The Object of Faith

For years I’ve been a fan of the podcast Queen of the Sciences, a collaboration between a seminary classmate, Sarah Hinlicky Wilson, and her theologian Dad.

I finally got to sit down with Paul Hinlicky for a conversation on theology, preaching, politics, and— of course— Robert Jenson.

And heads up!

Finally turning in the overdue manuscript for the new book:

Show Notes

Summary

Paul, a farmer and theologian, discusses his journey into farming and theology, his formation in the faith, and his theological influences. He emphasizes the importance of the object of faith and the danger of turning justification into the object of faith. He also addresses the issue of antinomianism in Lutheranism and the need to retain God's law. Paul and Jason discuss the misuse of the term 'genocide' in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They also touch on the challenges of engaging in the public square as a Christian. In this conversation, Paul Hinlicky discusses various topics including politics, preaching, the book of Joshua, the Gospel of Mark, and mental health. He expresses his concerns about the polarization in politics and the influence of corporate power on both major political parties. He also shares his experience of preaching and how it led to the creation of his book on preaching. Paul talks about his commentary on the book of Joshua and his love for the Gospel of Mark. He discusses the challenges of navigating disagreements and the importance of civil discourse. Lastly, he explores the topic of depression and the impact of lost connections on mental health.

Takeaways

• Paul's journey into farming and theology was influenced by his love of gardening, interest in nature and ecology, and experiences in Central Europe.

• The object of faith, particularly Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God, is an important aspect of Luther's theology.

• There is a need to retain God's law and avoid antinomianism in Lutheranism.

• The term 'genocide' should not be used lightly and should accurately describe an intention to decimate an entire people.

• Engaging in the public square as a Christian can be challenging in a divided society. Both major political parties in the United States are influenced by corporate power, and Christians should be aware of this.

• Preaching can be a transformative experience for both the preacher and the congregation.

• The book of Joshua is a challenging and controversial book, but it offers valuable insights when studied closely.

• The Gospel of Mark is a sophisticated and apocalyptic narrative that requires careful reading and interpretation.

• Disagreements can be productive and lead to a greater understanding of truth if approached with respect and a common search for truth.

• Depression is often misunderstood, and the current mass society contributes to feelings of isolation and lost connections.