Episode 29: The Christian Mysteries | From the Desert to the Garden

Episode 30: Resurrection and New Life | From the Desert to the Garden

Reprising themes of resurrection claims in the modern era – the modern Catechism’s description of resurrection life and how twentieth century theologians responded to the background challenges of critical philosophy.

Episode 29: The Christian Mysteries | From the Desert to the Garden

A first introduction to the roots of the distinctive Christian language of ‘sacraments’ and its connection to the sacred, liberating dramas of the mystery religions. Sacrament as sacred sign in Augustine.

Episode 28: “Christ died for Us” | From the Desert to the Garden

An attempt to look at some of the ways that twentieth century theology has tried to make sense of the claim “Christ died for us”, including a brief look at liberation theology and Girard’s scapegoat theory.

Episode 27: Incarnation and Atonement | From the Desert to the Garden

This episode contrasts two Christian authors of different eras connecting atonement with incarnation. The fourth century Athanasius and the 11th/12th century Anselm both explore an argument why God became human with very different emphases. The contrast between Latin Christian focus on atonement and satisfaction and orthodox focus on theosis.

Episode 26: The High Priest and the Sacrifice | From the Desert to the Garden

This episode returns to the New Testament matrices for interpreting the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross. The focus is on the letter to the Hebrews and the atoning sacrifice, picking up on themes from earlier podcasts.