History of Interpretation

Debunking 4 Myths About Nicaea

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

In this video, Brandon Smith debunks four common myths about Nicaea: (1) Nicaea invented the Trinity; (2) Nicaea invented the New Testament; (3) Constantine invented orthodoxy; (4) Nicaea was Athanasius vs. Arius.

Watch this on YouTube at youtube.com/@churchgrammar.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Production and editing: Cody Barnhart.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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In Memoriam: Three Hours of Daniel Treier

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

As a way to honor and memorialize Daniel Treier (1972–2025), this is a megapod episode of his four appearances on Church Grammar:

(00:17) – Brandon’s reflections on Dan’s life
(03:43) – On Theological Interpretation and Longsuffering Sports Fandom (2/7/19)
(42:58) – On Evangelical Theology, Christian Formation, and Sports Heroes (2/10/20)
(1:13:41) – Theological Interpretation: On Definitions, Commentaries, and Reading Recommendations (6/28/21)
(2:01:41) – On Christology and Scripture (12/12/23)

*** We’re expanding to YouTube! Please subscribe and share, as we’ll be launching in 2026. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Mark Gignilliat and Heath Thomas on Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Mark Gignilliat of Beeson Divinity School and Dr. Heath Thomas of Oklahoma Baptist University. We discuss foundational hermeneutical assumptions about canon, time, and providence (2:33), allegory, typology, and figural readings (23:04), and more. Read their latest book.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Stephen Presley on Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics in the Church Fathers

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Stephen Presley of the Center for Religion, Culture, & Democracy. We discuss retrieving biblical theology and cultural engagement in the early church (1:31), hermeneutics and methodology (13:03), the church fathers and the Christian life today (36:42), and more. Read Stephen’s books.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Erik Lundeen on Biblical Interpretation in the Reformation

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Erik Lundeen of Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. We discuss the literal sense in the Reformation era (3:49), Christian and Jewish commentaries’ impact on the Reformation (13:35), Calvin and other Reformers as bridges to the modern period (34:11), and more. Read Erik’s book.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Steven Duby on Habakkuk and Theological Commentary

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Steven Duby of Phoenix Seminary. We discuss writing a theological commentary with various disciplines involved (2:30), insights from biblical studies and authorial intent(s) (9:50); history of interpretation and theological debates in Habakkuk (16:54); tips for preaching Habakkuk (39:40), and more. Buy Steven’s new commentary on Habakkuk.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seeks to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024).

You can also order his latest, Beholding the Triune God, written with Matthew Emerson.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Thomas Joseph White on Theological Interpretation, the Book of Exodus, and Catholic-Protestant Dialogue

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. of the Angelicum. We discuss biblical and theological interpretation in the 20th century (2:32), the relationship between literal and spiritual senses in interpreting Exodus (12:33), metaphysics and Scripture (34:56), Catholic-Protestant dialogue (47:44), and more. Buy Fr. Thomas Joseph’s commentary.

This episode is sponsored by Logos. Try the newest version for free for two months(!): www.logos.com/cg.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seeks to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024).

You can also order his latest, Beholding the Triune God, written with Matthew Emerson.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Scott Williams on Divine Self-Knowledge, Reception of Nicaea, and Philosophical Theology

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Scott Williams of the University of North Carolina–Asheville. We discuss divine self-knowledge (3:30), Nicaea and the Trinity in the Sixth Ecumenical Council (36:02), Henry of Ghent’s contribution to trinitarian theology (58:30), and more. Read Scott’s book and visit his website.

This episode is sponsored by Logos. Try the newest version for free for two months(!): www.logos.com/cg.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seeks to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024).

You can also order his latest, Beholding the Triune God, written with Matthew Emerson.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Sam Emadi on Joseph in Biblical Theology and the History of Interpretation

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Samuel Emadi of Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church. We discuss Joseph in the history of interpretation (4:44), Joseph in biblical theology and typology (9:59), advice for preaching (48:31), and more. Read Samuel’s books.

This episode is sponsored by Logos. Try the newest version for free for two months(!): www.logos.com/cg.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seeks to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024).

You can also order his latest, Beholding the Triune God, written with Matthew Emerson.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS

Rhyne Putman on the Virgin Conception and Birth of Jesus

/ Brandon D. Smith / Leave a comment

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Rhyne Putman of Williams Baptist University. We discuss the importance of Jesus’s genealogies and his role as the “virgin-born king” (3:48), the virgin birth in the Christian tradition (11:54), the biblical and theological importance of the virgin birth (14:31), Protestants and Mary (22:42), the importance of the virgin birth today (30:20), and more. Buy Rhyne’s books.

This episode is sponsored by Logos. Try the newest version for free for two months(!): www.logos.com/cg.

Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seeks to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.

Check out Brandon’s recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024).

You can also order his latest, Beholding the Triune God, written with Matthew Emerson.

Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.

Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.

*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS