This episode is a conversation with Dr. Stephen Presley of the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dr. Ched Spellman of Cedarville University. We discuss all things Irenaeus of Lyons, including his cultural and ecclesiological context (2:30), big picture themes in his writings (7:30), the rule of faith then and now (12:53), parallels between the second century and today’s society (46:44), and more. Buy Stephen’s books and Ched’s books.

Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024).

You can also preorder Beholding the Triune God by Brandon and Matthew Emerson.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seeks to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.