Search Results for: debate

556 Recruiting Ancients for the Creation Debate (Andrew Brown)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Christians have approached the first chapter of Genesis differently over the centuries. There are those who hold to young earth creationism, day-age theory, gap theory, and progressive creationism, just to name a few. Oftentimes defenders of a particular view will provide biblical, scientific, and historical evidence for their position. Our focus today is on the Read more about 556 Recruiting Ancients for the Creation Debate (Andrew Brown)[…]

540 Dustin Smith’s Take on the Tuggy-White Debate

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

As the dust continues to settle from last week’s debate between Dale Tuggy and James White, reviewers are coalescing on a rather exciting conclusion. Tuggy handedly won the debate! Rumor has it that James White has even requested a rematch! We’ll have to wait and see if anything happens on that front, but requesting a Read more about 540 Dustin Smith’s Take on the Tuggy-White Debate[…]

539 Dale Tuggy’s Thoughts on the James White Debate: Is Jesus Yahweh?

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

We’re taking a break this week from our class on Reading the Bible for Yourself. By the way, did you know that there’s a separate podcast just for classes without any interruptions like this? You can find it if you search your podcast app for Restitutio Classes. Anyhow, I had an opportunity to speak with Read more about 539 Dale Tuggy’s Thoughts on the James White Debate: Is Jesus Yahweh?[…]

453 Dale Tuggy Comments on Debate with William Lane Craig

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Last week Dale Tuggy discussed William Lane Craig’s theory about the Trinity for an hour. In one sense this was a momentous occasion when two heavy-hitting philosophers got into the ring to duke it out. In another sense, the limited constraint of one hour barely gave either much time to warm up or process the Read more about 453 Dale Tuggy Comments on Debate with William Lane Craig[…]

324 Original Sin Debate 2 (Kegan Chandler vs. Jerry Wierwille)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part four of our series on original sin. Last time Kegan Chandler and Jerry Wierwille discussed their different views of original sin and the resultant human condition.  In this final part of our series, we circle back to Romans 5 one last time and both explain how they understand it.  What drives our Read more about 324 Original Sin Debate 2 (Kegan Chandler vs. Jerry Wierwille)[…]

323 Original Sin Debate 1 (Kegan Chandler vs. Jerry Wierwille)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part three of our series on original sin. In part one, Kegan Chandler discussed the history of Augustine’s doctrine of original sin, arguing that the whole idea is post biblical. Last time Jerry Wierwille responded to Chandler, explaining that we do have solid biblical grounding to believe in some form of inherited original Read more about 323 Original Sin Debate 1 (Kegan Chandler vs. Jerry Wierwille)[…]

Interview 51 Dale Tuggy Post-Debate Review

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Are you curious how Dale Tuggy thinks he did on the Trinity debate with Michael Brown?  In this post-debate interview I ask him about his strongest points as well as what he thought Brown’s strongest arguments were.  I ask Tuggy about Brown’s Trinity theory and he explains the “one self” version of the Trinity as Read more about Interview 51 Dale Tuggy Post-Debate Review[…]

Interview 50 Michael Brown Post-Debate Review

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Are you curious how Michael Brown thinks he did on the Trinity debate last weekend? In this post-debate interview I ask him about his strongest points as well as what he thought Dale Tuggy’s strongest points were. We talk about his reticence to use traditional trinitarian language in light of his own unique heritage and Read more about Interview 50 Michael Brown Post-Debate Review[…]

158 Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown Debate: Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Last night Michael Brown (PhD NYU) and Dale Tuggy (PhD Brown U) debated the question, “Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?” Tuggy affirmed while Brown denied. Both scholars recognize the inspiration and the authority of scripture over tradition. Both made an effort to found their beliefs using the bible, reason, and history. Read more about 158 Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown Debate: Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?[…]

Debate: Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Dale Tuggy will debate Michael Brown on the question: “Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?” at Fire Church, Concord, North Carolina on January 11 at 7pm. There is no charge for this event.  Please attend if you can make it.  This is an opportunity to hear both sides of this very important Read more about Debate: Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown[…]

Will James White Take Dale Tuggy’s Challenge to Debate?

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Yesterday Dale Tuggy challenged James White to debate whether or not the God of the bible is the Trinity on his Trinities podcast (Episode 182: White’s Case for the Trinity–Part 2 at 38:17).  The question is, “Will White accept the challenge?”  If so, he will have to do more than follow his standard approach of Read more about Will James White Take Dale Tuggy’s Challenge to Debate?[…]

Podcast 67: It’s Just War (Debate)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Martin Luther King Jr. day is on Monday, so I thought this would be a good time to replay a phenomenal debate on the question of whether or not Christians should use violence or participate in the military.  Peter Kreeft and J. Daryl Charles defend the classic just war position while David Bercot and Dean Read more about Podcast 67: It’s Just War (Debate)[…]

Top Episodes of 2023

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Happy New Year! It’s been a record-breaking year for Restitutio and we’re so thankful for your participation. In 2023 Restitutio had 52 episodes and 80,486 unique downloads, a growth of 7,273 over last year. This year people downloaded our Early Church History at an amazing rate, resulting in all of the top ten episodes this Read more about Top Episodes of 2023[…]

503 Early Church History 21: The Dual Natures Controversy of the Fifth Century

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 21 of the Early Church History class. In the fifth century Christians waged a theological civil war that ended in a massive church split. The issue was over the dual natures of Christ. How was he both divine and human? Did he have a human soul and a divine soul? Did his Read more about 503 Early Church History 21: The Dual Natures Controversy of the Fifth Century[…]

496 Early Church History 14: Paul of Samosata and Photinus of Sirmium

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 14 of the Early Church History class. We’ve been learning about the controversy over Christ’s origins in the last couple of episodes. This battle raged between groups of Christians who agreed that Jesus pre-existed for sixty years. But today we are taking a break from that and looking instead at the early Read more about 496 Early Church History 14: Paul of Samosata and Photinus of Sirmium[…]

494 Early Church History 12: Arius and Alexander of Alexandria

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 12 of the Early Church History class. Today we begin a two part series on the Christological controversies of the fourth century. Our focus for this episode is the conflict between Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, and his presbyter, Arius. You may be surprised to learn that Arius was not some youthful outsider Read more about 494 Early Church History 12: Arius and Alexander of Alexandria[…]

492 Refuting Samuel Nesan’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part two of a two part series refuting the opening statement of a debate on the question “Is Jesus Yahweh?” This week Brand Duke and I are going to critique Samuel Nesan’s opening statement in his recent debate over the question, “Is Jesus Yahweh?” Nesan has a Master of Christian Studies at Seminari Read more about 492 Refuting Samuel Nesan’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh[…]

491 Refuting Kyle Essary’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part one of a two part series refuting the opening statement of a debate on the question “Is Jesus Yahweh?” This week and next week we are taking a little break from our Early Church History class to do discuss a recent debate about Read more about 491 Refuting Kyle Essary’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh[…]

Top Episodes of 2022

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Happy New Year! It’s been a great year for Restitutio and we’re so thankful for your participation. In 2022 we had 52 episodes and 73,210 unique downloads. Here are the top ten episodes from 2022: 429 Son of David 1: Davidic Covenant (Victor Gluckin) 425 Hell Is the Fire That Consumes (Edward Fudge) 427 Why Read more about Top Episodes of 2022[…]

Why is our universe SO finely tuned to support life?

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is a follow-up discussion to Will Barlow’s Scripture and Science class, parts 6-8. If you haven’t watched or listened to that yet, you can go here or find it on the Restitutio podcast feed as episode 464 on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sean Finnegan asks Will Barlow about light, relativity, quantum theory, the big Read more about Why is our universe SO finely tuned to support life?[…]

446 Resurrection Objection 3: Supernatural Inaccessible? (Aaron Shelenberger)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Have you heard of historiography? Your historiography is the method you employ in doing history. This is especially relevant when the scholars who make the rules for doing history decide to exclude any supernatural events from their historiography. Today, my guest, Aaron Shelenberger, continues his rebuttal to Ehrman’s three main objections to the historicity of Read more about 446 Resurrection Objection 3: Supernatural Inaccessible? (Aaron Shelenberger)[…]

Are we born with a morally corrupt nature? (Sin 2)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Last time in our series on sin, we focused our attention solely on guilt. Is Adam’s guilt imputed to all humanity such that at birth we are condemned? This time we will turn our attention to corruption. Are babies born corrupted? If so, how vitiated are we? We’ll consider three main positions on this question Read more about Are we born with a morally corrupt nature? (Sin 2)[…]

425 Hell Is the Fire That Consumes (Edward Fudge)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

What does the bible say about hell? Though many Christians believe hell is where the wicked suffer eternal conscious torment, this view contradicts dozens of scriptures about the fate of the wicked. In this masterful presentation, hell expert, Edward Fudge, works through not only the bible, but also intertestamental literature and church history to show Read more about 425 Hell Is the Fire That Consumes (Edward Fudge)[…]

Top Episodes of 2021

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Happy New Year! It’s been a great year for Restitutio and we’re so thankful for your participation. In 2021 we had a record-breaking year with 52 episodes and 76,383 unique downloads. Here are the top ten episodes from 2021: Gifts of the Spirit Are Available Today (John Truitt) Introduction – Why Christianity Class (Jerry Wierwille) Read more about Top Episodes of 2021[…]

The Father Is Greater Than I: Exploring Biblical Subordination

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This weekend I am presenting a paper on subordination: the idea that the Father is greater than the Son.  Although this notion may seem obvious to many of us, it is little discussed in mainstream Christianity.  I believe this angle may be the thin edge of the wedge to open up discussion on the Trinity Read more about The Father Is Greater Than I: Exploring Biblical Subordination[…]

367 Excommunicated for My Beliefs (Sam)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Sam who asked me not to use his last name for fear that he will get kicked out of his current church, tells his story of navigating evangelical Christianity as a biblical unitarian. He shares two sad stories of excommunication from a college ministry and a local church. As you might suspect, this harsh treatment Read more about 367 Excommunicated for My Beliefs (Sam)[…]

363 Why God Allows Suffering 2 (Brandon Duke)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

In part one, Brandon Duke laid out some of the important groundwork for thinking about how a good and powerful God might have a world capable of experiencing immense amounts of evil and suffering. In our conversation today, we’ll delve further into the idea of soul-making to explain why suffering like death, damage, decay, and Read more about 363 Why God Allows Suffering 2 (Brandon Duke)[…]

362 Why God Allows Suffering 1 (Brandon Duke)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

If God is so good and powerful, why is there so much evil in our world? Although you might retort, “It’s because humanity fell into sin and we are all suffering the consequences.” Such an answer merely pushes the question back one step, since God is the one who determined just how fallen our world Read more about 362 Why God Allows Suffering 1 (Brandon Duke)[…]

351 Bible 22 – Did Jesus Claim to Be the I AM? (Translating John 8.58)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Did Jesus claim to be “The Great I AM” in John 8.58?  If not, what was he saying?  In this episode we examine the alleged parallel passage in Exodus where God reveals his name to Moses at the burning bush.  Next, we’ll explore texts with the same Greek construction that Jesus used in an effort Read more about 351 Bible 22 – Did Jesus Claim to Be the I AM? (Translating John 8.58)[…]

350 Bible 21 – Firstborn Of or Firstborn Over? (Translating Colossians 1.15)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Colossians 1.15 presents an interesting test case to examine translation bias.  Well-meaning Bible students have taken this text in at least three different ways.  However, some translators, motivated by a fear that readers might see Christ as a member of creation, have increasingly pushed for translating this text so that it says Christ is superior Read more about 350 Bible 21 – Firstborn Of or Firstborn Over? (Translating Colossians 1.15)[…]

344 Bible 15 – Gender in Bible Translation

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Did you know that controversies surrounding how to translate gender in the Bible had a major impact on Bible translation over the last 30 years?  In this episode we’ll briefly overview various feminist movements before examining the NRSV, which proved to be a forerunner for gender inclusive Bible translations.  Next we’ll take a journey through Read more about 344 Bible 15 – Gender in Bible Translation[…]

Bible Translation Sources and Theory

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

In preparation for Restoration Fellowship’s Theological Conference, I began work on a research paper to explain how the process of Bible translation works.  While putting this paper together, I kept coming across important topics that I felt uncomfortable excluding.  Whenever possible I prioritized brevity over thoroughness and still the “paper” grew beyond the 10 page Read more about Bible Translation Sources and Theory[…]

321 Origins of Sin (Kegan Chandler)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Today we are beginning a new series on original sin based on Kegan Chandler’s presentation from last year, entitled, “Origins of Sin: The New Heretics and the Metaphysics of Disobedience.”  I’m excited about this four part series for a couple of reasons.  First off, I’m glad to host a place where we can discuss genuine Read more about 321 Origins of Sin (Kegan Chandler)[…]

307 Foreknowledge and Free Will 5 (Sean Cole Introducing Calvinism)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 5 of our Foreknowledge and Free Will series.  We’ve considered Open Theism and Arminianism and now we are going to begin thinking about Calvinism. This way of conceiving of God’s foreknowledge argues for both exhaustive foreknowledge and meticulous providence. Thus, no one comes to Christ apart from God’s predestination since our natures Read more about 307 Foreknowledge and Free Will 5 (Sean Cole Introducing Calvinism)[…]

306 Foreknowledge and Free Will 4 (Leighton Flowers Defending Arminianism)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 4 of our Foreknowledge and Free Will series.  Last time Dr. Leighton Flowers of the Soteriology101 podcast laid out his commitment to both God’s complete knowledge of all future events as well as humanity’s ability to freely choose.  Rather than explaining philosophically how that is possible, he suggested that we do not Read more about 306 Foreknowledge and Free Will 4 (Leighton Flowers Defending Arminianism)[…]

305 Foreknowledge and Free Will 3 (Leighton Flowers Introducing Arminianism)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

We are now in part 3 of our Foreknowledge and Free Will series.  We’ve considered Open Theism–the idea that God’s foreknowledge is limited to what he plans to do as well as what he can ascertain from past and present conditions.  In a couple of weeks we’ll examine Calvinism, which holds that God not only Read more about 305 Foreknowledge and Free Will 3 (Leighton Flowers Introducing Arminianism)[…]

303 Foreknowledge and Free Will 1 (Dale Tuggy Introducing Open Theism)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Today we are beginning an exciting new series on one of the most interesting ongoing controversies within Christian theology.  Does God have exhaustive foreknowledge of the future?  Does he know everything that is going to happen before it happens?  If so, what does that mean for human free will?  What are the various options within Read more about 303 Foreknowledge and Free Will 1 (Dale Tuggy Introducing Open Theism)[…]

Mike Licona vs. Richard Howe on Innerancy

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Have you ever wondered about differences between the Gospels?  Thinking Christians have employed a variety of strategies to explain them.  In this debate, Mike Licona, author of Why Are There Differences in the Gospels, presents his theory that the differences are merely the result of compositional devices commonly employed by ancient biographers.  Richard Howe offers Read more about Mike Licona vs. Richard Howe on Innerancy[…]

Interview 54 Beating Guns (Shane Claiborne and Mike Martin)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Last Saturday while I was attending a Christian festival in Ohio, a 21 year-old man entered a Walmart in El Paso, TX and murdered 22 people, injuring 24 more, making it the 7th deadliest shooting in modern US history.  What’s so crazy about this, is that walking into a huge store like Walmart and shooting Read more about Interview 54 Beating Guns (Shane Claiborne and Mike Martin)[…]

Theology 18 — Atonement Theories

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Last time we looked at the major categories the scriptures use to answer the question, “Why did Jesus die?”  This time, we’ll take a journey through church history, making stops along the way to see how our forebearers have made sense of the crucifixion of our Lord. You’ll learn about these seven theories: Ransom Christus Read more about Theology 18 — Atonement Theories[…]

Theology 13 – Jesus, God’s Supreme Representative

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Although later Christianity interpreted the handful of texts that call Jesus God as evidence that he shared the same rank, substance, and age as the Father, a more Hebrew-sensitive reading of these same verses yields more organic fruit.  Instead of bringing in complex Greek philosophy to distinguish person from being and divine from human natures, Read more about Theology 13 – Jesus, God’s Supreme Representative[…]

Theology 8 — Challenging Annihilationism

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Today we’ll take a look at a number of confusing scriptures that seem to indicate that hell is a place where the wicked are consciously tormented forever.  We’ll look at texts that talk about weeping and gnashing of teeth as well as the how the worm will not die nor the fire be quenched.  We’ll Read more about Theology 8 — Challenging Annihilationism[…]

Theology 7 — Annihilationism

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

What is the destiny of the unrighteous?  Christians over the centuries have put forward three major options: eternal conscious torment (traditionalism), temporary torment followed by salvation (universalism), temporary torment followed by destruction (annihilationism).  In this lecture we’ll cover the main texts supporting the annihilation of the wicked as well as three logical problems with the Read more about Theology 7 — Annihilationism[…]

162 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 4

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

We continue our refutation of Michael Brown’s opening statement by addressing a whole smattering of texts, including Isaiah 9.6, John 20.28, Colossians 2.9, 2 Peter 1.1, Romans 9.5, and 1 John 5.20. We explain and debunk Brown’s unusual singular verb argument from 1 Thess 3.13, 2 Thess 2.16-17, and Rev 22.3-4. We briefly touch upon Read more about 162 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 4[…]

161 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 3

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

We continue our refutation of Michael Brown’s opening statement by addressing some alleged pre-existence texts in John 17.5, John 12.41, Philippians 2.6-11, and Matthew 23.37.  (See previous episodes here.)  Lastly we spend some considerable time working through Hebrews 1, giving special attention to verses 8 and 10.  To help you follow along, here is the Read more about 161 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 3[…]

160 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 2

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

In this episode we tackle the next chunk of Michael Brown’s opening statement in the recent Trinity debate.  We address his argument that since God’s words remain forever and Christ’s words remain forever, they must be the same (cf. Mat 24.35 vs. Isaiah 40.7-8).  Next we briefly explain the grammatical issues related to Titus 2.13 Read more about 160 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 2[…]

159 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 1

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Jerry Wierwille and I systematically refute Michael Brown’s problematic case for the deity of Christ in his recent debate with Dale Tuggy. Due to the number of texts Brown crammed into his opening statement, this will have to be a multipart series. In this episode we Read more about 159 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 1[…]

Paul’s Teaching on Enemies

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Outside of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12 is the most direct teaching on how we as Christians should treat our enemies. Romans 12.14-21 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony Read more about Paul’s Teaching on Enemies[…]

Interview 42 Christian Solidarity vs. Polarizing Politics (Kenneth Laprade)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Kenneth LaPrade lives in El Paso, Texas, on the border between the United States and Mexico.  His wife is Mexican and many of the folks in his house church are from Mexico.  In such a context, immigration is always a touchy subject, but lately some Christians have baptized certain political rhetoric and presented it as Read more about Interview 42 Christian Solidarity vs. Polarizing Politics (Kenneth Laprade)[…]

150 What Is Hell? (John Cortright)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Last week we examined what the bible teaches about heaven. This week we’ll see what it says about hell. John Cortright explains there are three meanings of hell in scripture, including tartarus where fallen angels are temporarily imprisoned, hades/sheol where the dead remain until resurrection, and gehenna where the wicked are destroyed in the final Read more about 150 What Is Hell? (John Cortright)[…]

149 Heaven’s for the Birds (Sean Finnegan)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

What is heaven? Throughout the bible we find different layers of meaning, including (1) heaven as sky, (2) heaven as God’s throne, and (3) heaven as God’s realm or dimension. Although heaven is a reality, it is not where we go when we die. Rather the bible teaches that the dead are asleep until the Read more about 149 Heaven’s for the Birds (Sean Finnegan)[…]

142 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 6: Perseverance of the Saints

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 6 of the Calvinism Debate Can you lose your salvation?  If God saves someone, will they always persevere?  What about people who leave the church?  These are important questions and they are at the heart of this last discussion on Calvinism.  Blake affirms that after regeneration, absolutely nothing can separate someone from Read more about 142 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 6: Perseverance of the Saints[…]

141 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 5: Irresistible Grace

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 5 of the Calvinism Debate When God calls you, can you say, “No?” According to Calvinism, God’s grace is irresistible, meaning when he determines to save someone, he always achieves his goal. In other words, his call is always effectual.  On the other side, Arminianism teaches that God offers grace, but people Read more about 141 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 5: Irresistible Grace[…]

140 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 4: Limited Atonement

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 4 of the Calvinism Debate Did Jesus die to make it possible for anyone to be saved or did he only die for the elect? In this discussion between Blake Cortright and Jacob Rohrer, they discuss this important issue and how it relates to evangelism. Blake affirms limited atonement while Jacob argues Read more about 140 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 4: Limited Atonement[…]

139 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 3: Unconditional Election

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 3 of the Calvinism Debate Does God predestine everyone who will ever be saved before they’re even born?  Blake affirms that not only does God choose whom he will save in eternity past, but he did so without regard to any conditions or qualities of what these people will do.  Jacob denies, Read more about 139 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 3: Unconditional Election[…]

138 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 2: Total Depravity

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 2 of the Calvinism Debate Just how fallen are we? What does it mean to be dead in trespasses and sins? Are we so depraved and mired in sin that we cannot even have faith in God? Blake Cortright says answers, “Yes.” Unless God quickens us through his spirit, we are innately Read more about 138 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 2: Total Depravity[…]

137 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 1: Introduction

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This is part 1 of the Calvinism Debate Today we begin an extended series on Calvinism and Arminianism.  For those of you not familiar, Calvinism, named after John Calvin (d. 1564), holds that God sovereignly chooses and effectually saves all whom he decides to save based on his predestined will whereas Arminianism, named for Jacobus Read more about 137 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 1: Introduction[…]

Is Matthew 28.19 a Forgery?

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Introduction Tucked away at the end of the Gospel of Matthew is the great commission. It reads, “Therefore, go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit” (Mat 28.19). Oftentimes modalists and unitarians question the validity of this verse because of its trinitarian Read more about Is Matthew 28.19 a Forgery?[…]

Off Script 43: Can Christians Use Non-Lethal Violence? (Q&A)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

  This is our second answer in our series on responding to your questions and comments.  In Off Script 38: Killing in War: A Christian View of Violence, we discussed whether it is appropriate for Christians to participate in war, concluding that Jesus’ command to love our enemies means that Christians should not kill others.  Read more about Off Script 43: Can Christians Use Non-Lethal Violence? (Q&A)[…]

132 Twentieth Century American Christianity (Five Hundred 15)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

In this last episode of our 500 class, we’ll cover a bunch of 20th century American groups including Christian Science, the Evangelicals, Plymouth Brethren, Pentecostals, Calvary Chapel, Vineyard Churches, Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Way International, the Worldwide Church of God, Scientology, the Moonies, and Megachurches (Rick Warren, Craig Groeschel, and Joel Osteen).  It’s a Read more about 132 Twentieth Century American Christianity (Five Hundred 15)[…]

126 Dissidents in Britain (Five Hundred 10)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Learn about the dissident groups in Britain in the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Puritans, Baptists, Quakers, and Unitarians. In addition, Sean Kelly presents a vignette of John Biddle’s life and influence. This is lecture 10 of a history of Christianity class called Five Hundred: From Martin Luther to Joel Osteen. All the notes Read more about 126 Dissidents in Britain (Five Hundred 10)[…]

124 Asian Christianity with Matthew Elton (Five Hundred 8)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Did you know that Christianity spread to Asia in the first century?  At one time the Church of the East was bigger than the Roman Catholic Church.  Although often overlooked, this part of the world is critical to our understanding Christianity in the last five hundred years.  Our guest lecturer, Matthew Elton, guides us through Read more about 124 Asian Christianity with Matthew Elton (Five Hundred 8)[…]

Off Script 38: Killing in War: A Christian View of Violence

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Is war ever justified?  If so, can Christians participate in killing?  In this episode we delve into a sensitive and controversial subject to figure out what the bible has to teach us about how we should treat our enemies.  Our aim here is not be provocative, but faithful to what our lord taught us.  Here Read more about Off Script 38: Killing in War: A Christian View of Violence[…]

118 Zwingli and the Swiss Anabaptists (Five Hundred 3)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Learn about the Swiss Reformation, spearheaded by Ulrich Zwingli in Zurich as well as the formation of the sect of Anabaptists known as the Swiss Brethren, including Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, and George Blaurock. Key events covered in this episode include: 1519 Ulrich Zwingli begins Reformation in Zurich 1529 Zwingli and Luther part ways over Read more about 118 Zwingli and the Swiss Anabaptists (Five Hundred 3)[…]

Off Script 35: Killing Yourself: A Christian View of Suicide

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

On average, 121 people commit suicide per day in America. It is now the tenth leading cause of death in this country.  In this episode we discuss this phenomenon and seek to understand what the bible can teach us about this subject.  In addition, we wrestle with a number of hard questions about suicide such Read more about Off Script 35: Killing Yourself: A Christian View of Suicide[…]

117 Luther and Calvin (Five Hundred 2)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

In this episode, you’ll get a brief introduction to the contributions of Martin Luther and John Calvin to the initiation and spread of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, including these events: 1505 Martin Luther becomes a monk 1517 Martin Luther nails 95 Theses on Wittenberg church door 1524-5 Peasants War 1536 John Calvin Read more about 117 Luther and Calvin (Five Hundred 2)[…]

Off Script 34: Killing the Unborn (A Christian View of Abortion)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Today we are beginning a new series on life and death, in which we’ll consider abortion, suicide, euthanasia, and capital punishment.  Our goal is to address each topic from a biblical framework in order to arrive at a Christian position.  At the outset, I’ll admit that we don’t know everything and could be wrong, so Read more about Off Script 34: Killing the Unborn (A Christian View of Abortion)[…]

Interview 25: Studying the Trinity, Discovering God Is One (Sean Holbrook)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Sean Holbrook was attending a typical evangelical church when he heard a series of sermons teaching the Trinity.  Ironically, these very messages, designed to bolster faith in the doctrine, ended up inspiring Holbrook to question the age old dogma.  As a result, he set out to study the topic more and watched James White debates Read more about Interview 25: Studying the Trinity, Discovering God Is One (Sean Holbrook)[…]

91: Jeremy Bowders Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

While working in a casket factory as an upholsterer, one day Jeremy Bowders reflected on the fact that he would be in one eventually. He began asking the big questions about his life’s purpose. He began reading the bible and became a Christian. In the course of researching open theism, he read an article by Read more about 91: Jeremy Bowders Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]

Restorationist Manifesto

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Presented at the 26th Theological Conference on May 18, 2017 Sponsored by Restoration Fellowship by Sean Finnegan The information age has opened up incredible opportunities to understand Christianity better.  With unprecedented and unrestricted access to disparate religious perspectives, sincere bible students have been increasingly questioning the typical doctrinal packages offered by many Christian groups today.  Read more about Restorationist Manifesto[…]

Interview 19: Spiritual Disciplines (Blake Cortright)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

What spiritual disciplines do you practice?  We’re all familiar with reading our bibles and prayer, but there’s so much more available.  In this interview, Blake Cortright guides us through his own journey into discovering ancient Christian disciplines that can help us today, including prayer, fasting, meditation, bible study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, Read more about Interview 19: Spiritual Disciplines (Blake Cortright)[…]

Podcast 83: Questions about Gay and Lesbian Christians

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

In the last episode (Boundaries for Same-Sex Attraction), we looked at what the bible says about same-sex attraction.  In this one, we consider seven important questions about gay and lesbian Christians: How should same-sex attracted Christians think of themselves? Isn’t the Christian sexual ethic harmful to gays and lesbians? Is having same-sex feelings a sin? Read more about Podcast 83: Questions about Gay and Lesbian Christians[…]

Top 5 Off Script Episodes of 2016

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Off Script is a series of round table discussions with Rose Rider, Daniel Fitzsimmons, and Sean Finnegan, focusing on practical Christian thinking. Here are the top five Off Script podcast episodes from 2016.* 1 Should Christians Watch Horror Movies? [168 Downloads] Horror movies inspire fear, causing our hearts to beat faster and our adrenaline to Read more about Top 5 Off Script Episodes of 2016[…]

Podcast 62: Is the New Testament Trustworthy? (Apologetics 12)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Apologetics 12: New Testament Trustworthiness For the New Testament we can employ several of the same lines of reasoning as the Old Testament, though there are a couple more to consider like internal evidence and messianic prophecies that help bolster the case. Furthermore, many people’s lives have been changed by reading and believing the words Read more about Podcast 62: Is the New Testament Trustworthy? (Apologetics 12)[…]

Off Script 16: Christians Discussing Politics

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

This election cycle American political discourse has sunk to a new low.  Rather than presenting facts and offering persuasive arguments based on policies, we’ve seen a whole slew of false claims and personal attacks.  The exchanges between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have been so caustic and shameful that when I discovered my ten year-old Read more about Off Script 16: Christians Discussing Politics[…]

Hospitality and Evangelism

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

When is the last time you had a non-Christian over for dinner?  Although the bible repeatedly tells us to show hospitality to the stranger, we rarely apply that to those outside the household of faith.  However, if you think of hospitality as a way to develop friendships with unbelievers and live out your Christianity authentically Read more about Hospitality and Evangelism[…]

Why Did Jesus Die? (Paper for 2016 Theological Conference)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Why Did Jesus Die? Exploring the Multifaceted Biblical Doctrine of the Atonement from a Biblical Unitarian Perspective Presented at Restoration Fellowship’s 25th Theological Conference in Hampton, GA on April 29, 2016 by Sean Finnegan (restitutio.org) Here is the PDF Abstract In part one, I categorize and summarize what the New Testament documents say about the Read more about Why Did Jesus Die? (Paper for 2016 Theological Conference)[…]

Podcast 18: Eternal Security: Steve Gregg vs. Tom Morris

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Steve Gregg vs. Tom Morris Once you become saved can you lose your salvation?  Listen to this debate to hear both sides of this important question.  Admittedly, the debate does seem to be a bit of a mismatch, since Gregg is extremely well prepared and Morris could not answer many of Gregg’s points.  Even so, Read more about Podcast 18: Eternal Security: Steve Gregg vs. Tom Morris[…]

Podcast 15: A Theology of Nonviolence (Sean Finnegan)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Here’s the original paper in pdf form. I presented this talk at the 18th Theological Conference held near Atlanta, GA.  In it I present a case for the radical practice of loving our enemies.  Whether you believe Christians can and should use violence to defend themselves or others or if you think more along the Read more about Podcast 15: A Theology of Nonviolence (Sean Finnegan)[…]

Jesus Is God: Exploring the Notion of Representational Deity

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Sean Finnegan (Restitutio.org) Presented June 2008 One God Seminar, Seattle, Washington Sponsored by the Association for Christian Development Isn’t it interesting how one statement can be shocking and controversial in one setting and totally mundane in another? For example, if someone came into a room of NASCAR enthusiasts and said, “Racing is so boring to Read more about Jesus Is God: Exploring the Notion of Representational Deity[…]

Looking For the Historical Jesus between Evangelical and Liberal Scholarship

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

by Sean Finnegan My Conundrum I entered the mammoth façade of my local Barnes and Noble and found my feet carrying me directly to the Christianity section. Once at my destination, I stood before the familiar shelves, half filled with what I call “real” books and the other half, “inspirational.” I cocked my head to Read more about Looking For the Historical Jesus between Evangelical and Liberal Scholarship[…]

The Story Behind The Comma Johanneum (1 John 5.7)

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

by Sean Finnegan The most Trinitarian verse in the Bible is found in 1 John 5.7 where the text reads “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”[1] Recently in conversation with an acquaintance, I was challenged to accept the doctrine Read more about The Story Behind The Comma Johanneum (1 John 5.7)[…]

Rejecting the Kingdom 3: Too Jewish

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

by Sean Finnegan Why do so nearly all Christians today believe that the people of God will spend eternity living in heaven with God? Although the bible clearly and in many places teaches just the opposite, one is hard-pressed to find any Christians who believe that God intends to fix the planet rather than evacuate Read more about Rejecting the Kingdom 3: Too Jewish[…]

Rejecting the Kingdom 1: Too Crude

Posted on by Sean Finnegan

Presented at the 2013 Theological Conference Sponsored by Restoration Fellowship by Sean Finnegan From the earliest days of Jesus’ Jewish apocalypticism to Augustine’s authoritative City of God, early Christians have held a variety of views about the final home of God’s people. Already in middle of the second century, Justin Martyr reports Christians held opposing Read more about Rejecting the Kingdom 1: Too Crude[…]

Podcast Information

The Restitutio podcast includes bible teachings, class lectures, theology presentations, revival sermons, discussions, debates, and interviews–all to aid you in your quest to restore and live out authentic Christianity in the 21st century! Subscribe to the main podcast feed and your device will automatically download new episodes when they come out. Here are some of Read more about Podcast Information[…]