RTS Washington Faculty Podcast

Episode 19 This week the faculty discuss the pastors, professors, and mentors that influenced and shaped them, whether pastorally, personally, or academically.

Episode 18 In this episode we talk about how story shapes the way we think and communicate, both positively and negatively. Whether fiction or non-fiction, story shapes our lives, our spiritual development, and our ability to read and proclaim the Gospel. Recommended resources: Wood, How Fiction Works, https://www.amazon.com/How-Fiction-Works-Tenth-Anniversary/dp/1250183928/ Lewis, “On Three Ways of Writing for Children,” http://myweb.scu.edu.tw/~jmklassen/scu99b/chlitgrad/3ways.pdf Selderhuis, John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life, https://www.amazon.com/John-Calvin-Pilgrims-Herman-Selderhuis/dp/0830829210/ Godfrey, John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor, https://www.amazon.com/John-Calvin-W-Robert-Godfrey/dp/1433501325/ Olinger, Geehardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian, https://www.amazon.com/Geerhardus-Vos-Theologian-Confessional-Presbyterian/dp/0998748722/ Kuyper, Encyclopedia of Sacred Theology: Its Principles, https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Sacred-Theology-Its-Principles/dp/1375990969/

Episode 17 This week we handle a frequently asked student question: how do we do personal devotions? Many can testify that personal devotion can be challenging, ironically but particularly in the midst of pastoral ministry. How can pastors maintain a personal relationship with Christ amidst the pressure of ministry? Show Notes: Keller, Prayer, https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Experiencing-Awe-Intimacy-God/dp/0143108581/ Pratt, Pray with Your Eyes Open, https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Your-Eyes-Open-Ourselves/dp/0875523781/ Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Christian-Donald-Whitney/dp/1615216170/ Blanchard, Right with God, https://www.amazon.com/Right-God-John-Blanchard/dp/0851510450/ Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, https://www.amazon.com/Institutes-Christian-Religion-John-Calvin/dp/1598561685/

Episode 16 This week on the podcast Peter Lee walks us through the difficult task of cultivating joy amidst suffering. How can Christians recognize the reality of suffering while, at the same time, keep the command to "count it all joy" amidst trial? For more, you can find Dr. Lee's book on joy here: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Finding-Christ-like-Suffering/dp/1532664532/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=joy+unspeakable+lee&qid=1594257844&sr=8-1 Show Notes Keller, Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering, https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-through-Pain-Suffering/dp/1594634408/ Billings, Rejoicing in Lament, https://www.amazon.com/Rejoicing-Lament-Wrestling-Incurable-Cancer/dp/1587433583/ Lewis, A Grief Observed, https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652381/ McCartney, Why Does it Have to Hurt?, https://www.amazon.com/Why-Does-Have-Hurt-Christian/dp/0875523862/ Currid, Why Do I Suffer? https://www.amazon.com/Why-Do-Suffer-Suffering-Sovereignty/dp/1781915067/ Emerson, Smith, Divided by Faith, https://www.amazon.com/Divided-Faith-Evangelical-Religion-Problem-dp-0195147073/dp/0195147073/ Ellis, Free at Last? https://www.amazon.com/Free-at-Last-Paperback-Common/dp/B00FBBF7TC/

Episode 15 We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ligon Duncan to the podcast to address the recent and historic vote in Mississippi to replace its state flag, presenting a powerful case that Christians should promote the justice and dignity of their neighbors. He also shares with us how RTS is adapting and flourishing amidst the challenges presented by covid-19. Show notes: https://ligonduncan.com/a-statement-on-the-flag-of-mississippi/ https://www.amazon.com/Dominion-Christian-Revolution-Remade-World/dp/0465093507 https://ligonduncan.com/a-pastoral-letter-on-racism-and-the-gospel/

Episode 14 Dr. Scott Redd talks with us about his newest article on cultivating wholeness in a fragmented world. Focusing particularly on the Mosaic covenant, we then look at how a covenantal understanding of Christ's work provides a robust answer to the fragmentation we experience, both as individuals and as a society. Show notes: Redd, “Fragmentation and Wholeness in the Mosaic Eschatology.” https://journal.rts.edu/article/fragmentation-and-wholeness-in-the-mosaic-eschatology/ Venema, Christ and Covenant Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Covenant-Theology-Republication-Covenants/dp/1629952516/ Robertson, The Christ of the Covenants, https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Covenants-Palmer-Robertson/dp/0875524184/ Muether, Reid, Waters, Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives, https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Theology-Theological-Historical-Perspectives/dp/1433560038/ Horton, Introducing Covenant Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Covenant-Theology-Michael-Horton/dp/080107195X/ Kline, The Structure of Biblical Authority, https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Biblical-Authority-Meredith-Kline/dp/1579100694/ Belcher, The Fulfillment of the Promises of God, https://www.amazon.com/Fulfillment-Promises-God-Explanation-Covenant/dp/1527105199/ Vos, Biblical Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Theology-Old-New-Testaments/dp/1592442919/ Rhodes, Covenants Made Simple, https://www.amazon.com/Covenants-Made-Simple-Understanding-Unfolding/dp/1596389753/

Episode 13 In this episode the faculty explore the "pastor-scholar" model of ministry. Should pastoral ministry include scholarly pursuits? How does pastoral scholarship benefit the church? And is any of this possible given the amount of "real work" incumbent on real pastors? Show notes: Center for Pastor Theologians, https://www.pastortheologians.com/ Wilson, Hiestand, Becoming a Pastor Theologian, https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Pastor-Theologian-Possibilities-Leadership/dp/0830851712/ Manetsch, Calvin’s Company of Pastors, https://www.amazon.com/Calvins-Company-Pastors-1536-1609-Historical/dp/0190224479/ Vanhoozer, Hearers and Doers, https://www.amazon.com/Hearers-Doers-Disciples-Scripture-Doctrine/dp/1683591348/

Episode 12 This week we spoke with Dr. James Anderson, professor of Theology and Philosophy at RTS Charlotte about analytic philosophy, analytic theology, apologetics, and worldview. Show notes: T&T Clark Handbook of Analytic Theology, https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/tt-clark-handbook-of-analytic-theology-9780567681294/ Paradox in Christian Theology, https://rts.edu/resources/paradox-in-christian-theology/ Choose Your Own Adventure, https://www.cyoa.com/ Commodore 64, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_64

Episode 11 The events of the last week remind us of the far-reaching effects of sin in our world and the deep pain that is born of historical oppression and public evil. How do Christians grieve, how do they lament, and how they love their neighbor in a time of racial injustice and civil unrest?

Episode 10 This week we conclude our three-part series on Public Theology by welcoming Jennifer Patterson, director of RTS's own Institute of Theology and Public Life to the show. Show notes: Augustine, City of God. https://www.amazon.com/City-Penguin-Classics-Augustine-Hippo/dp/0140448942/ Taylor, Secular Age. https://www.amazon.com/Secular-Age-Charles-Taylor/dp/0674986911/ Smith, How not to be Secular: https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Be-Secular-Reading/dp/0802867618/ Keller, Preaching. https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Communicating-Faith-Age-Skepticism/dp/0525953035/ Kaemingk, Christian Hospitality. https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Hospitality-Muslim-Immigration-Fear/dp/0802874584/ Bavinck, Christian Worldview. https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Worldview-Herman-Bavinck/dp/1433563193/ O'Donovan, The Desire of the Nations. https://www.amazon.com/Desire-Nations-ODonovan/dp/0521665167/