Soteriology 101 w/ Dr. Leighton Flowers

Do I still want to discuss the topic of Romans 9? Am I still willing to debate my views? How do most Calvinists understand our perspective and why do they still believe I didn't engage the context of Romans 9? Why do men like James White or JD Hall not want to engage further than once or twice with someone like me?  Let's discuss...   For further discussion please visit www.soteriology101.com

Today we will play clips from both NT Wright and John Piper in order to better understand why Calvinists so often accuse our interpretation as being confusing, ironically an accusation often leveled at Calvinism. Let's dive in! To join the conversation go to www.soteriology101.com

Many ask what notable scholars generally support my interpretation of the text. I have a list on my Statement of Faith page of non-Calvinistic scholars, but they vary in how they approach certain aspects of the text (as do all the soteriological camps). Today we take a look at the work of NT Wright and Herschel Hobbs, two well respected theologians. Let's dive in! To join our discussion go to www.soteriology101.com For more on Dr. Hobbs, see: http://www.sbts.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2010/07/sbjt_071_spr03_dockery.pdf   NT Wright's work has been praised by many scholars of varying views, including James D.G. Dunn, Gordon Fee, Richard B. Hays and Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury. Critics of his work are also found across the broad range of theological camps. Some Reformed theologians such as John Piper have sought to question Wright's theology, particularly over whether or not he denies the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone. Although Piper considers Wright's presentation confusing, he does not dismiss Wright's view as false. In response, Wright has stated he wishes Piper would "exegete Paul differently" and that his book "isn't always a critique of what I'm actually saying." Wright also expressed how he has warmed to Piper and considers him a "good, beloved brother in Christ, doing a good job, building people up in the faith, teaching them how to live."[15] In 2009, Wright has since addressed the issue in his book Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2009). He has sought to clarify his position further in an interview with InterVarsity Press.[15] Many conservative evangelicals have also questioned whether Wright denies penal substitution, but Wright has stated that he denies only its caricature but affirms this doctrine, especially within the overall framework of the Christus Victor model of atonement.[16] Despite criticism of some of his work by Reformed theologians, other Reformed leaders have embraced his contribution in other areas, such as Tim Keller who praised Wright's work on the resurrection.[17] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._T._Wright)    

Today we discuss: What is Amyraldism, Four-Point Calvinism? Answer: Amyraldism is an off-shoot of Calvinistic theology (sometimes called “4-point Calvinism” or “moderate Calvinism”). It is named after its creator, Moses Amyraut, a 16th-century French theologian, who was influential in the development of the doctrine of “hypothetical redemption” or “hypothetical universalism.” This doctrine, in essence, softens the Calvinistic doctrine oflimited atonement.Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Amyraldism.html#ixzz3bp3ScdFh Today we hear from a respected, well spoken, 4 point Calvinist as he confronts the doctrine of Limited Atonement. Tommy Nelson, of Denton Bible church, explains why he reject the L of TULIP. Let's dive in!

Dr. Eric Hankins, author of the Traditionalist Statement of the SBC, and Dr. Al Mohler, Calvinistic President of Southern Seminary, sit down and talk about the soteriological differences of Southern Baptists. In doing so, Dr. Mohler illustrates an inconsistency in the practical application of Calvinistic teaching. Let's dive in. To join Professor Leighton Flowers in this discussion please visit www.soteriology101.com

Today we play a portion of the Dividing Line with Dr. White, who takes calls from listeners. And I read some quotes from other Calvinists with questions on social media. Professor Flowers answers the question about the purpose for which Israel was elected and questions why Calvinists are making all the fuss about the use of the phrase: "noble cause/purpose?"   Why did God elect Israel? For what purpose? For what cause were they selected? Let's dive in. To join the discussion go to www.soteriology101.com

Emilio Ramos, of RedGrace Media (debate sponsors), put out a podcast critiquing my take on Romans 9. I respond to most of their broadcast but to hear it all I encourage you to go to www.redgracemedia.com and listen.  This will help those who are still trying to grasp the details of the debate over Romans 9 between the Calvinist and the non-Calvinist. Enjoy the mega long show! Only the true theology geeks will make it to the very end. For more information go to www.soteriology101.com

After the debate last Thursday I have recieved a number of messages and links from Calvinists with responses to my views. Today we walk through some of those point by point to help better define my intentions and the true points of contention. Emilio with Red Grace Media, one of the sponsors for the debate, wrote an article about my gesture at the end of the debate and I begin by addressing that. Then I move to discuss a podcast with two Calvinists, one of which attended the debate but left confused about my perspective. Let's dive in. To join Professor Leighton Flowers in the discussion go to www.soteriology101.com

I play some of the audio of the debate over Romans 9 with Dr. James White and give my initial thoughts. I also wrote an article over the major points of our contention in the debate at www.soteriology101.com. The full debate audio and video should be out soon as well. I was going to wait until the release of the video but the social media rumor mill from the many Dr. White fans who were present is framing the debate as if I didn't address Romans 9 and I want to debunk that charge by letting my listeners hear for themselves...

More information about Professor Flowers' new book, "The Potter's Promise" is discussed in detail. Then the rest of the program is a line by line commentary through the entire 9th Chapter of Romans.  Let's dive in!   To join the discussion go to www.soteriology101.com