The Reluctant Theologian Podcast

In the last episode, Andrei Buckarreff and I discussed the metaphysics of pantheism and panentheism. We chatted about how to distinguish these models of God from classical theism and open theism. In today’s episode, Andrei and I will consider arguments for and against pantheism. Andrei offers two arguments in favour of pantheism. One from omnipresence, and another from omniscience. I then ask Andrei to consider two objections to pantheism. One from God’s rationality, and the other from God’s moral perfection.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Andrei Buckareff (PhD, University of Rochester) is associate professor of philosophy at Marist College.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

rtmullins.com

In contemporary theology, there are multiple models of God to consider. One could be a classical theist, an open theist, maybe even a panentheist. In today’s episode, I sit down with Thomas Williams to discuss classical theism. We chat about great thinkers like Augustine, Aquinas, and Scotus. Then we explore divine attributes like omniscience, timelessness, immutability, simplicity, and impassibility. We even consider some of the implications for human freedom and religious language.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Thomas Williams (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is professor of philosophy and Catholic Studies at the University of South Florida.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

rtmullins.com

From driverless car, to robots helping surgeons in hospitals, we are increasingly accepting the role of machines and artificial intelligence in controlling our lives and taking decisions for us. But should I be really worry about my Alexa device taking over the world? In today’s episode, I sit down with Vaishak Belle. We discuss the nature of artificial intelligence, and an array of ethical questions that arise from our use of AI.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Vaishak Belle (PhD, Aachen University) is a chancellor's fellow in human-like computing at the University of Edinburgh.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

rtmullins.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with Steven Nemes. We discuss a recent debate that I had over at the Theopolis website on the doctrine of divine simplicity. Why are we discussing this? Well, because some of you theology nerds love to discuss obscure medieval doctrines that the vast majority of Christians have never heard of. Steven and I give you the break down on everything that happened with this debate at Theopolis. We give you the gossip. We give you the drama, and we give you all of the theology related to the doctrine of divine simplicity.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research and teaching fellow in analytic theology at the University of St Andrews.

Guest: Steven Nemes is a PhD candidate at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

rtmullins.com

Today I am joined by Dr Josh Farris and Dr Mark Hamilton. We are talking about the Christian doctrine of the atonement. Christian theology claims that something about the death of Jesus Christ accomplished something on our behalf. But what exactly did Jesus do on our behalf? Different theories of atonement give different answers to this question. In today’s episode, Josh and Mark walk us through some of the basics for understanding any theory of the atonement. Then we look at a popular theory called penal substitution, and consider objections to the view. In the next episode, we will continue the conversation by looking at an Anselmian satisfaction view.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Josh Farris (PhD, University of Bristol) is the Executive Director at the Alpine Christian School. S. Mark Hamilton (PhD, Free University of Amsterdam) is

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

rtmullins.com