The Reluctant Theologian Podcast

I’m slowly writing a book on models of God and the problems of creation. There is an idea in the history of Western philosophical theology that is an important part of these debates. It is called the Great Chain of Being. In today’s episode, I will explain what on earth that is.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, senior research fellow at the Polin Institute, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Pastor Kevin DeYoung is back again with another explainer video. This one is on the doctrine of impassibility. I got far too many requests from you nerds asking me to do another response episode. We will figure out if DeYoung is clearly Reformed or passionately confused.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

According to recent polling data and statistics, Gen Z have been going to church. That’s right, my generation gave up on the church, but Gen Z is interested in finding out what is going on. Are they going to church for good reasons, or is there something nefarious afoot? Also, I talk about my Easter Sunday.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki, and a research fellow at the Polin Institute.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I was at Palm Beach Atlantic University this past January to teach a masters course on God and time. My Palm Beach interns decided to do an interview with me while I was there. We discuss my life, loads of topics in theology, and how to create an intellectual revolution.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

My Palm Beach Atlantic University interns and I interview William Hasker about his take on the doctrine of the Trinity.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Guest: William Hasker (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is a professor of philosophy at Huntington University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today’s episode, I have a lot to talk about. I want to give you some quick updates on things going on in my life. I want to chat about Jonathan Edwards’ book on the End of Creation. And we need to have an honest conversation about heavy metal.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today’s episode, I want to talk about Dru Johnson’s book on Hebraic Philosophy. Dru’s book came out a couple years ago, and I have been asked to participate in a symposium on the book. It will soon be published in Philosophia Christi. What I am going to do today is talk about the implications of Hebraic Philosophy for systematic theology and the doctrine of God.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today’s episode, I have the beast from the east. The reincarnation of Samuel Clarke doing a Texas two-step. That unforgettable Unitarian. The always delightful Dale Tuggy. Dale and I are going to be chatting about his contribution to the new book One God, Three Persons: 4 Views.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Guest: Dale Tuggy (PhD. Brown University) is the host of the Trinities Podcast.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Last summer, my Palm Beach Atlantic University interns and I recorded some episodes on the new Trinity debate book. The book is called One God, Three Persons: 4 Views. Over the next two months I am going to be releasing these episodes, starting with today’s interview with William Lane Craig.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Co-Hosts: Linnea Clay and Rafael Sakarya

Guest: William Lane Craig (PhD University of Birmingham; PhD University of Munich) is professor of philosophy at Houston Christian University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today’s episode, I want to give you a quick review of my year. Some of the highlights, and what I have learned. I will also give you a sneak peek at what is coming up in 2025. Then I want to talk about the medieval Jewish philosopher Gersonides. It is common today to hear people say that Gersonides was a proto-open theist. Is that true? Stick around and find out.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

What demarcates Christian doctrine from non-Christian doctrine? What are the essentials of the Christian faith? What do you have to believe in order to be a Christian?

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today’s episode, I open up the mailbag to consider more listener questions. We have questions on physics and time. We have questions on the creeds and Hinduism. We have several questions about the doctrine of the Trinity. And we have people asking about my denominational background.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today's episode I tell a ghost story. Then I talk about the history of analytic theology, its current state, and where it is going in the future.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today's episode, I discuss the different branches of theology, and how they work together. I also explain why theology is deeply important.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Clearly Reformed has a new video out on immutability. In this episode, I offer my reactions, and work through the actual philosophical and biblical ideas surrounding immutability.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

My new book is finally out! In today's episode I give you some of the behind the scenes of the book, and read you the Preface.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today's episode, I consider some listener questions about the Trinity and divine simplicity. I also tell you about two important questions you need to ask when thinking about US politics. Buckle up because we are throwing shade on everyone today.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I’m joined by David Anzalone from Lucerne. We try to answer as many listener questions as we can. We consider questions about Eleonore Stump’s classical theism. We look at medieval modal philosophy, idealism, open theism, analytic theology, the paradox of omnipotence, and advice for graduate students. This is a jam packed episode.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Guest: David Anzalone (PhD, University of Lucerne) is a tutor for the MA in philosophy, theology, and religions at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

In today's episode I remember the life of my grandmother, and offer some biblical reflections on our hope in the resurrection of the dead.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Over the past few years, people have been complaining to me about the incredibly low standards of reasoning taking place within the online Christian apologetics community. I have ignored this for several years, but I have not been able to look the other way over these past few months. In today’s episode, I want to talk about the problems taking place among pop apologists, and offer advice on how to do better.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

This is the final episode with my 2023 summer interns from Palm Beach Atlantic. Today, we ask why isn’t God more obvious? If God really loves us, why does he seem to be hidden? Wouldn’t God make His presence more obvious to all of us? To help us answer these questions, we interviewed Mike Rea from the University of Notre Dame.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

The Southern Baptist Convention just had their annual meeting. 4 people pushed to have the Nicene Creed included in the Southern Baptist confession. Is this a movement towards theological clarity, or creedalist authority? Also, why won’t the Southern Baptists clearly state what the doctrine of eternal generation actually says? Don’t worry, I will tell you what the doctrine says.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Christianity Today just put out a new article on the unhealthy obsession that some American Evangelicals have over Thomas Aquinas. As you can imagine, the article has already received quite a bit of hate online. Did Christianity Today jump the shark with this one? In today’s episode, I want to take you through the article, and give you my own thoughts on the matter.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I have another episode with my Palm Beach Atlantic summer interns. As we were doing some philosophical theology last summer, there was a question that really bothered us. Are we actually doing anything meaningful? We decided to ask Tim Mawson from Oxford to help us explore a host of issues about God and the meaning of life. This was hands down the most fun we had interviewing someone last summer.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

I have a very special episode for you today. I have an interview with the one and only Linda Zagzebski! We are chatting about her new book on omnisubjectivity. We are going to explore the different ways that God might be omnisubjective, and give a special look at panentheism. This episode also contains an audience Q&A with Zagzebski, and we cover all sorts of questions.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Guest: Linda Zagzebski is professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Oklahoma, and a visiting professor of philosophy at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I was somehow convinced to join the dumpster fire that is TikTok. In today's episode, I offer some reflections on my experience on TikTok, the problem of evil, and why a good theological education is so important.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

If you saw my recent debate with the one and only Gavin Ortlund on divine simplicity, you might have some remaining questions. In today's episode, I sit down with Andrew Hollingsworth and Chad McIntosh to discuss various topics that came up in the debate related to simplicity, history, metaphysical dependency, the Trinity, and more.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Are you of two minds about which model of the incarnation to adopt? Perhaps you are looking for someone who can offer an account of the incarnation that will fix it, not mix it. You might be in luck. Today my Palm Beach interns and I interview Dr. Tim Pawl on the metaphysics of the incarnation.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

In October, I released an episode called “Deconstructing Hell.” I presented a way of critiquing different theories of Hell in light of God’s love and ultimate defeat of evil. I received a lot of feedback from listeners trying to figure out how to escape the argument. Today, I have with me David Anzalone to discuss how he thinks we should respond to the argument. We also have Constantine weighing in on the debate. So get ready for that.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews, Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

In today’s episode, I want to give you a version of my presentation at the Evangelical Philosophical Society meeting in Georgia. “Why Would God Create Anything at All? A Question that Classical Theism Cannot Answer.”

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Do you have doubts about classical theism? Are you one of those people who finds yourself uncertain if classical theism is true? If you have answered yes, you might be suffering from a multitude of pathologies. At least, that is what Carl Trueman says in a recent podcast lecture. Buckle up for a wild ride today. I will be giving you a sarcastic examination of Credo Magazine’s recent podcast episode.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Today we sit down with Trenton Merricks to discuss personal identity over time and life after death.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

I have quite the episode for you today. I will talk about how the internet Thomists lost their minds over the previous episode. I will explain why the doctrine of divine simplicity is not merely unbiblical, but rather anti-biblical. Also, I will read you a newly translated letter from Aquinas where he doubts immutability.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

A lot of people loved my episode covering the YouTube Channel, Clearly Reformed, and their video on divine infinity. I had several requests to do an episode on their video on divine simplicity. I realized that there is still a lot of propaganda online surrounding this doctrine. So you know what, let’s do it!

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I want to offer you a reading of Luke 2, followed by a short Christmas meditation and prayer.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I’ve got a lot for you today. Jared Michelson tells me that I do not understand Aquinas. Ben Page tells me that I need to reimagine creation ex nihilo. And Tom Oord tells me that I need to completely reject creation out of nothing. I also have an exciting announcement about a summer school in Spain! All this and more on today’s episode.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

My Palm Beach summer interns and I recorded a bunch of interviews that we are still editing. Today, I have our interview with Adam Johnson. We are talking about his book on Divine Love where he lays out his approach to God and morality. A bit of moral philosophy and metaethics for you today!

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

It is common place to hear people say that God is infinite. But what on earth does that mean? The YouTube Channel, Clearly Reformed, just put out a video on the topic. In the video, Pastor Kevin DeYoung offers his reflections on the topic of divine infinity. Are his musings clearly Reformed, or clearly confused? Let’s find out!

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil, University of Helsinki ) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

With Halloween coming up, I wanted to create an episode of scary stories that are spectacularly spooky. Tales that will chill your spine, and freeze your soul. I have a mixture of scary stories from my own life. Stories from family and friends. And stories that listeners have directed my attention to. Fact or fiction, fantasy or reality, I will let you decide.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Do you trust your leaders? What does a trustworthy leader even look like? Do you feel confident that you can ask your leaders critical questions? These are important questions to consider. In today’s episode, I want to consider questions like this as they pertain to an alleged scandal surrounding a church planting organization called Acts 29.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne.

With Halloween coming up, I thought it would be good to do an episode on the doctrine of Hell. I have published two papers on this topic, one of which is in a new book called Deconstructing Hell. In today’s episode, I want to talk about what exactly deconstruction is. Next, I will discuss the love and justice of God. Then I will consider different theories on Hell and see if they are consistent with the love and justice of God.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Everything that is born is destined to die. Human existence is filled with tragedy. Should we continue having children? Should we bring life into existence knowing full well that it will come to an end? Today I have Dr. Lari Launonen on to discuss his personal experience with having a child with a disability, the grief of losing that child, and his reflections on anti-natalism.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Did God create the number 2? Is the number 2 the sort of thing that could be created? Perhaps numbers and other abstracta are necessarily existent entities. If numbers necessarily exist, does that somehow undermine God’s sovereignty? These are difficult questions, but don’t worry. I have Dr. Paul Gould on to explain everything to us.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Today I open up the mailbag to address some listener questions and comments. Many of you send messages through the website. I read all of them. I don’t always know what to say. But every now and then I feel a bit of inspiration to respond sincerely or sarcastically. It could go either way. So today I have some listener questions about Barbie, the abuse of power in Churches, Catholic theology, and the existence of God.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I have quite the episode for you. We have the closing of more Christian universities in the US. What does that say about American education and politics? We also have some chit chat on Barbie and Oppenheimer. Are these movies woke garbage, or is there more to the story? This episode contains spoilers by the way. Then, finally, I offer some reflections on turning 40.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

I recently went on Idol Killer’s YouTube channel to have a dialogue with my friend Thomas Jay Oord. We were discussing his new book, The Death of Omnipotence and the Birth of Amipotence. Since I think this book is interesting and worth considering, I decided it would be good to have an episode dedicated to analysing some of the arguments in Tom’s book. Is omnipotence really dead? Stick around and find out.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.

Have you ever wondered what happens after you die? Are you a soul that departs from your body to be with the Lord? Do you cease to exist until Resurrection Day? In Today’s episode, I bring back Dr. Joshua Farris to talk about human nature, the soul, and life after death. In particular, we discuss the traditional doctrine of the intermediate state.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

How can an immaterial God interact with the physical world? This is a question that contemporary atheists and agnostics often ask, but developing a precise objection here is often difficult. To answer this issue, Professor Gregory Ganssle has a new edited volume called Philosophical Essays on Divine Causation. In today’s episode, Greg and I chat about his essay on the pairing problem.

Credits

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a visiting professor of philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.