This is the home of Reformed Forum’s podcasts—Christ-centered, confessionally Reformed conversations and teaching shaped by redemptive-historical theology. Warm, accessible, and theologically rigorous, our shows aim to equip the global Church toward maturity in Christ—helping listeners trace the unfolding story of redemption in Scripture and find trusted guides along the way.
Artificial Intelligence in Scholarship and Pastoral Ministry: An Exploration of Possibilities and Perils
Jun 02, 2023
Show notes
Join us as we explore the increasingly overlapping spheres of artificial intelligence (AI) and pastoral ministry. Our discussion uncovers both the promising opportunities and the intricate challenges presented by this cross-disciplinary synthesis, offering listeners a space for thoughtful reflection and critical analysis.
We begin by considering the ways in which AI could influence scholarly and pastoral work, discussing its potential to revolutionize sermon preparation, theological interpretation, and pastoral responsibilities. From enhancing exegesis through computational analysis to automated pastoral care systems, the conversation paints a picture of a possible future in which technology and theology are closely entwined.
However, the integration of AI into such deeply human and nuanced fields raises a multitude of ethical and philosophical concerns. Can an artificial system genuinely contribute to a process so rooted in personal insight and spirituality? Would reliance on AI for intellectual tasks promote laziness or engender a culture of plagiarism within the realm of theological scholarship? Furthermore, we ponder the risk of losing the essence of pastoral care—the human touch—in the wake of automated systems.
We invite you to join a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of the role AI could play in scholarship and pastoral ministry. For those curious about the intersection of technology, faith, and ethics, this discussion offers a chance to engage with a deeply fascinating and increasingly relevant topic.
Chapters
00:07 Thinking about Artificial Intelligence
01:17 Jim’s Course on John 1–10
07:17 Thinking about Artificial Intelligence
13:58 A Laymen’s Understanding of How Large Language Models Work
20:55 Ethical Issues with the Use of AI in Scholarship and Ministry
27:15 How AI Relates to Current Publishing Practices
32:11 The Use of Research Assistants in Scholarship
[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 2–3
May 29, 2023
Show notes
This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org.
If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support.
Mentioned in this episode:
Christ the Center 1000
Christ the Center 1000
Van Til Group #11 — Sin and Its Curse
May 26, 2023
Show notes
Carlton Wynne, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey turn to pp. 63–67 of Cornelius Van Til’s The Defense of the Faith to discuss the Christian theory of knowledge. In this section, Van Til speaks of the effects of sin and its curse upon human knowledge.
Chapters
00:00:07 Introduction
00:05:07 The Effects of Sin
00:21:08 God Is Self-Sufficient and Self-Complete
00:37:24 Aspects of Non-Christian Thought
00:48:40 The Contradiction of a Developing Absolute
Matthew 4:1-11 — The Testing and Temptation of the Son of God — Part One
May 24, 2023
Show notes
This episode looks at the testing of Jesus that comes on the heels of his baptism. At his baptism, the Father declares “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Satan comes to test that claim. But God has his own purposes as Jesus is led into the wilderness to demonstrate that he is indeed who the father declared him to be.
Summary of Christian Doctrine: The States of Christ, Part 1
May 23, 2023
Show notes
This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 15, “The States of Christ,” is where Berkhof considers Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation. This episode we discuss Christ’s state of humiliation.
[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 1
May 22, 2023
Show notes
This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org.
If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate](https://reformedforum.org/donate) to provide your support.
Mentioned in this episode:
Christ the Center 1000
Christ the Center 1000
Presbyterians, Assemblies, and Semicolons
May 19, 2023
Show notes
Brad Isbell joins Jim Cassidy, Ryan Noha, and Camden Bucey to preview the PCA General Assembly and its 50th Anniversary Celebration. After speaking about ecumenical relations and several overtures, the group gets into a “riveting” discussion regarding a semicolon in Westminster Confession of Faith 31.4.
[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Introduction
May 15, 2023
Show notes
This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org.
If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support.
Mentioned in this episode:
Christ the Center 1000
Christ the Center 1000
Paul the Disciple in Acts
May 12, 2023
Show notes
Adam York speaks about discipleship in the book of Acts. As the church “beholds” the resurrected–ascended Christ by the proclamation of the apostolic word, it is empowered to bear witness to Christ even unto death, placing the world on trial while the church itself is tried by this world.
Rev. York is pastor of Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois.
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