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!

On today's episode, we're diving into the fascinating topic of post-colonial perspectives on Pentecostalism with Dr. U-Wen Low from the University of Birmingham in the UK. The conversation is facinating as Dr. Low sheds light on the importance of decolonizing efforts within theology. We discuss how post-colonial thinking aims to dismantle oppressive structures, drawing from historical contexts, like the impact of empires, and how these ideas intersect with the study of Pentecostalism. Dr. Low touches on his research on the Book of Revelation and its dramatic, subversive elements against empire. We also tackle the surprising roots of Pentecostalism beyond Azusa Street, highlighting its anti-colonial nature and the historical moments where these inclusive, radical beginnings started to shift. The conversation explores the value of diverse perspectives in biblical scholarship and warns against reading scriptures solely through the lens of dominant cultures. This episode is packed with insights into how we can engage more meaningfully with theology and our collective past.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marty Mittlestadt from Evangel University about the intriguing concept of reception history and its significance in theology. We explored how various groups throughout history have interpreted scripture, particularly focusing on the transition from historical criticism to a reader-centred approach known as reception history. Dr. Mittlestadt emphasized that Pentecostals, influenced by their experiences, often interpret the Bible in distinctive ways, resulting in diverse understandings and practices. Through examples from the book of Acts, we discussed how different Pentecostal traditions fill in gaps in the text to align with their beliefs. We also examined the broader implications of these varied interpretations for modern theology, highlighting the importance of humility and the value of learning from different traditions. Finally, we discussed the potential of reception history to enhance our understanding of scripture moving forward. The conversation was both enlightening and engaging. I enjoyed it and I hope you will too.

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Mark Lau Branson, a practical theologian at Fuller Theological Seminary and a member of La Fuente, a multicultural, multiethnic, and multigenerational church. We discuss the complexities and insights of multicultural church life based on Dr. Branson's book 'Churches, Cultures, and Leadership,' co-authored with Juan Martinez. Key topics include the integration of different languages and cultural expressions in worship, understanding diverse cultural perspectives, and practical theology's role in discerning God's work in diverse communities. Dr. Branson emphasizes the need for open communication, storytelling, and humility in leadership to navigate cultural differences effectively. We also touch on the challenges and necessary adjustments for a church to become genuinely multicultural, highlighting the importance of viewing neighbours as subjects, not objects. Together, we delve into communication theories by Habermas, the pitfalls of power dynamics, and the importance of collaboration with other clergy. Dr. Branson offers a final encouragement to listeners to engage actively with the diverse spiritual movements in their communities.

You can listen to more from Dr. Branson on his YouTube channel.

Find out more about La Fuente here.

In this episode I sat down with Dr. Tanya Riches of Eastern College Australia. Dr. Riches shares her journey growing up in the Hillsong Church, being part of its music scene, and how those experiences shaped her creatively and spiritually. She talks about her academic pursuits, including her degrees in psychology, political economy, and theology, and how she’s integrated traditional liturgical practices into modern worship. The conversation also dives into her fascinating research on Aboriginal Pentecostal churches, where she discovered the rich wisdom and inclusive practices of indigenous leaders. Dr. Riches emphasizes the importance of learning from and engaging with marginalized communities, offering tips for non-Aboriginal churches on how to connect meaningfully with local leaders. Our chat wraps up with a look at her current work and future plans, including potential publications to share her insights.

On this episode, I sat down with Dr. W. David O. Taylor, an Associate Professor of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Anglican priest, to chat about his book A Body of Praise. Our conversation led us into how he met Bono, the lead singer of the band U2, and his connection with Eugene Peterson. We also talked about theological anthropology, full sensory worship, the disabled, art and the body, and so much more. I hope you find our conversation beneficial.