Thaddeus Williams, a Biola professor and author of 'Revering God,' discusses the challenges many face in finding joy in their relationship with God. He emphasizes the transformative power of reverence and how it can reshape our understanding of gender, marriage, and true joy amid societal pressures. The conversation highlights practical steps for deepening reverence, including communal worship and regular Bible reading. Williams argues for a return to foundational beliefs to navigate modern life's complexities with resilience and hope.
36:26
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
God's Influence
Thaddeus Williams emphasizes the importance of one's view of God.
This view influences perspectives on gender, marriage, and other cultural issues.
insights INSIGHT
Reverence and Awe
Reverence, or awe of God, is frequently commanded in scripture (e.g., 'fear the Lord').
Awe, according to recent studies, correlates with positive social behaviors and improved cognitive function.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Cultivating Awe
Cultivate awe by experiencing nature and engaging with scripture.
Pray for an enlarged heart to perceive wonders within God's word, like the Psalmist in Psalm 119.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Why is it often difficult to find pleasure and joy in God? If the chief end of man is to know and enjoy God, why do so many of us fall short? In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Biola professor Thaddeus Williams about these questions and his new book Revering God. Dr. Williams argues that a deep-dive into the theological understanding of the reverence of God can transform our relationship with God and allow us to live in awe-inspired devotion.
Thaddeus J. Williams (Ph.D., Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam) loves enlarging students’ understanding and enjoyment of Jesus at Biola University in La Mirada, CA, where he serves as associate professor of Systematic Theology for Talbot School of Theology. He has also taught Philosophy and Literature at Saddleback College, Jurisprudence at Trinity Law School, and as a lecturer in Worldview Studies at L’Abri Fellowships in Switzerland and Holland, and Ethics for Blackstone Legal Fellowship the Federalist Society in Washington D.C. He resides in Orange County, CA with his wife and four kids.
Join us for ANCHORED: A Conference for Pastors, Church Leaders and the Community June 9-11, 2025. Hosted by Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in Southern California. Learn more and register at https://www.biola.edu/anchored
==========
Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture