Just and Sinner Podcast

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.

Dive into a fascinating analysis of how Christ's two natures communicate attributes from divine to human. Explore the profound union between believers and Christ, highlighting baptism's significance for salvation. Discover the distinct Lutheran view on Christ's presence, including the complexities post-ascension. The discussion critiques various perspectives on grace and spiritual gifts while addressing historical theological tensions. This thought-provoking dialogue unpacks deep theological insights and historical contexts that shape modern faith.

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.

This program is a response to a recent video from the Roman Catholic YouTuber Brian Holdsworth who gave a critique of the idea of the "Protestant work ethic" centered on Luther's approach to work and vocation more broadly.

Explore the profound insights of Ernst Sartorius on divine love and its significance in Lutheran theology. Discover the historical divide between rationalism and ethics in the post-Enlightenment era. Delve into the tensions between Lutheran Orthodoxy and Pietism, and their influence on Enlightenment thinkers like Kant. Uncover how the command to love, especially one’s enemies, is essential to Christian ethics. Finally, understand how moral actions are rooted in a divine relationship, shaping our approach to goodness.

Delve into Martin Luther’s catechisms and their significance for Lutheran education, both for laypeople and clergy. Discover Luther's unique ability to make complex theological ideas accessible for everyday Christians, while critiquing clergy's often superficial understanding of scripture. Misconceptions about Christian liberty are explored, revealing a deeper moral responsibility. The importance of lifelong theological learning is emphasized, paralleling it with the necessity of nourishment, highlighting the catechism's enduring relevance for nurturing faith.

This episode is the third in a series on Vatican I and the dogma of Papal infallibility. In this part, I discuss John Henry Newman's development hypothesis.