The Ridley Institute Podcast
By Sam Fornecker
The Ridley Institute PodcastMay 18, 2023
Biblical Critical Theory, with Chris Watkin
"Make good men wish [Christianity] were true," wrote Blaise Pascal, "then show them that it is." Join Sam Fornecker for a chat with Chris Watkin, Associate Professor in French Studies at Monash University, about how a robust understanding of the Bible's story equips Christians to follow Pascal's advice. Introducing listeners to the riot of ideas in Chris's recent book, Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture, this chat provides tools for engaging more discerningly, charitably, and Christianly with modern life and culture.
New Parker Society :: Nicholas Ridley's Conferences with Hugh Latimer (1556)
In 1556, imprisoned in London's Tower, two Protestant bishops, Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer, encouraged one another through smuggled letters as they awaited the day of their demise. Those letters became the basis of a publication in 1556, which spurred on evangelical believers to stick to Christ, even when their life was at stake. Join Sam Fornecker, Alice Soulieux-Evans, and Jake Griesel for a discussion of this vivid work, and of the scholarly young bishop — Nicholas Ridley — whose love for Christ, and dedication to the truth of the gospel, lit an imperishable flame in England. Follow along here.
The Story of Abortion in America, with Leah Savas
Join Abigail Whitehouse and Sam Fornecker for a conversation with Leah Savas, coauthor with Marvin Olasky of The Story of Abortion in America: A Street-Level History, 1652–2022 (Crossway, 2022). Synthesizing the book's key findings and implications, this conversation equips Christians to (re)integrate reflection on abortion—including its history and attendant present-day realities—into the realm of Christian discipleship. This episode deals with a very sensitive topic, by necessity somewhat graphically; it is not one to listen to within earshot of children.
Smuggling Jesus Back into the Church, with Andrew Fellows
Sam Fornecker and pastor/apologist Andrew Fellows discuss why "worldliness" is so poorly understood, and weakly challenged, in contemporary Christianity. Drawing on Fellows' recent book, Smuggling Jesus back into the Church: How the Church Became Worldly, and What to Do about It (IVP, 2022), as well as his experience in Christian leadership (including 21 years with the English L'Abri, and a period as chairman of L'Abri International from 2011–2016), this episode tackles several forms of worldliness besetting the Church — from the allure of the Modern Trinity ("Me, Myself, and I"), to the pervasive politicizing of the Church, to the erosion of evangelical confidence in the power of prayer and the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit.
St. Augustine and a More Hopeful Politics, with Michael Lamb
Join Sam and political theorist Michael Lamb, to see how St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 A.D.) helps us to navigate the bleak and cynical political culture of our day. Key to Augustine's approach is the virtue of hope — the virtue that prevents one from veering into the ditches of presumption or despair.
Michael Lamb serves as F. M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, Executive Director of the Program for Leadership and Character, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Humanities, and Research Fellow with the Oxford Character Project. His most recent book, A Commonwealth of Hope: Augustine's Political Thought (Princeton University Press, 2022), develops the insights touched on briefly in this conversation.
A Relationship of Trust with God, with Teresa Morgan
In this episode, Sam speaks with Teresa Morgan, McDonald Agape Professor in New Testament and Early Christianity at Yale Divinity School, about the role of trust in the Christian life. Drawing on insights found in Morgan's most recent monograph, 'This Rich Trust': The New Testament and the Theology of Trust (Oxford University Press, 2022), this chat explores what it means to enter into a relationship of trust with God—a relationship in which one gives up trust in one's own judgment, and risks to place oneself in the hands of Jesus.
New Parker Society :: Hugh Latimer's Sermons on the Cards (1529) and on the Plough (1548)
In this latest installment of the New Parker Society, Sam is joined by Jake Griesel and Mark Earngey (Head of Church History at Moore Theological College, Sydney), to discuss selections from the preaching of the English Reformer, Hugh Latimer (c.1487–1555). To follow along with the Sermons on the Cards and the Sermon on the Plough, click here (see pages 3–24 for the Sermons on the Cards and 59–78 for the Sermon on the Plough).
Freedom: Christianity's Gift to the World, with D.C. Schindler
Join Sam Fornecker for a chat with D.C. Schindler, Professor of Metaphysics and Anthropology at the John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C., about Christianity's gift to the world—the gift of freedom. Drawing on a wealth of insights in Schindler's new book, Retrieving Freedom: The Christian Appropriation of Classical Tradition (Notre Dame, 2022), this conversation explores vital questions, ranging from the relationship of Jewish and Greek thought to Christianity, to the devastating consequences of affirming half-truths about God and ourselves.
Testament, with Micheal O'Siadhail
In this episode, Sam is joined by Micheal O'Siadhail, Distinguished Poet in Residence at Union Theological Seminary, to reflect on themes inspired by O'Siadhail's latest collection of poetry, Testament (Baylor University Press, 2022).
New Parker Society :: John Bradford's Godly Meditations on the Lord's Prayer
Join Sam, Alice, and Jake for a conversation about the English reformer and Marian martyr, John Bradford (1510–1555). In this episode of the New Parker Society series, the team focuses broadly on Bradford's devotional works, homing in especially Bradford's meditations on the Lord's Prayer. Read along here.
On Genesis and Gender: A Tale of Two Paradigms, with Dr. Abigail Favale
Join Sam, as he sits down with Abigail Favale, professor at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, to discuss the ideas, insights, and stories told in her recent book, The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory (Ignatius, 2022). Among other things, Sam and Abigail discuss the shape of an authentically Christian feminism, the advent and meaning of the "gender paradigm," the gift of sexed personhood, and how Transfiguration meets the deepest desire of our transgender moment.
On the Gospel and the Gospels, with Professor Simon Gathercole
Sam speaks with Simon Gathercole, Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Cambridge University, on early Christian gospel literature, the theological message uniting the gospels of the New Testament canon, and why The Da Vinci Code is probably not the ideal source for information on Jesus Christ (or, ahem, New Testament scholarship). Gathercole's latest book on the gospels, discussed throughout this conversation, can be found here. Listeners can access the lectures mentioned toward the end of the episode by clicking here.
Virtuous Persuasion, with Michael Niebauer
In this episode, Sam chats with Michael Niebauer about the theology of mission sketched in his provocative recent book, Virtuous Persuasion: A Theology of Christian Mission (Lexham Press, 2022). Drawing on lines of thought developed in Virtuous Persuasion, Sam and Mike survey current models of Christian mission, considering where each breaks down theologically, before exploring an alternative model of mission grounded in theological ethics. Drawing on the diverse voices of Thomas Aquinas, Alasdair MacIntyre, and Oliver O'Donovan, this episode introduces listeners to Niebauer's fresh lens on Christian mission, one which will be of immediate use for all Christian missionaries—whether those enjoying Peter's manifest missionary success (Acts 2:37–41) or Stephen's apparent missionary "failure" (Acts 7:54–60).
New Parker Society :: Thomas Cranmer on the Lord's Supper (1550)
For those desiring to understand Anglican teaching on Holy Communion, one could do worse than turn to the writings of the English reformers themselves. In this episode, Sam Fornecker and Alice Soulieux-Evans revisit the great English reformer, Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556). Having previously examined Cranmer the preacher, this episode considers Cranmer the theologian, as Sam and Alice take listeners on a guided tour through Cranmer's first book-length work, A Defence of the True and Catholick Doctrine of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ (1550).
Jake Griesel is away for this episode. We look forward to having him back in due course!
Want to follow along as Sam and Alice consider the Defence? Access the version they will be referencing here.
Agrarian Spirit, with Norman Wirzba
In this finale of the inaugural season of The Ridley Institute Podcast, Sam talks with Norman Wirzba, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School. Drawing on themes from Wirzba's forthcoming book, Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land (University of Notre Dame Press, 2022), Sam and Norman explore how the cultivation of an "agrarian" vision of core Christian spiritual practices — including, but not limited to, prayer and perception — can guide the heart of the Christian into ever-greater alignment with the heart of God.
Uprooted, with Gracy Olmstead
Sam talks with Gracy Olmstead, author of Uprooted: Recovering the Legacy of the Places We've Left Behind (Sentinel, 2021), about local culture, the American dream, and the challenges and possibilities of living with roots in a transient society.
What Are Christians For?, with Jake Meador
What would happen if you put Abraham Kuyper in a microwave with Catholic social teaching? Just possibly, something like Jake Meador's most recent book, What Are Christians For? Life Together at the End of the World (IVP, 2022). In this episode, Sam is joined by Jake, editor in chief of Mere Orthodoxy, to discuss a number of issues, ranging from place, race, and the revolutionary spirit, to the beauties of hospitality, honey sticks, and expertly trimmed brisket.
New Parker Society :: Thomas Cranmer, Homilies (1547)
In this latest installment of the New Parker Society — the first of two on the great English reformer and Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer — Sam is joined Jake Griesel and Steve Tong to discuss the genre of the sermon. Key to the conversation is Cranmer's role in the construction of the Book of Homilies (1547), and the theological and pastoral genius animating, in particular, the incomparable third homily, "A Sermon of the Salvation of Mankind by Only Christ Our Saviour from Sin and Death Everlasting." (Special thanks to Alice Soulieux-Evans, for her help behind the scenes, despite her unavailability for this episode.)
On Faith and Meaning, with Os Guinness
In this episode, Sam chats with speaker, writer, and social critic, Os Guinness. Discussing themes developed in his most recent book, The Great Quest: Invitation to an Examined Life and a Sure Path to Meaning (InterVarsity, 2022), Os and Sam explore big questions about faith, reason, and the meaning of life. In the spirit of great Christian thinkers like Blaise Pascal, G.K. Chesterton, and C.S. Lewis, Os helps listeners to grasp how Christianity both questions our answers, and answers our questions.
The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis, with Jason Baxter
In this episode, Sam is joined by Jason Baxter, Associate Professor of Fine Arts and Humanities at Wyoming Catholic College, to discuss the "British Boethius," C.S. Lewis. Unfolding aspects of Jason's recent book, The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis: How Great Books Shaped a Great Mind (InterVarsity Academic, 2022), Jason and Sam discuss why Lewis treasured the middle ages, and what modern people stand to gain from retrieving the medieval mind.
Trinity and Salvation, with Fred Sanders
On this much-anticipated episode, Sam is joined by Fred Sanders, professor of theology in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Drawing on insights from Fred’s recent book, Fountain of Salvation: Trinity and Soteriology (Eerdman’s, 2021), Sam and Fred discuss why properly relating the doctrines of the Trinity and salvation can foster enormous fruitfulness in the realms of Christian doctrine, life, and mission.
New Parker Society :: John Hooper, A Declaration of Christ and His Office (1547)
Join Alice, Jake, and Sam for the third installment of the New Parker Society series. This time, the gang meets to discuss the bishop of Gloucester and of Worcester, John Hooper's 1547 work, A Declaration of Christ and His Office. The late David Steinmetz described Hooper as a "volcano of energy, who shook the indifferent out of their self-satisfaction and who let the ignorant and slothful catch a sobering whiff of brimstone." Suffice to say — this one will leave you whistling the theme song.
The Gospel of John, with David Ford
On this episode, Sam is joined by David Ford, Regius Professor Emeritus of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, to discuss his recently published The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary (SPCK/Baker Academic, 2021). Drawing on decades of theological reflection distilled in that book, this conversation brings into focus key aspects of John's Gospel, including its sheer superabundance of meaning, its concern with the rehabilitation of desire in Christian discipleship, and its endlessly generative resources for growing in practices of prayer, truth-seeking, and love.
A Dozen Things God Did With Your Sin, with Sam Storms
On this episode, Sam chats with Sam Storms, Lead Pastor at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City and author of numerous books, including the recently published A Dozen Things God Did With Your Sin (And Three Things He'll Never Do) (Crossway, 2022). Join Sam (and Sam) as they discuss the cross of Christ, the grace of God, and the glorious possibility—for every guilt and shame-laden believer—of experiential communion with the triune God.
Carved in Ebony, with Jasmine Holmes
On this episode, Sam is joined by Jasmine Holmes, to discuss her new book, Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us (Bethany House, 2021). Drawing on the stories of ten remarkable Black women of mid-nineteenth century American history, Jasmine and Sam discuss what it meant for women like Nannie Helen Burroughs, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Amanda Berry Smith, to be God's image "carved in ebony"—and how Christians stand to gain from their legacy today.
New Parker Society :: William Tyndale, The Obedience of a Christian Man (1528)
On this second installment of the New Parker Society series, Sam is joined once again by Alice Soulieux-Evans and Jake Griesel, for the friends' first deep dive into a key work of the Parker Society Library: this week, a work of the English reformer, William Tyndale (c.1494–1536). Tyndale's The Obedience of a Christian Man (1528) remains — second only to his biblical translations — the reformer's most influential theological work. Join Alice, Jake, and Sam as they discuss what Tyndale has to say to Christians today about faith, grace, gospel obedience, sacramental worship, biblical interpretation, and more.
Redeeming Expertise, with Dr Josh Reeves
On this episode, Sam is joined by Josh Reeves, Director of the Samford Center for Science and Religion at Samford University. This conversation, building on insights from Reeves' new book, Redeeming Expertise: Scientific Trust and the Future of the Church (Baylor University Press, 2021), explores a variety of related concerns, including the relation of science and faith, skepticism of scientific expertise, and guidelines for exercising trust with wisdom, discernment, and humility.
Advent, with Abigail Hull Whitehouse
Happy Thanksgiving! On this episode, Sam chats with Abigail Hull Whitehouse (a fellow priest in the Diocese of the Carolinas) about the season of Advent that begins this Sunday. Sam and Abigail discuss the meaning of the Advent season, the apocalyptic theology it brings to the fore, and how listeners can "bring Advent home" through spiritual disciplines and practices, both individually and as families.
On Thinking Better, with Ulrich Lehner
On this episode, Sam chats with Ulrich Lehner, William K. Wood Professor of Theology at the University of Notre-Dame, who believes that reason lies at the heart of the good life. Drawing on themes explored in his book, Think Better: Unlocking the Power of Reason (Baker Academic, 2021), Lehner outlines an approach to reasoning that is intimately shaped by a Christian worldview, yet simultaneously remains accessible to anyone seeking a richer, clearer, and more empathic experience of life.
New Parker Society :: Introduction to the Project
Happy Reformation Day!
On this episode, Sam is joined by two friends, Alice Soulieux-Evans and Jake Griesel, to discuss the Parker Society Library — a collection of key texts from the English Reformation during the sixteenth-century. In coming episodes, Sam, Alice, and Jake will guide listeners through select works from the Library. But first, the team meets to discuss the origins, significance, and ongoing relevance of the Parker Society Library.
The Ridley Institute Podcast will continue running, as previously, on a biweekly basis. "New Parker Society" episodes will release every other month. NPS listeners, join us again on December 21 for a reading of our first text—William Tyndale's The Obedience of a Christian Man (1528).
Piercing Leviathan, with Dr Eric Ortlund
Dr Eric Ortlund joins Sam for a conversation about the book of Job, and why this profoundly painful book may be the most joyful one in the Bible. Unfolding insights from his recent book, Piercing Leviathan: God's Defeat of Evil in the Book of Job (IVP Academic/Apollo, 2021), Ortlund shows how Job transforms us through uncomfortable reflection on the place of suffering in the Christian life, the ways of wise and life-giving counsel to suffering Christians, and what it means to love God for God's sake.
Apprenticeship to Jesus, with Dr Catherine Wright
Dr Catherine Wright joins Sam for a conversation about apprenticeship to Jesus. Unfolding themes from her book, Spiritual Practices of Jesus: Learning Simplicity, Humility, and Prayer with Luke's Earliest Readers (IVP Academic, 2020), Dr. Wright discusses how Luke's gospel, especially as read with the help of the early church fathers, calls readers to a relationship that entails new ways of relating to poverty, status, and desire.
On Humanity and Humility, with Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin
Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin joins Sam for a conversation about how to communicate the gospel with humanity and humility. Drawing out themes from her book, Confronting Christianity (Crossway, 2019), Dr. McLaughlin addresses some common pitfalls of Christian apologetics, the difficulty and promise of genuine listening, and (perhaps?) the hardest question raised by the claims of the Christian faith.