Ep 8. Total Depravity (Part 2)

What Is Reformed Theology? season 1 episode 8, Total Depravity (Part 2), delves deeper into the concept of total depravity, which refers to the belief that all humans are born with original sin, inherited from Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. The episode explores how this doctrine shapes the way reformed theologians understand human nature and our relationship with God.

The host, Dr. Keith Mathison, continues his conversation with his guest, Dr. Michael Horton, who is a prominent Reformed theologian and professor at Westminster Seminary California. Together, they examine the implications of total depravity on various aspects of Christian belief and practice.

One of the main topics of discussion is how total depravity affects our understanding of salvation and the role of God's grace in the process. According to the Reformed view, humans are incapable of saving themselves through their own efforts or good deeds. Instead, salvation is entirely dependent on God's initiative and grace, which he freely bestows on those whom he has chosen to save.

Dr. Horton explains that total depravity also has implications for how we view the church and our place within it. Since all humans are equally sinful, there is no room for pride or arrogance among believers. Instead, we are all called to humbly serve one another, recognizing that we are all dependent on God's grace.

The episode also touches on some of the objections that critics raise against the doctrine of total depravity. Some argue that it is too pessimistic about human nature and ignores the potential for good that exists within each person. Others question how it can be reconciled with the idea that humans have free will.

Dr. Mathison and Dr. Horton address these objections by emphasizing that total depravity does not mean that humans are completely devoid of any good qualities or that they are helpless robots controlled by God. Rather, it means that humans are fundamentally flawed and capable of both good and evil, but that their sin has so corrupted their nature that they are unable to save themselves without God's intervention.

Overall, Total Depravity (Part 2) offers a thought-provoking discussion of one of the most fundamental doctrines of Reformed theology. By examining the implications of this doctrine for our understanding of salvation, the church, and human nature, the episode provides a rich and nuanced exploration of some of the key themes of this theological tradition.