The Narthex

The Narthex
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

For those on the cusp of faith, considering should you stay or should you go. Perhaps you’re ready to throw in the towel on this whole following Jesus thing because the suffering is too much to bear. This channel is dedicated to you ❤️‍🩹. Explore this middle ground between faith and unbelief.

  1. 4d ago

    The Real Reason the Church Made the New Testament Canon

    In this episode of The Narthex, Dr. Daniel Shaw unpacks Oscar Cullmann’s influential 1953 essay “Scripture and Tradition” and explains how the second-century Church made a decisive move that still shapes the debate between Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants today.Cullmann argues that the original gospel proclamation (the kerygma) was oral. It existed before the New Testament was written, was created by the apostles, and formed the Church. The message came first—the institution came second.Key points covered:Why there are no more apostles after the first centuryWhy bishops cannot inherit true apostolic authorityHow oral tradition became vulnerable to distortion after the apostles (Gnostics, Papias, and competing claims)Why the Church’s decision to fix the New Testament canon around A.D. 150 was an act of humilityHow this decision subordinated later Church tradition to the written apostolic witnessWhy this supports sola scriptura as a necessary correctiveThis episode shows that sola scriptura is not a rejection of the Church, but the Church’s own recognition that the apostolic gospel must remain the fixed standard over all later tradition.Watch as Dr. Shaw connects Cullmann’s historical argument to the ongoing Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant debate over Scripture and Tradition.00:00 Welcome and Topic01:04 Sola Kerygma Overview02:08 Oral Gospel Creates Church04:26 Cullmann Essay Setup05:00 No More Apostles06:02 Bishops and Post-Apostolic Age08:38 Tradition Deforms Over Time11:09 Papias and Legendary Tradition14:46 Canon Supports Sola Scriptura17:05 Why Canon Norms Church23:12 Need Higher Authority27:14 Luther and True Church29:00 Wrap Up and Call to Action

  2. Jul 30

    The "God Told Me" Problem That Is DESTROYING CHRISTIANITY

    Are the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), the Catholic Church, and Orthodox Christianity fundamentally different, or do they share the same theological roots? In this video, we explore the deep theological divide between these diverse movements through the lens of the historical Lutheran term: "Enthusiasm" (Schwärmerei). We examine how Martin Luther’s historical warnings about the "enthusiasts"—those who prioritize subjective, inward, private revelations above the objective, outward, written Word of God—apply to the modern charismatic experiences seen across these three traditions today. Whether you are approaching this from a committed Lutheran perspective, are part of the Charismatic movement, or are simply interested in understanding the current landscape of modern Christian theology, this comparative analysis provides historical and practical clarity. We delve into the complexities of "Enthusiasm" in the Lutheran tradition, analyze how NAR theology parallels historical enthusiasm, and the origins of the papacy and the Orthodox Church. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone studying Christian apologetics or attempting to navigate the complex world of modern Christian living. We break down the historical warnings of Martin Luther and apply them to the questions asked by believers today who are trying to distinguish between genuine spiritual fruit and the pitfalls of theological "Enthusiasm." If you found this historical and theological analysis helpful, make sure to subscribe for more deep dives into Christian theology, church history, and Christian apologetics! 00:00 Opposites With One Root 01:57 Luther And Enthusiasm 04:02 Genesis And Doubting Word 07:20 Luther On External Word 10:33 Papacy And NAR Parallels 13:34 Logos Spermatikos Explained 16:09 Doctrinal Accretions Questioned 19:29 Gospel Creates The Church 22:04 Canon Against Self-Authority 24:49 Final Warning And Blessing

  3. Jul 22

    Full Jesus or Just a Memory? What Happens in the Lord's Supper

    The episode asks what Christians actually receive in the Lord's Supper when they hear “This is the body of Christ… This is the blood of Christ,” contrasting the memorial/symbolic view with the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox claim of Christ’s actual flesh and blood. It explains the Lutheran position: the bread remains bread, and the wine remains wine, yet Christ is fully present “in, with, through, and under” them, not merely spiritually but bodily as well. Using the communicatio idiomatum and three modes of presence (local, uncircumscribed in resurrection appearances, and repletive/sacramental after exaltation), it argues the exalted Jesus can be fully present wherever he promises—particularly in Word and sacrament—so communicants receive the whole Christ and the full benefits of the gospel, not a mere representation, grounded in Christ’s promise.00:00 Communion Question00:54 Symbol Or Real Presence01:38 Lutheran Real Presence03:37 Zwingli Objection04:06 Three Modes Presence04:57 Resurrection Mode Two06:25 Repletive Mode Three09:46 Full Jesus Given11:24 Promise Not Symbol12:56 Comfort For Broken13:08 Final Real Thing

  4. Jul 19

    Why Sola Kerygma Demands Sola Scriptura: The Theological Link

    Does the apostolic kerygma (the core gospel proclamation) logically demand the use of sola scriptura (Scripture Alone)? In this episode of The Narthex, we explore the deep theological connection between the early church's core message and the Reformation principle of "Scripture Alone." We examine why a fixed, infallible standard is necessary to protect the message from drift and corruption, and how the Bible serves as the ultimate authority for the Christian faith. If you are looking for clear, historical, and theological answers regarding biblical authority, reformed theology, and the history of the early church, this deep dive is for you. In this video, we discuss: The nature and authority of the original apostolic message. Why oral tradition poses a risk to the fixity of the Gospel. The logical necessity of a written standard to protect the faith. Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on the relationship between tradition and Scripture? Let us know in the comments below! #theology #biblicalanalyis #solascriptura #reformedtheology #apologetics #christianity 00:00 Strawman vs Steelman 01:17 Setting Up Sola Kerygma 01:51 Word Incarnate First 04:26 Gospel Creates Church 07:04 From Preaching to Scripture 08:50 Tradition Under the Gospel 10:22 Christ Present in Word 11:40 Earliest Creed 1 Corinthians 15 18:59 Galatians Test of Authority 21:55 Sola Kerygma Defined 24:11 Measuring Traditions by Gospel 25:57 Pentecost and Clarity 29:16 Closing and Challenge

  5. Jul 15

    Beatles Theology, George Harrison, and Exodus 33: Finding God’s Backside at the Cross

    Dr. Daniel Shaw critiques “Beatles theology” as preaching that reduces Christianity to “all you need is love,” then explores theological depth in George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord,” which he said was inspired by Moses in Exodus 33 asking to see God’s glory and being allowed to see only God’s “back.” It connects Harrison’s “universal prayer” and human longing for transcendence to themes in C.S. Lewis, Pascal’s “God-shaped hole,” and Tolkien, arguing the longing is real, but the common solution—looking within through spiritual practices—misplaces the burden on the seeker. Drawing on Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, it interprets God’s hidden self-revelation as culminating in the crucifixion, where God’s true heart is found in the “foolishness” of the cross, received by faith through the external word and promise of Christ. 00:00 Beatles Theology Explained 00:22 George Harrison My Sweet Lord 02:53 Moses Longing to See God 04:42 Exodus 33 God Reveals His Back 08:54 Why Looking Within Fails 10:35 God Found in the Cross 14:01 John 1 No One Has Seen God 14:57 Run to the Foot of the Cross 16:29 Listen to the Son 17:02 Final Blessing

  6. Jul 8

    Clash of Beliefs: Gavin Ortlund and Jonathan Pageau Debate the True Church

    This episode reviews a discussion between Protestant Baptist Gavin Ortlund and Orthodox Jonathan Pageau about what constitutes the true church and whether Christians outside Orthodoxy are truly Christian. The presenter contrasts Pageau’s emphasis on Orthodoxy, salvation as personal transformation, and skepticism of justification by faith alone with a Lutheran/Protestant view that the church is found wherever the gospel of Christ crucified and raised is proclaimed, faith trusts His promises, and the sacraments are rightly administered across denominations. The script critiques institutional “church idolatry,” warns that progressive sanctification can become works-righteousness, and disputes Pageau’s claim that faith alone is heresy. It also debates evangelistic urgency, noting Pageau’s focus on personal holiness and quotations from the saints versus Ortlund’s appeal to Scripture, especially Romans 10 and the idea that faith comes by hearing. 00:00 True Church 01:10 Luther on the Invisible Church 02:37 Institutionalism and Tyranny Warning 03:23 Gavin Probes Salvation Boundaries 04:36 Salvation as Transformation 06:19 Decree vs Healing Salvation 07:51 Gospel Arrows Downward 09:01 Sanctification vs Justification 11:15 Who Gets Saved and Why Care 12:03 St Theophan Quote Reaction 13:33 Saving Others by Being Saved 15:24 Words vs Witness in Evangelism 17:38 Romans 10 and Mission Urgency 19:50 Calvinism and Evangelism Tension 20:59 Justification by Faith Alone Clash 21:45 Wrap Up and Final Takeaway

  7. Jul 1

    Heated Exchange - Part 1: Protestant vs Orthodox

    Dr. Daniel Shaw, Lutheran pastor and New Testament professor, comments on a debate between Baptist Gavin Ortlund and Eastern Orthodox Jonathan Pageau about what constitutes the true Church and true Christianity. It contrasts Orthodoxy’s claim that full communion with Christ requires communion with the visible, institutional Eastern Orthodox Church and Protestant/Lutheran ideas of the church as “hidden,” defined by where the gospel is proclaimed, and sacraments are rightly administered. The narrator argues Orthodoxy emphasizes theosis and an ontological, visible reality of salvation that can turn into cooperation with God and uncertainty about “doing enough,” linking this to concerns about works, troubled consciences, and even purgatory. Highlighting a tense exchange, Ortlund says becoming Orthodox would feel like denying the validity of Protestant churches where he encountered Christ, while Pageau suggests Christ is among Protestants similarly to how he is among non-Christians, prompting Ortlund to press whether Protestants differ from Buddhists.00:00 Debate Setup and Stakes00:52 Hidden Church vs Visible Church01:22 Theosis and Salvation Process03:41 Institutional Communion Claims04:39 Where the Gospel Goes Missing05:33 Works Anxiety and Purgatory Logic07:34 Gavin Pushes Back on Exclusivism11:13 Pageau on Christ Among All13:32 Protestants Compared to Buddhists14:16 Law, Works, and James 217:18 Gospel Creates the Church20:03 Ethereal Answers and Final Critique

  8. Jun 28

    Joseph's Final Journey | What His Coffin Reveals About Faith

    Dan Shaw explores this powerful biblical teaching on the lives of Joseph, Jacob, and Rachel. Gain perspective on enduring faith through these ancient narratives. This presentation examines key moments from scripture, focusing on the historical and spiritual significance of Joseph and Jacob. Whether you are deepening your personal bible study or seeking encouragement, this session connects traditional biblical stories to modern application. The message highlights lessons of perseverance and character that remain relevant for believers today. 00:00 Joseph Story Recap 00:49 Judah Changes Everything 03:05 Gods Promise Not Straight 04:22 Jacob Learns Joseph Lives 05:41 Reunion and Simeon Echo 07:53 Bethel Dream Points to Jesus 11:51 Rachel and Bethlehem Thread 13:37 Crossed Hands Unexpected Blessing 15:06 God My Shepherd and Redeemer 24:43 Idols vs True Blessing 28:22 Brutal Blessings 30:10 Judah and Shiloh 33:27 Burial and Faith 36:32 Guilt After Forgiveness 43:05 Absolution and Confession 47:09 Genesis Ends in Coffin 50:17 Creation to Consummation

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About

For those on the cusp of faith, considering should you stay or should you go. Perhaps you’re ready to throw in the towel on this whole following Jesus thing because the suffering is too much to bear. This channel is dedicated to you ❤️‍🩹. Explore this middle ground between faith and unbelief.

Information

  • Creator
    The Narthex
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Narthex
  • Show Website
    The Narthex

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