The Reluctant Theologian Podcast

Today I give you a sneak peek into the exciting debates we are having at the University of Lucerne. Here is one hot topic. Does God create the universe out of nothing or does He eternally create an eternal universe? Listen to Peter Adamson and I debate this question. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil, University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and visiting professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Guest: Peter Adamson is professor of philosophy at King's College London, University of Munich, and the University of Lucerne. Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. ⁠rtmullins.com⁠ Support the Show: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins⁠

It is common place to hear people say that God is infinite. But what on earth does that mean? The YouTube Channel, Clearly Reformed, just put out a video on the topic. In the video, Pastor Kevin DeYoung offers his reflections on the topic of divine infinity. Are his musings clearly Reformed, or clearly confused? Let’s find out! Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil, University of Helsinki ) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne. Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. ⁠rtmullins.com⁠ Support the Show: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins⁠

With Halloween coming up, I wanted to create an episode of scary stories that are spectacularly spooky. Tales that will chill your spine, and freeze your soul. I have a mixture of scary stories from my own life. Stories from family and friends. And stories that listeners have directed my attention to. Fact or fiction, fantasy or reality, I will let you decide. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne. Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins

Do you trust your leaders? What does a trustworthy leader even look like? Do you feel confident that you can ask your leaders critical questions? These are important questions to consider. In today’s episode, I want to consider questions like this as they pertain to an alleged scandal surrounding a church planting organization called Acts 29. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne. Guest: Chase Davis is a lead pastor at The Well. Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins

With Halloween coming up, I thought it would be good to do an episode on the doctrine of Hell. I have published two papers on this topic, one of which is in a new book called Deconstructing Hell. In today’s episode, I want to talk about what exactly deconstruction is. Next, I will discuss the love and justice of God. Then I will consider different theories on Hell and see if they are consistent with the love and justice of God. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne. Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins

Everything that is born is destined to die. Human existence is filled with tragedy. Should we continue having children? Should we bring life into existence knowing full well that it will come to an end? Today I have Dr. Lari Launonen on to discuss his personal experience with having a child with a disability, the grief of losing that child, and his reflections on anti-natalism. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Guest: Lari Launonen (PhD, University of Helsinki) is postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki.  A Short Life Worth Living (video link). Editing: Drew Mercantini Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins

Did God create the number 2? Is the number 2 the sort of thing that could be created? Perhaps numbers and other abstracta are necessarily existent entities. If numbers necessarily exist, does that somehow undermine God’s sovereignty? These are difficult questions, but don’t worry. I have Dr. Paul Gould on to explain everything to us. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Guest: Paul Gould (PhD, Purdue University) is associate professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.  Editing: Drew Mercantini Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Vallier to discuss his new book, All the Kingdoms of the World. This is a full-scale investigation into a theological and political movement called Catholic Integralism. At the moment, you can order the book through Kevin’s website at a discount. The website is www.kevinvallier.com. I’ll have a link in the show notes. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Guest: Kevin Vallier (PhD, University of Arizona) is associate professor of philosophy at Bowling Green State University.  Editing: Drew Mercantini Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins

Today I open up the mailbag to address some listener questions and comments. Many of you send messages through the website. I read all of them. I don’t always know what to say. But every now and then I feel a bit of inspiration to respond sincerely or sarcastically. It could go either way. So today I have some listener questions about Barbie, the abuse of power in Churches, Catholic theology, and the existence of God. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne. Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins

I have quite the episode for you. We have the closing of more Christian universities in the US. What does that say about American education and politics? We also have some chit chat on Barbie and Oppenheimer. Are these movies woke garbage, or is there more to the story? This episode contains spoilers by the way. Then, finally, I offer some reflections on turning 40. Credits Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne. Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions. rtmullins.com Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins