Podcasts by The Towel

How to excel (and still be humble) in theological education from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.086472

Today Joe asks Jamie about staying humble while excelling in academia...especially since Jamie has two PhDs -- a fact some would point to as the opposite of humility.

Theological Method for a 12-year-old from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.073132

Today Jamie talks to Dr Rhyne Putman about Theological Method--specifically, what it is, as well as its implications for discipleship.

What counts as fruit? from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.068197

This week, Joe asks Jamie what counts as fruit. The context is John 15:8, where Jesus says "the Father is glorified" when we "bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."

COVID-19 - April 1 from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.028163

An NOBTS-Family update...and Jamie plays an April Fool's joke.

COVID-19 - April 2 from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.023347

An NOBTS-Family update from Jamie + a brief discussion on whether or not today is Groundhog Day...

COVID-19 - April 2 (SECOND UPDATE) from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.018396

An NOBTS-Family update from Jamie on Covid-19.

COVID-19 - April 3 from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.014304

Jamie shares a devotional from Romans 8:18-25, and a brief NOBTS-Family update.

How to disciples someone older than you from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.010520

Today, Joe asks Jamie about discipling someone older. Often discipleship is confused with mentorship. So what really separates the two?

COVID-19 - April 6 from 2023-12-14T01:58:30.006631

Jamie shares a devotional encouragement, and a brief NOBTS-Family update.

Evangelism and the best approach from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.984779

Today, Jamie answers a listener's question: What is the best way a church should engage in evangelism? Programmatic (such as door to door, and setting numerical goals for certain time periods)? Or,...

Covid-19 - May 4 from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.979947

Today, Jamie shares a few quick updates about what to expect this coming week at NOBTS & Leavell College.

This week at NOBTS - June 1 2020 from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.957006

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

For Jamie's first year...we play a game. from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.953124

This week, Jamie reflects on being at NOBTS & Leavell College for a year. And then we play a game.

This week at NOBTS - June 8 2020 from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.949396

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

Are all sins the same? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.932653

This week, a listener writes in to ask: Are all sins the same? And should we re-think how we look at sin?

This week at NOBTS - July 7 2020 from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.925560

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

Lessons learned (and advice) from leading through the Covid-19 pandemic from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.917684

This week, Joe asks Jamie what he's learned as he's had to lead NOBTS & Leavell College through this new world of a global pandemic. Then the conversation shifted to advice to pastors and other chu...

This week at NOBTS - August 6 2020 from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.915095

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

How to minister to those who are dealing with disappointment and loss? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.907114

This comes from a listener question. And it's one that just about all of us have go through -- both personally, but also, as is often the case, with helping others navigate it.

How is natural theology different from natural revelation? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.901267

This is the first part of a question about natural theology -- What is it, and why should we care?

Should we use Natural Theology? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.898154

This week, we picked up from where our conversation on natural theology stopped last week, and discussed the practical end: What should we do about it?

Life After Death (pt 3): Bodily Resurrection from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.887744

This week, Jamie continues discussing what happens after death, focusing now on the state of bodily resurrection.

Does God Exist? (part 2) from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.875412

Continuing this series on the philosophical questions around God's existence, Jamie now turns to the teleological family of arguments.

Does God Exist? (part 6) from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.863040

To conclude this series, Jamie now turns to the family of arguments categorized as Longing. These apply to broad religious experience, but also in more narrow focused ways, including an argument fr...

The problem of evil (part 2) from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.851259

In part two, Jamie discusses the emotional aspects of the problem of evil.

What should we do about doubt? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.840650

In this episode, Jamie talks about practical answers to experiencing doubt -- what to do, as well as what not to do.

The Formation of the Trinity with Dr Tyler Wittman (Part 1) from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.827753

Today, Jamie talks to Dr Tyler Wittman -- assistant professor of theology at NOBTS -- about how the doctrine of the Trinity developed.

How do we use epistemology every day without realizing it? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.817289

Looking now at a practical, daily question: What role does epistemology play in all of our lives, every day?

Understanding the overall structure of the OT from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.797304

Ethan Jones, assistant professor of Old Testament & Hebrew at NOBTS, discusses the Old Testament holistically and how that helps New Testament readers (us) better understand what to do with the Old...

Is the Old Testiment just background for the New? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.782228

Cory Barnes, associate professor of Old Testament at NOBTS, talks about why we should not simply look at the Old Testament as a prelude to the New, but also as a series of books providing a unique ...

Jesus from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.753965

Discussing Chapter 4 of the book, Let This Mind Be in You

What does it mean to be a servant? from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.747669

The Servanthood of Philippians 2 from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.731195

Discussing the final chapter of the book, Let This Mind Be in You.

Trinity from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.711602

Jamie talks again to Dr. Tyler Witman to round out the doctrines of God.

Soteriology from 2023-12-14T01:58:29.695417

Jamie talks to Dr Rhyne Putman about the doctrine of soteriology.

Missiology from 2023-11-24T12:00

Jamie talks to Dr Greg Matthias about the doctrine of missiology.

Humanity from 2023-11-17T12:00

In this episdoe, Joe Fontenot interviews Jaime about the doctrine of humanity, or theological anthropology.

Hamartiology from 2023-11-10T12:00

Jamie talks again to Dr Rhyne Putman, this time about the doctrine of harmatiology (sin).

Revelation from 2023-10-27T11:00

Jamie talks to Dr Adam Harwood about the doctrine of revelation.

Ecclesiology from 2023-10-20T11:00

Jamie talks to Dr Matt James about the doctrine of ecclessiology.

Eschatology from 2023-10-13T11:00

Jamie talks to Dr Tommy Doughty to discuss eschatology, often called the doctrine of "end times"

Pneumatology from 2023-09-29T11:00

Jamie talks to Dr Adam Harwood about the doctrine a the Holy Spirit, a facet of the Trinity often neglected in Baptistic circles.

Christology from 2023-09-22T11:00

In this second interview, Jamie talks to Dr Tyler Wittman about the doctrine of Christ.

Doctrine of God from 2023-09-15T11:00

Jamie interviews Dr Tyler Wittman about what is often called the "theology proper," the study of the doctrine of God.

Heads of Doctrine: What they are and why they matter from 2023-09-14T11:00

In this episode we walk through the 11 heads of doctrine and discuss why they matter, as well as why studying all of them makes you a more wellrounded thinker.

The Great Commission from 2023-06-30T11:00

Discussing Chapter 8 of the book, Let This Mind Be in You.

The Message of the Cross from 2023-06-23T11:00

Discussing Chapter 7 of the book, Let This Mind Be in You.

A Servant’s Longing from 2023-06-16T11:00

Discussing Chapter 6 of the book, Let This Mind Be in You.

What Does Biblical Servanthood Look Like? from 2023-05-26T11:00

Discussing Chapter 3 of the book, Let This Mind Be in You.

What’s wrong with platforms? from 2023-05-19T11:00

Discussing Chapter 2 of the book, Let This Mind Be in You.

A World without Servants from 2023-05-12T11:00

Discussing Chapter 1 of the book, Let This Mind Be in You.

Understanding Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) from 2023-03-24T11:00

Matt Emmerson is the dean of theology, arts, and humanities at Oklahoma Baptist University. Today, he and Jamie discuss what TIS is and what we should do with it.

What is Intertextuality? from 2023-03-17T11:00

Charlie Ray is assistant professor of New Testament and Greek and the divisional associate dean of biblical studies at NOBTS. Today, he and Jamie discuss intertextuality, how the New Testiment uses...

Is the Sabbath just legalism? from 2023-03-10T12:00

Cory Barnes returns, this time discussing how Christians should understand the Sabbath... and then what we should do with it today.

The Life of the Apostle Paul from 2023-02-24T12:00

Alan Bandy returns for a second episode, this time expanding his view from Revelation (see episode 4) to now focus on Paul and his work. You can find his book An Illustrated Guide to the Apostle Pa...

What's going on in Revelation? from 2023-02-17T12:00

Alan Bandy is professor of New Testament & Greek and associate dean of the research doctoral programs and NOBTS. He has written quite a bit on the book of Revelation, and today, he talks about how ...

How to Read Psalms from 2023-02-10T12:00

Ethan Jones returns, this time, to discuss the Psalms.

Re-launching! Here's what you can expect! from 2023-01-27T12:00

Jamie & Joe talk about the new shape of Towel & Basin, as well as a few things you can look forward to in this season!

We're switching to seasons! from 2021-06-26T14:31:13

What does it mean to know something? from 2021-06-26T14:28:33

In this episode, we talk about what seems to be a fairly simple question...but what, in fact, turns out to be a bit more complex.

Navigating an echo-chamber from 2021-06-18T11:00

Today, Joe asks Jamie about what's sometimes referred to as an epistemic bubble — more commonly, an echo chamber — when it comes to knowledge.

What is the difference between ‘secular’ and ‘christian’ epistemology? from 2021-04-30T12:51:38

In this episode, Joe asks Jamie about the discipline of epistemology (Jamie's field of study) and what it means to be a Christian studying and doing research in this field.

The Trinity with Dr Tyler Wittman (part 2) from 2021-04-16T10:00

Today, Jamie and Dr Tyler Wittman take up part 2 on the Trinity. Looking at questions like, How do we make sense out of the equality of the divine persons, while one (the son) is in submission to a...

Are science and theology natural enemies? from 2021-03-19T14:03:21

Today's episode is an extension from the last, turning to the question of science and theology: is the tension natural? Or something else? The book referenced is Where the Conflict Really Lies by ...

The relationship between faith and reason from 2021-03-12T13:55:46

Today, Jamie talks about the relationship between faith and reason, touching on evidentialist and fideistic views, and eventually settling on the view he himself takes. Here's the book referenced ...

Is it wrong to doubt? from 2021-02-26T11:00

As a Christian, is it wrong to have doubts?

The Different Views of Truth from 2021-02-12T11:00

The problem of evil from 2021-01-29T11:00

Today, Joe asks Jamie about the problem of evil -- a concept many struggle with. Jamie looks at an an overview of the arguments for and against.

Why don't I see miracles? (part 2) from 2021-01-22T11:00

Today, Joe asks Jamie a follow up question: Why does God feel hidden today, unlike in the Bible?

Why don't I see miracles? (part 1) from 2021-01-15T11:00

Here are the books referenced in today's episode:

https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-Very-Short-Introduction-Introductions/dp/0198747217/

https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-Credibility-New...

Does God Exist? (part 5) from 2020-12-25T12:00

In this fifth family of arguments (Meaning), Jamie talks about both the form this takes as well as the surplus of evidence around it.

Does God Exist? (part 4) from 2020-12-18T12:00

Ontological arguments (dealing with the nature of being) are the fourth part in this series about how we can know God exists.

Does God Exist? (part 3) from 2020-12-11T12:00

This week, in part 3 of our series, Jamie turns now to the family of moral arguments.

Does God Exist? (part 1) from 2020-11-27T12:00

As believers, we know the answer to this question. But how rigorous is the answer in philosophy circles? This week, Jamie dives into part 1: Cosmological arguments for God's existence.

Jamie's new book is out:"How Do We Know?" from 2020-11-20T12:00

Jamie's new book is out. It's called How do we Know? -- an updated edition from its original release. And this week, Joe talks to Jamie about what's new. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/How...

*Do* all dogs go to heaven? (And other questions) from 2020-11-13T11:00

Finishing up our series on Life after Death, Joe asks Jamie a series of rapid-fire questions, including: Do all dogs go to Heaven? And Jamie's answer may surprise you.

Life After Death (pt 2): The Intermediate State from 2020-10-30T11:00

This week Jamie and Joe continue talking about life after death, focusing on the time after death, but before Jesus returns: the intermediate state.

The Christian Doctrine of Life After Death from 2020-10-23T11:00

This week, we open up a topic that has a few parts to it. What exactly is the Christian teaching of life after death?

Are NDEs -- Near-death&Out-of-body Experiences -- for real? from 2020-10-16T11:00

An interesting part of Jamie's academic research has looked into NDEs (near-death and out-of-body experiences). Today, Joe asks him about that.

How to pace yourself in theological education from 2020-09-25T10:00:05

This week, we take another listener question. This one, from an alum who's already graduated, and asks how to keep from getting overwhelmed when diving into new theological concepts on the job.

Am I called to Pastoral Ministry? from 2020-09-18T10:00:15

This is a listener question. It's one that many in seminary have wrestled with: How do you know if you're called to pastoral ministry?

What is the best kind of evangelism? from 2020-08-21T15:04:04

We all agree that evangelism is good. This question is about method: HOW should we go about it?

Advice for believers with friends or family walking away from the faith from 2020-08-13T12:49:43

Today, Jamie discusses a listener question: what advice is there for believers who have friends or family walking away from the faith? He talks about his own experiences on this matter, too.

How do you process death? from 2020-07-30T10:00:07

Today, Joe asks Jamie how he processes death. As a pastor and leader, this is something he's confronted with often. This is a personal question. But it also stretches pastorally into helping others...

What should we focus on in Apologetics? from 2020-07-23T10:00:14

Today, Joe asks Jamie about his priority when he teaches Apologetics.

How should we view counseling in the church? from 2020-07-14T10:00:08

This week is another listener question: and it's all about counseling and mental health in the church. Jamie dives into a few issues related this.

What is the Essence of a person? (part 3) from 2020-06-30T10:00:15

This is the conclusion of our look into the core of Jamie's latest research. And it all centers around hylomorphism and what it means to us as Christians today.

This week at NOBTS - June 29 2020 from 2020-06-29T21:55:16

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

What is the Essence of a person? (part 2) from 2020-06-23T10:00:07

This is the second part of last week’s episode. Joe asks Jamie about some of the practical implications of all of this.

This week at NOBTS - June 22 2020 from 2020-06-22T16:42:04

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

What is the Essence of a person? (part 1) from 2020-06-16T13:21:45

Today, Joe asks Jamie something about his latest research. Specially: what is the essence of a person? This has implications beyond philosophy circles. It stretches into each of our worldview.

Understanding Theological Disagreements with Dr Rhyne Putman (Part 2) from 2020-05-26T10:00:13

This is the second part, where Jamie sits down with Dr Rhyne Putman (associate professor of theology and culture here at NOBTS and Leavell College). They discuss how to navigate disagreements withi...

NOBTS Today - May 25 2020 from 2020-05-25T20:12:01

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

Understanding Theological Disagreements with Dr Rhyne Putman (Part 1) from 2020-05-19T10:00:05

Jamie sits down with Dr Rhyne Putman (associate professor of theology and culture here at NOBTS and Leavell College). They discuss how to navigate disagreements within the church. Dr Putman's new b...

NOBTS Today - May 18 2020 from 2020-05-18T19:43:48

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

What keeps pastors from being effective? from 2020-05-12T10:00:12

Today, Joe asks Jamie what makes for an effective (or ineffective pastor). Jamie starts with the definition of "effective"...

NOBTS Today - May 11 2020 from 2020-05-12T00:19:37

A weekly update on what's going on at NOBTS & Leavell College.

Covid-19 - April 27 from 2020-04-27T21:59:39

Today, Jamie shares a few quick points about what to expect this coming week at NOBTS.

Covid-19 - April 20 from 2020-04-20T22:21:49

Today, Jamie shares a few quick points about what to expect this coming week at NOBTS.

What does it mean to be created in the image of God? from 2020-04-20T10:00:10

This week, Joe asks Jamie a question from a listener: What does it mean to be created in the image of God?

Covid-19 - April 17 from 2020-04-17T18:47:59

Today, Jamie shares a short devotional from a very interesting passage of Scripture in Galatians 5.

COVID-19 - April 15 from 2020-04-15T20:09:13

Jamie shares a word of encouragement plus an update on the Bridge Campaign: this is the fund raising effort that is allowing all NOBTS & Leavell College students to apply for 50% off their tuition ...

COVID-19 - April 13 from 2020-04-13T18:31:04

Jamie shares a devotional from Philippians 1:27, as well as provides an update on the Bridge Campaign: this is the fund raising effort that is allowing all NOBTS & Leavell College students to apply...

How much of a person's identity should be attached to their calling? from 2020-04-13T10:00:29

Today Joe asks Jamie about calling and personal identity. This questions focuses on separating how we've come to know ourselves, from what we do, and how we define ourselves by who we are (children...

COVID-19 - March 31 from 2020-03-31T17:10:28

An encouragement from Jamie from James 4, and an NOBTS-Family update.

COVID-19 - March 30 from 2020-03-30T20:36:42

An encouragement from Jamie from Exodus 2, and an NOBTS-Family update.

How should we be praying about Covid-19? from 2020-03-27T18:24:04

Today, Joe asks Jamie about the new normal that Covid-19 has brought. How do we continue to do the Great Commission in such an environment? And, just as importantly, how should we be praying in the...

COVID-19 - March 27 from 2020-03-27T18:07:40

A devotion from Jamie from 1 Sam 7:9-12, and an NOBTS-Family update.

COVID-19 - March 24 from 2020-03-24T17:30:18

An NOBTS-Family update from Dr Dew.

COVID-19 - March 23 from 2020-03-23T17:25:14

An NOBTS-Family update from Dr Dew.

COVID-19 - March 20 from 2020-03-20T16:42:10

An NOBTS-Family update from Dr Dew.

Dealing with Stress&Anxiety during Coronavirus (with guest, Dr Craig Garrett) from 2020-03-20T16:38:19

In light of everyone's daily life changing from Covid-19, Jamie talks to Dr Craig Garrett, our assoc VP of Student affairs, who is also an assoc professor of counseling here at NOBTS and Leavell Co...

COVID-19 - March 19 from 2020-03-19T17:44:25

An NOBTS-Family update from Dr Dew.

COVID-19 - March 18 from 2020-03-18T20:01:54

An NOBTS-Family update from Dr Dew.

COVID-19 - March 17 from 2020-03-17T18:56:20

An NOBTS-Family update from Dr Dew.

COVID-19 - March 16 from 2020-03-16T18:50:45

An NOBTS-Family update from Dr Dew.

Dealing with character flaws from 2020-03-16T10:00:07

This week, Joe asks Jamie about overcoming character flaws to be more effective in ministry and life.

On being a parent: How to know when you're doing it right from 2020-02-24T11:00:04

Today, Joe asks Jamie about parenthood, and, specifically, how to know when you're doing it right. They talk about fatherhood, since they're both dads, but it applies to moms just as much.

When apologetics is helpful (and when it's not) from 2020-02-17T11:00:14

Today Joe asks Jamie a question about apologetics. Or, rather, the application of it. As in, when it it helpful, and, just as importantly, when it's not.

How should we understand calling? from 2020-02-10T11:00:35

Today Joe asks Jamie about calling. Specifically, to talk about the laity-clergy divide that exists in so many churches...and how, as a result, we should understand God's calling on our lives.

How to rest well as a leader from 2020-01-29T11:00:04

Joe asks Jamie how he sleeps. Or, er, how he rests. Specifically in light of having a lot on his plate.

Jamie talks to David Platt about his Acts 13 moment and... from 2020-01-23T11:00:05

Jamie talks to David Platt about his recent Acts 13 moment, why international missions, and about what the city of New Orleans means to him.

Social media and being a parent from 2020-01-13T11:10:06

This is a continuation from the previous episode, looking at social media, and specifically what it means for parents.

Is social media bad? from 2020-01-13T11:05:09

Joe asks Jamie: Is social media bad? This comes from the idea of applying something as ubiquitous as social media to living a godly life.

What's with the peacock? from 2020-01-13T11:00:02

Joe asks Jamie: What's with the peacock? This is in reference to Jamie's first sermon, in which he uses the imagery of the peacock, which then took off making its rounds, even starring in a few memes.