Theology for the People

Understanding the Filioque Controversy - with Shane Angland

What does it mean that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father” — and why did adding “and the Son” (Filioque), lead to one of the greatest divisions in church history? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by Shane Angland to unpack the history, theology, and ongoing significance of the Filioque controversy. Together, they explore the origins of the Nicene Creed, the debates at the Council of Constantinople (381), and why the Western church added the Filioque clause. They also discuss: * The difference between eternal procession and the mission of the Spirit * Why the East and West approach theology differently * The role of language (Greek vs. Latin) in shaping doctrine * How politics—not just theology—deepened the divide * Whether this issue still matters for Christians today If you’ve ever wondered why theology can get so complex—or why it actually matters—this episode will help you see that these debates aren’t just academic, they’re about faithfully understanding who God is. Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org

John Owen: Who He Was & How His Ideas Compare to Other Theologians

What happens when we read a theologian like John Owen alongside voices from across church history? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady interviews Kelly Kapic and Ty Kieser, authors of Owen Among the Theologians: Conversations Across the Christian Tradition. In this conversation, we explore: * Why theology is best done in conversation, not isolation * How John Owen interacts with figures like Bernard of Clairvaux and Karl Barth * Whether the Song of Songs should be read as a love poem, an allegory of Christ, or both * Karl Barth’s radically Christ-centered theology—and why it both attracts and unsettles evangelicals * How engaging other traditions can deepen our understanding of Scripture Kapic and Kieser argue that faithful theology requires both conviction and humility: learning from the broader Christian tradition while remaining rooted in the authority of Scripture. If you’ve ever wondered how to engage theological voices outside your tradition without compromising your convictions, this episode will help you think more deeply and faithfully.

Critical Theory vs. Christianity: Competing Visions of Reality

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with theologian and professor Bradley Green to unpack one of the most commonly mentioned but rarely understood ideas in today’s cultural moment: critical theory. Many people have heard of critical race theory—but Green explains that critical theory is actually a much older and broader worldview rooted in Marxist thought and developed by the Frankfurt School. More than just a social theory, Green argues that critical theory functions as a kind of alternative theology—with its own views of reality, sin, and redemption. In this conversation, you’ll learn: * The distinction between critical theory as a whole, and critical race theory specifically * How Marxism evolved from economics into cultural Marxism * Why critical theory focuses on oppression and liberation * What Green means by calling critical theory a “Christian heresy” * How critical theory borrows from—and distorts—biblical categories like creation, sin, and redemption * Why institutions like family and church are viewed as oppressive within this framework * What Christians can affirm, critique, and learn from critical theory * Why the gospel offers a better and more complete answer Green also highlights an important insight: while critical theory correctly identifies that something is wrong in the world, it ultimately misdiagnoses the root problem—and therefore offers a flawed solution. If you’ve ever wondered how to think clearly—and biblically—about critical theory, this episode will give you helpful categories and clarity.

How Repentance Transforms Your Life and Relationships

What if repentance isn’t something to dread—but something to celebrate? In this episode of Theology for the People, host Nick Cady sits down with author and pastor Chris Brauns to talk about his new book The Way of Repentance: Embracing God’s Gift for a Transformed Life. For many people, the word “repentance” seems negative, but the Bible presents repentance not as a burden, but as a gift that leads to life, freedom, and joy. In this episode we explore: * The difference between worldly sorrow and true repentance * How repentance is both grief and joy at the same time * Why repentance is a gift that God gives * How to get out of a rut when you feel stuck in cycles of sin * What repentance looks like in everyday life * How repentance transforms our relationships and character We also discuss powerful biblical examples—from the prodigal son to Judah—and how repentance is not just the way into the Christian life, but the way we continue walking with Jesus. 👉 If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, felt stuck in sin, or misunderstood repentance, this conversation will help you see it as a pathway to deeper joy in Christ.

Worship and Music: Nine Healthy Biblical Tensions

In this episode of Theology for the People, host Nick Cady sits down with Michael Payne, Worship Pastor at White Fields Community Church [https://www.whitefieldschurch.com], to talk about what makes worship in the church both biblical and healthy. Drawing from the insights of "Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin [https://a.co/d/0hdmnzLv], they explore 9 essential tensions that every church must navigate when it comes to worship and music. What does it look like to be: * Spirit-led and Scripture-rooted? * Emotionally expressive and doctrinally grounded? * Skilled and sincere? Rather than choosing one side or the other, healthy worship holds these tensions together in a way that honors God and serves the church. Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, musician, or church member, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what worship is—and what it’s for. 👉 Topics include: * The purpose of music in gathered worship * Balancing excellence and authenticityChoosing songs that shape theology * Leading people, not just performing for them * Why tension is not a problem—but a necessity If you care about Christ-centered, congregational worship, this episode is for you.