What does it mean to confess in the Nicene Creed that “we believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, visible and invisible”?
In episode 3 of Passages, we explore the backstory of these lines in the Nicene Creed. In conversation with systematic theologian Michael Horton, Caleb explores the ancient context in which the errors of ‘gnositicism’ emerged, and how devaluing the goodness of God’s creation is a problem not only in the past but at present as well. We discuss the formation of the canon of Scripture and how the pagan philosopher Celsus criticized early Christianity.
Then, we discuss the errors and heresy of Marcion, who distinguished between the evil creator ‘god of the Old Testament’ and law, in contrast with a supposedly loving and new ‘God of the New Testament.’ Joshua reads excerpts and discuss the refutation of Marcion by Tertullian in his work “Against Marcion,” noting some ways that the errors of Marcion have recently recurred in popular culture and even in the church.
Finally, this episode concludes with excerpts from our conversation with systematic theologian Fred Sanders. With Dr. Sanders we discuss the oneness of God, how early Christians approached theological interpretation from the whole canon of Scripture, and the importance of the doctrine of divine simplicity in early Christian theology.
Credits
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Joshua Heavin serves as the lead writer and host of Passages, while Caleb Wait serves as the lead producer and co-host. Original music by Aaron Feeney, who welcomes inquires.
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Joshua Heavin
Joshua Heavin (PhD, Aberdeen) is a curate and deacon at an Anglican church in the Dallas area, and an adjunct professor in the School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, and at West Texas A&M University.
