OpenTheo

Nicene Orthodoxy with Blair Smith

April 28, 2025
Life and Books and Everything
Life and Books and EverythingClearly Reformed

Kevin welcomes his good friend—neighbor, church colleague, and seminary colleague (soon to be boss!)—Blair Smith to the podcast. As a systematic theology professor, Blair’s expertise is on Trinitarian theology, in particular in the crucial fourth and fifth centuries. Listen in as Kevn and Blair look at the theology and the history behind the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). Yes, there are a lot of names and concepts flying around in the podcast studio with this one, but for good reason. What could be more important than the doctrine of the Trinity, than knowing who God is?

CHAPTERS

0:00 Sponsors & Intro

2:11 Who Is Blair Smith?

9:34 Four Degrees & Education Background

12:20 Conversation Outline & Begin Nicene Discussion

19:38 What Should We Know About The Fatherhood Of God?

25:25 Nicene Origins & The Need For Clarity

28:40 Sponsor Break

30:54 How Does This Help Us Understand The Eternal Son?

37:15 Trinity Debates & Subordination Controversy

46:59 What Led To The Revision Of The Nicene Creed?

54:53 Common Ground & Finding The Right Language

57:07 How Does Augustine Fit Into Nicene Orthodoxy?

1:01:38 Books From Blair To Consider

1:03:42 Why Should We Care About The Doctrine Of The Trinity?

BOOKS & EVERYTHING

The Nicene Creed

Reformed Confessionalism

One God Almighty: The Biblical Doctrine of the Triune God

Our Father in Heaven: Rediscovering and Embracing the Fatherhood of God

CROSSWAY | The Nicene Creed

DESIRING GOD | What’s The Difference?

GREENVILLE SEMINARY | Pastoral Theology

WESTMINSTER SEMINARY | Biblical Languages

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