MARSCAST

Dr. Alan Strange, a Professor of Apologetics and Church History at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, dives into the heated conflict between Arius and Athanasius during the Council of Nicaea. He discusses Arius's controversial views on Christ's nature and the theological implications of his stance against modalism. The conversation highlights Athanasius's strong defense of the co-essentiality of the Father and Son, and the aftermath of Nicaea in shaping orthodox theology amidst ongoing confusion about the Trinity. A fascinating exploration of early church disputes!

Alan Strange, a Professor of Apologetics and Church History, delves into the contributions of early Church Fathers Irenaeus and Tertullian. He discusses Irenaeus' significant role in confronting heresy, particularly Gnosticism and Montanism, while introducing the important theological concept of recapitulation. Strange highlights Irenaeus' view of Christ as the new Adam. The conversation also explores Tertullian's transformation from paganism to a leading figure in Latin Christian thought, emphasizing his profound writings and moral teachings.

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange continues his series on the early church by examining one of the great apologists and defenders of the Christian faith, Justin Martyr, and a rather complex theologian named Origen. 

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange, Professor of Apologetics and Church History, begins a new series on the early church, beginning with the famed Apostolic Fathers. Who were they, and what is their significance in church history? What did they think about persecution and martyrdom? Listen as Dr. Strange answers these questions and more on Mid-America Reformed Seminary's Round Table podcast. 

In today's episode, Rev. Andrew Compton wraps up his assessment of Ezekiel. He comments on the dynamic between Ezekiel's identity as both a prophet and a priest, particularly as it relates to purity rituals, his vision of the glory of God, and his final prophecy of an eschatological temple.

In today's episode, Rev. Andrew Compton looks at Ezekiel's sign acts (such as his building a model of the siege of Jerusalem) and how this informs his vocational identity as both a priest and a prophet.

The Old Testament book of Ezekiel is known for its peculiar imagery and prophetic visions. Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, Rev. Andrew Compton, has taken a keen interest in this fascinating piece of God's Word and is currently working on a dissertation exploring a particular theme that he sees embedded within the text: the idea of vocational identity, and how this shapes not only Ezekiel's priestly identity but also his prophetic identity.

In today’s episode, Dr. Venema concludes his assessment of the doctrine of hell. He looks at the imagery of fire and the language of eternity and answers arguments that say the doctrine of hell is incompatible with what we know of the love and justice of God and that this doctrine mars the perfection and glory of the eternal state.

In today’s episode, Dr. Venema introduces us to a very sobering topic in the study of theology: the doctrine of eternal punishment (Hell). Today he’ll present this doctrine, remark on what the confessions say about it in a traditional view, and introduce some popular objections to it, most notably, universalism and annihilationism (or conditional immortality).

In today’s episode, Dr. Venema continues to explore the intermediate state of believers, but from the perspective of the Old Testament. What do the Psalms say about what happens to believers after they die? Did Old Testament saints experience the same state as New Testament believers? Tune in today to find out.