Rector’s Cupboard Podcast Historical Theology with Dr. J. Warren Smith
16 snips
Mar 1, 2024 
Dr. J. Warren Smith, a Professor of Historical Theology at Duke Divinity School, explores the relevance of early Christian voices today. He highlights the importance of understanding historical theology to avoid modern amnesia in faith. Smith delves into Augustine's influential thoughts on grace and free will, while also discussing Gregory of Nyssa's compelling ideas on hope and social justice. The conversation touches on humility, pastoral vulnerability, and unexpected insights from early Christians, ultimately illustrating how these ancient perspectives can resonate in contemporary challenges.
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Sins Trail Behind You
- Desert Fathers told vivid stories, like the abba who wore a holey sandbag to remind him his sins trail behind him.
- Another story has an abba leaving with a condemned man, saying, "I thought this was the time when sinners left."
Humility From The Elders
- Seekers often found a wise old man who replied, "Forgive me, I am an ignoramus," defusing pride and expectation.
- The humility of such elders framed spiritual authority as service, not superiority.
Grace Reorients A Disordered Will
- Augustine developed doctrines of original sin and grace by wrestling with free will, temptation, and rivals like Pelagius.
- He concluded human will is disordered and requires God's grace to reorient love toward God and others.
