Ezra Institute Debates - Video

The idea of structural oppression and the need to be liberated from it is not new. It is a religious motive, with its own doctrine of God, man, sin, and redemption. It has taken specific aim at the evisceration of Christianized culture, and it has recurred again and again, especially since the French Revolution.

When it comes to human culture, the question is not whether we will shape culture, but what kind of culture will we cultivate. That is to say, as image-bearers of God, we are inescapably cultural creatures. We have been placed in this world as in a garden, to tend, develop and care for it.

Joe Boot explains how intellectuals are informed by one worldview or another, which always underlies their efforts to account for either physical or social phenomena, informing the solutions they offer.

As image-bearers of God, human beings occupy a privileged place within creation. The wonder of man is that he occupies a kingly position as the religious center of the temporal cosmos. Christ Jesus emphasized the central place of man not only by His own incarnation, but by the relative value he placed on human beings and the responsibility we have to care for and cultivate other parts of creation.

At the 2021 Runner Academy, Joe Boot and faculty introduce the work and reformational vision of Evan Runner, and respond to delegates' live questions on law, politics, theology, and the Canadian justice system.

Scripture clearly connects the activities of creation and redemption as a unified totality in Jesus Christ, pointing to the ultimate destiny of redeemed humanity in resurrection life. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul affirms that all things in the entire cosmos, visible and invisible, including all powers and authorities, both heavenly and earthly, were created through and for Christ. Nothing exists by itself or for itself – including man – but consists in an unbreakable coherence with all other things by virtue of creation.

The biblical command to love our neighbour is one of the most frequently repeated sentiments, used by both believers and unbelievers. But it is important to understand the command to love in its proper context of the law of God, otherwise we risk reducing love to an elastic term that we can fill with whatever content we want.

The good news of the gospel message has profound consequences beyond personal salvation. The gospel is the power of God to extend His Kingdom rule over residential schools, closed churches, and godless legislation.

In this workshop session originally delivered to Christian medical professionals, Joe Boot explains the full scope of the meaning of health, and what the gospel of Jesus Christ means for the health of society.

Joe Boot explains the importance to culture of a uniquely Christian approach to education, and the role of education in planning for and shaping the future.

In this episode we discuss Bill C10, along with some of the foundational cultural assumptions and commitments that brought us to this point. Joe Boot explains why freedom of communication is a gospel issue.

John Calvin was referred to as the theologian of the Holy Spirit, and many who follow his theology would benefit from a greater appreciation of the power and role of the Holy Spirit in the world and the life of the believer.

Joe Boot explains the connection between work, culture, and healing in the Christian vision of reality, and the importance of the balance between work and rest in life and in healthcare.

Our true character is shown when we are put under pressure. In order to respond to the needs of our time with faithful Christian action, we must first be established in a faithful Christian mind.

Economic life, like every other area of life, is motivated by inescapably religious assumptions. As the people of God, it is important that we cultivate a biblical set of economic assumptions. In this week's episode, Joe Boot addresses a class at Regent University on the question of justice and economics.

The great need of our generation is the recovery of a uniquely Christian mind, which will include a thoroughly Christian approach to language. In our minds, speech, and action we are to be submitted to the authority of Jesus, the Word of God.

How do we balance bad news with a confidence in the victory of the gospel, and how should a Christian live and work in this climate?

The idea of ultimate authority is an inescapable concept, which is clearly on display in our vision of politics. Any claim to authority rests on an idea of sovereignty - it all depends which god you believe in.

We return to the second half of our interview with Jonathan Burnside, discussing the concept of humble government, beginning with the understanding that the earthly king is himself under a higher law and Sovereign. Music graciously provided by Jacob Moon. Get Joe Boot’s book, The Mission of God.

Tim Dieppe is Ezra Institute Fellow for Public Policy and Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern. He joins us to discuss the recent landmark victory for freedom of the church in Scotland and the historic relationship of church and state.