Ep. #112 – Arguments for God & the Resurrection of Jesus w/ Dr. Levering

Summary

Who are some of the most important thinkers of the past when it comes to arguing for God’s existence? Should we use the term “proofs” when describing arguments for God? How does Jesus’ Resurrection fit into Catholic apologetics? How did neo-scholastic and nouvelle theologie writers differ in their approach to the Resurrection? What can they learn from each other? Dr. Matthew Levering joins us to tackle these questions and more.

Guest Bio

Dr. Matthew Levering who is the James N. and Mary D. Perry jr. Chair of theology at Mundelien seminary. Ph.D., Boston College.  Previous appointments include: associate professor of theology at Ave Maria University,  Myser Fellow at the Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame, and professor of theology at University of Dayton.  Author or co-author of over thirty books including such works as Scripture and Metaphysics, Participatory Biblical Exegesis, Biblical Natural Law, Proofs of God, Aquinas’s Eschatological Ethics and the Virtue of Temperance, and Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?  

Currently at work on a nine-volume dogmatics, whose first three volumes have appeared (most recently Engaging the Doctrine of Creation). He is also editor or co-editor of over twenty books including such works as The Oxford Handbook of Sacramental Theology, Aristotle in Aquinas’s Theology, and The Reception of Vatican II. Translator of Gilles Emery, O.P.’s The Trinity.  Additionally, Dr. Levering is the co-editor of Nova et Vetera and of the International Journal of Systematic Theology as well as a member of the Academy of Catholic Theology and of Evangelicals and Catholics Together.

Topics (part 1)

• How did Dr. Levering get interested in studying the faith at a deep level and pursuing a doctorate in systematic theology?
• Who were some of his ancient and modern intellectual influences?
• What was his purpose in writing the book Proofs of God?
• Why does he use the controversial word “proofs” to describe these classical arguments?
• How do you respond to Karl Barth’s critique of natural theology?

Topics (part 2)

• What led you to write a book on the Resurrection?
• How is your book different from other apologetic works on this topic?
• What do Edward Schillebex, Dale Allison, and N.T. Wright think about the Resurrection? What conclusion did you reach about their views?
• What role does the Old Testament play when considering the Resurrection of Jesus?
• What’s the chapter on the “Strangeness” of the Resurrection about?
• Where does the Resurrection fit in the project of Catholic apologetics? In particular, let’s look at the views of Joseph Fenton, Pierre Rousselot, and Longeran, whom you interact with in an important chapter.

Resources

Proofs of God: Classical Arguments from Tertullian to Barth by Dr. Matthew Levering

Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Historical and Theological Reflections by Dr. Matthew Levering

The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright

Laying the Foundation: A Handbook of Catholic Apologetics and Fundamental Theology by Fr. Joseph Fenton

Related Episodes

Ep. #32 – An Interview with Dr. Edward Feser

Ep. #70 – Minimal Facts & the Resurrection w/ Dr. Licona

Ep. #93 – The Resurrection of Jesus w/ Dr. Morrow