In this Theology Lab episode Greg and Scott talk to Brad East, theology professor at Abilene Christian University. Brad recently published (September/October 2025) an article in Christianity Today called 'The Way We Debate Atonement Is a Mess.' It tracks why some people love penal substitutionary atonement (PSA), why some are harshly critical of this idea of salvation, and then steps back and asks how we can have a better conversation. Greg, Scott and Brad get into a host of other conversations about the Bible and interpreting Scripture and theology, like whether penal substitution could ever become the definitive expression of salvation or whether there is something so mysterious about the cross and resurrection of Jesus that defies a singular explanation.

Check out Brad's article at CT here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/penal-substitutionary-atonement-debate-theology/

Also, Brad recently published the book, Letters to a Future Saint, available here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802883872/letters-to-a-future-saint/

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

In this Scripture & Tradition Theology Lab episode (podcast version only!), Theology Lab's host Scott Rice shares a sermon relevant to this series. The sermon is on engaging the challenging parts of the book of Revelation, Scripture's final book that contains images of wild beasts, great destruction and cosmic warfare. Perhaps more difficult than some of this imagery is the portrayal of retributive justice and vengeance, the culmination of a much awaited new creation through violence and bloodshed. How should we understand these different elements of Revelation? Can a wider reading of Scripture or a perspective on the incarnation of Jesus, also an important theme in Revelation, assist us? Scott explores these questions and more -- all in hopes of reading sacred Scripture to become more like Christ, discern God's will, and become a people of greater hope in what God will do.

#revelation #scripture #theology

Learn more about Riverwalk church (Brookline, MA) here: https://riverwalkboston.church/

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

In this Theology Lab podcast Bible scholar, author of Reading While Black, and Holy Post podcast host Esau McCaulley invites us to read the Bible through the lens of ethnic and cultural diversity, showing how Scripture speaks powerfully into today’s conversations on race, identity, and justice. What does it mean to bring your whole cultural self to the task of Bible interpretation? McCaulley invites viewers to embrace a more inclusive, faithful approach to biblical study—one rooted in the rich traditions of the global church. If you’re interested in Christian faith, reading the Bible, and exploring how theology and diversity intersect, this video offers fresh insight and deep encouragement.

Check out this edited volume, a biblical commentary, on the New Testament here: https://www.ivpress.com/the-new-testament-in-color

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more on faith, Scripture, and cultural identity. #EsauMcCaulley #BibleInColor #BibleStudy #TheologicalLearning

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

Here's the introduction episode, with some exciting teasers, from Theology Lab's Scripture and Tradition series. Episodes will come out at least every other week. This series is meant to help us think about how we approach the Bible, deal with challenges in Scripture reflect on questions like ethnicity, race, sexuality and gender, and more when it comes to reading the Bible and thinking theologically. The work of Theology Lab, an offering of Highrock church, is about furthering a more nuanced and curious faith. Check out more with Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

Theology Lab's 2025/26 discussion series! Learn more/Register: Deliver Us From Evil: Faith In the Face of Human Suffering

https://www.highrock.org/theologylab/theology-lab-2025?mc_cid=aba046ddd1&mc_eid=30ec3d28f8

This year’s Theology Lab – Deliver Us From Evil – features Dominique Gilliard, Tim Mackie, Nicholas Kristof, Kaitlyn Scheiss, Russell Moore, Janette Ok, Willie Jennings, Munther Isaac, Miroslav Volf, Matthew Ichihashi Potts, Mary Speta, Drew Jackson, Brian McLaren, and Yi-An Huang! This free online series, open to individuals, groups and churches, reflects on Scripture, theological questions, and what faithful responses to suffering might look like.

The series runs live, is free, and is open to all individuals, groups, and churches.

Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

💬 Faith and Family Conflict: Patriarchy, Guns, and more with Kellie Carter Jackson (Wellesley College, author of We Refuse) & Edward Jackson (instructor and owner of 333 Jiu Jitsu). In this honest and powerful conversation, Kellie Carter Jackson and Edward Jackson (brother-and-sister-in-law) dive into the real-life tensions many Christians face around faith and family conflict. From disagreements over patriarchy, guns and gun ownership, and political divides, to navigating tough topics with love and wisdom, this video offers a nuanced, faith-based approach to handling difficult relationships. Rooted in biblical principles, theological learning, and curious faith, this discussion is perfect for anyone exploring how to engage family and faith with both conviction and compassion. If you're interested in Christian faith, the Bible, and how to have hard conversations about gender roles, topics like family values, this video offers practical insight and spiritual encouragement.

Youtube version of this conversation: https://youtu.be/4yOq1RWGQzY

Check out Kellie's book, We Refuse: https://www.kelliecarterjackson.com/books

Edward Jackson's studio: https://www.333jiujitsu.com/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more content on faith, family, and meaningful conversations. #FaithAndFamily #ChristianFaith #gunownership

Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

How should Christians engage with the pro-life and pro-choice conversation in a way that reflects both faith and reason alongside reference to the Bible and theology? In this video, we explore different Christian perspectives on this deeply personal and ethical issue, considering how Scripture, theology, and science shape beliefs. Rather than reinforcing division, we seek a thoughtful, compassionate approach that moves beyond the usual arguments. Can people of faith find common ground? How do science, ethics, and biblical interpretation influence these views? If you're interested in Christian faith, open-minded theological discussions, and ethical questions, this video is for you. Join the conversation as we navigate faith, morality, and complex ethical issues with grace and understanding.

📚 Check out Mako's book: https://wipfandstock.com/978172527189...

👀 Elizabeth is the director of the Boston Faith & Justice Network. Check out their resources here:

https://www.bostonfaithjustice.org/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more discussions on faith, theology, and nuanced Christian conversations!

#ChristianFaith #ProLife #ProChoice

Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

This Theology Lab video looks at what it means to be Gay and Christian from two different views. Moreover, it considers what friendship and church looks like across differences. In this respectful and thoughtful conversation, authors and faith leaders Sally Gary and Gregory Coles share two distinct perspectives on LGBTQ+ identity, Christian faith, and the Bible. This video is ideal for those exploring theological learning, curious faith, and more nuanced conversations around sexuality within the church. Perfect for folks looking for a different kind of conversation being gay, Christianity, and the church, or those looking to engage Scripture and identity with honesty, compassion, and depth. If you're navigating questions of faith, sexuality and how two thoughtful Christians who care about the Bible and deep thinking life speak into these topics, this video offers a space for thoughtful reflection and respectful dialogue.

Check out Greg's book, Single, Gay Christian: https://www.gregorycoles.com/book-single-gay-christian/

Check out Sally's book, Affirming: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467460880/affirming/

Check out Sally's organization: https://www.centerpeace.net/about

#GayAndChristian #LGBTQ

Learn more about Theology Lab at www.highrock.org/theologylab

Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.