Weighed in the Balance

Jonathan Brooks & Co
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Weighed in the Balance, the show where we weigh claims against scripture and see if they hold up, of if they fall flat. 

  1. 3d ago

    Francis Turretin on Scripture's Clarity (Part 3): What Perspicuity Is Not

    Send us Fan Mail For the third week, we're still asking what the doctrine of the perspicuity (clarity) of Scripture isn't. That may sound tedious, but Turretin is doing exactly what a careful theologian should do: defining his terms before answering objections. In this episode we finish the final two qualifications:  Does Scripture have to be equally clear everywhere?  Does the doctrine of Scripture's clarity eliminate pastors, preaching, study, prayer, or the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Along the way we examine Augustine, 1 Peter 3, and why difficult passages do not undermine the Protestant doctrine of Scripture's perspicuity. If you've wondered whether Protestants believe the Bible is "easy" or that Christians don't need teachers, this episode answers those misconceptions. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

    Francis Turretin on Scripture's Clarity (Part 3): What Perspicuity Is Not

  2. 5d ago

    Can Protestants Account for the Canon of Scripture? | Responding to Cameron Bertuzzi (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail Roman Catholic apologists often argue that Protestants cannot account for the canon of Scripture. If Scripture alone is our only infallible rule of faith, how do we know which books belong in the Bible? In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, Jonathan Brooks responds to Cameron Bertuzzi's recent challenge to Protestants on the canon of Scripture. Examining the historical evidence, the testimony of Eusebius, Origen, Athanasius, and the early church, Jonathan argues that the historical record is far more nuanced than is often presented. Topics include:  What Protestants actually mean by the canon of Scripture  Why the canon is not an objection to sola Scriptura  Eusebius' four categories of Christian writings  The disputed books of the New Testament  Origen's canon list  Michael Kruger's Canon Revisited Why the canon does not require belief in the Roman Catholic Magisterium This is Part 1 of a response. After recording, I realized there were several important claims in the final portion of Cameron's video that deserved additional interaction, so watch for Part 2 next week. If you enjoy careful theological analysis, church history, and apologetics from a confessional Reformed perspective, consider subscribing. Check out my Substack articles on the canon. Start here: https://trinitarianthoughts.substack.com/p/you-may-not-like-my-answer?r=4jx7vt Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

    Can Protestants Account for the Canon of Scripture? | Responding to Cameron Bertuzzi (Part 1)

  3. Jul 24

    Francis Turretin on the Perspicuity of Scripture (Part 2): Defining the Question

    Send us Fan Mail What does the doctrine of the perspicuity of Scripture actually claim? Continuing our study of Francis Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology, we examine how Turretin carefully defines the question before defending the clarity of Scripture. Along the way, we consider Robert Bellarmine's objections, discuss why difficult passages do not undermine the doctrine, distinguish mysteries from truths necessary for salvation, and briefly compare differing views of Scripture in the PCA and the PC(USA). This episode lays the groundwork for Turretin's positive argument by explaining exactly what the doctrine of Scripture's clarity does—and does not—teach. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

    Francis Turretin on the Perspicuity of Scripture (Part 2): Defining the Question

  4. Jul 21

    Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Response (with Rev. Matt Duraski)

    Send us Fan Mail What exactly is Christian Nationalism? Is it simply a desire for Christian influence in society, or is it something more? In this episode, Jonathan Brooks is joined by Rev. Matt Duraski to discuss one of the most debated topics in American evangelicalism. Together they examine: • What Christian Nationalism actually is  • How it relates to theonomy  • Political liberalism vs. modern progressivism  • Whether America was founded as a Christian nation  • Why movements like Christian Nationalism appeal to many young Christians  • The biblical role of the Church in a divided culture  • Why the gospel—not political power—remains the Church's primary mission Rather than offering partisan talking points, this conversation seeks to think carefully and biblically about the relationship between Christianity, politics, and the mission Christ has given His Church. If you enjoy thoughtful theological conversations rooted in Scripture and the Reformed tradition, consider subscribing. Weighed in the Balance is a podcast dedicated to examining whether popular claims can withstand careful biblical, historical, and theological scrutiny. 00:09 Journey into Reformed Theology 02:26 The Influence of Theonomy 05:20 Understanding Christian Nationalism 07:48 Defining Political Liberalism 10:02 The Complexity of Nationalism 12:43 The Dangers of Christian Nationalism 15:16 Moderation in Political Views 17:34 Historical Context of Liberalism 19:59 The Role of Christianity in Society 22:24 Critique of American Nationalism 24:55 The Balance of Faith and National Identity 35:01 Theological Foundations and Historical Context 36:47 Liberalism and Its Misconceptions 40:07 Christian Nationalism: Psychological Needs and Identity Crisis 43:13 Community and Belonging in Christian Nationalism 45:46 Reality Check: The True Nature of Christian Ministry 49:28 The Call to Love and Serve 52:43 The Dangers of Extremism in Christian Nationalism 55:47 Hope Beyond Politics: The Role of the Church 59:21 Conclusion: A Call to Genuine Faith and Action Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

    Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Response (with Rev. Matt Duraski)

  5. Jul 16

    Is Scripture Really Clear? | Turretin on the Perspicuity of Scripture (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail Roman Catholic and Protestant debates frequently become bogged down in discussions about Mary, the saints, church government, or other secondary issues. But beneath those disagreements lies a more fundamental question: Is Scripture sufficiently clear to function as the Christian's final authority? In this opening episode of a new series through Francis Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology, we begin examining the classic Reformed doctrine of the perspicuity of Scripture. Turretin argues that while not every passage is equally easy to understand, everything necessary for salvation is clearly revealed in God's Word apart from unwritten tradition or an infallible ecclesiastical authority. Topics include:  The real dividing line between Rome and the Reformation  Why Scripture's clarity matters  Turretin's definition of perspicuity  The work of the Holy Spirit in understanding Scripture  The difference between difficult doctrines and essential truths  Why this doctrine remains relevant todaySupport the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

  6. Jul 14

    The PCA's Christian Nationalism Report: What It Actually Says (And What Critics Get Wrong)

    Send us Fan Mail The Presbyterian Church in America recently released a pastoral letter from its Ad Interim Committee studying Christian Nationalism. Almost immediately, critics began claiming the report promotes compromise, liberalism, and even the destruction of biblical Christianity. But does it? In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, I read the pastoral letter, examine the historical claims being made against the PCA, and respond point-by-point to accusations that simply don't match the text. We'll discuss: • What the PCA study committee actually says  • Why "Christian Nationalism" is so difficult to define  • The difference between biblical political theology and extremist ideology  • The history behind the PCA's founding  • Why accuracy matters when criticizing another church Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, Christians should care deeply about representing both Scripture and our neighbors truthfully. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What do you think the term "Christian Nationalism" means? Is it still a useful category, or has it become too broad to communicate clearly? If you enjoy careful, charitable theological discussion, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

    The PCA's Christian Nationalism Report: What It Actually Says (And What Critics Get Wrong)

  7. Jul 7

    Former Protestant Pastor Couldn't Defend These 5 Beliefs... Neither Can I

    Send us Fan Mail Keith Nestor says there were five Protestant beliefs he could no longer defend—and that those beliefs eventually led him into the Roman Catholic Church. As a Presbyterian pastor, I watched his arguments carefully. Surprisingly, I agree that several of those beliefs are indefensible. The problem is that they aren't actually historic Protestant doctrines. In this episode we examine each of the five claims, compare them with Scripture and the Westminster Confession of Faith, and ask whether they really point toward Rome—or whether they're based on misunderstandings of Protestant theology. Topics include: • The visible and invisible church  • Church authority  • Sola Scriptura  • The Lord's Supper  • Perseverance of the saints  • The papacy  • Church history If you enjoy thoughtful, charitable discussions about theology, subscribe and join the conversation. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

    Former Protestant Pastor Couldn't Defend These 5 Beliefs... Neither Can I

  8. Jun 30

    Did John Calvin Try to Erase Ignatius from History?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, we take a deep dive into the historical and theological relationship between the Reformer John Calvin and the early church father Ignatius of Antioch. Recently, Roman Catholic creator Cameron Rieker claimed that Protestants "fear" Ignatius and that Calvin attempted to "erase him from history." But is that an accurate representation of the facts? We go straight to the primary sources—specifically Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion—to see who Calvin was actually arguing against and why he was skeptical of the Ignatian corpus in the 16th century. In this video, we discuss: Context Matters: Why Calvin’s critique of Ignatius was aimed at Unitarians like Michael Servetus, not Roman Catholics.The Forgery Crisis: How Renaissance Humanism and the "Ad Fontes" movement led scholars to question spurious documents like the Donation of Constantine and the longer recension of Ignatius' letters.The Real Servetus Story: The complicated relationship between Calvin and Servetus, and the truth behind the Geneva trial.Apostolic Succession: Why Protestant ministers (including myself) hold to a biblical view of apostolic succession and the office of "overseer."The Eucharist: Why Ignatius' views on the Lord's Supper are entirely consistent with a Reformed understanding of the Real Presence by faith.If you enjoy charitable theological discussion that prioritizes historical accuracy over clickbait claims, please like this video and subscribe to the channel. It truly helps more people discover these conversations. What do you think? Does Ignatius' writing prove the Roman Catholic position, or is it being read out of context? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!  Click here to find us everywhere!!

    Did John Calvin Try to Erase Ignatius from History?
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About

Weighed in the Balance, the show where we weigh claims against scripture and see if they hold up, of if they fall flat. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Brooks & Co
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Weighed in the Balance
  • Show Website
    Weighed in the Balance

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