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Dr. Vern Poythress, a professor, philosopher and theologian, joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for part one of a conversation on the difference between biblical and secular worldviews. He explains that, across cultures, times and circumstances, the gospel is the only lasting solution to the problems we face.

Key Points from the Podcast

  • In his 45 years of teaching, Dr. Vern Poythress has trained and equipped over 20,000 pastors, leaders, evangelists, and missionaries.

  • No matter how culture changes around us, God and his Word are unchanging.

  • The problem of the world is still sin and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is still the only solution.

  • Postmodernism and Critical Theory know something is wrong with the world, but they have the wrong diagnosis and thus the wrong answer.

  • Christians must be grounded in the Word of God so that they are not swept away by the maelstrom of ideas, pleas, and propaganda of our modern culture.

  • As more professing Christians depart from the supremacy and inerrancy of scripture, they are forming false Christs made in their own image.

  • American individualism has unfortunately influenced many not to be submitted to a local church body or connected in Christian community.

  • The Bible addresses the whole person and commands us to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

  • The Word of God is infinitely deep. You’ll never master it. You’re a servant of scripture. Read, listen, and absorb God’s Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and transform you through it.

Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast

Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 24:35; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 5:20; Psalm 119:11; 1 Corinthians 2:10; John 15:5–7; Matthew 6:7; 1 Peter 5:1–4; Hebrews 10:25; Hebrews 12:2, 12–15; Romans 12:1–2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 12:29–31

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

About Vern Poythress

Rev. Dr. Vern Poythress (PhD, Harvard; DTh, Stellenbosch) is distinguished professor of New Testament, biblical interpretation, and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he has taught for 44 years.

Dr. Poythress’s academic interests include how Christianity and the Trinitarian nature of God impact all areas of life. He has also spent much of his career studying and teaching biblical interpretation and hermeneutics. For those who are new to Dr. Poythress’s writing and teaching on these interests, he recommends several resources as places to start. Regarding Christianity in relationship to all areas of life, consider his books Redeeming Science, Redeeming Philosophy, or Chance and the Sovereignty of God. A related book is In the Beginning Was the Word, which looks at the Trinitarian foundations for language. Another recent publication in this area is Redeeming Mathematics; consider both his interview on the book and blog on the topic.

Regarding hermeneutics and biblical interpretation, he would recommend starting with his books Symphonic Theology and The Returning King. Other related books include Inerrancy and Worldview, The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses, and God-Centered Biblical Interpretation.

Many of Dr. Poythress’s books are available in digital formats online for free.