The London Lyceum

John Wilsey, historian and public theologian, reflects on Augustine’s role in political theology and religious freedom. Stephen Presley, scholar of early Christian thought, connects Augustine to biblical interpretation and the patristic tradition. They discuss Augustine’s shaping of scholarship, the tension between metaphysics and politics, readings of City of God, and how Scripture anchors premodern thought.

Kyle Britt, pastor in Columbia, SC and THM graduate focused on New Testament studies. He traces his path from Southeastern to Westminster and how academic training shapes sermon prep. Conversations cover Acts and biblical imagery, forming a local reading group, and making theology central to pastoral life. Short, thoughtful reflections on translating deep study into everyday ministry.

Casey McCall, a pastoral-minded historiographer who urges sympathy and humility. Winston Hotman, a PhD student offering theological structure and concise analytical points. They discuss what makes good history: sincerity, sympathy, synthesis, community, scholarly apprenticeship, avoiding weaponized or rush-to-judgment history, and how confessional commitments shape but need not distort research.

Lucas Woodford, Lutheran pastor and bishop and co-author of The Culture of God's Word, reflects on ministry in a secular age. He probes contextualization vs. faddish adaptation. He discusses worship that balances tradition and relevance. He addresses cultural identity, the church’s mission, baptismal formation, and a posture of holy discernment.

Matt Reagan, regional director of Campus Outreach Charleston and pastor at East Cooper Baptist, talks theology-driven college ministry. He discusses relational, church-tethered campus work, training staff and students theologically, Reformed emphases shaping ministry practice, and the long-term value of church partnerships for student discipleship.

A conversation about a new book on classical theism, its structure, and why methodology shapes theological disputes. They explore biblical interpretation tensions and how historical theology informs doctrine. Topics include metaphysics, divine simplicity debates, and ecclesial implications for worship and prayer. The chat ends with invitations for further engagement and a personal update about a mortgage venture.

Jarvis Williams, New Testament scholar at Southern Seminary and author on Paul’s Gospel, explores Romans' vertical, horizontal, and cosmic dimensions. He discusses how context shapes Paul’s emphasis. Conversations touch on Israel’s role, the scope of the gospel, and surprising readings of Romans 2 and 7.

Jordan Ballor, executive director of the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy and editor of a public theology series, reflects on his path into political theology. He discusses think tanks, the CRCD’s mission, religion as a public good, government and religious liberty, pluralism, natural law, and the center’s programs for students and scholars.

Daniel Houck, interlocutor probing differences between genealogy and history and ethics of narratives. Joshua Lee Harris, scholar mapping philosophical and methodological contours of genealogy. Joel Chopp, theologian exploring contamination and pedagogy in theological teaching. They trace genealogical definitions, debate vindicatory versus subversive lineages, and weigh pedagogy, ethics, and scholarly humility in doing genealogy.

Coleman Ford, scholar who writes on patristics and creeds, and Shawn Wilhite, New Testament professor and patristic theologian, discuss Nicaea's relevance today. They trace fourth-century politics and theological motivations. They unpack surprising doctrines like eternal generation and divine simplicity. They argue for creeds as formative tools in teaching, worship, and church life.