
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

Jul 30, 2024 • 24min
Abraham: Friend of God With John Lennox
In this thought-provoking discussion, John Lennox, a world-acclaimed mathematician and Christian scholar, delves into the life of Abraham from his upcoming book, 'Friend of God.' He illustrates Abraham's faith as a timeless model of trust, connecting it to modern challenges. Lennox also explores Abraham's legacy as the father of nations and the global growth of Christianity, emphasizing its inclusivity. The conversation further addresses the implications of family dynamics in today's society, shedding light on faith and relationships in a changing world.

Jul 23, 2024 • 24min
How Christology Began With Stan Porter
Dr. Stanley Porter is a well-known New Testament scholar. He is also president and dean of McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He and Bryan Dyer, Baker Academic Books, co-authored a new book investigating the New Testament’s titles and traditions associated with Jesus. Stan joined David Capes on the Stone Chapel Podcasts to talk about their latest book, which offers a modified-titles approach to Christology. You can read the transcript of this episode here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/stone-chapel-christology-stan-porter Check out other podcasts on the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here.

Jul 16, 2024 • 23min
A Bible for First Nations With Terry Wildman
The First Nations Version is a new Bible translation created by and created for native Americans. The project director, Terry Wildman, joined David Capes on The Stone Chapel Podcast to talk about the impetus to the translation and to read selections. You can read the transcript of this episode here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/stone-chapel-bible-first-nations-terry-wildman Check out other podcasts on the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here.

Jul 9, 2024 • 20min
Genres in the New Testament With Jeannine Brown
Interpreting the Bible begins with wrestling with the original context. In part that means understanding the genre of the literature (Gospel, history, letter, apocalypse, etc.) and the genres embedded in them (hymns, letters, confessions, preformed traditions, riddles, etc). Dr. Jeannine Brown, Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary (Minneapolis, MN), joins David Capes on the Stone Chapel Podcast to discuss how identifying genre helps to know the Bible better. You can read the transcript of this episode here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast-episode/stone-chapel-genres-new-testament-jeannine-brown Check out other podcasts on the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network. To listen to previous episodes of “The Stone Chapel Podcast” click here. For Jeannine Brown’s book: Embedded Genres in the New Testament: Understanding Their Impact for Interpretation.

10 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 26min
Jesus and the Powers with N.T. Wright
N.T. Wright and Michael Bird discuss their book 'Jesus and the Powers' addressing political polarization, Christians' responses, and the intertwined nature of human and spiritual powers. They explore challenges faced by democracies, the intersection of Christianity and politics, and the need for authentic servant leadership.

Jun 25, 2024 • 22min
Episode 199 Rebirth 2.0 with Jonathan Brant
Stone Chapel Podcasts hosted by David Capes https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TSC_199-Rebirth-2.0-final.mp3 Episode 199 Rebirth 2.0 with Jonathan Brant Jonathan Brant was recently at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston. While there, he delivered a great address. He stopped by and talked with David Capes on The Stone Chapel Podcasts. Who is Jonathan Brant? Jonathan Brant has spent the last 20 years or so in and around Oxford. Prior to that he lived in London. After earning his PhD, he is today Dean of Research and Cultural Engagement at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. Before coming to Wycliffe, he traveled around the United States and did some work in Uruguay. Brant also directs an initiative launched by Michael Lloyd. They are calling it the Renaissance Project or Rebirth 2.0. Rebirth 2.0 Given the tension in the world, Wycliffe Hall believes that the world is ripe for a new renaissance. The word means “rebirth.â€Â  In a Christian context, the idea of rebirth or “born again†is common. But Wycliffe Hall is embarking on a grand project. They want to be a catalyst for a grand vision of the rebirth of Christian culture and tradition, Christian values, and Christian participation. Brant talks about this primarily in three ways: scholarship, leadership, and creativity. Each of these are crucial if they want to influence culture. Scholarship is important because it is influential on culture. What happens in the university trickles down to culture. Leadership is important for various reasons. But we can think especially of business and politics. Creativity is key as well because artists, poets, musicians, and filmmakers tell stories that can shape us in valuable ways. More Resources For Michael Lloyd’s podcast, “Truth, Culture, and Rebirth,†click here. Jonathan Brant’s book: Running into No Man’s Land – The Wisdom of Woodbine Williean Jonathan Brant’s book: Guide to Knowing God For information about Wycliffe Hall, Oxford click here. For a transcript of this episode click here. More Resources Want more Stone Chapel Podcasts on some great topics? Just click here. You can get information on upcoming lectures at Lanier Theological Library by clicking here Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of the great conversations with scholars and church leaders from around the world. Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicAndroidiHeartRadioStitcherSubscribe by EmailYour Fav Podcasting Platform The post Episode 199 Rebirth 2.0 with Jonathan Brant first appeared on Lanier Theological Library.

Jun 18, 2024 • 24min
Episode 198 Lost World of the Prophets with John Walton
John Walton, a renowned Old Testament scholar and retired professor from Wheaton College, joins Aubrey Buster, his colleague, to discuss their commentary on the book of Daniel. They delve into the ancient contexts of Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing how understanding historical and cultural backgrounds enhances biblical interpretation. Walton explores the evolution of prophetic literature and its relevance today, urging listeners to connect ancient messages with contemporary spiritual insights, fostering deeper engagement with the text.

Jun 11, 2024 • 20min
Episode 197 Truth, Culture, and Rebirth with Michael Lloyd
Stone Chapel Podcasts hosted by David Capes https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TSC_197-Truth-Culture-and-Rebirth-final.mp3 Episode 197 Truth, Culture, and Rebirth with Michael Lloyd In spring 2024 David Capes and his wife, Cathy, were in Yarnton for a conference. While there, they met with Dr. Michael Lloyd to talk about an initiative at Wycliffe Hall, one of the permanent houses at Oxford. In this podcast David and Michael discuss briefly a huge project to reset the tone of culture. Who Is Michael Lloyd? Dr. Michael Lloyd is principal of Wycliffe Hall. He has been with us before on this podcast. Be sure to check the show notes for links to those podcasts. He has also been a lecturer at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston. They are below as well. As principal, Michael is tasked with the overall direction of the school. Wycliffe is an Anglican training college in one of the oldest, most important universities in the world. Indeed, the world comes to Oxford, and then goes back to their respective countries. Truth, Culture, and Rebirth Michael Lloyd believes we are at a crossroads. People have become fed up with the idea that truth is subjective and relative. They recognize that relativism is a danger to science and justice. So, they are looking for something more reasonable. The Christian faith addresses the question of truth. The world has witnessed many renaissances. The most famous, the Italian Renaissance of the late middle ages. Renaissance means rebirth. It is the rediscovery of the truth, goodness, and beauty of the classical world. Dr. Lloyd believes we need a new rebirth of culture and the Christian faith can speak profoundly to that. He wants Wycliffe Hall to take a leading role in gathering scholars, artists, and other creatives to reimagine the world through the lens of the Christian faith. Listen to get a more complete picture of what Michael is proposing. Truth, Culture, and Rebirth Resources Click here for a transcript of this podcast. For Dr. Lloyd’s book Café Theology click here. To hear his earlier podcast on Jesus, Evil and Suffering on the Stone Chapel Podcasts click here. And here for a podcast on Wycliff Hall. To see his lecture at the Lanier Theological Library on Jesus, Satan and the Problem of Suffering click here. Want more Stone Chapel Podcasts on some great topics? Just click here. You can get information on upcoming lectures at Lanier Theological Library by clicking here Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of the great conversations with scholars and church leaders from around the world. Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicAndroidiHeartRadioStitcherSubscribe by EmailYour Fav Podcasting Platform The post Episode 197 Truth, Culture, and Rebirth with Michael Lloyd first appeared on Lanier Theological Library.

Jun 4, 2024 • 17min
Episode 196 Matthew and the “Trauma” of the Parousia
The hosts delve into the historical trauma linked to the teachings of the Parousia during the 1970s and 80s, particularly the fear of being left behind. They explore how New Testament scholarship intersects with psychotherapy to address these deep-seated anxieties. Discussion includes Matthew 24 and 25, focusing on preparedness for Jesus' return and the importance of a loving understanding of God. The conversation also reflects on acts of kindness and faithfulness as central to navigating the complexities of faith and anticipation in Matthew's Gospel.

May 28, 2024 • 25min
Episode 195 The Letter to the Hebrews with Amy Peeler
Stone Chapel Podcasts hosted by David Capes https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TSC_195-Hebrews-final.mp3 Episode 195 Letter to the Hebrews with Amy Peeler Amy Peeler has been with us before on The Stone Chapel Podcasts.  Her first podcast has two parts and she talked about her book Women and the Gender of God. There is a link in the show notes below to find those two podcasts. She joins David Capes today on the podcast to discuss her new commentary on the letter to the Hebrews. Who Is Amy Peeler? Amy Peeler is the Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College. The former holder of that chair was Dr. Doug Moo. She earned her PhD at Princeton Theological Seminary and today is ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church.  She serves as associate rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal church in Geneva, IL. The Letter to the Hebrews For all practical purposes the letter to the Hebrews is one of the most complicated and robust of biblical books. It has attracted Dr. Peeler’s attention since grad school. She loves it, first, because of its heavy engagement with the Scriptures of Israel. She also loves it as a historian because of the way you can see Greek influences in the book. We call it a letter today. It also has the overtones of a sermon and deep encouragement to a community under stress. The commentary is part of a new series on Spiritual Formation. For Dr. Peeler the essential questions are: (1) who is God as revealed in Hebrews? (2) how are we to live in the light of this revelation? (3) how does reading this book change your life? Joshua Jipp, professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, said on social media that this is his all time favorite commentary. High praise, indeed! So if you want to know more about the letter to the Hebrews, listen to this podcast first. Then find Dr. Peeler’s book. Resources For a link to Part 1 of her earlier podcast click here. Part 2 can be found by clicking here. For a link to her book, Hebrews in the Series Commentary for Christian Formation (Eerdmans 2024), click here. For a link to her book, Women and the Gender of God (Eerdmans 2022), click here.  Want more Stone Chapel Podcasts on some great topics? Just click here. You can get information on upcoming lectures at Lanier Theological Library by clicking here Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of the great conversations with scholars and church leaders from around the world. Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicAndroidiHeartRadioStitcherSubscribe by EmailYour Fav Podcasting Platform The post Episode 195 The Letter to the Hebrews with Amy Peeler first appeared on Lanier Theological Library.