Episodes

  • On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 29 to 33

    On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 29 to 33
    Jun 28 2026
    In which the artful use of tropes, those figures of speech embedded richly in Scripture, is shown to be indispensable for unveiling its hidden meanings, even as their mastery often eludes the unlearned. And in like manner, the examination of Tichonius’s sevenfold rules reveals them to be helpful keys that unlock some, but not all, of the sacred text's secrets, especially concerning the nature of Christ’s body, the mixed state of the Church, and the interplay of law and grace.
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    15 mins
  • On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 20 to 28

    On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 20 to 28
    Jun 27 2026
    In which it is shown how the steadfastness of the apostles and holy men amid praise and persecution serves as a model for temperate conduct, and how Scripture’s varied expressions and narratives must be interpreted with care, balancing literal and figurative meanings according to clearest teachings. We learn that diverse yet truthful interpretations of sacred texts are permitted by divine providence, yet reason must be cautiously employed only when Scripture’s own light fails to resolve obscurities.
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    15 mins
  • On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 12 to 19

    On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 12 to 19
    Jun 26 2026
    In which we are gently taught to discern the true spirit behind actions and sayings attributed to the divine or the holy, seeing beyond mere appearances to the nourishment of love and charity, mindful of customs, times, and persons. And we are cautioned to interpret commands and conduct not by our own flawed standards, but with prudent reflection, recognising that lust and pride often cloud judgement, while true understanding seeks the reign of love and the good of all.
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    18 mins
  • On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 6 to 11

    On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 6 to 11
    Jun 25 2026
    In which the nature of spiritual bondage is contrasted between Jews, who were bound by useful signs leading to the worship of the One God, and Gentiles, whose bondage to idolatrous and futile signs failed to foster true spiritual freedom. Further, guidance is offered on discerning figurative language in Scripture, especially where severity is ascribed to God, always with the mind directed towards charity and the overcoming of lust.
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    16 mins
  • On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 1 to 5

    On Christian Doctrine Book III Chapters 1 to 5
    Jun 24 2026
    In which the diligent seeker of God’s truth is guided through the careful examination of scriptural ambiguities, whether arising from punctuation, pronunciation, or figurative language, always employing the rule of faith and contextual understanding to discern meaning rightly. It is gently warned that to grasp the spirit rather than cling blindly to the letter is life-giving, while a slavish literalness of metaphorical expressions imprisons the soul in darkness.
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    18 mins
  • On Christian Doctrine Book II Chapters 32 to 42

    On Christian Doctrine Book II Chapters 32 to 42
    Jun 23 2026
    In which the arts of reasoning, definition, eloquence, and number are shown not as man’s inventions, but as truths discovered under God, to be used humbly and not vaingloriously. Whatever learning is found among the heathen may be taken for Christ’s service, yet Scripture surpasses it all, and must be approached with meekness, charity, and a heart purified from pride.
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    27 mins
  • On Christian Doctrine Book II Chapters 25 to 31

    On Christian Doctrine Book II Chapters 25 to 31
    Jun 22 2026
    In which the nature of human institutions—both superfluous and necessary—is carefully examined with regard to their origins, functions, and propriety for the Christian mind, and the role of various branches of knowledge in aiding the understanding of Scripture is thoughtfully considered. This discourse gently distinguishes between useful learning, such as history, natural science, and dialectics, and matters to be shunned, guiding the faithful in forming right judgment without falling into superstition or vain disputation.
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    18 mins
  • On Christian Doctrine Book II Chapters 19 to 24

    On Christian Doctrine Book II Chapters 19 to 24
    Jun 21 2026
    In which the nature of heathen knowledge is carefully examined, revealing a distinction between human institutions steeped in superstition and the observation of divine order, particularly regarding the misguided use of astrology and omens. It is gently shown that such practices, being entwined with deception and demonic complicity, lead souls astray from the true worship of God and into enslavement to vain and perilous signs.
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    17 mins