Theology Unplugged

#1 - Miracles (Pilot Episode) This is the pilot episode introducing our new journey through Craig S. Keener’s monumental two-volume work **Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts**. In this opening session, we talk through why this study matters, how we'll approach it in community, and what makes the topic of miracles so compelling—especially for those of us who sit in the non-charismatic tradition yet remain deeply curious. We explore how Keener frames the global reality of miracle claims, the philosophical assumptions we often bring to the table, and why reevaluating this topic can strengthen—not weaken—our understanding of God’s work in the world. This pilot also lays out the goals for the series: honest inquiry, careful theology, and a place where questions can breathe. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #Miracles #CraigKeener #TheologyUnplugged #Apologetics #ChristianPhilosophy #Supernatural #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #SystematicTheology

#80 - The Canon of Scripture Is Not Closed Did God ever close the canon of Scripture? In this episode, we explore how the biblical canon was formed-not by decree, but by recognition. From Moses to the apostles, revelation carried its own authority, needing no council to validate it. The canon was accepted organically, as God's people simply received what He had spoken. We also discuss whether the canon is technically closed or only practically so, and why Protestants-unlike any other tradition-are uniquely free to examine the evidence and follow it wherever it leads, even engaging honestly with the Apocrypha. The Church never shut the door on revelation; God simply quit speaking. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers - https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses - https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries - https://www.credoministries.org #BiblicalCanon #Apocrypha #ChurchHistory #Revelation #ProtestantTheology #Scripture #SolaScriptura #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #SystematicTheology

### #79 – The History of the Acceptance of the Apocrypha In this episode, we trace the fascinating and often controversial journey of the Apocrypha—those books sitting between the Old and New Testaments in some Bibles but missing entirely from others. Why were these books accepted by some traditions and rejected by others? How did Jerome, the Reformers, and the Council of Trent each weigh in? Join us as we explore how the Apocrypha was received across Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant lines and why it still sparks debate today. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #Apocrypha #BiblicalCanon #CouncilOfTrent #Jerome #ChurchHistory #Deuterocanon #ProtestantBible #CatholicTradition #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #SystematicTheology

In this session, we dive into one of the most important differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant theology: justification. What do Catholics mean when they speak of justification as both a process and a state? How does it differ from the Protestant understanding of imputed righteousness by faith alone? This episode carefully unpacks the Catholic view using their own categories—grace, merit, sacraments, and cooperation with God—while also clarifying the classic Protestant response. If you've ever been confused about where the lines are drawn, this episode will help you see both the overlap and the sharp distinctions. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

### #75 – Roman Catholicism: The Apocrypha, Mary, and All the Other Stuff In today’s episode, we take a step back and offer a thoughtful overview of Roman Catholic beliefs—especially those that often seem unfamiliar or confusing to Protestants. From the Apocrypha to Marian dogmas, purgatory, the communion of saints, and the Eucharist, we trace the roots and reasoning behind these doctrines. Whether you’re wrestling with questions about the Catholic view of Mary or trying to understand how the Apocrypha fits into the Catholic Bible, this episode is designed to provide clarity and foster respectful engagement. We’re not here to debate—we’re here to learn. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #RomanCatholicism #Apocrypha #MarianDogmas #Purgatory #Eucharist #ChurchHistory #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #ProtestantAndCatholic #SystematicTheology #Patristics

In this session, we explore the structure of Roman Catholic authority from a Protestant perspective. What is the Magisterium, and how does it function alongside Scripture and Tradition? What does apostolic succession really mean, and how is infallibility understood? This episode aims to unpack the internal logic of Rome’s authority structure—not to caricature it, but to understand it. My goal is to help Protestants see how it fits together from within the Catholic system, while also offering points of reflection and challenge. If you've ever wondered why Catholics trust the Church in the way they do, this is a great place to start. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode, I step into unfamiliar territory as a Protestant: making the strongest possible case for the inclusion of the deuterocanonical books—those writings often labeled *Apocrypha* like *Tobit*, *Judith*, *Wisdom*, *Sirach*, and *1–2 Maccabees*. I walk through the theological logic of the Catholic position: the organic relationship between Scripture and Church, the role of apostolic tradition, and why early liturgical use might point to divine inspiration. What if these books weren’t added later—but preserved for a reason? Then, I shift perspectives and respond from a Protestant point of view. I wrestle honestly with the question: How do we define canon? Does apostolicity matter more than usage? Can moral usefulness be confused with divine authority? No history yet—Athanasius, Jerome, Cajetan, and the rest will get their day. This episode is all about setting the theological stage. This is the best Catholic argument I know. And it deserves a serious Protestant answer. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

In this first session of our series on Roman Catholicism, we explore its foundations from a Protestant perspective—graciously and truthfully. What is Rome? How did it develop? Why does it matter today? This series invites you to understand the structure, beliefs, and beauty of the Roman Catholic Church, even while wrestling with key differences. Let's get to know Rome—not as outsiders, but as informed family members in the broader story of Christianity. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this session, we explore the definition and historical development of the biblical canon. What do we mean when we talk about "the canon of Scripture"? How did the Church recognize which books belonged in the Bible—and when? We will trace the formation of the canon through: – The early church’s criteria for recognizing Scripture – The role of Church Fathers and early councils – The distinction between inspired books and ecclesiastical writings – Disputes over the Old and New Testament books – The influence of figures like Athanasius, Jerome, and the Reformers This teaching lays the historical foundation for understanding how the Church came to affirm the books that make up our Bible. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Today we explore the legacy of one of the most powerful papal names in Church history—Leo. With the election of Leo the Fourteenth, many are asking what it means to choose that name. We walk through the legacies of Leo the First (Leo the Great), Leo the Third, Leo the Tenth, and Leo the Thirteenth—tracing a line from theological clarity and imperial coronations to Reformation crisis and modern renewal. This isn’t just Church history—it’s our story, and each Leo leaves behind a mark: some healed, some divided, some saved cities, and some changed the Church forever. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In today’s episode, we dive into Genesis 6 and 1 Kings 22 to crash those neatly packaged theological assumptions. These passages remind us that God intentionally includes the bizarre and the unexpected in Scripture to keep us from getting too comfortable. Just because something is bizarre doesn’t mean it’s not real—our worldview as Christians must embrace the reality of the strange and supernatural. Get ready to have your theological boxes blown wide open! Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the clearest and most haunting illustrations of sin in the Bible: Esau trading his birthright for “that red stuff.” What compels us to give up what matters most for something so empty and fleeting? We’ll unpack how sin functions like spiritual impulse buying—a split-second decision that feels urgent but ends in regret. I’ll share a personal story about a season in my life when I traded the calling God gave me for the comfort of pain pills. We’ll also explore a father-son moment that reveals the heart of God in our worst trades—and how grace always leaves room for return. If you’ve ever felt the ache of worthless choices or wondered what “red stuff” might be in your own cart, this episode is for you. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode of Theology Unplugged, C. Michael Patton explores one of the most personal and humorous tensions in his theological journey: what if we’re still wrong in heaven? What if glorification doesn’t mean omniscience, but sanctified curiosity? From being kicked out of a Calvinist fellowship in the ’90s to debating theology over coffee with Arminians like Paul Copan and Wesleyans like Thomas Oden, Michael reflects on what it means to hold deep conviction without losing humility. He introduces the concept of Mystical Calvinism—a posture that embraces both the doctrines of grace and the infinite mystery of God. Let’s get honest about where our theology actually comes from. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

When we ask, “Who is God?”, we often assume we’re going straight to the Bible. But we’re not. The truth is, every Christian pulls from at least 12 different sources—often unconsciously—when building their theology. In this episode, we look at how things like culture, tradition, emotions, friends, family, reason, pastors, creation, and theologians influence what we believe. Some of these are good. Some are dangerous. But all of them are real. Let’s get honest about where our theology actually comes from. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Before we ask Who is God?, we have to answer a more foundational question: What is God? In this episode, we walk through four ways people—consciously or unconsciously—define “God”: 1. That Which We Worship – what we value most 2. A Celestial Being – something more powerful than us 3. The Creator (Unmoved Mover) – the source of all things 4. The Greatest Conceivable Being – the perfect, ultimate reality We explore each with vivid examples, cultural references, and Scripture, helping us see that everyone has a "god"—even if they don’t call it that. This is the groundwork for all theological clarity. If we don’t know what we mean by “God,” we’ll misunderstand everything else that follows. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode of Through Theology in a Year, C. Michael Patton explores how the canon of Scripture was recognized rather than arbitrarily chosen. He challenges some common fables of canonicity—like the idea that books were accepted based purely on age, apostolic authorship, or language—and instead shows how the early church organically received certain writings as authoritative. It's not about creating a list but about recognizing what had already been carrying the weight of divine authority. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode of Theology Unplugged, I kick things off with a deep dive into the Pseudepigrapha—those fascinating ancient writings that didn’t make it into the biblical canon, but still show up all over early Christian thought. Then I shift into a raw retelling of a recent demonic night terror—an intense dream that left me rattled and reflecting on the reality of spiritual warfare. After that, things take a different turn as I engage in a live theological debate with “Flavia Julia Constantina” (played by ChatGPT). We go head-to-head on two major doctrines: penal substitutionary atonement and baptismal regeneration. She brings the early church fire; I push back with Scripture and a theology that leaves space for development. It’s sharp, spontaneous, and fully unplugged. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Today’s episode asks one of the most foundational and unsettling questions in theology: Is the canon of Scripture actually closed? Not whether it should be or whether it feels closed, but whether anyone—church, council, or community—has the authority to close it. We walk through exploring the definition of canon, examine where the idea of a “closed canon” comes from, and ask who—if anyone—had the authority to make that call. In the end, we consider this: if canon is like prophecy—God-breathed, binding, and final—then it must be God, not man, who closes it. But what if God never said it was closed? He hasn't spoken through a prophet or apostle in nearly 2,000 years. That silence may be the strongest evidence of closure—but it’s still silence, not a decree. If only God can close the canon, and he hasn’t, then maybe—just maybe—it’s still open in theory. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode of Theology Unplugged, we explore the spectrum of philosophical systems and how they shape our understanding of faith. From fideism to empiricism, existentialism to rationalism, we see that God engages with us through multiple avenues—not just one. What if He wants to make your faith more multi-dimensional? By understanding these frameworks, we can appreciate the richness of Christian thought and how different perspectives contribute to our walk with Christ. Join us as we break down these key philosophical approaches, their historical figures, and how they connect to Scripture and the Christian life. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Episode 74 of 'Through Theology in a Year' takes you on a journey through the intricacies of manuscript evaluation and Bible translation. We'll explore the three key elements that add value to any discovered manuscript, and then dive into how translation committees decide on their specific approaches. From the NIV to the ESV, the King James Version to The Message, we break down the differences and help you understand which translation might be right for you. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Fath in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton