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

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