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Who was Jesus—and what did he look like? And more significantly, what colour was his skin? In this provocative episode, the Curious team are in conversation with professor Edward Blum who, alongside Paul Harvey, co-wrote the intriguing and highly informative “Color of Christ”. Together they unravel the centuries-long struggle over the colour of Christ.

From Warner Sallman’s iconic white Jesus to Black liberation theology’s reimagining of a Christ who shares the suffering of the oppressed, Professor Blum and the team explore how race, power, and identity have shaped - and been shaped by - the image of Jesus.

Drawing on Professors Blum and Harvey’s work ‘The Color of Christ’; this episode examines how art, theology, and politics have collided in the portrayal of the Messiah - from 1950s Sunday school cards to Mormon imagery, from ancient myths like the Letter of Lentulus to modern racial reckonings. This isn’t just about art history - it’s about who gets to see themselves in the divine.

Join the team this week as we traverse some controversial and at times, delicate terrain.

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you….please note, articles are featured here for balance and provocation and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and convictions of the Curious team.…

What colour was Jesus? - Theologetics.org

Jesus is black. Get over it - PremierChristianity.com

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes…enjoy;

Prof. Edward Blum and Prof. Paul Harvey - The Color of Christ

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Power can be a very emotive word. How do we understand it? There is perhaps no such thing as a truly impotent individual, for everyone holds a degree of power whether they realise it or not. No one is immune from wielding a form of power. The question is not whether we have the power, but how we understand it and what we do with it and how we define it. This week the Curious team are joined by Restored CEO Bekah Legg, as they explore the meaning, layers, application and abuse of personal and corporate power.

Together Bekah and the team explore a theology of power. How scripture defines it. How God dispenses it. And how often the church can misuse it or even abuse it. This episode builds a case for what healthy, redemptive power looks like that brings wholeness into relational, familial and spiritual environments. Join the team this week as Bekah unpacks some much needed wisdom in a very sensitive and difficult area


Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you… check out the Restored website for important information…

restored-uk.org


What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes…enjoy;

Justin Humphreys and Dr. Lisa Oakley — Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse

Natalie Collins — Out of Control

(See the Restored site above for more recommended reading)

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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What do we mean by God’s presence? Are we always assured of its tangible reality? In spite of Jesus’s promise to never leave us or forsake us, we also understand the painful tension of scriptures like Psalm 13:1—“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” What does scripture mean when it speaks of God’s hiddenness within the reality of his permanent promise of presence? Many Christians believe that it is within themselves to determine God’s presence with them. If we behave, God walks with us, if we don't, he departs from us; but is that what scripture truly tells us, or is the picture very different?

This week the Curious team seek to lay a biblical foundation of divine presence, unpacking a threefold understanding of presence namely; God’s general omini-presence; his tangible, visceral presence; and his redemptive, saving presence. They’ll seek to more adequately define absence and hiddenness in the light of these three resounding truths of presence; before closing the episode with a number of practical understandings in how we better live with the absence/present tension.

Join the team this week as they uncover some rather significant and surprising aspects of God’s dealings with us


Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you….check out these articles around this weeks theme…
When God's Presence Feels Absent - TheGospelCoalition.org

When God isn't there - DesiringGod.org

Cultivating Attentiveness to God's Presence - CSLewisInstitute.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes…enjoy;

Francis A. Schaeffer — He Is There and He Is Not Silent

David Bowden — When God Isn’t There

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Despite the great value of individual quiet times, singular Bible reading plans, and personal commitments to church ministries; the great danger prevails that as Christians we are in danger of increasingly privatising our faith. Could it be that we are losing the edge to look outward towards the other as we become ever more preoccupied with looking inward toward ourselves?
The gospel has always historically been a gospel of the “we” as opposed to simply the “me“. The term “one another”, that so closely identifies the kernel of Kingdom understanding, is repeated over 30 times throughout the New Testament. The gospel did not simply come to save us, but to move us. To move us beyond simply my health, my joy, my spiritual life, and my Church position; to a servant like mentality of being bread, light, and salt to those in our lives and our world.

This week the curious team are joined by activist, speaker, writer and podcaster Lisa Sharon Harper whose book, “A Very Good Gospel”, makes a strong and biblical appeal for Christians to live with a wider focus and deeper perspective toward the other. Lisa has for many years advocated a gospel of the “we”, emphasising the great biblical, overarching understanding of creational, relational, and spiritual shalom. Join the team this week as Lisa both inspires and challenges us to become God’s shalom to a needy world


Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you….check out Lisa’s website…

https://lisasharonharper.com


What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s Lisa’s book;

Lisa Sharon Harper — A Very Good Gospel

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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What do we mean by “salvation by works”? What does Scripture say? What did the early christians believe? What about the medieval church? And how did the turbulent waters of the reformation confront that? Historically the good works that we do, the way we behave, has always been considered vitally and fundamentally important, irrespective of whatever denomination or persuasion one might represent be it hardcore Protestant or entrenched Roman Catholic.
Yet the controversy has persisted as to what role they play precisely in ones acceptance before God. Do our good deeds win us anything with God? Are they meritorious in any way? Could they be understood to be determinative, especially in regards our eternal state! If some imagine good works may not immediately be significant to our gaining favour with God, will they be ultimately?

In this second episode of our new series looking at contrasts and comparisons both theological and practical; the Curious team reflect on the age old dilemma of works and faith. Why are good works important? What role do they play? How are we to correctly understand their role in our ultimate salvation? Join the team this week as they get stuck into this perennial dilemma.


Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers a cross-section of insight into this weeks theme…
Faith and Works - TheGospelCoalition.org
Catholic Belief on Faith and Works - Catholic.com
Will We Finally be Saved by Faith Alone? - DesiringGod.org


What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a couple of recommendations especially for this episode;

(Please be aware. Theology for the Curious do not endorse everything taught in the books they recommend. Often for the sake of balance and contrast, they will recommend opposing views to offer balance that may or may not reflect their own particular opinion.)

R. C. Sproul — Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification

Robert A Sungenis — Not by Faith Alone: A Biblical Study of the Catholic Doctrine of Justification

Thomas Schreiner — Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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What does a nineteenth century German philosopher, (Friedrich Nietzsche), a thirteenth century Italian theologian, (Thomas Aquinas), and a fifth century African bishop (Saint Augustine); all have in common? They all believed in the tension and contrast of original sin and original goodness. It seems of whatever theological persuasion, the general consensus of opinion over the centuries has been the understanding of humankind's origin of innocence and purity; marred, stained and distorted by sin.

Some would insist that sin only wounded the human character. That Eden reflected a dent in our nature and not a death-blow. How do we understand the garden? Sin? The fall? Is there a carry over from Eden or a very distinct disconnect?

In this opening episode of a brand new series looking at contrasts and comparisons both theological and practical; the Curious team reflect on the idea of Original Sin and Original Goodness (or ‘original blessing’ as it has been termed by some). Where do the two understandings differ? Where do they meet and agree? What do they tell us about humanity and how does it effect the way God deals with us if at all? Join the team this week as they embark on a new journey seeking to define some key contrasts of life and scripture


Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
Original Sin vs Original Goodness - WhiteHorseInn.org
Original Sin or Original Blessing - Impact360Institute.org


What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a couple of recommendations especially for this episode;

(Please be aware. Theology for the Curious do not endorse everything taught in the books they recommend. Often for the sake of balance and contrast, they will recommend opposing views to offer balance that may or may not reflect their own particular opinion.)

Edited by David & Jonathan Gibson — Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective

Danielle Shroye — Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

What did the reformation teach us? There is no definitive answer to this question, largely because in asking it we are not simply zeroing in on a decade or two, but we’re spanning up to two centuries of significant history! The reformation reinforced key understandings of the believers position, the role of faith, the singular importance of God’s Word, as well as the rite of nations, the personal power of monarchs and rulers… individualism, nationalism and authentic spirituality

In this twelfth and final episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team reflect back on three months of doctrines, ideas, teachings and movements. Together they land on a few key aspects that emerged from those turbulent years, and discuss their impact then, and ongoing influence now. Join the team on this concluding episode as they attempt to draw together some significant lessons from the reformation

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
3 Lessons I've Learned from the Reformation - TheGospelCoalition.org
What We Can Learn from the Reformation 500 Years Later - Crossway.org
Lessons from the Reformation - ChristianStudyLibrary.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation
Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)
Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther
Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther
Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame
Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation
Bruce Gordon — Calvin
Jane Dawson — John Knox

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin: Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

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To many, the sixteenth century reformation conjures up almost romantic images of sacrifice, heroism and courage far beyond the call of duty. And yet there was a darker side to all the heroics and sacrifice. A side of brutal conflict, of hostile intolerance, and violent partisanship. The German Peasants Revolt of 1524, the horrors of the St Bartholomew’s Day massacre of 1572 and the thirty years Europe-wide war beginning in 1618; are just some examples of the darker, more distasteful realities of the European reformation .

This week the Curious team pause to reflect on the darker, less celebrated aspects of what was a deeply conflicted religious and political struggle. They will take a more thoughtful look at the peasants war, asking the question why the outcome succeeded in placing Luther in a less than favourable light. They will reflect on the atrocities of Paris in August 1572, and the prolonged conflict that swallowed up most of Europe in the decades between 1618 to 1648.

In this eighth episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team explore when Europe went to war and religion and politics showed their more troublesome sides. Join the Curious team this week as they walk the basement of reformation hostility

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
German Peasants' War - WorldHistory.org

The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Day - HuguenotSociety.org.uk

The Thirty Years War - BBC.co.uk

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

Bruce Gordon — Calvin

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin: Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: theologyforthecurious@gmail.com

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious