The Reluctant Theologian Podcast
- Episodes
- 207
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 4, 2026
About the podcast
A podcast on God, time, and everything in between. The host R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews) will guide listeners through topics on theology, philosophy, science, and heavy metal. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474 https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Episodes 207
Ep. 207 Animal Suffering, Classical Theism, and the Necessity of Creation
Today I answer some listener questions about the problem of animal suffering, classical theism, and the necessity of creation. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of …
Show notes
Today I answer some listener questions about the problem of animal suffering, classical theism, and the necessity of creation.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 206 Molinism, Calvinism, and Time: A Reply to William Lane Craig
You know what this episode is about. It's in the title. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne …
Show notes
You know what this episode is about. It's in the title.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 205 God and the Multiverse with Klaas Kraay
I have Prof. Klaas Kraay chatting about God and the multiverse. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of …
Show notes
I have Prof. Klaas Kraay chatting about God and the multiverse.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 204 God, Emotion, and Classical Theists Missing the Point
I have some listener questions about my book "God and Emotion." CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of …
Show notes
I have some listener questions about my book "God and Emotion."
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 203 Eucharistic Vindicatory Miracles with Stacy Trasancos
The internet is ablaze right now talking about so-called Catholic vindicatory miracles like some heart tissue appearing in the Eucharist. I have been surprised by the over-the-top confidence that some have in …
Show notes
The internet is ablaze right now talking about so-called Catholic vindicatory miracles like some heart tissue appearing in the Eucharist. I have been surprised by the over-the-top confidence that some have in these miracle stories, so I decided to get Dr. Stacy Transancos on to chat about her book on Eucharistic miracles.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Guest: Stacy Trasancos (PhD, Pennsylvania State University) is a professor at Holy Apostles College and Seminary.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
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Ep. 202 Vindicatory Catholic Miracles vs Catholicism
A lot of people are asking about my thoughts on the argument from vindicatory Catholic miracles. You know, those miracle claims that the average Catholic scholar has little concern with. Today, I will give you …
Show notes
A lot of people are asking about my thoughts on the argument from vindicatory Catholic miracles. You know, those miracle claims that the average Catholic scholar has little concern with. Today, I will give you some of my thoughts on the topic.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 201 Eternal Generation for Dummies
People are losing their minds over something William Lane Craig said about the doctrine of eternal generation. However, most people don't know what the doctrine is, so I will explain it to you. CreditsHost …
Show notes
People are losing their minds over something William Lane Craig said about the doctrine of eternal generation. However, most people don't know what the doctrine is, so I will explain it to you.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 200 Creating for God's Glory with Sean Luke
Why does God create anything at all? Some say God's love is the motive for creation. Others say that God's motive is glory. Today, I sit down with Sean Luke to consider the glorification position. CreditsHost …
Show notes
Why does God create anything at all? Some say God's love is the motive for creation. Others say that God's motive is glory. Today, I sit down with Sean Luke to consider the glorification position.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Guest: Sean Luke (Masters of Divinity, Masters in Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School).
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 199 Francis Collins Wants You to Trust the Science
Francis Collins wants you to trust science, but various questions have been raised if Collins is part of the reason for the public's current distrust in scientific authorities. In today's episode, I give you …
Show notes
Francis Collins wants you to trust science, but various questions have been raised if Collins is part of the reason for the public's current distrust in scientific authorities. In today's episode, I give you some of the details that you need to make up your own mind.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 198 Theology Done Poorly: Slogans and Hero Worship
In today's episode I want to discuss different intellectual vices that plague theology. These are slogans and hero worship. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of …
Show notes
In today's episode I want to discuss different intellectual vices that plague theology. These are slogans and hero worship.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 197 JL Schellenberg's Arguments Against Christianity in "What God Would Have Known."
Today I review JL Schellenberg's book, "What God Would Have Known." Schellenberg offers 20 arguments against Christianity. I will go through the arguments and offer some reflections in defense of Christianity …
Show notes
Today I review JL Schellenberg's book, "What God Would Have Known." Schellenberg offers 20 arguments against Christianity. I will go through the arguments and offer some reflections in defense of Christianity.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 196 Absentee Intellectual Fathers
I get a lot of messages in from the website. I don’t always answer, but I do read them all. When I feel like I have something to say, I answer. Or I write an episode about it. In today’s episode, I want to …
Show notes
I get a lot of messages in from the website. I don’t always answer, but I do read them all. When I feel like I have something to say, I answer. Or I write an episode about it. In today’s episode, I want to answer the question, why am I so reluctant. Part of the answer has to do with the importance of intellectual role models in our lives.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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Ep. 195 Open Theism and Its Discontents
In today's episode I consider arguments for and against open theism. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University …
Show notes
In today's episode I consider arguments for and against open theism.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 194 Molinism
I present arguments for and against Molinism. I explain one reason for thinking that William Lane Craig's articulation of Molinism is incoherent. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr …
Show notes
I present arguments for and against Molinism. I explain one reason for thinking that William Lane Craig's articulation of Molinism is incoherent.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 193 Theological Determinism
I present arguments for and against theological determinism. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of …
Show notes
I present arguments for and against theological determinism.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 192 Theories of Divine Providence
I introduce the basic framework for theological determinism, Molinism, and open theism. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher …
Show notes
I introduce the basic framework for theological determinism, Molinism, and open theism.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 191 Human Free Will
Today's episode gives a closer look at human free will and its connection to different theories of divine providence. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) …
Show notes
Today's episode gives a closer look at human free will and its connection to different theories of divine providence.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 190 Divine Simplicity Horror Stories, Open Theism, and Questioning the Freedom/Foreknowledge Problem
In today's episode I chat about the new book, "Contemplating Divine Simplicity: 5 Views." I tell a simplicity horror story. Then I consider some questions surrounding open theism and the freedom/foreknowledge …
Show notes
In today's episode I chat about the new book, "Contemplating Divine Simplicity: 5 Views." I tell a simplicity horror story. Then I consider some questions surrounding open theism and the freedom/foreknowledge problem.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 189 The Incarnation: 4 Views Sneak Peek
Andrew Hollingsworth and I have been finishing the "Incarnation: 4 Views" debate book. Today I give you a sneak peek at the book. Some history of Christology. A little bit of metaphysical mayhem. You know the …
Show notes
Andrew Hollingsworth and I have been finishing the "Incarnation: 4 Views" debate book. Today I give you a sneak peek at the book. Some history of Christology. A little bit of metaphysical mayhem. You know the deal.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 188 Advice to Young Christian Philosophers
I recently gave the Swindel Lecture in Philosophy of Religion at Talbot School of Theology. While I was there I was asked to give some advice to young Christian philosophers. I thought it would be good to take …
Show notes
I recently gave the Swindel Lecture in Philosophy of Religion at Talbot School of Theology. While I was there I was asked to give some advice to young Christian philosophers. I thought it would be good to take a break from the providence series and give you a version of the advice I presented at Talbot.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 187 God's Creation of a Friendly Universe
If God's most central purpose is to enter into friendship with humanity, what kind of universe does God need to create? CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of …
Show notes
If God's most central purpose is to enter into friendship with humanity, what kind of universe does God need to create?
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 186 Why Create? God's Most Central Purpose
I chat about the reasons for why God would create, and the implications for divine providence. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and …
Show notes
I chat about the reasons for why God would create, and the implications for divine providence.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
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https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 185 God, Providence, and Predestination
I'm kick starting a series of episodes on divine providence. In this episode I introduce the basic concepts of God, providence, and predestination. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr …
Show notes
I'm kick starting a series of episodes on divine providence. In this episode I introduce the basic concepts of God, providence, and predestination.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 184 Questioning Divine Providence with Ryan Shields
In today's episode, I sit down with Ryan Shields to talk about a range of issues pertaining to divine providence. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is …
Show notes
In today's episode, I sit down with Ryan Shields to talk about a range of issues pertaining to divine providence.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Guest: Ryan Shields (MA, University of Lucerne).
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 183 The TikTok Objection that No Christian Can Answer, Well, Except for Me Because I am R.T. Mullins
I was recently in Boston to present at the Sound Faith apologetics conference. I thought I would record an episode based on one of my talks there. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr …
Show notes
I was recently in Boston to present at the Sound Faith apologetics conference. I thought I would record an episode based on one of my talks there.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 182 Why is the Doctrine of God So Controversial
In case you haven't noticed, people can get really angry when debating the nature of God. Why is the doctrine of God so controversial? CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil …
Show notes
In case you haven't noticed, people can get really angry when debating the nature of God. Why is the doctrine of God so controversial?
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 181 The Atheism of William Lane Craig
Yesterday I learned that William Lane Craig is an atheist. I was very saddened to learn that Craig has lost his faith. According to Time Magazine, Craig is one of the most influential living philosophers. As …
Show notes
Yesterday I learned that William Lane Craig is an atheist. I was very saddened to learn that Craig has lost his faith. According to Time Magazine, Craig is one of the most influential living philosophers. As many of you know, Craig is also one of the most influential living evangelists. So today, unfortunately, we need to talk about Craig’s atheism.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 180 Was Nicaea Good or Bad? Tyler McNabb vs Steven Nemes
It is the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. We have 4 big questions that we want to debate. Was the Council of Nicaea a good thing for Christianity? Is Nicene theology coherent? Is Nicene theology …
Show notes
It is the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. We have 4 big questions that we want to debate. Was the Council of Nicaea a good thing for Christianity? Is Nicene theology coherent? Is Nicene theology consistent with the Bible? Then, finally, should Nicene Theology be binding for Christians today? Naturally, we will start with the first question. Was the Council of Nicaea a good thing for Christianity?
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Guest: Tyler McNabb, PhD University of Glasgow.
Guest: Steven Nemes, PhD Fuller Theological Seminary.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep. 179 Monsters, Cultural Apologetics, and Christianity is Coming Back to Life
In today's episode I reflect on monsters, the state of cultural apologetics, and why it matters for the renewed interest in Christianity among the younger generations. CreditsHost: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University …
Show notes
In today's episode I reflect on monsters, the state of cultural apologetics, and why it matters for the renewed interest in Christianity among the younger generations.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
Ep 178 Open Theism and the Open Future
Lately I have seen some apologists online run arguments against open theism's view of omniscience. Unfortunately, these arguments rest on a faulty understanding of the open future. So in today's episode I clear …
Show notes
Lately I have seen some apologists online run arguments against open theism's view of omniscience. Unfortunately, these arguments rest on a faulty understanding of the open future. So in today's episode I clear the record about open theism, omniscience, and the open future.
Credits
Host: R.T. Mullins (PhD, University of St Andrews; Dr. Habil. University of Helsinki) is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Lucerne, and a docent of dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.
Music by Rockandmetal_domination – Raising-questions.
rtmullins.com
Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66431474
https://ko-fi.com/rtmullins
These are the latest 40 of 207 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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