ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode, I speak with theologian Roger E. Olson about his theological journey, including his upbringing in Pentecostalism and the experiences that shaped his later convictions.
Olson reflects on his studies with Wolfhart Pannenberg and shares stories of encounters with major theological figures such as Oral Roberts, Jürgen Moltmann, John Piper, Greg Boyd, Stanley Grenz, R. C. Sproul, and Richard Bauckham.
We discuss why theology matters for the life of the church, and why Arminianism is often misunderstood in contemporary evangelical debates. Olson also reflects on the ongoing relevance of the Calvinism–Arminianism discussion.
The conversation then turns to broader shifts in evangelicalism, including why many are moving toward more liturgical traditions and what this reveals about changing Christian identity today. Olson also addresses the question of whether God changes in any meaningful sense.
Finally, we explore post-conservative evangelical theology and why he continues to identify as “evangelical” despite ongoing debates about the term.
Books Mentioned in this Episode (with links to buy):- Against Calvinism by Olson (https://amzn.to/3P1Giql)- The Story of Christian Theology by Olson (https://amzn.to/4v3NJwD)- Here Am I by Adrio Konig - Reclaiming Pietism by Olson (https://amzn.to/4u28AQF)- Theology for the Community of God by Stanley Grenz (https://amzn.to/4dfmvNv)- 20th Century Theology by Grenz and Olson (https://amzn.to/4uBynz4)- Who Needs Theology by Grenz and Olson (https://amzn.to/3RAce5O)- Arminian Theology by Olson (https://amzn.to/4eIblBY)- How to be Evangelical without Being Conservative by Olson (https://amzn.to/4d6HKB1) - Reformed and Always Reforming by Olson (https://amzn.to/48Zbmh3) - Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem (https://amzn.to/4tBVrg9)- The Drama of Doctrine by Kevin Vanhoozer (https://amzn.to/4uORLZz)- Justification by N. T. Wright (https://amzn.to/3RhNMGg)- Four Views on the Spectrum of Evangelicalism by Olson and others (https://amzn.to/4uJPFdm)
