
Exploring Mormon Thought
Exploring Mormon Thought is a weekly podcast that features discussions about Mormon Doctrine and Theology that correlate with topics in the books series of the same name written by scholar and theologian Blake Ostler
Latest episodes

Feb 26, 2018 • 56min
040-Self-Deception & Justification By Faith - The Problems of Theism & The Love of God Ch 9
Topics Discussed:
• The New Perspective on Paul
• James as a Critique of Self-Deceived Paulinism
• Mormonism and the New Perspective on Paul

Feb 12, 2018 • 50min
039-Honor, Shame, and the Righteousness of God - The Problems of Theism & The Love of God Ch 8
We talk about the New Perspective on Paul and what his culture was like to help put his ideas on grace back into context.
Topics Discussed:
• Moral Obligation and Honor and Shame
• Paul’s Doctrine of Justification as God’s Honoring Covenant

Feb 4, 2018 • 34min
038-Atonement In Mormon Thought (Part 2)
Part 2 of my reading of my father's paper 'Atonement In Mormon Thought'
http://blakeostler.com/docs/AtonementInMormonThought.pdf
• Green’s Critique of the Compassion Theory.
Green's paper:
http://libojs2.uncg.edu/index.php/element/article/view/32/36

Jan 29, 2018 • 57min
037-Atonement In Mormon Thought (Part 1)
Part 1 of my reading of my father's paper 'Atonement In Mormon Thought'
http://blakeostler.com/docs/AtonementInMormonThought.pdf
• Desiderata for a Theory of Atonement
• Mormon Theories of Atonement
• A Brief Summary of the Compassion Theory of Atonement

Jan 22, 2018 • 58min
036-The Compassion Theory of Atonement (Part 2) - The Problems of Theism & The Love of God Ch 7
We examine different theories of atonement and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each. We concentrate on the Penal Substitution theory as that is closest to what most Mormons have been taught. We go over five problems with that theory that make it untenable.
Topics Discussed:
• Theories of Atonement
• The Ransom Theory
• The Satisfaction Theory
• The Moral Influence Theory
• The Governmental Theory
• The Penal Substitution Theory
• 5 objections to the Penal Substitution Theory

Jan 15, 2018 • 1h 4min
035-The Compassion Theory of Atonement - The Problems of Theism & The Love of God Ch 7
We discuss my fathers Atonement Theory "The Compassion Theory of Atonement" and what its basic tenants are.
Topics:
• God’s Compassion in Atonement
• Reconciling Humans to God
• Reconciling God to Humans
• Christ’s Suffering as a Result of Our Sins

Jan 8, 2018 • 49min
034-Soteriology in LDS Thought (Pt 3)- The Problems of Theism & The Love of God Ch 6
Part three of Ch 5. We discuss:
• Prevenient Grace in LDS Scripture
• The Grace of Life and Light
• Ritual Expression of Atonement
• Transferring the Pain of our Sins to Christ

Dec 29, 2017 • 55min
033-Soteriology in LDS Thought (Pt 2)- The Problems of Theism & The Love of God Ch 6
Part 2 of Chapter 5. We cover:
• Atonement, Justice, and Mercy
• Infinite Atonement

Dec 12, 2017 • 40min
032-Soteriology in LDS Thought (Pt 1)- The Problems of Theism & The Love of God Ch 6
Topics Discussed:
• The Vision
• Faith unto Repentance
• Atonement

Dec 3, 2017 • 14min
Grace vs Works short
The speaker explores the intricate relationship between grace and works in LDS thought, shedding light on common misconceptions. The transformative power of grace is emphasized, showing how true obedience arises from gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. An engaging metaphor of a young pianist illustrates grace as a catalyst for personal growth, contrasting traditional views on earning salvation. These insights encourage deeper discussions on how grace consistently influences our lives, regardless of our actions.