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.

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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.

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Support the Show:

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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.

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Support the Show:

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You have been sending in questions, and today Ema and I will give you some more answers. What are we talking about today? We start out with a listener question about heavy metal. Ema and I give you the gossip on the metal scene, and then chat about my pentagram shirt incident on YouTube. After that we talk about the end of spacetime, and some philosophy of physics. Finally, we consider some issues related to spacetime and panentheism.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

Intermission music by Make Them Suffer, "Widower." 

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You have been sending in questions, and today you will get some answers. In today’s episode, Dr Ema Sani and I answer some listener questions. We look at various issues surrounding God’s perfect rationality as it relates to God’s goodness and free will. We ask if God can perform arbitrary actions, or if God must always act for a reason. After that, Ema and I look at different issues within biology, and the projects that she is currently working on. Then we discuss the relationship between science and theology.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Today I am joined by Dr Richard Rice to discuss his recent book, The Future of Open Theism. In the last episode, Richard and I discussed the history of open theism. In today’s episode, we chat about what open theism is, and the contributions it makes to a Christian systematic theology. Richard and I discuss various doctrines like creation, predestination, and providence. We reflect on the nature of risk involved in God creating an open universe, and why God might take a risk like that.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Richard Rice (PhD, University of Chicago) is professor of religion at Loma Linda University.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Today I am joined by Dr Richard Rice to discuss his recent book, The Future of Open Theism. In today’s episode, we chat about what open theism is, and then consider some of the history of open theism. Richard gives us some of the gossip about how the 1994 book The Openness of God came together. Then we discuss the rather, shall we say, fiery criticisms of that book. Richard explains some of his experiences of going through those criticisms, and we chat a bit about theological disagreements in the contemporary world. In the next episode, I will continue my conversation with Richard about the Future of Open Theism and systematic theology.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Richard Rice (PhD, University of Chicago) is professor of religion at Loma Linda University.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Some of you listening might have trust issues. Perhaps you trust too easily, or perhaps you can’t trust anyone at all. Have you ever thought about whether or not God trusts other people? In today’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Curtis Holtzen to discuss his recent book, The God Who Trusts. We discuss open theism, human free will, the nature of trust, and the emotional life of God. We even consider whether or not Calvinists and Molinists can affirm the biblical theme of divine trust. I also ask Curtis to consider some objections to his view based on the doctrine of the Trinity.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Wm. Curtis Holten (PhD, University of South Africa) is professor of philosophy and theology at Hope International University.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Are you listening to this episode right now? That might seem like a silly question. Of course you are listening to this episode right now. But some philosophers and physicists say that there is no such thing as the now or the present. Instead, they say that all moments of time exist. But this might undermine your free will. In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Koperski to discuss physics, philosophy of time, and free will. We chat about how physics does not necessarily undermine presentism and human freedom, and we even get into a bit of the relationship between physics and theology.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Jeff Koperski (PhD, Ohio State University) is professor of philosophy at Saginaw Valley State University.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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The Bible seems to teach that God knows everything, and that God is sovereignly in control of how history unfolds. Yet the Bible also seems to teach that God does not always get what He wants. Perhaps some of God’s desires go unfulfilled. These biblical claims gives rise to different theories of God’s omniscience, foreknowledge, and providence. In today’s episode, I am joined by Dr John Peckham to discuss something called The Problem of God’s Unfulfilled Desires. John and I talk about different views like theological determinism, open theism, and Molinism to see how they can handle these different biblical claims. Be sure to check out John's new book, The Divine Attributes. 

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: John Peckham (PhD, Andrews University) is professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In contemporary debates, there are competing conceptions of God’s nature. But what does the Bible have to say about the doctrine of God? In today’s episode, I am joined by Dr John Peckham to discuss his new book, The Divine Attributes. We start by looking at the classical conception of God, and ask if it has any biblical warrant. John argues that classical theism conflicts the biblical portrayal of God. Then we consider John’s own conception of the covenantal God of scripture. John and I also have an exciting announcement to make!

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: John Peckham (PhD, Andrews University) is professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Have you ever thought about saying no to God? For some of you, the idea of saying no to God probably makes you feel uncomfortable. For others who are a bit more rebellious, you are probably quite happy to tell God what is on your mind. In today’s episode, I am joined by Matthew Korpman to discuss his recent book, Saying No to God. Matthew is a PhD student in New Testament studies at the University of Birmingham. We chat about various biblical themes related to saying no to God. We discuss the stories of Abraham and Isaac, Moses, Jesus, and we even get into to annihilationist views on hell.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Matthew Korpman is a PhD student at the University of Birmingham. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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If you were listening to the last episode, you heard a conversation with Dr Josh Farris and Dr Mark Hamilton. We were talking about the Christian doctrine of the atonement. We looked at some of the basics of the doctrine, and then turned our attention to specific theories. Josh and Mark offered a critique of the penal substitution theory of atonement in the last episode. In today’s episode, we continue the conversation by looking at the Anselmian satisfaction theory of the atonement. Then we look at a view called the Reparative Substitution theory, which is a theory that Mark and Josh are developing.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Josh Farris (PhD, University of Bristol) is the Executive Director at the Alpine Christian School. S. Mark Hamilton (PhD, Free University of Amsterdam).

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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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.

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Support the Show:

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Today I am joined by Dr Josh Farris and Dr Mark Hamilton. We are talking about the Christian doctrine of the atonement. Christian theology claims that something about the death of Jesus Christ accomplished something on our behalf. But what exactly did Jesus do on our behalf? Different theories of atonement give different answers to this question. In today’s episode, Josh and Mark walk us through some of the basics for understanding any theory of the atonement. Then we look at a popular theory called penal substitution, and consider objections to the view. In the next episode, we will continue the conversation by looking at an Anselmian satisfaction view.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Josh Farris (PhD, University of Bristol) is the Executive Director at the Alpine Christian School. S. Mark Hamilton (PhD, Free University of Amsterdam) is 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Today I continue my conversation with Dr. Kimberly Kroll. We are talking about the Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Christian theology claims that the Holy Spirit indwells believers, but it is not always clear what that means. In the last episode, we discussed some of the key claims of the doctrine, and explored some different models of indwelling that have been developed by William Alston. In today’s episode, Kim and I will chat about the work of Eleonor Stump on the indwelling of the Spirit. Then we take a look at Kim’s own model of indwelling.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Kim Kroll (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer in literature at the Stony Brook School.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Today I am joined by Dr. Kimberly Kroll. We are talking about the Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Christian theology claims that the Holy Spirit indwells believers, but the history of Christian thought has not made it clear what that actually means. Kim recently finished her PhD dissertation at the University of St Andrews on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In today’s episode, we will discuss some of the key claims of the doctrine, and explore some different models of indwelling that have been developed by William Alston. In the next episode, Kim and I will chat about the work of Eleonor Stump, as well as Kim’s own model of indwelling. You can find out more about Kim's work on the Holy Spirit here. 

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies.

Guest: Kim Kroll (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a lecturer in literature at the Stony Brook School. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Today I am joined by Dr. Scott Williams from the University of North Carolina. We are talking about a new book he edited called Disability in Medieval Christian Philosophy and Theology. Scott gives us an overview of the book, and some of the motivations for putting together this volume. Then we chat about a series of questions related to personhood and disability. What are some different conceptions of personhood? Do certain conceptions of personhood lead towards ablism? Can medieval understandings of personhood help us better promote the moral status of disabled individuals?

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium  for Advanced Studies. 

Guest: Scott Williams (PhD, Oxford University), is assistant professor of philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Ashville. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In today’s episode, Dr. Ema Sani and I finish the chat about my brand new book God and Emotion through Cambridge University Press. In this episode, we discuss the final chapter of the book, which covers passibility and the problem of creepy emotions. Given omnisubjectivity, God feels everything that you feel. Do you really want God feeling absolutely everything that you feel? That might be kind of creepy.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium for Advanced Studies.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In today’s episode, Dr. Ema Sani and I continue the chat about my brand new book God and Emotion through Cambridge University Press. In this episode, we discuss chapters 4 and 5 of the book, which covers the divine emotions of love and wrath. Ema and I ask a series of questions and consider several objections to both impassibility and passibility. We look at objections which say that the God of classical theism cannot satisfy its own understanding of divine love and wrath. We also consider objections against passibility which claim that an empathetic God cannot be a perfect moral judge.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium for Advanced Studies.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In today’s episode, Dr. Ema Sani and I continue the chat about my brand new book God and Emotion through Cambridge University Press. In this episode, we discuss chapters 2 and 3 of the book, which covers classical theism and neoclassical theism. We get into all sorts of material that didn’t get into the book, so you will definitely want to hear this. Ema and I discuss the general idea of models of God and their relation to philosophy and theology.  We also talk about the role of empathy in the debate over impassibility vs passibility.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium for Advanced Studies.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In today’s episode, Dr. Ema Sani and I chat about my brand new book God and Emotion through Cambridge University Press. In this episode, we discuss the first two chapters of the book, which cover the history of the debate over impassibility, and an introduction to the philosophy of emotions. In the next three episodes, we discuss the arguments of the remaining chapters. 

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a senior research fellow at the University of Helsinki's Collegium for Advanced Studies.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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On a very special episode of The Reluctant Theologian Podcast, I share some different stories that compelled me to write my new book, "God and Emotion." In future episodes, I will go through some of the arguments of the book, but in this episode I explain how deeply personal this topic is to everyone.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Aseity is one of those words that theologians love to throw around, but what does it mean? Is aseity the same thing as necessary existence? And what are the reasons for thinking that an a se being exists? In today’s episode, I sit down with Chad McIntosh to discuss the doctrine of aseity in all its glorious detail. We get into the principle of sufficient reason and cosmological arguments. We also chat about the implications of aseity for debates over the Trinity and divine simplicity. Chad gives us some spicy takes on simplicity that I am sure you won’t want to miss.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Chad McIntosh (PhD, Cornell University). Check out his blog. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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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.

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Support the Show:

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If you were listening to the last episode, you heard my conversation with Aku Visala on the imago dei, cognitive science, and free will. In today’s episode, we pick up the conversation on free will. We ask if free will is compatible with divine determinism, and consider some different debates in theology between Martin Luther and Erasmus. We also look at some of the evidence from cognitive science about the role of belief in free will in our moral and social behavior. This episode also contains the ever popular popcorn round.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Aku Visala (PhD, University of Helsinki) is a research fellow at the Finnish Academy, the University of Helsinki.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Christian theology says that humans are made in the image of God. But what does that mean? Does it mean that we are rational beings with free will? And what is free will anyway? In today’s episode, I sit down with Aku Visala to chat about human nature and free will. Aku tells us about different understandings of the image of God and human freedom. He also tells us what recent proposals in cognitive science have to say about human freedom and rationality.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Aku Visala (PhD, University of Helsinki) is a research fellow at the Finnish Academy, the University of Helsinki.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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We live in a world with multiple religions, competing theological systems, and various models of God. With all of this confusion and variety of opinions, how do we know that we are referring to the same being when we use the word “God”? In today’s episode, I sit down with Hugh Burling to talk about a recent paper of his in Faith and Philosophy on the theory of reference as it relates to topics within in philosophical theology, religious experience, and worship. If you are a philosophy of language nerd, then this is the episode for you.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Hugh Burling (PhD, University of Cambridge) is a teacher in philosophy and religious studies in England. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In the last episode, I sat down with Olli-Pekka Vainio to discuss various challenges to theology on the basis of philosophy of language. In this episode, Olli and I chat about issues surrounding our talk about God in terms of analogy, univocity, and equivocation. Does all of our talk about God need to be analogy? Would it be a problem if we spoke about God univocally? Olli and I also ask if all the religions in the world are referring to the same God. This episode also contains the ever popular popcorn round.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Olli-Pekka Vainio (PhD, University of Helsinki) is university lecturer in systematic theology, University of Helsinki.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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There is an interesting interaction between philosophy of language and theology. There are all sorts of difficulties surrounding the very idea of religious language. Some philosophers have objected to the idea of speaking about God. Perhaps it is impossible to engage in any talk about God at all. If that’s right, then theology is doomed from the start. In today’s episode, I sit down with Olli-Pekka Vainio to discuss his new book on religious language. In this episode, we discuss the challenges that arise from verificationism, expressivism, and apophaticism.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Olli-Pekka Vainio (PhD, University of Helsinki) is university lecturer in systematic theology, University of Helsinki.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In today’s episode, I sit down with TJ Mawson to discuss a listener question on God and morality. We consider different issues related to moral philosophy, the divine nature, and providence. In what sense is God responsible for the moral landscape? What does it mean to say that God is perfectly good? And can an all-powerful God sin? After discussing these issues, we ask if God is obligated to provide atonement for humanity. And then we ask if the God of open theism can providentially guide the world without screwing things up.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: TJ Mawson (PhD, University of Oxford) is the Edgar Jones fellow in philosophy at St Peter's College, University of Oxford.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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As science and technology are advancing, we are entering into uncharted waters with what we can do with DNA. From biohacking, to beer tasting, ancestry, and criminal cases, the possibilities are wide open. Some of the possibilities seem like merely science fiction, while others raise legal and ethical concerns. In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr Ross Cordiner to discuss what is science fiction, and what is reality concerning our DNA.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Ross Cordiner (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is a research fellow in molecular biology and genetics at Aarhus University. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Some of you listening might be artists. Perhaps you paint or take pictures. Maybe you are a filmmaker or musician. Whatever you are, you make important contributions to our society. Your art helps create a sense of place in your community. It can even cultivate a sense of place within the church. In today’s episode, I sit down with my friend Dr Jennifer Allen Craft to discuss her new book Placemaking and the Arts: Cultivating the Christian Life.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Jenn Craft (PhD, University of St Andrews) is associate professor of theology at Point University.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Today we decided to explore philosophical content in an alternative way through video games. Video games are a major part of our culture. I’ve even been told by several people that they listen to this show while they are playing video games. So in today’s episode, I sit down with Michał Trajdos to discuss various aspects of video games. We discuss the impact that video games have on culture, and whether or not video games can be considered a form of art. We ask what games tells us about our moral intuitions and our decision-making skills as humans beings.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Michał Trajdos. http://twitch.tv/di0xan

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In today's episode, I sit down with Mike Hranica from The Devil Wears Prada. We talk about heavy metal, French existentialism, and free will. We also talk about the new album The Act, what it is like to stop being straight edge, and so much more. 

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Mike Hranica from The Devil Wears Prada. https://www.tdwpband.com/

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

Music by The Devil Wears Prada, "Big Wiggly Style," "Chemical," and "The Thread." https://www.tdwpband.com/music

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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.

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Support the Show:

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In the last episode, Andrei Buckarreff and I discussed the metaphysics of pantheism and panentheism. We chatted about how to distinguish these models of God from classical theism and open theism. In today’s episode, Andrei and I will consider arguments for and against pantheism. Andrei offers two arguments in favour of pantheism. One from omnipresence, and another from omniscience. I then ask Andrei to consider two objections to pantheism. One from God’s rationality, and the other from God’s moral perfection.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Andrei Buckareff (PhD, University of Rochester) is associate professor of philosophy at Marist College.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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As we are continuing our series on models of God, we have arrived at two models called pantheism and panentheism. Pantheism is said to be an ancient model of God that is found in different religions across the world. In today’s episode, I sit down with Andrei Buckareff to discuss the metaphysics of pantheism and panentheism. We chat about how to distinguish these models of God from classical theism and open theism. In the next episode, Andrei and I will consider arguments for and against pantheism.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Andrei Buckareff (PhD, University of Rochester) is associate professor of philosophy at Marist College. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In today’s episode, I’m continuing my series on rival models of God. Dr. Ema Sani and I chat about two models of God called neoclassical theism and open theism. We discuss the difficulties in defining neoclassical theism, and then turn to topics such as the incompatibility of timelessness with divine passibility. Afterwards, we discuss various objections to models of divine foreknowledge and providence, such as theological determinism, simple foreknowledge, Molinism, and open theism.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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On today’s episode, I sit down with David Anzalone to chat about divine impassibility and divine passibility. One version of divine passibility is called omnisubjectivity, which says that God has perfect empathy with all of his creatures. David explains how different models of hell cause problems for omnisubjectivity.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: David Anzalone is a PhD candidate in philosophy at the University of Lucerne.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In the last episode, Dr. Tasia Scrutton and I discussed arguments for and against divine impassibility. Then we started to consider the doctrine of divine passibility. In today’s episode, we pick up the conversation by considering objections to divine passibility related to omnipotence and perfect rationality. Then we chat a bit about Tasia’s new book, “Christianity and Depression.” We ask if the suffering God of passibility can really help us in our time of anguish.

Here is a link to her new book. 

https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780334058908/christianity-and-depression

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Tasia Scrutton (PhD, University of Durham) is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Leeds.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Have you ever thought about God’s emotional life? What is an emotion, and what kind of emotions does God have? In this two part episode, I sit down with Tasia Scrutton to discuss the debate over divine impassibility and divine passibility. We discuss the philosophy of emotions, and the role that emotions play in debates over the divine nature. In part 2, we continue the conversation about this debate, but also consider the implications of this for issues related to mental health, and the problem of suffering.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Tasia Scrutton (PhD, University of Durham) is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Leeds.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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What can we actually say about God? Can I make positive claims about God, such as God is perfectly loving? Or can I only describe God in terms of what God is not like, such as God is not weak, or God is not ignorant? In today’s episode, I sit down with Simon Hewitt to discuss something called apophaticism, or negative theology. We chat about the apophatic approach to speaking of God, and some of the implications for theology, the problem of evil, and politics.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Simon Hewitt (PhD, University of London) is a research fellow in philosophy at the University of Leeds.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In the last episode, Thomas Williams and I discussed a model of God called classical theism In today’s episode, Thomas and I consider several objections to classical theism. Can an impassible God love us? Can a timeless and immutable God create and sustain the universe without undergoing any change or succession? Is the doctrine of divine simplicity coherent? These are some of the objections we consider. Today’s episode also contains the ever popular popcorn round.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Thomas Williams (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is professor of philosophy and Catholic Studies at the University of South Florida.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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In contemporary theology, there are multiple models of God to consider. One could be a classical theist, an open theist, maybe even a panentheist. In today’s episode, I sit down with Thomas Williams to discuss classical theism. We chat about great thinkers like Augustine, Aquinas, and Scotus. Then we explore divine attributes like omniscience, timelessness, immutability, simplicity, and impassibility. We even consider some of the implications for human freedom and religious language.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Thomas Williams (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is professor of philosophy and Catholic Studies at the University of South Florida.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

rtmullins.com

There are many different kinds of robots out there. There are the hard robots that vacuum your floor, and the soft robots Big Hero 6. Did you know that there are also underwater robots that look like squids? In today’s episode, I sit down with Francesco Giorgio-Serchi. We chat about robots, pig brain transplants, and the possibility of achieving immortality through robots. We even ask if immortality would be good for society.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Francesco Giorgio-Serchi (PhD, University of Leeds) is a chancellor's fellow in robotics and autonomous systems at the University of Edinburgh.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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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.

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Support the Show:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins⁠⁠⁠⁠

In case you are wondering, you are a conscious being. Have you ever asked what exactly is consciousness? And which particular things in the universe are conscious? Perhaps you think only souls can be conscious. Or maybe you think that material objects can be conscious. Whatever view you take, you need to ask where does consciousness comes from. In today’s episode, I sit down with Ben Page to discuss a family of arguments for the existence of God based on the existence of consciousness.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Ben Page (PhD, Oxford University) is a member of the philosophy department at the University of Durham.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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From driverless car, to robots helping surgeons in hospitals, we are increasingly accepting the role of machines and artificial intelligence in controlling our lives and taking decisions for us. But should I be really worry about my Alexa device taking over the world? In today’s episode, I sit down with Vaishak Belle. We discuss the nature of artificial intelligence, and an array of ethical questions that arise from our use of AI.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities.

Guest: Vaishak Belle (PhD, Aachen University) is a chancellor's fellow in human-like computing at the University of Edinburgh.

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

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Many people believe that there is a close connection between consciousness and the brain. Yet the human brain is still somewhat of a mystery to us. For example, we still know very little about the early stages of human brain development. Recently, scientists have started growing these little things called brain organoids to help them understand how human brains grow and develop. In today’s episode, I sit down with the neurobiologist, John Mason, to discuss his work on brain organoids, and some of the potential philosophical implications.

Credits:

Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a research and teaching fellow in analytic theology at the University of St Andrews.

Guest: John Mason (PhD, University of Cambridge) is a reader in developmental neurobiology at the University of Edinburgh. 

Scientific Adviser and Show Manager: Ema Sani (PhD, University of Glasgow) is a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the University of Edinburgh.

Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions

rtmullins.com