RTS Washington Faculty Podcast

Episode 174. This week we handle the difficult challenge of the Bible's seeming endorsement of slavery. Why does the OT have commands about slavery? Why do neither Paul nor Peter argue for the end of this unjust institution? We argue that they the theology, ethic, and redemptive movement of the Bible opposes all forms of oppression, including slavery.

Episode 173. In this special episode, pastor and scholar Cory Brock shares with us Bavinck's perspective on a Christian view of the sciences. Dr. Brock gave this talk as a part of RTS Washington's Lectures in Neo-Calvinism series. Christianity, according to Bavinck, provides a unique and solid foundation on which scientific criticism can function. Dr. Brock is one of the translators of the recently published *Christianity and Science* by Herman Bavinck, which you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Science-Herman-Bavinck/dp/1433579200/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=christianity+and+science&link_code=qs&qid=1698328691&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-1

Episode 172. We've covered miracles, but now it's time for the big one: creation. With some fear and trembling the professors talk through the various creation views. Was the world created in six 24-hour days, or are there other options for understanding Genesis 1-2? What are the hermeneutical and theological consequences of each view?

Episode 171. In our second episode of this series on tough things to believe in the Bible, we address the miracles. While many accept the miracles at face value, for most moderns the Bibles claims about the miraculous are a non-starter. How should we think about the miracles and why should we believe these things really happened?

Episode 170. We begin a new series with the Fall semester: tough texts. This series will look at "stumbling block" passages of Scripture--ones that are either difficult to interpret or difficult to believe. In this first episode we consider why that is. The doctrine of divine inspiration makes interpretation challenging, but also more rewarding.

Episode 169. We had the privilege of speaking with three experts on Bavinck and Neo-Calvinism this week: Drs. Cory Brock, Marinus de Jong, and our own Gray Sutanto. The topics were wonderfully wide-ranging, from the recent translation of Bavinck's *Christianity and Science* to the calling of pastor-scholar and the necessity of contextualization. Join us for this fascinating discussion.

Episode 168. The summer is over and we are glad to say that we have finished the race! In this episode we launch into the last of the fruits of the Spirit: self-control. What makes it "Spiritual?" To what extent is it defining all the other fruits? How does it connect with salvation in general, and the Christian Life in particular? Join us as we close out this challenging and convicting time considering Spiritual virtues.

Episode 167. Gentleness isn't a "technique" or "strategy" for winning people to the Gospel. It's not a pragmatic decision. Rather, it is the manner by which Jesus deals with his wayward children, and as such it should characterize our own lives. We discuss how to grow in gentleness without compromising the truth.

Episode 166. As we discuss faithfulness, the next fruit of the Spirit on our list, we begin with a translation issue: how does faith relate to faithfulness? What does faithfulness look like, not only with respect to God, but to one another? How can we cultivate it in our own lives and minisitries.

Episode 165. We continue our discussion of Paul's virtue list by discussing "kindness." What makes this a unique fruit, and how does it exemplify Christ? When should we be kind, and when should we stand for truth? What characterizes a kind person and how is that character helpful to the Kingdom of Christ?