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The selection of Pope Leo XIV has captured global attention, prompting three Southern Baptist leaders to examine what this means for evangelicals in this thoughtful episode of Courier Conversations.

Jeff Robinson hosts Dr. Travis Kearns and Dr. Walter Johnson for a candid discussion about the theological implications of papal authority from an evangelical perspective. The conversation centers on a fundamental question: Should evangelicals celebrate the selection of a new Pope, or does the very office itself represent a theological problem?

The team dives deep into Matthew 16—the passage where Jesus tells Peter "on this rock I will build my church"—unpacking why evangelicals reject the Catholic interpretation that establishes papal authority. Dr. Kearns offers a compelling linguistic analysis of the Greek text, arguing that when Jesus says "this rock," he's referring to himself as the foundation, not establishing Peter as the first Pope. This distinction forms the cornerstone of evangelical objections to papal claims.

Historical challenges to papal succession receive equal attention, with the panel highlighting how the concept of papal supremacy developed gradually over centuries rather than existing from the beginning. They discuss problematic periods when multiple competing popes simultaneously claimed authority, raising questions about the Catholic notion of unbroken apostolic succession from Peter to the present day.

While maintaining clear theological boundaries, the conversation acknowledges the practical influence of the papacy on moral and political fronts. The panel reflects on Pope John Paul II's positive role in opposing communism alongside Western leaders and considers how Pope Leo XIV might influence contemporary moral issues where evangelicals and Catholics find common ground.

The discussion concludes with a powerful affirmation that Christ alone stands as the true head of His church—no earthly representative or vicar needed. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode for a balanced exploration of how evangelicals can thoughtfully engage with Catholic traditions while remaining grounded in biblical truth.

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Tired of hearing that theology is only for scholars or that doctrine divides people? This illuminating conversation with Dr. Walter Johnson, retired dean of Christian Studies at North Greenville University, makes a compelling case for why theological understanding matters deeply for every believer.

Dr. Johnson brilliantly distinguishes between merely knowing about God and truly knowing Him, explaining that while "you can know a lot about God without knowing him, I don't think you can know him very well without knowing a lot about him." This insight forms the foundation for a discussion about how theological understanding transforms our relationship with God and shapes faithful Christian living.

The hosts tackle practical challenges of teaching theology in local churches, acknowledging that many believers find the subject intimidating. Rather than announcing a "systematic theology" series that might draw only the pastor's spouse, they suggest creative approaches: teaching through a church's doctrinal statement, comparing Christianity with other religions, or working through theologically-rich books of the Bible. The goal isn't academic knowledge but spiritual transformation.

Perhaps most compelling is the protective function of sound doctrine. Just as Secret Service agents study genuine currency so thoroughly they immediately recognize counterfeits, Christians grounded in biblical truth can readily identify false teaching. As Hosea warned, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"—a sobering reminder of what's at stake when believers neglect theological understanding.

The conversation concludes with each participant sharing books that sparked their theological journeys—from Packer's "Knowing God" to Calvin's "Institutes"—demonstrating how theological reading can transform not just understanding but devotion to God. These personal testimonies reinforce that theology isn't merely academic but deeply practical and spiritually enriching.

Want to deepen your own theological understanding? Subscribe to Courier Conversations on your favorite podcast platform, visit baptistcourier.com for daily content, and consider sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from seeing theology in a new light.

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Doctrinal avoidance has become a disturbing trend in modern churches, exemplified by an Arizona pastor who proudly declared: "I don't do doctrine or theology, it's too divisive. I just love Jesus and love other people."

This episode tackles this theological aversion head-on with Dr. Walter Johnson, retired dean of Christian Studies at North Greenwood University. He expertly dissects why this pastor's statement is fundamentally self-contradictory – the moment someone preaches about Jesus, they're engaging in theology. The question isn't whether you're doing theology, but whether you're doing it well.

We explore the historical roots of anti-intellectualism in American Christianity, tracing how the Second Great Awakening shifted focus from scriptural depth to emotional experience, and how fundamentalism's withdrawal from intellectual engagement created a false association between theological thinking and liberalism. The shift from Jonathan Edwards' substantive preaching to Charles Finney's emotional appeals fundamentally altered how American Christians approach doctrine.

Dr. Johnson offers profound insights: "Truth is divisive – it divides truth from error, right from wrong, and ultimately heaven from hell." Yet this necessary division differs from being divisively argumentative. When Christians lack theological understanding, they remain vulnerable to false teachings, unable to distinguish between the biblical Jesus and counterfeit versions offered by various groups.

The consequences are startling – less than 5% of Christians can articulate the fundamental differences between orthodox Christianity and Mormon theology. Without systematic understanding, believers lack the framework to interpret Scripture coherently or engage with competing worldviews.

Ready to deepen your theological understanding? Join us for part two where we'll explore practical ways to implement systematic theology in your local church. Subscribe now and follow the Baptist Courier for more resources that inform and inspire believers beyond surface-level spirituality.

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The most devastating wildfires in upstate South Carolina history have ravaged more than 13,500 acres, raising profound questions about divine purpose amid suffering. Where exactly is God when natural disasters strike? Why does a good and all-powerful Creator allow earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires to devastate communities?

Host Jeff Robinson shares his experience pastoring in Birmingham during America's largest tornado outbreak, when he boldly placed "Where was God?" on the church marquee—drawing hundreds seeking answers to life's most challenging theological question. Co-host Travis Kearns unpacks the philosophical tension articulated by Friedrich Nietzsche: If God is all-good and all-powerful, why does evil exist?

The conversation examines Scripture's anticipation of this question, particularly through Job's experience as the righteous sufferer who lost everything while remaining faithful. We explore how God permits Satan to test Job while maintaining ultimate sovereignty—what Charles Spurgeon called "a lion on a leash." This biblical framework helps us navigate contemporary disasters from recent wildfires to devastating earthquakes.

Romans 8:28 emerges as the theological anchor, promising that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God." This doesn't mean disasters themselves are good, but that God mysteriously works through them toward ultimate good for believers. Jesus' response to the Tower of Siloam tragedy further illuminates how we should interpret catastrophic events—not as specific punishment, but as reminders of our mortality and need for repentance.

Rather than questioning God's character when tragedy strikes, this episode invites listeners to recognize divine sovereignty operating beyond human comprehension while finding comfort in God's presence amid life's most challenging storms. The conversation concludes with a powerful call to share the gospel with renewed urgency, knowing tomorrow isn't promised for anyone.

Have you wrestled with God's role in natural disasters? Share your experience or questions with us at conversations@baptistcourier.com.

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A Supreme Court nominee unable to define "woman" and a President needing to officially declare only two genders exist – how did we arrive at this cultural moment where biological reality became controversial? Jeff Robinson and Travis Kearns tackle the increasingly confused topic of gender through a biblical lens, providing much-needed clarity with theological depth and practical insight.

The conversation begins in Genesis, where God's intentional design of male and female establishes not just biological categories but complementary roles with divine purpose. "God made them male and female, in His image, to multiply and fill the earth," Travis emphasizes, highlighting how modern gender ideology fundamentally contradicts this created order. When examining Romans 1, the hosts make a compelling observation that gender confusion appears as the first-mentioned sin after humans turn from worshiping Creator to creation – a profound insight into why this issue has become so culturally significant.

Drawing from Kevin DeYoung's framework, the discussion outlines five biblical distinctions between men and women: appearance, physical attributes, characteristic strengths, natural demeanors, and complementary roles. While acknowledging cultural variables, they maintain that Scripture provides clear boundaries that celebrate rather than minimize gender differences. Perhaps most intriguing is their examination of whether gender issues might have genetic components influenced by the Fall, while still emphasizing moral responsibility remains unchanged.

This episode offers a thoughtful, Scripture-centered response to one of today's most divisive cultural issues. Whether you're confused by rapidly changing terminology, concerned about cultural trends, or seeking biblical wisdom for conversations with friends and family, this discussion provides solid ground in a shifting landscape. Join us as we examine what it means to embrace God's good design in a world increasingly determined to redefine it.

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Are big churches necessarily healthy? In our latest episode, we explore the complex relationship between church size and spiritual vitality, challenging the widely-held belief that larger congregations automatically reflect greater health. Join hosts Jeff Robinson and Travis Kearns as they engage in thought-provoking discussions about the true markers of a healthy church.

We delve deep into the critical elements of church health, emphasizing the importance of a robust foundation in Scripture. With references to influential thinkers like Mark Dever, we explore how expository preaching and active engagement in the Great Commission play vital roles in nurturing a spiritually vibrant community. Moreover, we highlight real-world examples showcasing diverse expressions of church health that transcend mere attendance figures.

Listeners are invited to consider pressing questions: What does a healthy church look like, and how can we measure ministry success beyond numbers? Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, we aim to equip church leaders and members with tools to cultivate environments that prioritize genuine community and spiritual growth.

This episode is filled with valuable insights for anyone invested in church health, from leaders and pastors to dedicated church members. Take part in this enlightening journey and reflect on your own church community's vibrancy. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us spread the word!

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are buzzwords that dominate contemporary discourse, yet their implications and origins often remain unexplored. Join us as we host Travis Kearns, trustee at the Baptist Courier, to shed light on DEI through a biblical perspective. Challenging the conventional wisdom of DEI's Marxist roots, we explore how its focus on equal outcomes may diverge from the Christian principles of merit and opportunity. Our conversation also delves into the political landscape, reflecting on significant actions like President Trump's executive order against DEI programs, and questions how such cultural ideologies could potentially contradict biblical teachings.

Turning our focus to unity in faith, we discuss the importance of spiritual gifts over external characteristics like ethnicity or social status. By referencing biblical texts such as Revelation 5-9 and Romans 12, we highlight the potential for DEI principles to inadvertently sow division rather than foster unity within the church. Drawing from Ephesians 2, we underscore the biblical ideal that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, advocating for church practices that truly reflect this unity. This episode offers a thought-provoking examination of how contemporary ideas align—or conflict—with Scripture, encouraging a robust and faith-centered approach to modern challenges.

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Ever wonder why certain books of the Bible, like Leviticus and Numbers, seem daunting and irrelevant? Join me, Jeff Robinson, as I unravel this mystery through the lens of Luke 24, exploring how Jesus' resurrection provides a fresh perspective on these challenging texts. This episode promises to illuminate the significance of Christ's resurrection and how it can transform your reading of the Bible into a cohesive, hope-filled narrative. Let's journey together to understand why these ancient texts matter deeply to our Christian faith.

Throughout history, Jesus Christ has been the central figure that both the Old and New Testaments point to, and in this episode, we uncover how the entire Bible serves as a unified narrative centered around Him. We'll explore the profound connections between the law, prophets, writings, and the redemptive work of Jesus, including the significance of events like the Passover. By understanding these connections, you'll gain new insights into the consistent message of salvation woven throughout the scriptures and see how even the most obscure passages can come alive with meaning.

Engage with us as we challenge common interpretations of Scripture and encourage a God-centered reading that emphasizes the Bible's overarching redemptive narrative. Discover how this perspective answers fundamental worldview questions and shifts our focus from merely personal application to the historical unfolding of God's plan. I invite you to connect with us through Baptist Courier Ministries, where we aim to inspire and inform, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Bible's relevance to your life and faith.

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