Mid-America Reformed Seminary

This episode looks into the historical 1924 controversy over "common grace" that led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Church. Our hosts explore how Abraham Kuyper's theological concepts, brought from the Netherlands to America, sparked significant debate within the Christian Reformed Church. They examine the three points of common grace adopted by the CRC Synod of Kalamazoo and why figures like Herman Hoeksema rejected these principles. The conversation touches on the theological nuances between different Dutch terms for grace, the complex relationship between common grace and antithesis, and how these concepts have been applied (and sometimes misapplied) in engaging with culture and scholarship over the past century.

In this episode of Marscast, Dr. Andrew Compton is joined by colleagues Dr. J. Mark Beach and alumnus and pastor Rev. Steve Swets to explore the theological concept of common grace. They unpack various definitions of common grace, distinguish it from saving grace, and analyze how Scripture uses terms for "grace" in both narrow and broader contexts. Through their scholarly yet accessible discussion, they highlight how Reformed theology reconciles God's goodness toward all creation with a robust doctrine of human depravity.

In this episode, Jared Luttjeboer interviews alumnus and pastor Rev. Harold Miller. He takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the church's most quiet yet important ministries: pastoral visitation. Drawing from years of pastoral experience, Miller reveals the deep theological significance of visiting congregants in hospitals, nursing homes, and even prisons. More than just a courtesy call, these visits represent Christ's love in action—a shepherding practice that extends far beyond the walls of the church.

In this episode, host Jared and Pastor Richard Zekveld explore the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and its practical implications. They discuss how Christ's blood and Spirit work together in cleansing believers, the distinction between receiving the Spirit at conversion versus ongoing filling, and finding assurance amid doubt. Pastor Zekveld shares insights on experiencing the Spirit's presence through ordinary means of grace while offering practical wisdom for cultivating Spirit-led ministry that avoids both neglect and excess.

In this final installment of MARSCAST's Part 2 series on Christian nationalism, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with Dr. Alan Strange to explore a crucial question: Is Christian nationalism the answer for Christians seeking to engage with culture and politics, or is there a better way? Dr. Strange offers a thoughtful examination of how Christians should approach political engagement in a pluralistic society, arguing that judgment must begin within the church itself before attempting to transform the broader culture. He challenges listeners to consider whether our confessional standards provide sufficient guidance for today's complex cultural landscape, while emphasizing the primacy of seeking God's kingdom first in all aspects of life. Join the conversation as we consider what it truly means to seek first the kingdom of God in an ever-polarized world.

In this second installment of our series on Christian nationalism, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with Dr. Alan Strange, Interim President of Mid-America Reformed Seminary and Professor of Church History, to examine Doug Wilson's distinctive approach to Christian nationalism. Dr. Strange unpacks Wilson's "theocratic libertarian" vision as presented in his book "Mere Christendom," contrasting it with Stephen Wolfe's natural law perspective. The conversation explores how Wilson's theonomic framework leads him to assert that "theocracy is inevitable" while advocating for the elimination of government agencies and the enforcement of biblical law in civil society. The discussion also looks into the controversial Antioch Declaration, Wilson's public stance against anti-Semitic and fascist elements within the broader Christian nationalist movement, and the resulting tensions with younger figures in the movement.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange explores Stephen Wolfe's perspective on Christian nationalism. Dr. Strange examines Wolfe's approach as outlined in his book "The Case for Christian Nationalism," explaining how Wolfe draws from 16th and 17th-century theologians while decontextualizing their views for modern application. The discussion looks into the evolving understanding of church-state relations throughout Protestant history, highlighting the critical differences between historical Protestant political theory and Wolfe's modern interpretation, as well as the emerging tensions between Wolfe and other Christian nationalist voices like Doug Wilson.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange returns to explore the complex and contentious topic of Christian nationalism. Building on a previous series, Dr. Strange sets out to examine the current landscape of Christian nationalism, particularly focusing on the tensions between different camps within the movement. Dr. Strange also takes a critical look at Andrew Torba and Andrew Isker's book on Christian nationalism while addressing the broader questions about faith, politics, and the relationship between Christianity and nationalist ideologies.

In this fourth installment exploring John Calvin's teachings on the Christian life, Dr. J. Mark Beach examines Calvin's practical wisdom on how believers should engage with the present world and its blessings. Drawing from Book 3, Chapter 10 of Calvin's Institutes, Dr. Beach unpacks Calvin's balanced approach between asceticism and excess, showing how Christians can properly enjoy God's good gifts while maintaining spiritual focus and faithful stewardship.

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues exploring John Calvin's insights on Christian living from his seminal work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Focusing on the themes of cross-bearing and meditation on the future life, he discusses Calvin's theological understanding of how believers should navigate life's challenges and maintain a spiritual perspective, and further un-packs Calvin's nuanced view of suffering, explaining how trials are not punishments but opportunities for spiritual growth, humility, and deeper trust in God.

What books should aspiring seminary students read to prepare for their theological education? In this episode from the archives, Dr. J. Mark Beach and Dr. Andrew Compton discuss recommended reading for future seminarians, from foundational works like Machen's Christianity and Liberalism to comprehensive Bible surveys. They share personal experiences with influential books that shaped their own theological journeys and offer practical advice about building a theological library on a budget.

Today, we're diving deep into an essential topic from our archives: systematic theology. This episode features a roundtable discussion with some of our faculty members—Dr. Cornelis Venema, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Dr. Alan Strange, and Dr. Andrew Compton—exploring why systematic theology is not just relevant but vital for ministry and the life of the church. Whether you're a pastor, a student, or someone passionate about theology, this conversation is sure to challenge and inspire you.

As we listen to another episode from the archives, we'll explore the concept of natural law – a topic with deep roots in Christian and non-Christian traditions. When this first of 3 episodes aired several years ago, Drs. Marcus Mininger, J. Mark Beach, Alan Strange, and Andrew Comp-ton discussed how natural law relates to God's moral law, its role in civil society, and its relationship to special revelation. Drawing from Reformed thinkers like John Calvin and key biblical passages like Romans 1 and 2, they'll examine how natural law functions in Christian and non-Christian contexts while considering important questions about its use and limitations in our contemporary world.

Throughout the month of January, we're reaching back into our archives, and today, we're bringing you something special - the very first faculty roundtable discussion ever recorded at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. In this groundbreaking episode from 2019, our faculty tackles the important pastoral question of the salvation of infants of believers, examining Article 1.17 of the Canons of Dort and its lasting relevance for Reformed churches today. Contributors include Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Dr. Andrew Compton, Dr. Cornelis Venema, and Dr. J. Mark Beach.

In this final episode of 2024, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues his exploration of John Calvin's insights on the Christian life and, more particularly, the concept of self-denial. Drawing from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Dr. Beach unpacks what it truly means to deny oneself—both in relation to our neighbors and to God. Calvin presents a challenging vision of Christian living: a life marked by humility, love, and a radical reorientation away from self-centeredness. How do we esteem others above ourselves? What does it mean to resign our possessions and will to God's purpose? Dr. Beach guides us through Calvin's theological landscape, offering rich insights into taking up our cross and finding grace in our human frailty.

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach joins us to unpack John Calvin's insights on the essence of the Christian life from his seminal work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Drawing from Book 3, chapters 6-10, Dr. Beach centers on Calvin's thoughts on self-denial, where he'll challenge us to move beyond nominal Christianity to a genuine faith. Calvin's teachings remind us that the Christian life is not about perfection but about continuous surrender, loving righteousness, and conforming ourselves to Christ's image. At the end of the day, we'll learn what it means to truly deny ourselves and live not for our own interests, but for God's glory.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange examines more forerunners of the Reformation, focusing on key figures like John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and Erasmus. The discussion with host Jared Luttjeboer explores these reformers' revolutionary ideas challenging the medieval Catholic Church, including critiques of church authority, biblical interpretation, and clerical corruption. Dr. Strange also highlights Wycliffe's groundbreaking assertion of Scripture as the sole criterion of doctrine, Hus's continuation of Wycliffe's reformist teachings, and Erasmus's critical yet nuanced approach to church reform.

In this episode, join host Jared Luttjeboer and Dr. Alan Strange as they embark on a new chapter exploring the forerunners of the Reformation. Together, they examine how this monumental movement reshaped the church and the world, dissecting debates about whether it marked the end of the Middle Ages or the beginning of the modern era. Along the way, they delve into the cultural, political, and spiritual factors that set the stage for the Reformation, shedding light on its impact.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange explores the theological contributions of Thomas Aquinas, a pivotal medieval thinker. Exploring Aquinas's famous five proofs for God's existence, his integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine, and his lasting impact on Western theology, Dr. Strange also introduces other significant medieval theologians like John Duns Scotus and William of Ockham. He offers insights into medieval scholastic thought, the development of theological reasoning, and the complex intellectual landscape preceding the Reformation.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange and host Jared Luttjeboer discuss the rich theological landscape of the Later Medieval period, exploring pivotal figures like Anselm of Canterbury, Peter Abelard, and Thomas Aquinas. They unpack the significant theological debates and doctrinal developments that shaped church history, examining the strengths and weaknesses of these medieval theologians' work and their lasting impact on Christian thought. Tune in now to hear Dr. Strange break down how these scholars approached questions about faith, reason, and the existence of God.