Reformed Forum

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We begin a discussion of chapter XXIII, "The Doctrine of the Church and the Means of Grace." We'll spend a few episodes discussing this chapter to dig a little deeper into the nature of the church.

In this enlightening episode, we discuss the nuances of conscience and confessional identity during the Reformation. Joined by Dr. Timothy Scheuers, we turn our attention to the transformative period of the 16th century, exploring how conscience acted not only as a catalyst for reform but also as a complex element influencing church unity, confessional standards, and the intricate relationship between church and state. The core of our discussion centers around Dr. Scheuer's book, Consciences and the Reformation: Scruples over Oaths and Confessions in the Era of Calvin and His Contemporaries (Oxford University Press), providing a fresh perspective on the role of conscience in driving forward the Reformation's agenda. We explore the pivotal moments and figures of this era, including Calvin's return to Geneva and the establishment of the Geneva Academy, to understand how these historical milestones continue to influence contemporary Christian thought and practice. Through a blend of historical examination and practical application, this episode not only sheds light on the foundational aspects of Reformed theology but also invites listeners to reflect on the relevance of these principles in today's ecclesiastical landscape. Whether you're a theologian, a pastor, or simply someone interested in Christian history and doctrine, this episode offers valuable insights into the enduring legacy of the Reformation and its significance for the contemporary church. Rev. Dr. Scheuers is the Associate Pastor of First United Reformed Church of Chino, CA, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of History at Providence Christian College (Pasadena, CA).

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XXII, "Sanctification and Perseverance." After too long of a break from recording, Rob and Bob were able to sit down together to discuss God's work of sanctifying his people, the nature of good works, and how God's people persevere to the end.

Authors William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew J. Miller discuss their book on the Westminster Shorter Catechism, highlighting its practicality, relevance in contemporary identity, and importance in deepening the reader's love and knowledge of God. They share insights on collaborative writing, missionary experiences, and the joy of learning the catechism for spiritual growth.

Dr. James Cassidy, Speaker at the Reformed Forum pre-conference, discusses the Great Commission, power of preaching, and church mission based on Romans 1:8–15. The podcast explores gratitude in missions, Paul's desire to preach in Rome, God's righteousness, justification by faith alone, and the global mission of the church.

Camden Bucey presents a biblical theology of the nations, exploring historical roots of Presbyterian missions, unity under God's plan, equality in the Gospel, and the global mission mandate.

Aaron Renn, author of 'Life in the Negative World', discusses the challenges faced by Christians in an anti-Christian culture. He explores the evolution of societal views on Christianity and offers strategies for maintaining faithfulness. Topics include the Three Worlds Model, navigating cultural shifts, decentralized communities, blockchain as a metaphor, and fostering anti-fragility.

Reformed Forum hosted an online symposium on February 29, 2024, featuring a series of thought-provoking sessions designed to explore the intersections of theology, history, and the contemporary challenges facing the church. This panel discussion featured Alan Strange's insightful book, Empowered Witness (Crossway). The session examined Strange's exploration of the spirituality of the church doctrine, a pivotal biblical concept developed in the nineteenth century, and its relevance in today's politically charged environment. Emphasizing the necessity for the church to prioritize its spiritual mission over earthly political and social agendas, Strange's work is a clarion call to refocus on the Great Commission. C. N. Willborn, D. G. Hart, and Timon Cline offered their perspectives on the book. Then, Dr. Strange responded and engage with their insights. This panel was an engaging analysis of the historical and contemporary roles of the church, appealing to both thoughtful laypeople and church leaders. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QujQOzuiJR4

Owen Anderson, an expert in theology, delves into secularization at Princeton Seminary, discussing its impact on education and Presbyterian history. The session explores cultural concerns in modern education and offers insights into addressing them. The podcast provides a timely perspective on the evolving educational landscape and the relevance of denominational heritage.

Reformed Forum hosted an online symposium on February 29, 2024, featuring a series of thought-provoking sessions designed to explore the intersections of theology, history, and the contemporary challenges facing the church. In this session, Joseph Minich presented the primary thesis of his book, Bulwarks of Unbelief (Lexham Press), in which he argues that a felt absence of God, as experienced by the modern individual, offers a better explanation for the rise in atheism. Recent technological and cultural shifts in the modern West have produced a perceived challenge to God's existence. As modern technoculture reshapes our awareness of reality and belief in the invisible, it in turn amplifies God's apparent silence. In this new context, atheism is a natural result. And absent of meaning from without, we have turned within. Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/bvOPzAyfvdE?feature=share