Theology Unpacked

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores key dialogues of Jesus’ encounter with Nathanael, the Jerusalem witnesses, Nicodemus, and the Samaritan woman that guide both the characters and the reader toward deeper insight into who Jesus truly is. Through symbolic language and spiritual metaphors, the Gospel of John moves its audience from surface-level misunderstandings to a transformative recognition of Jesus as Messiah and Saviour of the world. These encounters reveal that true understanding comes through faith, not literal interpretation, and invite all people into a new way of seeing and worshipping.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Substack📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ outlines how John’s Gospel differs from the others by presenting Jesus’ divine identity from the very beginning and shaping the narrative around festivals, signs, places, dialogues, and meditations that all reveal him as the Son of God.Temple rituals, geography, and miracle “signs” are reinterpreted as symbols fulfilled in Jesus, while intimate dialogues and meditations invite the reader into deeper recognition and belief. The story builds toward the Passion, where unique features like the foot-washing and extended Last Supper teachings turn the Gospel into a sacred drama of revelation and glory.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how John’s Gospel differs from the Synoptics in its structure, layered composition, and extended dialogues, highlighting traditional identifications of its author with John the Apostle and his community. It presents a developed theology of Jesus as the eternal Word and Wisdom of God, drawing on Jewish scripture and Greek philosophy to portray him as both cosmic and historical. Together with John’s letters, the Gospel affirms Jesus’ full divinity and humanity, showing how authentic accounts of him arose through the Spirit’s action in scripture, community, and tradition.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how Luke shapes his Gospel in a unique way, adding stories and details that bring extra depth to Jesus’ life and teaching. Compared to Matthew and Mark, Luke focuses more on real-life encounters, a broader view of history, and the world Jesus lived in. He also offers a more balanced view of the Pharisees and highlights how powerful leaders played a role in Jesus’ death, helping us see the Gospel as rooted in Jewish tradition but reaching out to all of humanity.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ presents the Gospel of Luke presents a sophisticated narrative that subtly embeds prophetic references, highlighting the continuity of salvation history from the Tanach (Tanakh) to the Christian era. The Gospel of Luke emphasises the importance of the faithful 'people' who recognise God’s work in Jesus, contrasting them with resistant religious elites. Central themes include justice for the oppressed, the coming of God's kingdom, and a great reversal that uplifts the lowly.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how Matthew presents Jesus as the authoritative interpreter of the Tanach (Tanakh), offering the Sermon on the Mount as the foundation for a new, authentic way of living the covenant—centred on inner transformation, mercy, and righteousness.In a time of tension with emerging Jewish authorities after the destruction of the Temple, Jesus challenges the Pharisees while affirming the heart of the law. As judge at the end time, he calls his followers to serve the poor and live out God's will, promising his abiding presence in their community.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ highlights how Matthew presents Jesus as a wise teacher and fulfilment of the Torah, possibly reflecting Matthew’s self-understanding through the lens of Wisdom and Scripture. St Matthew structures Jesus’s teachings into 5 major collections and makes clear, unambiguous connections to the Tanach (Tanakh) to emphasise Jesus’s authority. His distinctive features of narrative style anticipate objections and reinforce Jesus’s role as the true interpreter of the law for a Jewish-Christian audience.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores Matthew’s possible sources and key concerns. He highlights Matthew’s effort to bridge tensions between Jewish Christians and non-Christian Jews, especially through infancy narratives rich in prophetic symbolism. The Gospel of Matthew affirms the importance of Torah, yet its message remains intentionally ambiguous—upholding the law while reinterpreting it through the life and mission of Jesus.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the relationship between the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—discussing different theories of Gospel origins, including a hidden source, ‘Q’.He highlights how each writer emphasises different aspects, especially in their presentation of the disciples, with Mark offering a more critical view, while Matthew and Luke emphasise their importance, especially Peter’s. These insights help us appreciate how each Gospel speaks to its original audience and continues to shape our understanding of faith today.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of “Theology Unpacked”, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the Gospel of Mark as a powerful, layered story of discipleship. He traces three key phases: (1) the revelation of the Messiah, (2) the journey to Jerusalem where the Messiah must suffer and die, and (3) the approach to Passover week. Along the way, he uncovers how Mark invites us to see ourselves in the story—growing in understanding, faith, and courage.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how Mark structures his Gospel to gradually reveal that Jesus—the one who is crucified—is truly the Messiah, the Son of God. Through dramatic action, confrontations, and fulfilment of prophecy, Mark invites us to see ourselves in the unfolding story. It's not just a biography—it's a call to recognise Jesus and respond to God's plan in our own lives.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 3 – Galilee to Jerusalem. This is Episode 3: Gospel BeginningsIn this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ offers a best guess at how story fragments about Jesus were transmitted and eventually shaped into the four official Gospels. It highlights the growing need to preserve these teachings in writing, especially after the deaths of key witnesses and amid persecution. The destruction of the Temple in 70 CE during the Jewish revolt marked a turning point, influencing how early Christians interpreted Jesus’ message and prompting the composition of the Gospels, with Mark likely written first.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 3 of the Catholic RE Directory: Galilee to Jerusalem. This is Episode 1: The Background to Jesus’ Gospel JourneyIn this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt explores the history that shaped the Jesus’ world. He highlights the varieties of Jewish belief during the Persian, Greek, and Roman periods — deepens our understanding of the Gospels and the context of Jesus’s life and teachings.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise, Part 4: The Birth of Christian Theology. This is Episode 8: Mother of GodIn this episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the profound significance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Christian theology and devotion. Rooted in biblical narratives and the wider tradition of women in Jewish salvation history, Mary emerges as a central figure in the story of the Incarnation. He then traces the development of key Catholic teachings on Our Lady, such as the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, along with the enduring devotion she inspires across cultures. Despite ecumenical differences, Mary remains a maternal figure for all Christians—focused on Christ and offering his healing to a world in need.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise, Part 4: The Birth of Christian Theology. This is Episode 7: Truth, Authority and the Meaning of LifeIn this episode, Dr John Moffatt reflects how prophets, sacred texts, and early Church thinkers helped shape Christian belief—connecting Old Testament promises to the life of Jesus and beyond. We also look at how Church authority grew, and how the Spirit continues to guide faith through real people and real history.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise, Part 4: The Birth of Christian Theology. This is Episode 6: Truly God and Truly HumanIn this episode of Theology Unpacked, Dr John Moffatt SJ traces how early Christians wrestled with expressing the mystery at the heart of their faith: that Jesus is both truly God and truly human. From Ignatius of Loyola’s vision of the Trinity to the clash between Cyril of Alexandria and Nestorius of Antioch. Dr John traces how the Church arrived at the Council of Chalcedon definition in 451: one person in two natures, fully divine and fully human. It's a journey from analysis back to contemplation and mystery.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise, Part 4: The Birth of Christian Theology. This is Episode 5: Three Persons and One GodIn this episode of Theology Unpacked, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores the development of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, from the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople to the theological contributions of figures like the Cappadocians and Augustine. Using philosophical terms and analogies, it explains how Christians came to understand one God in three distinct yet united persons—Father, Son, and Spirit—whose identities are defined by their relationships.Artistic and liturgical expressions, such as Rublev’s icon, complement this theology by visually conveying the unity and diversity of the divine in ways that resonate with both scripture and spiritual experience.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise, Part 4: The Birth of Christian Theology. This is Episode 4: The Same BeingIn this episode of Theology Unpacked, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how the Council of Nicaea (325) marked a turning point in Christian theology, introducing philosophical language into its core beliefs—declaring that Jesus, the Son of God, is homoousios (“of the same being”) with the Father to define Christ’s divinity.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise, Part 4: The Birth of Christian Theology. This is Episode 3: Hard Questions and HeresiesIn this podcast episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ examines the ambiguities in New Testament writings and the diverse early Christian interpretations of who Jesus is, shaped by both Jewish scripture and Greek philosophy. These differing views gave rise to both creative speculation and controversial teachings, prompting the development of early creedal statements like the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, which emphasised Jesus' humanity, divinity, and continuity with the God of Israel.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You’re listening to Branch 2 – Prophecy and Promise, Part 4: The Birth of Christian Theology. This is Episode 2: The Word was with God and the Word was GodIn this podcast episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ explores how early Jewish and Christian thinkers used scriptural interpretation and philosophical ideas to understand the divine nature of Jesus. It addresses the puzzles of God’s oneness and two persons called ‘God’—Elohim and YHWH—examining the theological tensions this created.He highlights how spaces in the Jewish thought-world at the time of Jesus—such as varying views on the heavenly realm, divine titles, and messianic figures—made room for interpreting Jesus as a divine being worthy of worship.📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for regular updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including follow-up study days!📚 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore the wide range of reading materials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the Heythrop Library🤓 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join online or in-person courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the London Jesuit CentreIf you find our podcasts helpful, please consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating to the London Jesuit Centre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.