
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

Sep 4, 2017 • 1h 27min
021-The Attributes Of God Ch 14 - A Mormon Christology (Part 2)
Explore the fascinating nature of God's existence and the unique Mormon perspective on Christology. Delve into complex questions like whether Jesus could have sinned and the implications of his dual nature as both divine and human. The discussion tackles profound concepts such as divine empathy through suffering, freedom within the Godhead, and how philosophical insights shape our understanding of God. Finally, challenge conventional views on identity and the intersection of humanity and divinity in the pursuit of personal growth.

Aug 22, 2017 • 1h 25min
020-The Attributes Of God Ch 14 - A Mormon Christology (Part 1)
In this discussion, scholar Blake Ostler, renowned for his work in theology, delves into the unique aspects of Mormon Christology. He explores the intertwined nature of divinity and humanity, challenging traditional views on Christ as both divine and human. The conversation covers a modified Kenotic theory, highlighting how Christ evolved in His divine attributes during His earthly life. Additionally, Ostler examines the transformative power of divine love and the relational dynamics that shape human experiences with God, inviting a reconsideration of choices and relationships in an eternal context.

Aug 14, 2017 • 1h 17min
019-The Attributes Of God Ch 13 - The Problems of Conventional Christology
Delve into the complexities of Christ's dual nature as both divine and human. Unpack the historical and logical problems within traditional Christology. Explore conflicting narratives in the New Testament and the implications of early Christian thought. Discover critiques of various theological theories, including the Kenotic and Grace theories. Engage with thought-provoking metaphors, such as the centaur, to highlight the challenges of reconciling divinity and humanity. Examine the impact of cognitive theories on understanding Christ's knowledge.

Aug 7, 2017 • 1h 36min
018-The Attributes Of God Ch 12 - Immutability and Impassibility
Exploring the nature of God, the discussion reveals deep insights into divine immutability and the consequential emotional engagement of the divine. While God is portrayed as unchanging, the podcast questions whether He can experience suffering, especially through the lens of Jesus's humanity. The conversation delves into how prayer and human interactions might challenge traditional views on divine constancy. Additionally, it highlights the importance of relational dynamics between God and humanity, enriching our understanding of divine love and empathy.

Jul 24, 2017 • 1h 11min
017-The Attributes Of God Ch 11 - Time, Timelessness, and Omnitemporality
Delve into the intriguing relationship between time and divine attributes. Discover how ancient philosophers like Aristotle shaped modern perceptions of time’s relativity. Explore the implications of divine timelessness and what it means for God’s omniscience. The discussion unfurls the complexity of God engaging with time, contrasting traditional views with fresh theological insights. Engage with concepts like simultaneity and eternal now, and see how Mormon theology offers a unique lens on divine materiality and omnitemporality.

Jul 17, 2017 • 1h 7min
016-The Attributes Of God Ch 10 - God's Contingent Knowledge
In this engaging discussion, scholar and theologian Blake Ostler shares insights on God's contingent knowledge versus infallible foreknowledge. He explores whether God can truly know the future if it doesn't yet exist, focusing on perspectives that highlight human free will. Ostler addresses objections to the notion of a God who adapts to our choices, raising questions about divine perfection and worship. Through compelling analogies, he illustrates how God's understanding relates to human experience, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Jul 10, 2017 • 1h 6min
015-The Attributes of God Ch 9 - Denying That God's Past Knowledge is Fixed
The discussion tackles the debate over God's fixed knowledge and its implications for free will. It contrasts Ockham's views on divine foreknowledge with concepts like fatalism. The complexities of divine essence and human choices are explored through various philosophical lenses. Multiverse theory adds a fascinating layer to the conversation about God's knowledge and human agency. Listeners are encouraged to critically engage with these challenging theological ideas.

Jul 3, 2017 • 34min
014-The Attributes of God Ch 8 - Denying Entailment
Dive into a deep philosophical exploration of divine knowledge and human free will. The discussion highlights Molina's middle knowledge and its implications for libertarian freedom. Delve into power entailment principles and the critiques that challenge their validity. Unpack the tension between God's omniscience and individual agency, and examine how one can influence what God knows about past events. Engage with complex theories of time and their impact on authenticity in free will.

Jun 26, 2017 • 1h 4min
013-The Attributes of God Ch 7 - Divine Foreknowledge and the Mormon Concept of Free Agency (Part 2)
Delve into the intriguing world of free will and divine foreknowledge, especially through a Mormon lens. Explore the debate over moral responsibility and determinism, highlighting hypothetical scenarios that challenge our understanding of choice. Discover semi-compatibilism and its nuances in relation to personal autonomy. The discussion also emphasizes how imagination and personal history shape our actions, raising profound questions about the interplay between divine love and human agency. It's a captivating exploration of the beautiful complexity of self-creation.

Jun 19, 2017 • 44min
012-The Attributes of God Ch 7 - Divine Foreknowledge and the Mormon Concept of Free Agency (Part 1)
Dive into the intriguing relationship between divine foreknowledge and free will in Mormon thought. Explore how hypothetical free will is shaped by desires and choices, exemplified through thought experiments like Mr. Rock's moral dilemma. Uncover the historical debate on free agency, from Augustine's ideas to modern interpretations. With a focus on moral accountability, the conversation challenges traditional views, revealing the complexities of genuine choice and its implications for personal responsibility.