
Orthodoxy
A podcast where Andy Schmitt talks with theologians, authors, and reporters about Orthodox Christian belief and its connection to godly living in every aspect of ones life.
Latest episodes

Jul 23, 2024 • 6min
Optiv Theology Podcast Is Now Orthodoxy
Just an update: Optiv Theology Podcast is no more! The new name is Orthodoxy.
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
#108 // Trump Was Shot... How Should Christians Respond?
In this episode, I break down the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump this past weekend. I talk about the ideology and manipulation that leads toward these types of outbreaks, why young people are saying that they wish the bullet hit him, and how Christians should respond to this type of news. Assassination attempt video:https://youtu.be/LAk6dXEzIUoFull ABC clip:https://youtu.be/XPmpKXy_3P8Secret Service Director About Page: https://www.secretservice.gov/about/leadership/directorKimberly Cheatle on making the Secret Service 30% woman: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/14/secret-service-director-dei-hiring-under-scrutiny-/
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
Optiv Theology Podcast Is Changing...
This episode is a bit different. I am giving an update to all our listeners on Optiv Network, why Nic Gibson is no longer on this podcast, and what the podcast will look like moving forward.Links in the podcast:Sheila Stubbs on transgenderism: https://x.com/RepStubbs/status/1509541799521624069Planned Parenthood endorsement of Sheila Stubbs:ppawisconsinA post shared by @ppawisconsinSheila Stubbs response to reinstating abortion laws in Wisconsin: https://www.fox6now.com/news/planned-parenthood-abortions-in-wisconsin-resume-next-weekWisconsin State Journal articles on Sheila Stubbs:https://madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/a-unanimous-no-shelia-stubbs-dane-county-human-services-bid-gets-rejected-in-1st-vote/article_18c6e134-d8ba-5842-96b3-99ecc567c5dd.htmlhttps://madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/why-shelia-stubbs-nomination-to-lead-dane-county-human-services-is-facing-controversy/article_25b68950-7731-5c3c-9761-b855f96beea9.html
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 31min
#107 // Dr. Ryan McGraw | What Is Covenant Theology?
Dr. Ryan McGraw, a Professor of Systematic Theology, delves into Covenant Theology, discussing God's promises, the Holy Spirit, and sacraments. He highlights the significance of covenant theology as a framework, exploring topics like excommunication, individualistic faith, and the roles of the Trinity in salvation. The conversation also covers the Covenant of Works, Covenant of Grace, sacraments, and growing closer to the triune God through Jesus Christ.

Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 20min
#106 // Dr. Michael Ward | The Secret In The Chronicles Of Narnia
In this episode, I got to talk with Michael Ward. Ward is an English literary critic and theologian at the University of Oxford where he serves as an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of many books including Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis and After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man. Dr. Ward is also a Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University in Texas. Most notably, Ward was in The World Is Not Enough, a James Bond movie from 1999. Michael and I discuss his book, Planet Narnia in this episode. We talk about the Ward’s finding of the secret hidden continuity between the seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia and how each book aligns with a medieval cosmological planet (it sounds crazy but it’s not!). Planet Narnia is one of the most significant books on Lewis and children’s fantasy of this past century, I hope you enjoy learning about it in this conversation. Enjoy!
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 9min
#105 // Why Does God Judge Humans? (ft. Thomas R. Schreiner)
In this episode, I got to talk with Thomas Schreiner. Dr. Schreiner is the Associate Dean for the School of Theology and the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written many books and commentaries including The Joy of Hearing, Hebrews: An Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary, and The New American Commentary: 1,2 Peter and Jude. Dr. Schreiner also was the New Testament Editor for the English Standard Version Study Bible (ESV).We talked about his newest book, The Justice and Goodness of God. He discussed why Christians sometimes don’t want to talk about God’s judgment and wrath and why non-believers are so reluctant to listen to the truth of God’s judgment. We also talked about the comprehensive nature of God’s love and why one must believe in the wrath and judgment of God to have a full understanding of His love. Finally, we talked about how we should think about Hell and the eternal consequences of sin. I hope you enjoy!
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

May 27, 2024 • 1h 11min
#104 // What Is J.R.R. Tolkien’s Theology Behind Middle Earth? (ft. Austin Freeman)
In this episode, I got to talk with Austin Freeman. Freeman is the Chair of the Department of Apologetics and Assistant Professor at Houston Christian University. He recently wrote a book, Tolkien Dogmatics, that reveals the systematic theology found in Middle Earth through The Lord of the Rings books. Austin has also written for many publications including Desiring God.We discussed his book, Tolkien Dogmatics, and how he started on this endeavor to write a systematic theology based on a fantasy series. We also talked about the key theological themes in Tolkien’s books related to God, Sin, Angels, and Creation. Finally, we discussed how Tolkien came to believe that his Lord of the Rings books could have been “inspired”. I hope you enjoy!
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

May 20, 2024 • 2h 6min
#103 // What Is The Purpose Of Art And Worship? (ft. Vince Pierri)
In this episode, I got to talk with the Lead Pastor from The Bridge Church in Alexandria, Kentucky, Vince Pierri. Vince has his MDiv from Trinity International University and has been in various types of ministry for over a decade. I have known Vince for over five years from when he worked at High Point Church in Madison, WI. When I was 17, Vince shared the Gospel with me and became a relentless mentor in my life helping me grow in my faith and become more like Christ.We talked about an album Vince created years ago while he was working at High Point Church in Madison, WI, The Greatest Story Ever Told. Vince shared his journey to creating the album and we talked about its theological impact on kids. Then we discussed my (Andy) article on Art, Music, and Worship. We talked about the different musical mediums a person can use to elicit different kinds of emotions. We also discussed the way people perceive the Truth of God and how we should respond to many different interpretations of the truth. I hope you enjoy!
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Apr 23, 2024 • 52min
#102 // Why Should Christians Write Stories? (ft. Kathryn Butler)
In this episode, I got to talk with the author of the Dream Keeper Saga, Kathryn Butler. Kathryn got her M.D. at Columbia University and completed her surgical and critical care trailing at Massachusetts General Hospital. She then left the medical industry to homeschool her kids. As a stay at home mom, Kathryn started to write articles for Desiring God and the Gospel Coalition and eventually wrote several books including, Between Life and Death and Glimmers of Grace.In our conversation, we talked about her children’s fantasy series, The Dream Keepers Saga. We also discussed why stories help children build a Christian worldview and a systematic theology. Finally, we talked about how J.R.R. Tolkien persuaded C.S. Lewis to faith by explaining that Christianity is the one True Myth. I hope you enjoy!
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Apr 15, 2024 • 1h 27min
#101 // How Does The Old Testament Point Towards Christ? (ft. Dr. Vern Poythress)
In this episode, I got to have a conversation with the Professor of New Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Dr. Vern Poythress. Dr. Poythress has six academic degrees including his PhD from Harvard University and his Masters of Letters at the University of Cambridge. He is also an ordained teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Poythress served as the New Testament Chair on the oversight committee for the ESV Bible. And on top of all that, he has written many books including, Redeeming Reason, Redeeming Science, and Truth, Theology, and Perspective.In our conversation, Vern and I discussed his newest book, Typology: How the Old Testament Points to Christ, His Church, and the Consummation. We talked about the way in which many people read the Old Testament and problems that arise when one does not look for Christ in their study of the Old Testament. We also discussed the significance of proper Typological study and what can happen if someone does it wrong. I had a great time talking with Dr. Poythress, I hope you enjoy!You can read this book and others for FREE at www.frame-poythress.org
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.