Truth, Hermeneutics, and Revelation with Jeff Pugh and Eric Hall
Apr 20, 2017
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Jeff Pugh, an author of the Homebrewed Guide to the End Times, and Eric Hall, a distinguished scholar of God, engage in a vibrant discussion. They reflect on their unique journeys from Pentecostal roots to academia, unravel the nature of truth, and how it intersects with contemporary faith. The duo explores biblical hermeneutics, tackling themes of atrocity and peace, while examining the symbolic choices in Revelation. They also draw intriguing parallels between Christianity and Eastern philosophies, revealing unexpected insights into divine interpretation.
Eric Hall emphasizes the need to interpret apocalyptic literature through a compassionate lens, moving away from fear-based theology.
Jeff Pugh highlights the importance of engaging with diverse theological perspectives for richer conversations about faith and understanding.
Both authors argue that true revelation and understanding of God must evolve over time, embracing complexity and uncertainty in faith.
Deep dives
Unexpected Podcast Hijackers
Two authors from the Homebrew Christianity community, Eric Hall and Jeffrey Pugh, take over the podcast unexpectedly. They humorously reveal their lack of shirts during the audio recording, emphasizing the casual nature of their discussion. They encourage listeners to support their books, which are currently on sale for a mere $2.99 on Kindle and Nook, promoting their accessibility. The authors express excitement regarding the impending release of additional titles in the Homebrew Christianity Guide series, showcasing the growth of their project.
Insights from 'The Guide to God'
Eric shares insights from his book, 'The Guide to God,' highlighting the seriousness with which certain theologians interpret the end times. He explores the discomfort often presented in apocalyptic literature and how it resonates with contemporary societal issues. The discussion touches on rethinking theology in a progressive light, suggesting the need to move away from fear-based interpretations. By contrasting traditional views with more compassionate theologies, the conversation promotes a healthier understanding of God.
Transformative Conversations in Theology
The discussion emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives within theological conversations. The authors argue that different views can lead to fruitful dialogues about contentious topics, allowing for a richer understanding of faith. They recognize the complexities found in scriptural interpretations and how context influences these discussions. By fostering conversations across varied belief systems, they hope to create more inclusive theological discussions.
Bridging Theology and Suffering
Both authors delve into the problem of suffering in relation to the nature of God, questioning traditional views of an all-powerful deity. They express that true understanding of God must come through recognition of human suffering and vulnerability. The conversation also touches on how historical suffering informs modern faith practices and theological beliefs. They emphasize that it is through Christ’s suffering that deeper truths about God can be understood, framing it as a crucial aspect of their theology.
The Role of Revelation and Truth
The authors discuss revelation and truth, asserting that these concepts must be seen through the lens of Christ's narrative rather than through rigid theological frameworks. They argue that truth is something that evolves and is revealed over time, challenging the notion of absolute certainty. They highlight that understanding God requires openness to the complexities of faith and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. This nuanced understanding emphasizes that theological exploration is a continual journey rather than a destination.
Jeffrey Pugh and Eric Hall have taken over the Theology Nerd podcast this week!
Jeff and Eric, authors of the Homebrewed Guide to the End Times and God (respectively), sat down early on Holy Saturday to talk about their books, how a young Assemblies of God Eric got an endowed chair at a Catholic school, and what it was like to be an original Jesus Freak with Jeff in the 60s and 70s. They also get super nerdy and talk about:
what is truth? and how do you get to the truth of God?
how do you interpret Christ's return and make sense of it in today's world?
what do Taoism and Meister Eckhart have in common?