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Theology Unplugged

Theology Unplugged

By: C. Michael Patton
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Join C. Michael Patton and friends for Theology Unplugged, a weekly podcast that dives deep into Christian theology, exploring challenging questions, and offering insightful discussions to deepen your faith. Discover the truth, embrace the journey, and engage with thought-provoking topics every week.C. Michael Patton Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • 85. Through Theology in a Year: Can Scripture Mean More Than Its Author Intended?

    85. Through Theology in a Year: Can Scripture Mean More Than Its Author Intended?
    Jun 11 2026
    In this episode, Michael explores one of the most fascinating questions in biblical interpretation: Can Scripture mean more than its human author intended? If God is the ultimate Author of Scripture, is it possible for Him to communicate truths that transcend the conscious awareness of the biblical writers while remaining faithful to their intended meaning?

    Along the way, Michael introduces the concept of "Biblical Docetism"—a tendency among many Bible-believing Christians to emphasize the divine element of Scripture while neglecting its genuinely human character. Drawing an analogy from the ancient Christological heresy of Docetism, he argues that many interpreters approach the Bible as if it simply dropped from heaven, overlooking the personalities, literary styles, historical settings, and intentions of the biblical authors. This often results in serious hermeneutical errors and a misunderstanding of how God chose to communicate through human writers.

    Michael also examines the doctrine of sensus plenior ("fuller sense"), asking whether a biblical text can legitimately mean more than the human author consciously understood. Can God intend meanings that transcend the author's awareness? If so, what limits govern interpretation? The discussion leads to a deeper appreciation of the relationship between divine authorship, human authorship, and the nature of biblical inspiration itself.

    Ultimately, Michael argues that Scripture, like Christ, possesses both a divine and human dimension. A faithful doctrine of inspiration must account for both without sacrificing either. The result is a richer understanding of how God speaks through His Word and why responsible interpretation requires attention to both the divine Author and the human authors He employed.

    Get involved:
    Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org
    Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com
    Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com
    Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
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    49 mins
  • 84. Through Theology in a Year: Theories of Inspiration

    84. Through Theology in a Year: Theories of Inspiration
    Jun 10 2026
    In this episode, Michael examines the major theories of biblical inspiration and asks one of the most important questions in theology: Where does inspiration reside? Is Scripture merely the product of exceptionally gifted men? Does the Holy Spirit simply elevate human insight? Is only part of the Bible inspired? Are some passages more inspired than others? Or did God dictate every word mechanically to passive authors?

    Michael walks through the Natural, Illumination, Partial, Degree, and Mechanical Dictation theories of inspiration, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each. Along the way, he argues that the historic evangelical doctrine of Verbal Plenary Inspiration avoids the errors of both extremes, affirming that Scripture is fully God's Word while remaining genuinely the work of human authors. The result is a view of inspiration that is analogous to the incarnation itself: 100% God and 100% man.

    Get involved:
    Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org
    Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com
    Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com
    Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • If Everything Is in Italics, Nothing Is in Italics

    If Everything Is in Italics, Nothing Is in Italics
    Jun 5 2026
    In this episode, Michael reflects on passion, conviction, and the danger of treating every issue as if it deserves the same level of intensity. In a culture where outrage gets clicks and every disagreement becomes a battlefield, Christians must recover a proper hierarchy of passion.

    Drawing from John Wesley's famous line about setting oneself on fire, Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 15 about matters "of first importance," and the reminder that "we see in a mirror dimly," Michael explores how conviction and humility belong together. The goal is not less passion, but better-ordered passion, with Christ and the Gospel occupying the most prominent place at the table.

    Get involved:
    Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org
    Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com
    Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com
    Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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