Theology is the pursuit of believing right and true things about God. This involves reading Scripture, studying church history, and engaging with Christians throughout the ages in reasoned reflection. Why is theology so important, and what value does it have for the church? In this eighth episode, we consider how theology provides a framework for uncovering the central truths of the Christian faith, and grounds the church in its mission, calling, and identity.

My featured guests today are Dr. Edmon Gallagher and Dr. Keith Stanglin. Ed is a professor of Scripture and Biblical Interpretation at Heritage Christian University (in Florence, Alabama), and serves as the associate minister for the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. Keith is a professor of Scripture and historical theology at Austin Graduate School of Theology (in Austin, Texas), a school now in partnership with Lipscomb University. In the next episode (a part 2 of sorts on the topic of being theologically grounded), I will be joined by Dr. Scott Adair of Harding University.

In this episode, we cover several interesting topics, including:

• The Need for Theology (1:08)
• Ed: When Bibles Were Uncommon, How Did Christian's Grow? (3:44)
• Keith: Why "Theologically Grounded" is an Important Principle (9:23)
• C. S. Lewis' Shared Hall of Faith (12:27)
• Keith: What Are the Central Truths of the Faith? (14:22)
• The Rule of Faith & The Early Creeds(17:48)
• Keith: Reading as a Church is Key for Theological Grounding (25:02)
• Ed: The End of Theology is to Live as Christ Would Have Us (28:46)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with our guests:

• Ed Gallagher's bio page
• Ed's Book, The Biblical Canon List from Early Christianity
• Ed's Book, The Book of Exodus: Explorations in Christian Theology
• Keith Stanglin's bio page / links to books & articles
• Keith's Article, "The Rule of Faith as Hermeneutic" (Christian Studies)
• Keith's Book, Letter and Spirit of Biblical Interpretation
• Keith's Book. From the Reformation to the Modern Church: A Reader in Christian Theology
• My "healthy theology" blogpost series

 And if you want more tips and guidance, visit  us at avenueforfaith.org. Here you can sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter,  sign up for a zoom class or an online ministry course, or download free curriculum.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• The Teaching Guys