The Theology Pugcast

This week, Glenn brings up a dangerous idea that is growing in some Reformed circles: the idea of racial essentialism, that is, that different races have immutable characteristics that affect their worth. The guys talk about the image of God, the origins of the modern idea of race, and the challenges of working and ministering in a multicultural context.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Is the human capacity for language something that should be overcome? Some tech-gurus think so. Today’s show explores that topic by delving into the Christian understanding of human language as a core aspect of being made in the image of a God who is eternal Logos. Is the war on language ultimately a war on God? Join the Pugs in this rich conversation.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Recently James K. A. Smith said Calvin University should sue for divorce from the denomination that sponsors it because the governing body of that denomination says the university should enforce the biblical sexual teachings of that denomination. While this is the latest challenge to ecclesial authority at a ostensibly Christian college, it's definitely not the first. Across the church world similar battles between denominations and their colleges are being fought. But why does it happen in the first place? Today the Pugs--who've seen these fights from the inside many times--give their takes on how these colleges drift from the doctrinal standards of their sponsoring churches and what those churches can do about it.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today the Pugs are pleased to welcome Ryan Lauterio of The Maker Institute of Richmond, Virginia onto the show! Ryan is an academic and artist who taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and is now the Chief Executive Officer of The Maker Institute. The mission of the Institute is to develop Gospel-gripped, theologically minded, adept culture makers who faithfully seek to glorify Christ in all things. The Pugs enjoyed a free ranging conversation about the arts generally speaking and the current state of arts education.Learn more about The Maker Institute: https://themakerinstitute.org/The Builder documentary referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z74o1Ld5eUESupport the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Malcolm Guite, an Anglican priest, poet, and theologian, dives deep into the intertwining realms of theology and literature. The discussion highlights his biography of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, underscoring faith's pivotal role in creativity. Guite critiques contemporary interpretations of Coleridge while advocating for a spiritual understanding of literature. They explore the unique human capacity for imagination, contrasting it with artificial intelligence's limitations, and emphasize the importance of integrating reason and imagination for a fuller grasp of reality.

After the last episode on Anselm didn’t get to his theory of the atonement, our resident historian Glenn decided we needed to go back and take another look at Anselm. But along with Anselm’s satisfaction theory, the guys look at a wide range of other ways Christians have understood the atonement over the past two millennia. Particularly at the beginning of Holy Week, this is a good time to broaden our thinking about the atonement and come to a deeper appreciation of what Christ has done for us.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Discover the profound impact of Saint Anselm, a pivotal figure in Western Christianity, as the discussion unfolds on his life, faith, and reason. Delve into the era of medieval scholars and the cultural shifts that shaped theological thought. Explore the complex intersections of Platonism and Christian doctrine, as well as participatory metaphysics that highlights the divine's role in creation. The podcast also contrasts the philosophical methods of Anselm and Aquinas, offering insights into historical and contemporary faith challenges.

Today Chris presents Rusty Reno's thesis from his book, Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West. Reno's thesis is that since WW2 western leaders and intellectuals have worked to weaken natural affections that call for loyalty and sacrifice. The weak gods used to promote the program have been weakening and we now live in a world in which the old affections are growing stronger. The Pugs reflect on this development--both in hope, but also with a little caution.Order Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West:  https://www.regnery.com/9781684512690/return-of-the-strong-gods/Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Pugsters take a walk on the weird side with a conversation on UFOs (or, as they are now called, UAPs), AI, and quantum computing as interrelated parts of a new, emerging religion that Glenn calls Technopaganism. There's a whole lot going on in these areas and a lot of it is very strange. Join us as Glenn takes us through a survey of some of the terrain using the work of professor of religion Diana Pasulka as a jumping off point. But be prepared for a lot of things that don't fit the way we've been taught to see the world!Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The hosts dive into the rich tapestry of Christian moral theology, exploring the synergy between natural law and Protestant thought. They critique modern philosophical approaches in seminaries and debate moral universals across cultures, drawing insights from C.S. Lewis. Engaging with skepticism, they connect historical figures like Augustine and Descartes to contemporary philosophy. The discussion also touches on Jansenism's role in shaping natural law thoughts and emphasizes the holistic relationship between redemption and creation, intertwining personal reflections on longing and joy.