This is a talk I presented to the Cornell Political Union on the nature of human connection, and why it is that people today feel so disconnected and lonely.

This is the second talk in a series I presented on Lutheranism in Wilmington, NC. In this talk, I give reasons to remain Lutheran, as I explain the benefits of the Lutheran approach to the Christian life.

The discussion kicks off with why younger generations are drifting from evangelicalism, citing weak theology and cultural misalignment. It critiques the consumer-driven megachurch culture and its effects on genuine spirituality. The impact of anxiety in decision-making and the rise of movements like the Emergent Church are examined. Reviving Calvinism comes into play, delving into its historical relevance. Lastly, there's a fascinating look at the complexities of goodness in theology, contrasting Lutheran and Reformed views on righteousness.

This episode overviews some advice on godly living from Johann Gerhard's Schola Pietatis. I discuss prayer, proper preparation for the sacrament, and meditation.

This episode overviews the Lutheran and Roman Catholic dialogues that followed Vatican II in the 1960s. I introduce the talks about the Office of the Holy Ministry and the Eucharist.

Delve into the intriguing thoughts of Thomas Hobbes, a key figure in political philosophy. Discover his views on the commonwealth and the necessity of a powerful state for societal stability. Explore the rise of religious toleration in the tumultuous backdrop of the Middle Ages and the transformative impact of humanism. Learn about Hugo Grotius' contributions to the evolution of rights amidst the conflicts of his time. Contrast Hobbes' social contract ideas with the philosophies of contemporaries like John Locke.

Dive into the skeptical philosophy of David Hume and its modern impact. Explore the clash between empiricism and rationalism, as Hume critiques innate knowledge using sensory experience. Discover how Hume’s thoughts on universal concepts challenge classical philosophies. Unpack the philosophical divide through Hume's insights on morality, emphasizing human sentiment. Finally, learn about Hume's influence on key historical figures and his contrasting views on revolutions, shaping contemporary ideology.

This episode is a defense from the Lutheran perspective on the communication of attributes from Christ's divine to his human nature in Scripture. This is a continuation of the last program which addressed common misconceptions about the Lutheran view.

This episode is a discussion I had with my wife, Lisa Cooper, about poetry and her new book Hasty Corporeal Ink.

The discussion kicks off with a critique of Lutheran Christology, analyzing the interplay of Christ's two natures. It highlights Martin Luther's real presence in the Eucharist versus Zwingli's symbolic view. The contrasting perspectives of Chemnitz and Brenz are explored, showcasing key theological nuances. The nature of Christ during his state of humiliation and the complexities of his omnipresence within Lutheran thought are unveiled. Misconceptions about Christ's body and presence are clarified, leading to a deeper understanding of divine and human interactions.