Theology Unplugged

Conversations with Tad is an ongoing dialogue between me and my good friend, Tad, as we explore faith, doubt, and the Christian journey. Tad became a Christian some time ago, and these conversations provide an honest and personal look at his experiences, struggles, and growth. We discuss theology, life, and what it means to follow Christ in a real and meaningful way. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, these episodes offer thoughtful and engaging discussions on faith and the Christian life.

What makes a church high church or low church? Is a formal, liturgical service more biblical than a simple, informal gathering? And how do different traditions—Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational—approach church governance? In this episode, we explore the structures of church leadership, the theological debates around them, and why we should be open to different expressions of worship and governance. Maybe the Bible gives us more flexibility than we think.

In this episode of Theology Unplugged, we trace the history of systematic theology, from the early Apologists like Justin Martyr to modern biblical theology. Theology has evolved through philosophy, logic, Scripture, and experience, shifting from Platonic mysticism to Aristotelian scholasticism, from Reformation confessionalism to modern biblical theology.

In this episode, we take a foundational look at textual criticism—the study of how the biblical text has been transmitted over time. Before we can confidently engage with Scripture, we must understand how it was copied, preserved, and passed down through history. Were there mistakes? What kinds of errors appear in manuscripts, and how do scholars identify and evaluate them? What materials were used for copying the Bible? What were the characteristics of the scribes who preserved the text before the invention of the printing press? And what about modern Bible versions—can we trust them?

In this episode, we dive into the Marburg Colloquy, exploring the pivotal theological debate between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli. We'll examine the historical context of their Christological discussions, highlighting the fourteen points of agreement and the critical fifteenth point of contention: the nature of the Eucharist. We also discuss Zwingli's accusation that Luther deviated from Chalcedonian orthodoxy. Join us as we unpack this significant moment in Reformation history.

In this final episode on Sola Scriptura, we bring together the key arguments that demonstrate why Scripture is the final and ultimate authority for faith and practice. We examine the Bereans in Acts 17, Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16, and the historical problems with relying on the Church as an equal or greater authority. By addressing common objections and reinforcing the biblical foundation of Sola Scriptura, this episode provides a closing defense of why Scripture must stand above all other authorities.

Many misunderstand Sola Scriptura—some reducing it to “Scripture is the only authority” and others dismissing it as an impossible standard. But what does Sola Scriptura actually mean? In this episode, we define Sola Scriptura as the doctrine that Scripture alone is the uniquely God-breathed, infallible, and final revelation for matters of faith and salvation. While general revelation (nature and reason) provides true knowledge of God, only Scripture contains the special, verbal revelation necessary for understanding salvation and God's will.

In this episode, I present a decisive refutation of Roman Catholic authority, challenging the concept of apostolic succession and its claim to ultimate authority. Building on the six defenses I previously outlined for Roman Catholic theology, I demonstrate why this system, while pragmatic in certain respects, ultimately falls short. I argue that it is unnecessary, unbiblical, and there is a better, more faithful way to understand authority in the Church.

In this episode of Through Theology in a Year, C. Michael Patton explores the Roman Catholic view of authority, often referred to as Sola Ecclesia or what he calls the “Tri-Fold” view. This theological framework relies on three interconnected sources of authority: Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium. Michael walks through seven key arguments in defense of this position, presenting the logic, historical context, and challenges surrounding this Roman Catholic understanding of dual sources of revelation. Whether you are a Catholic, Protestant, or curious observer, this episode will help you better understand and engage with the Catholic theological system.

In this episode of Theology Unplugged, Michael unpacks the recent controversy surrounding Wesley Huff's debate with Billy Carson, which led to Huff's appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast. While Huff passionately defended the reliability of biblical manuscripts, his claim that the Isaiah Scroll is "word for word identical" to Codex Leningradus sparked criticism. Michael explains why this statement was problematic, clarifies the remarkable accuracy of biblical manuscripts, and encourages listeners not to lose confidence in the transmission of Scripture. He also discusses reactions from figures like Alex O'Connor, RussianKD, and Gavin Ortlund, offering insights into the broader debate.