Church Grammar
Religion & Spirituality
About
The Church Grammar podcast engages theology and the church in a fresh way, centered on wide-ranging conversations with scholars and Bible teachers.
Episodes
- 12 Misconceptions About Protestants and Baptists (with Gavin Ortlund)
Brandon Smith and Gavin Ortlund discuss 12 misconceptions about Protestants and Baptists, including: Protestants invented a new church, sola scriptura is anti-tradition, Protestants removed books from the Bible, and Baptists reject sacrame…
- Debunking 4 Myths About Nicaea
Brandon Smith debunks four common myths about Nicaea: (1) Nicaea invented the Trinity; (2) Nicaea invented the New Testament; (3) Constantine invented orthodoxy; (4) Nicaea was Athanasius vs. Arius. Watch this on YouTube at youtube.com/@ch…
- Nicaea’s Legacy Then and Now (with Mark Smith)
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Mark Smith of the University of Cambridge. We discuss Nicaea’s reception and authority in Ephesus and Chalcedon (1:30), exegetical arguments around the early councils and creeds (9:50), Protestant re…
- 6 Reasons I’m a Baptist
In this video, Brandon Smith offers six reasons why he is a Baptist. These six reasons are a basic foundation for Baptist beliefs that most Baptists historic and modern can affirm. For a helpful introduction to Baptist theology, see Emerso…
- Is Catholic-Protestant Unity Possible? (with Matthew Levering)
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Levering of Mundelein Seminary. We discuss Catholic beliefs on topics such as how to agree and disagree with the Pope and Catholic doctrine (1:03), the latest discussions about Mary as Co-Red…
- In Memoriam: Three Hours of Daniel Treier
As a way to honor and memorialize Daniel Treier (1972–2025), this is a megapod episode of his four appearances on Church Grammar: (00:17) – Brandon’s reflections on Dan’s life (03:43) – On Theological Interpretation and Longsuffering Sport…
- Jamin Goggin on Pastoral Sins, Confession, and Accountability
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jamin Goggin of Talbot School of Theology. We discuss pastoral power (2:35), pastoral confession (11:37), pastoral pride (25:02), and more. Get the book here . *** We’re expanding to YouTube! Please…
- Joshua Heavin and Caleb Wait on the Nicene Creed Among Protestants
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Joshua Heavin and Caleb Wait of the Passages podcast . We discuss the genesis of their Passages podcast on Nicaea (1:29), the Nicene Creed in our different Christian traditions and denominations (13:…
- Mark Gignilliat and Heath Thomas on Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Mark Gignilliat of Beeson Divinity School and Dr. Heath Thomas of Oklahoma Baptist University. We discuss foundational hermeneutical assumptions about canon, time, and providence (2:33), allegory, ty…
- Andrew Walker on Charlie Kirk, the Future of Conservatism, and Baptist Political Theology
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Andrew Walker of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk (1:41), the various coalitions in and future of conservative politics (12:21), Christian influ…
- Stephen Presley on Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics in the Church Fathers
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Stephen Presley of the Center for Religion, Culture, & Democracy. We discuss retrieving biblical theology and cultural engagement in the early church (1:31), hermeneutics and methodology (13:03), the…
- Jennifer Frey on Classical Education, the Great Books, and Cultivating Wonder
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Frey. We discuss how classical education and the Great Books benefit students (1:26), the role of curiosity and wonder in formation and education (21:27), books that capture students’ attent…
- Erik Lundeen on Biblical Interpretation in the Reformation
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Erik Lundeen of Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. We discuss the literal sense in the Reformation era (3:49), Christian and Jewish commentaries’ impact on the Reformation (13:35), Calvin and other Reform…
- Kelly Kapic on True Humanity, the Love of God, and Productivity and Rest
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Kelly Kapic of Covenant College. We discuss productivity in Christianity and according to the world (2:21), theological anthropology and the good life (4:17), Chalcedonian Christology and our humanit…
- James Wood on Postliberalism, Political Theology, and the Church’s Witness
This episode is a conversation with Dr. James Wood of Redeemer University. We discuss postliberal political theory (3:56), the church’s witness in the world (22:49), Christian nationalism and church/state relations (40:19), and more. Check…
- David Hogg on Medieval Theology’s Relationship to Nicaea and the Reformation
This episode is a conversation with Dr. David Hogg of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss studying medieval theology before it was cool (2:42), the relationship between Nicaea and the Medieval period (9:43), the papacy in Christian history (19:25…
- Matthew Levering on the Pope, Mary, and Justification in Catholic-Protestant Dialogue (Repost)
This episode is a repost of our conversation with Dr. Matthew Levering of Mundelein Seminary. We discuss becoming a Christian and his path to Catholicism (4:40), major doctrines Catholics and Protestants agree on (14:22), what Catholics be…
- Steven Duby on Habakkuk and Theological Commentary
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Steven Duby of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss writing a theological commentary with various disciplines involved (2:30), insights from biblical studies and authorial intent(s) (9:50); history of interp…
- Baptist Q&A with Matthew Emerson
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Emerson of Oklahoma Baptist University. We discuss paedobaptism and catholicity, changing liturgy in the church, Baptists and the state, and more. Buy Matt’s new book with Luke Stamps, The Ba…
- Thomas Joseph White on Theological Interpretation, the Book of Exodus, and Catholic-Protestant Dialogue
This episode is a conversation with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. of the Angelicum. We discuss biblical and theological interpretation in the 20th century (2:32), the relationship between literal and spiritual senses in interpreting Exodus…
- Scott Williams on Divine Self-Knowledge, Reception of Nicaea, and Philosophical Theology
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Scott Williams of the University of North Carolina–Asheville. We discuss divine self-knowledge (3:30), Nicaea and the Trinity in the Sixth Ecumenical Council (36:02), Henry of Ghent’s contribution to…
- Sam Emadi on Joseph in Biblical Theology and the History of Interpretation
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Samuel Emadi of Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church. We discuss Joseph in the history of interpretation (4:44), Joseph in biblical theology and typology (9:59), advice for preaching (48:31), and more. Read…
- Rhyne Putman on the Virgin Conception and Birth of Jesus
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Rhyne Putman of Williams Baptist University. We discuss the importance of Jesus’s genealogies and his role as the “virgin-born king” (3:48), the virgin birth in the Christian tradition (11:54), the b…
- Ryan Fields on Ecclesiology, Catholicity, and the Free Church
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Ryan Fields of Faith Evangelical Free Church. We discuss becoming a free church pastor (2:14), a definition of catholicity (7:02), a definition of and argument for a free church (11:38), catholicity…
- Kevin Vanhoozer on Hermeneutics, Theology, and the Transfiguration
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. We discuss his new book on hermeneutics (2:24), reflections on decades of studying hermeneutics (26:57), issues that still need to be tackled i…
- Allegory, Asceticism, and Early Christian Biographies with Winston Hottman
This episode is a conversation with Winston Hottman originally posted at the Center for Baptist Renewal podcast. We discuss Athanasius’s Life of Antony and two works by Gregory of Nyssa: The Life of Moses and The Life of Macrina . Check ou…
- Stephen Presley and Ched Spellman on Irenaeus and Christian Cultural Engagement
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Stephen Presley of the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dr. Ched Spellman of Cedarville University. We discuss all things Irenaeus of Lyon…
- Thomas Schreiner on Revelation with a Fresh Take on the Millennium
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Thomas Schreiner of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He returns to discuss the Book of Revelation, including why he wrote his new commentary (2:12), recapitulation and symbolism in the book…
- Daniel Treier on Christology and Scripture
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Daniel Treier of Wheaton College. We discuss Christology in Scripture and the Christian Tradition (2:20), Christology and communion with God (11:18), union with Christ and adoption (21:43), the incar…
- Ross Inman on Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Ross Inman of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss his journey into philosophy (1:58), a definition for philosophy as a way of life (7:58), the practicality of philosophy (or lack th…
- Craig Bartholomew and Heath Thomas on Reading the Minor Prophets Theologically
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Craig Bartholomew of the Kirby Laing Centre and Dr. Heath Thomas of Oklahoma Baptist University. We discuss a theological reading of the Minor Prophets (1:27), problems with interpreting the Minor Pr…
- Jonathan Edwards (If You Can Keep Him) with Kyle Strobel and Zachary Bowden
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Kyle Strobel of Talbot School of Theology and Dr. Zachary Bowden of Cedarville University. We discuss Jonathan Edwards on the Trinity and creation (2:24), salvation and the Christian life (23:46), sl…
- Fred Sanders on the Holy Spirit and the Trinity in Salvation (Repost)
This episode is a repost of a conversation with Dr. Fred Sanders of Biola University. We discuss the names for the Holy Spirit in Scripture (2:16), the seeming “silence” of the Spirit in major moments in the biblical narrative (5:17), the…
- Todd Hains on Luther and Biblical Interpretation
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Todd Hains of Lexham Press. We discuss what the Reformation was all about (4:28), Luther’s relationship to the church fathers and the rule of faith (15:44), Luther’s interpretive instincts and his do…
- Collin Hansen on Tips from Tim Keller’s Life and Ministry
This episode is a conversation with Collin Hansen of The Gospel Coalition. We discuss writing a book about Tim Keller during his last days (1:41), his major influences (13:25), projecting his legacy (27:07), lessons from his life and minis…
- Lynn Cohick on Women in Evangelicalism, Academia, and the Early Church (Repost)
This episode is a repost of a conversation with Dr. Lynn Cohick of Houston Christian University. We discuss becoming a scholar (5:30), the present and future of the United Methodist Church (9:40), being a female scholar in evangelicalism (…
- John Behr on Easter and John’s Gospel (Repost)
This episode is a conversation with Fr. John Behr of the University of Aberdeen. We discuss his transition from St. Vladimir’s Seminary to the University of Aberdeen (2:35), how to read John’s Gospel (4:00), the authorship of John’s Gospel…
- The Trinity and Blaspheming the Holy Spirit
This episode is a short talk based on my post at the Center for Baptist Renewal, “The Trinity and Blaspheming the Holy Spirit.” Read it here . Check out Brandon’s new book: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation: Seeing Father, Son, and Hol…
- Daniel Treier on Evangelical Theology in Biblical, Trinitarian, and Creedal Perspective (Repost)
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Daniel Treier of Wheaton College. We discuss sports heroes (3:29), defining evangelical theology (6:16), the Nicene Creed and theological method (9:10); the Ten Commandments as moral formation (12:00…
- The Trinity in the Book of Revelation with Madison Pierce
Today’s episode features a discussion about my new book with Madison Pierce of Western Theological Seminary. You can purchase the book here and also preorder my next one, The Biblical Trinity , here . Church Grammar is presented by the Chr…
- Thomas Weinandy on Christology in the Gospels and the Mystery of the Incarnation
This episode is a conversation with Fr. Thomas Weinandy. We discuss the making of the Jesus Becoming Jesus series (1:50), the Synoptic Gospels’ contribution to Christology and Trinitarian theology (11:14), Christology and Trinitarian theol…
- Trevin Wax on Orthodoxy and Heresy in Theology and Cultural Engagement
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Trevin Wax of the North American Mission Board. We discuss our years serving and podcasting together (2:32), the definition of orthodoxy (6:13), the inclusivity of orthodoxy and the exclusivity of he…
- William Marsh on Luther’s Hermeneutics and Reformation Truths and Myths
This episode is a conversation with Dr. William Marsh of Cedarville University. We discuss truths and myths regarding the late medieval church and Luther’s concerns (3:03), Luther’s hermeneutics and their relationship to the Christian trad…
- Darian Lockett on Reading the Catholic Epistles and the Biblical Canon
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Darian Lockett of Talbot School of Theology. We discuss how the Catholic Epistles fit together in the biblical canon (1:22), faith and works in Paul and James (22:52), scholarship on James (28:05), s…
- Biblical Reasoning (Part 2): Bobby Jamieson on Theology and Exegesis
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Bobby Jamieson of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. We discuss the benefits of theological resources in doing exegesis (2:15), partitive exegesis as a rule for reading Christologically (19:28), things tha…
- Biblical Reasoning (Part 1): Tyler Wittman on Theology and Exegesis
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Tyler Wittman of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss the relationship between theology and exegesis (2:18), honoring God in exegesis (9:34), the Trinity and the New Testament (20:07)…
- Matthew Bingham on Baptist Origins, Historiography, and Being “Reformed”
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Bingham of Oak Hill College. We discuss how to understand Baptist history (1:28), the shared identity of 17th-century baptistic churches in the context of the English Reformation (4:50), the…
- Timothy George on Evangelicals, the Great Tradition, and Christian Higher Education (Repost)
This episode is a repost of a conversation with Dr. Timothy George of Beeson Divinity School. We discuss being a Baptist and appreciating the Great Tradition (2:00), ecumenism and catholicity (7:35), the future of Christian higher educatio…
- Jarvis Williams on Ethnicity, Diversity, and the Church’s Mission
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jarvis Williams of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. We discuss the phrase “redemptive kingdom diversity” (1:27), a biblical theology of the people of God (4:42), the difference between “rac…
- Madison Pierce and Ched Spellman on Anonymous Authors and Audiences in the New Testament
This episode is a conversation with Drs. Madison Pierce of Western Theological Seminary and Ched Spellman of Cedarville University. We discuss the anonymous authorship and audience of Hebrews (7:50), the hermeneutical effect of anonymous a…