
The Stone Chapel Podcast
“The Stone Chapel Podcast” is a weekly podcast of the friends and staff of The Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center in Houston, Texas. It is hosted by David Capes, Director of Academic Programming of the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center. David is an engaging host, a respected New Testament scholar, and the author of Rediscovering Paul and Matthew through Old Testament Eyes. “The Stone Chapel Podcast” features theologians, scholars, and thought leaders from around the world for lively, informative, and educational discussions. With over 200 compelling, uplifting episodes that are valuable for all spiritually curious listeners, the Stone Chapel Podcast provides an unique, weekly refresh and renewal resource for pastors and church leaders.
In case you're interested in going deeper and want more educational content, most of the Stone Chapel podcasts are associated with The Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center’s public lecture series, programs, and classes. Please visit our website for videos and panel discussions with many of the podcast visitors David has hosted, as well as all our resources and opportunities!
You can find all “The Stone Chapel Podcast” episodes on your favorite podcast platform.
“The Stone Chapel Podcast” is now part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network.
Copyright Lanier Foundation
Latest episodes

Dec 17, 2024 • 19min
The Mother of Jesus: Mary With Nancy Dawson
In Matthew’s genealogy (ch. 1), Mary the Mother of Jesus is the last of five women mentioned by the evangelist. As Jesus’ mother, she has a special role in the plan of redemption. Nancy Dawson joins David Capes today to talk about this remarkable woman. Some Protestants mute her because some other Jesus followers hold her in such high regard. But the Scriptures give her a large voice (Luke 1-2) at the occasion of the Incarnation. Dr. Dawson is author of an important book, "All the Genealogies of the Bible" (Zondervan Academic). The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/mother-jesus-mary-nancy-dawson To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Dec 10, 2024 • 18min
The Grandmothers of Jesus: Bathsheba With Nancy Dawson
Scientist and genealogist, Dr. Nancy Dawson, is back on this episode of The Stone Chapel Podcast to talk about another “grandmother” of Jesus. Bathsheba is not named in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1). She is referred to as “the wife of Uriah.” David fathered Solomon “through the wife of Uriah.” Matthew’s comment on the genealogy echoes the scandalous episode in King David’s life when he took the wife of another man and then had him killed. Jesus’ ancestry is not squeaky clean. No, his family consisted of deeply flawed and troubled people who needed to be forgiven and redeemed. No wonder, Jesus was called a friend of sinners. Next week Nancy returns to talk about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Dr. Dawson is author of an important book, "All the Genealogies of the Bible" (Zondervan Academic). The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/grandmothers-jesus-bathsheba-nancy-dawson To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Dec 3, 2024 • 18min
The Grandmothers of Jesus: Rahab and Ruth With Nancy Dawson
This week Dr. Nancy Dawson is back to talk about two other remarkable women, grandmothers of Jesus: Rahab and Ruth. These women became famous as converts to the faith of Abraham and are part of the family line of Jesus. What else do they have in common? Listen to Nancy, and see if you can figure it out. Dr. Dawson is author of an important book, "All the Genealogies of the Bible" (Zondervan Academic). The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/grandmothers-jesus-rahab-ruth-nancy-dawson To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Nov 26, 2024 • 21min
The Grandmothers of Jesus: Tamar With Nancy Dawson
Matthew’s Gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus and includes five remarkable women, one of whom was his mother. In this episode, scientist and genealogist, Nancy Dawson unpacks the story of the least known of the women, Tamar. Matthew’s inclusion of these women was purposeful not accidental, but why? Listen to Nancy, and I think you will know why. Dr. Dawson is author of an important book, "All the Genealogies of the Bible" (Zondervan Academic). The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/stone-chapel-grandmothers-jesus-tamar-nancy-dawson To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Nov 19, 2024 • 22min
Theodicy vs. Antitheodicy With Jahdiel Perez
Dr. Jahdiel Perez joins David Capes on "The Stone Chapel Podcast" to discuss some of his recent research. Specifically, he is investigating the claims by anti-theodicists that explaining God's relation to pain, grief, and suffering is actually harmful to people who are suffering. The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/stone-chapel-theodicy-vs-antitheodicy-with-jahdiel-perez To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Nov 12, 2024 • 28min
'Mary's Voice' Encore With Amy Orr-Ewing
In this special Encore edition of the Stone Chapel Podcast. Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing joins Dr. Capes to talk about her book, "Mary’s Voice." It’s a terrific Christmas devotional that takes us back to Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is the first and perhaps most important witness to the Incarnation. The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/stone-chapel-marys-voice-amy-orr-ewing To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 30 minutes in length.

Nov 5, 2024 • 21min
'The New Testament in Color' (Part 2) With Esau McCaulley
In part two of our podcast with Esau McCaulley, he talks about African American biblical interpretation and how he finds value in every culture in every age. Finally, the conversation turns to his role as a public theologian. For more information about The New Testament in Color click here. For the companion book, Reading While Black, click here. The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/stone-chapel-the-new-testament-in-color-part-two-esau-mccaulley To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Oct 29, 2024 • 18min
'The New Testament in Color' (Part 1) With Esau McCaulley
Dr. Esau McCaulley, Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College, joins David Capes to talk about a New Testament Commentary he edited. It is called The New Testament in Color (InterVarsity Academic). In this episode, he talks about African American biblical interpretation and his own, spiritual journey. This is part one of a two-part conversation. The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/the-new-testament-in-color-esau-mccaulley To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Oct 22, 2024 • 21min
'Jesus Contradicted' With Mike Licona
Dr. Michael Licona, Professor of New Testament at Houston Christian University, joins David Capes on the Stone Chapel Podcast. After coming through a period of doubt and questioning in his own life, Mike found his way back to an even better, more informed type of faith. Now he reads the Gospels like what they were, ancient biographies. He has written an important book Jesus Contradicted: Why the Gospels Tell the Same Stories Differently. If you’ve ever wondered “why?”, this will be a great book for you. The Stone Chapel Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. For a transcript of this episode click here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/jesus-contradicted-mike-licona To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. This podcast is about 20 minutes in length.

Oct 15, 2024 • 25min
Did Jesus Think He Was Divine? With Brant Pitre
Brant Pitre, a Professor of Sacred Scripture at the Augustine Institute and author of several works on early Christianity, shares intriguing insights about Jesus’ self-perception as divine. He argues that Jesus viewed Himself as more than a human Messiah, emphasizing His divine authority through key Gospel passages. Pitre also debunks misconceptions about early Christian doctrine and the Council of Nicaea, while exploring the relevance of meditative practices in understanding Jesus' divinity and enhancing personal faith amidst modern family dynamics.