Tag: Historical Theology

The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) – with Shane Angland

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Shane to explore the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), the fourth ecumenical council of the early church.

Recorded live in Colorado during an Expositors Collective training weekend, this conversation traces the events leading up to Chalcedon, its theological breakthroughs, and its messy aftermath.

From the fallout of the Council of Ephesus, to the clash between the Alexandrian and Antiochian schools of Christology, and the mess of Ephesus II, Shane breaks down the stakes: how do we understand the two natures of Christ—human and divine—in one person?

The episode also tackles the political power plays, the deposition of bishops, and the schisms that followed, including the rise of the Oriental Orthodox churches. Plus, hear why Shane sees Chalcedon as both a triumph and a tragedy—and what it still teaches us today.

Resources Mentioned:

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) – with Shane Angland – Theology for the People

In this episode, Nick sits down in person with returning guest Shane to explore the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), the fourth ecumenical council of the early church. Recorded live in Colorado during an Expositors Collective training weekend, this conversation traces the events leading up to Chalcedon, its theological breakthroughs, and its messy aftermath. From the fallout of the Council of Ephesus to the clash between the Alexandrian and Antiochian schools of Christology, Shane breaks down the stakes: how do we understand the two natures of Christ—human and divine—in one person? The episode also tackles the political power plays, the deposition of bishops, and the schisms that followed, including the rise of the Oriental Orthodox churches. Plus, hear why Shane sees Chalcedon as both a triumph and a tragedy—and what it still teaches us today.Resources Mentioned:The Definition of Chalcedon (available online for further reading).Bruce Shelley’s Church History in Plain Language (Fifth Edition).Augustine’s The Unity of the Church on the role and limits of councils.Visit TheologyforthePeople.com

The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) – with Matthew Pursely

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, we continue our series on the first four ecumenical councils of the early church, diving into the Council of Ephesus (431 AD).

Matthew Pursely, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, joins us again to explore the theological debates surrounding Nestorius, the nature of Christ, and the implications of the hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man.

We discuss how this council addressed Nestorianism, affirmed Mary as the “Theotokos” (God-bearer), and shaped Christian understanding of communion and humanity’s connection to Christ.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Hypostatic Union, Nestorianism, & Theotokos – with Matt Pursely – Theology for the People

In this episode, we continue our series on the first four ecumenical councils of the early church, diving into the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). Matthew Pursely joins us again to explore the theological debates surrounding Nestorius, the nature of Christ, and the implications of the hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man. We discuss how this council addressed Nestorianism, affirmed Mary as the "Theotokos" (God-bearer), and shaped Christian understanding of communion and humanity’s connection to Christ.Recommended ResourcesFor those wanting to dive deeper into the councils and related theology:Edward Siecienski – The Filioque: History of a Doctrinal ControversyAdonis Vidu – Exploring the Doctrine of Divine InseparabilityJohn Behr – The Nicene Faith (2 volumes) and John the Theologian and the Mystery of ChristKallistos Anatolios – Retrieving NicaeaJohn Henry Newman – Arians of the Fourth CenturyWilliam Bright – Notes on the Canons of the First Four General CouncilsTodd Miles – Superheroes Can’t Save You: Epic Examples of Historic Heresies (compares heresies to superhero archetypes—highly recommended entry-level read).Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Theology for the People podcastVisit the Theology for the People website at theologyforthepeople.com

The Council of Constantinople – with Matthew Pursely

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How did the early church come to a clear understanding of who Jesus is and how the Holy Spirit relates to the Father and the Son? And why did it take more than one council to settle these questions?

In this episode, I’m joined again by Matthew Pursley, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, and an expert in historical theology. Last time, we discussed the Council of Nicaea, and in this episode, we continue the conversation by diving into the Second Ecumenical Council—Constantinople (381 AD).

We discuss why the Council of Constantinople was necessary even after Nicaea, the role of the Cappadocian Fathers in defining the Trinity, the Filioque controversy, and how this council still shapes our faith to this day.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Council of Constantinople (381 AD) – with Matthew Pursely – Theology for the People

How did the early church come to a clear understanding of who Jesus is and how the Holy Spirit relates to the Father and the Son? And why did it take more than one council to settle these questions?In this episode, I'm joined again by Matt Pursley, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, and an expert in historical theology. Last time, we discussed the Council of Nicaea, and in this episode, we continue the conversation by diving into the Second Ecumenical Council—Constantinople (381 AD).We discuss why the Council of Constantinople was necessary even after Nicaea, the role of the Cappadocian Fathers in defining the Trinity, the Filioque controversy, and how this council still shapes our faith to this day. Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website.

Almost a Reformer: How Erasmus of Rotterdam Fueled the Reformation but Personally Stopped Short – with Shane Angland

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Shane Angland. Shane has been a recurring guest on the podcast, and is excellent on the topic of historical theology.

In this episode, we discuss Desiderius Erasmus, one of the most important figures in the history of the Protestant Reformation. He was a key thinker, and the compiler of many of the manuscripts that were used in translating the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into languages of the people. He was also in communication with many of the key figures of the reformation, like Martin Luther.

And yet, Erasmus stopped short of being a Reformer. In this episode, Shane and I talk about this intriguing person, the contributions he made, and why he fell short.

Shane lives in Ennis, Ireland where he serves at Ennis Evangelical Church. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Dallas Theological Seminary, and has served as a missionary in Ukraine.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Almost a Reformer: How Erasmus of Rotterdam Fueled the Reformation but Personally Stopped Short – with Shane Angland – Theology for the People

Desiderius Erasmus is one of the most important figures in the history of the Protestant Reformation. He was a key thinker, and the compiler of many of the manuscripts that were used in translating the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into languages of the people. He was also in communication with many of the key figures of the reformation, like Martin Luther. And yet, Erasmus stopped short of being a Reformer. In this episode, I speak with Shane Angland about this intriguing person, what contributions he made, and why he fell short. Shane Angland is from Ennis, Ireland and holds a Masters of Divinity from Dallas Theological Seminary. Make sure to check out the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org

William Tyndale and the Desire for the English Bible – with Shane Angland

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If you read the Bible in English, you may not realize all of the drama and sacrifices that went into getting the Bible translated into the English language. 

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Shane Angland of Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. Shane holds a Master of Divinity degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, and specializes in historical theology.

Shane and I speak about William Tyndale: an English biblical scholar and linguist who became a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation, until he was executed for his beliefs. Tyndale created the first English translation of the New Testament from the original Greek text and was working on translating the Old Testament from Hebrew. Much of his work can still be seen in the way the Bible is translated into English to this day. 

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

William Tyndale and the Desire for the English Bible – with Shane Angland – Theology for the People

If you read the Bible in English, you may not realize all of the drama and sacrifices that went into getting the Bible translated into the English language.  William Tyndale was an English biblical scholar and linguist who became a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation, until he was executed for his beliefs. Tyndale created the first English translation of the New Testament from the original Greek text and was working on translating the Old Testament from Hebrew. Much of his work can still be seen in the way the Bible is translated into English to this day.  In this episode, my guest is Shane Angland of Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. Shane holds a Masters of Divinity from Dallas Theological Seminary, and specializes in historical theology.