Paul Capetz: Protestantism’s Radical Insight from Luther to Bultmann

In this episode, Tripp sits down with returning guest Paul Capetz, a historical theologian and Methodist minister, to discuss his new compelling book on the Reformation's relationship to scripture. They delve into the evolution and the different trajectories of scriptural interpretation from Martin Luther and John Calvin, through modern theologians like Karl Barth and Rudolf Bultmann. Capetz shares personal anecdotes about his journey in the church and discusses the critical need for Protestantism to reorient itself around the gospel, while making space for modern questions and criticisms. This conversation navigates through historical theology, scripture's authority, and the vital challenge of reclaiming an authentically Protestant understanding of faith in today's context. WATCH the conversation on YouTube Paul E. Capetz is professor of historical theology emeritus at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and is currently minister at Christ Church by the Sea in Newport Beach, California. He is the author of God: A Brief History and co-editor of James Gustafson’s Moral Discernment in the Christian Life. This episode centers on his recent book, Recovering Protestantism’s Original Insight. Previous Episodes w/ Paul Capetz Recovering Protestantism’s Original Insight Existentialist Philosophy, Politics, & Theology Calvin’s 500th Birthday The Big Theological Throw Down with John Cobb & Paul Capetz 01:19 Discussing the New Book 03:26 Personal Journey and Early Influences 06:40 Challenges with Biblical Interpretation 19:44 Luther vs. Calvin on Scripture 29:21 Modern Protestantism and Its Contradictions 37:29 Historical Critical Methods and Modernity 39:05 Liberal Protestantism and the Reformation Heritage 40:18 Barth and Bultmann: Diverging Paths 47:24 Existential Interpretation and Demythologizing 51:27 Modernity, Faith, and the Existential Question 58:44 Challenges of Contemporary Christianity 01:04:38 The Future of Liberal Protestantism 01:15:47 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections _____________________ Join my Substack - Process This! Join our upcoming class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought. Go with me to Berlin to spend a week in Bonhoeffer's House! Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices