Classical Theology with Dr. Brian Huffling

What if we discovered beyone any doubt that extraterrestrial intelligent life existeed? What would that mean for Christianity, in particular in terms of Christology? Would Jesus need to die for them, supposing they needed saving? Let's explore that question!

I thought it was appropriate to offer a Christian response to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

The doctrine of the Trinity is a very difficult one to understand. Many misunderstand the orthodox teaching. There are many bad examples and models. In this episode I answer questions from the Classical Theology community on the Trinity.

Molinism, while not new, has become a popular theological position which tries to show how God can be soveriegn and omniscient while also allowing man to have free will. In this episode I explain what Molinism is and offer 4 obejctions to it. Affiliate Links to Books "On Divine Foreknowledge: Part 4 of the Concordia" by Louis de Molina: https://amzn.to/3KUBRrp "The Only Wise God": https://amzn.to/3VDVB7G "Human Freedom, Divine Sovereignty, and Mere Molinism": https://amzn.to/3XvErvH "Divine Providence: The Molinist Account": https://amzn.to/3XAYtEZ

How should Christians think about the presidential debate, the candidates, and the issues? This episode examines some of the issues that were brought up in the debate from a Christian perspective.

What is the Word Faith movement and why did I leave it? Word Faith teachers such as Kenneth Copeland have made some of the most heretical and outlandish statements regarding God, Jesus, and man. Check out this episode to hear some of those statements and see what the problem with the Word Faith movement is. Affiliate Links to Books A Different Gospel: https://amzn.to/4eHcdnR The Word-Faith Controversy: https://amzn.to/4eE94W1 The Seduction of Christianity: https://amzn.to/3ROp4e6

Is it possible for God to exist given all of the evil in the world? This episode discuss a book debate between Michael Shermer, Gary Whittenberger, and Brian Huffling. God, Evil, and Morality: A Debate: (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/3Vz8IXY Discussion with Michael Shermer: https://brianhuffling.com/debates/

Martin Luther reshaped Christian theology as a leading reformer. His reformation influenced many areas of life. Every Christian should be familiar with him and his legacy. Classic Christian Thinkers: (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3Pw2yW5 

Some Christians argue that philosophy is pagan and bad. Is this true? Did Paul use philosophy? Can we really avoid it? In this episode, I argue that the Bible does not argue against philosophy and that it is actually impossible not to do.

John Calvin is one of the most divisive theolgians in church history. What does he teach and what is Calvinism? Affiliate Links: Classic Christian Thinkers Book: https://amzn.to/3JUem1m The Extent of the Atonement: https://amzn.to/3Qz4Iow The Death Christ Died: https://amzn.to/4bv27ns Calvin's Institutes: https://amzn.to/4bxsxVZ

What do military chaplains do? Can they pray in Jesus' name? Why does the military even have chaplains? Check out this episode to find out!

Blaise Pascal made a wager for God's existence. Check out what he has to say about that in this episode.

What did C. S. Lewis say about God? He was a prolific writer and made several interesting and good arguments for God's existence and Christianity.  Classic Christian Thinkers (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3VBF3hR Mere Christianity (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3VBF3hR

The moral argument is a good argument, but we cannot make this often made mistake. 

Was Augustine the greatest Christian theologian? What did he say about God, predestination, and evil? Check out this episode to find out. Affiliate link to Classic Christian Thinkers: https://amzn.to/3znD6Ni

Bill Maher makes many explosive and controversial claims about religion. How should Christians respond? Affiliate links to books: The Gospel and the Greeks: https://amzn.to/4bB2RZr The Jesus Legend: https://amzn.to/4bAAMRX

Most Christians (Jews and Muslims) think that God causes morality either through divine commands or through his nature being the moral standard. This podcast critiques that view and offers a natural law approach that rejects God being a moral being. God, Evil, and Morality: A Debate (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3ToHfIy  

Does God exist? Anselm is famous for his ontological argument (the argument from being). It is possibly the most controversial argument for God, but does the argument work?  Affiliate link to book: https://amzn.to/3Pdc9RG

Thomas Aquinas is often regarded as one of, if not the, greatest Christian philosopher. He has written prolifically on many areas of the faith and his works is still written about today. In this talk we look at a few of his contributions. Affiliate links: Classic Christian Thinkers: https://amzn.to/3Pw2yW5 Aquinas: A Beginner's Guide: https://amzn.to/3TNgRbi Aquinas' Works: https://isidore.co/aquinas/

Unveiling the Early Church's Intellectual Champion: Irenaeus of Lyons Delve beyond the dusty scrolls and uncover the captivating story of Irenaeus of Lyons, a towering figure in the tapestry of early Christian thought. In the 2nd century AD, when theological debates roiled like gladiatorial matches, Irenaeus emerged as a champion of orthodoxy, a defender of Christian truth against nascent heresies. But Irenaeus was more than just a heretic hunter. He was a bridge builder, forging unity between Eastern and Western Christianity with the grace of a diplomat and the conviction of a scholar. His magnum opus, "Against Heresies," wasn't just a theological smackdown; it was a meticulous dismantling of false teachings, a masterclass in logic and scripture. Here's why Irenaeus remains relevant today: A master of theological debate: Witness his intellectual agility as he dismantles Gnostic myths and Marcionite distortions, unveiling the foundations of Christian doctrine. An ecumenical pioneer: Explore his vision of unity across geographical and cultural divides, a timeless message for a fragmented world. A historical window: Gain a vivid glimpse into the vibrant yet tumultuous world of the early church, where faith grappled with intellectual challenges. Join us on this journey through time to meet: The theologian who wielded Scripture like a sword: Sharpen your own understanding of Christian thought as Irenaeus illuminates key doctrines. The peacemaker who sought unity amidst division: Discover his practical steps for building bridges and fostering dialogue across differences. The adventurer who navigated a perilous landscape: Delve into his life, from escaping persecution to facing heretical cults, a testament to his unwavering faith. Affiliate link to the book: https://amzn.to/3StBPLL