A History of Christian Theology

In her book, Augustine on the Will (Oxford University Press, 2019), Dr. Kantzer Komline discusses Augustine's theological stance on the will, which developed throughout his lifetime, and its implications for his theology and Western thought as a whole. On this podcast, we've invited her for an in-depth discussion on Augustine's theology and his broader intellectual development, a topic which has been the focus of much debate amongst scholars.

Ty Paul Monroe, an associate professor of Theology at Assumption University, joins the podcast to discuss his new book, “Putting on Christ: Augustine’s Early Theology of Salvation and the Sacraments” (CUA Press, 2022). With his deep, theological approach to a reading of Augustine, his work fits right in with our host’s own academic work. Join us as we interrogate the connection between Augustine’s early understanding of central Christian beliefs and Donatist and Neo-Platonist lines of thinking.

Jacob Wright offers a compelling proposal for Why the Bible Began (Cambridge University Press, 2023) in his book of that title. This book was chosen as one of the best books of 2023 by the New Yorker. In our conversation, we talk about what it means that the Bible laid the foundation for a people and the scribes who wrote, edited, and collected the work. We talk briefly about what it means for the people of God in the 21st century in the land of Israel and Palestine and the catastrophic events of October 7th. Also, please consider supporting A History of Christian Theology by subscribing to our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT), where we will be posting exclusive content and episodes in the upcoming weeks.

Andrew Hofer’s new study The Power of Patristic Preaching (Catholic University Press, 2023) surveys several key early Christian theologians and preachers. We talk through Origen, Leo the Great, and Gregory the Great, three figures we haven’t discussed much on this podcast. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing to our Patreon, which helps make this possible: https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT

Join us as we delve into Dr. Benjamin Laird's latest book, 'Creating the Canon' (IVPress, 2023), offering a comprehensive exploration of the intriguing journey behind the New Testament's origins. Dr. Laird focuses on the pivotal concept of apostolic authority and unravels the challenges and rewards associated with emphasizing this narrative in the New Testament's formation. Additionally, check out our Patreon, as we'll begin providing exclusive benefits to subscribers soon:https://www.patreon.com/AHOCT

In a monumental third interview, we venture into the fascinating world of Paul Hinlicky, a multifaceted individual who wears two significant hats: farmer and theologian. Join us as we explore the compelling narrative of how he embarked on this unique path, the intricacies of his agricultural endeavors, and the profound intersection between his Christian faith, particularly within the Lutheran tradition, and the art of farming. This conversation promises to be a captivating exploration of faith, agriculture, and the meaningful synergy between the two in Paul's life.

We have Scot McKnight on again to talk us through his new translation of the New Testament with IVPress called The Second Testament. We talk through translation choices, different methods of translation, and why it’s so important to read the bible in Greek. 

Emily Dumler-Winckler brings our conversation into the modern period with her book Modern Virtue: Mary Wollstonecraft and a Tradition of Dissent (Oxford University Press, 2022). Dr. Dumler-Winckler has some insights into the nature of tradition and how Wollstonecraft fits into the virtue tradition. Also, we discuss Wollstonecraft’s lesser known theological convictions which are often overlooked in scholarship on the early feminist. 

Dr. KJ Drake works through the history of the doctrine known as the Extra-Calvinisticum in his book The Flesh of the Word: The Extra Calvinisticum from Zwingli to Early Orthodoxy (Oxford University Press, 2021. Although this is not a popularly discussed doctrine it drives at the heart of what the Reformers were debating in the early years of the Protestant Reformation. Dr. Drake provides a window into how the Reformers answered the question: “where is Christ after the resurrection?”

Dr. Ruben Rosario Rodriguez gives his case for a new way of thinking about theology in his book Theological Fragments (Westminster John Knox Press, 2023). We talk about our experience teaching undergrads at a Jesuit university and how that has shaped Dr. Rosario’s approach to teaching and doing theology.