In this episode of the Ask a Theologian podcast, I chat with Dr. Wolfgang Vondey, a professor of Christian Theology and Pentecostal Studies at Birmingham University in the UK. We delve into the unique aspects of Pentecostal systematic theology, focusing on the metaphor of the altar. Dr. Vondey explains that the altar serves not as an abstract concept but as a metaphor rooted in concrete experiences, such as worship, preaching, and personal encounters with God. He also discusses how the altar symbolizes a threshold experience that is central to Pentecostal spirituality and theology. We explore the importance of narrative and testimony in Pentecostal practice, and how these aspects influence a lived, experiential theology. Finally, Dr. Vondey recommends continuing your journey with works on Pentecostal worship, liturgy, and history to fully grasp the richness of the tradition. If you’re interested in Pentecostal scholarship and theology, this episode is packed with insights.

In this episode of The Ask a Theologian podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. John Newton, a professor and scholar from Alpha Crucis University College in Melbourne, Australia. We jumped right into the complexities of the Book of Revelation, especially focusing on debunking dispensationalism within Pentecostal theology. Dr. Newton shared his journey from a classical Pentecostal background to rejecting dispensationalism, explaining that it is fundamentally incompatible with Pentecostal beliefs and practices. He argued that dispensationalism, which emerged in the 19th century, imposes a rigid, literal interpretation of scripture that doesn't align with the more dynamic and mission-oriented nature of Pentecostal faith. Dr. Newton has authored several books on this topic, including 'Revelation Reclaimed,' 'The Revelation Worldview,' and a Pentecostal commentary on Revelation, all available on Amazon. We discussed how the Book of Revelation should be interpreted in a way that inspires and aligns more closely with Pentecostal values, focusing on its missional and gospel-oriented aspects rather than using it as a tool for predicting future events. Dr. Newton emphasized that Revelation is about the ongoing spiritual struggle and the ultimate victory of Christ and his followers, encouraging a more hopeful and active engagement in spreading the gospel. This conversation was a deep dive into rethinking how we approach Revelation and its relevance to today's Pentecostal church.

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of comparative theology with Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Kärkkäinen, who also teaches at the University of Helsinki, explains that comparative theology involves engaging with multiple religious traditions, often positioning Christianity in dialogue with another faith like Islam. We discuss how this differs from comparative religion, with the former being confessional and rooted in one's own faith tradition.Dr. Kärkkäinen shares his personal experiences and insights from living in the predominantly Buddhist country of Thailand, which enriched his understanding of both Buddhism and his own Christian faith. We explore how comparative theology can build bridges, foster interfaith dialogue, and deepen one's theological insights. There’s also a discussion about practical applications, like visiting religious sites and having meaningful encounters with people of other faiths.We also touch on Paul’s approach at Mars Hill, emphasizing the importance of being open-minded and engaging with other religions thoughtfully. The conversation extends to how comparative theology can help us understand and connect with the growing category of 'nones'—individuals with no religious affiliation—in a pluralistic world.

To learn more, check out Dr. Kärkkäinen's books on Amazon, including his latest, I Believe. Help My Unbelief!