reveals a good deal of confusion on my part. You’ll also see he’s very patient with me and adept in the conversation. My hope is that my struggling with the concepts involved helps viewers/listeners.

Bio on Richie ClarkRichard has taught at a variety of schools and is currently the visiting scholar at Southwestern College. His PhD work (he’s in his final year) is in historical theology related to Arminian theology. He has a heart for apologetics and has published articles in many places. Richie and his wife, Lydia, and their son, Gabriel are members of Wellington Methodist Church (GMC) in Wellington, KS

Links:

Professional Links to Richie:Manchester Wesley Research Centre Junior Fellow in TheologyVisiting Scholar in Religion & Philosophy at Southwestern College

Recommended Readings on Arminianism:(1) J. Matthew Pinson's 40 Questions About Arminianism (Kregal Academic, 2022).(2) Thomas H. McCall and Keith D. Stanglin, After Arminius: A Historical Introduction to Arminian Theology (Oxford University Press, 2021).(3) Keith D. Stanglin and Thomas H. McCall, Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace (Oxford University Press, 2012).(4) Roger E. Olson, Arminian Theology Myths and Realities (IVP Academic, 2006).

Open access works that he has written:Omnipotence Pseudocide by a Single Qualification: A Reflection on Omnipotence’s ‘Death by a Thousand Qualifications’ in the Work of Thomas OordAntinomianism and Reformed ArminianismA Review of "Anyone Can Be Saved" written by Southern Baptist anti-Calvinists

Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe