Ian McFarland - The Word Made Flesh

Episode: Has the Chalcedonian Definition stood the test of time and theological challenge? Ian McFarland thinks so and advocates for a "Chalcedonianism without reserve" in his newest book, The Word Made Flesh: A Theology of the Incarnation (WJK, 2019). McFarland joins co-host Amy Hughes to talk about what he means by this phrase and how churches who affirm the language laid out at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 (Catholic, Protestant, and most Orthodox traditions) don't always follow through on the implications. What is the disconnect here and why does it matter? Spoiler alert: It has something to do with the gospel...

Guest:  Dr. Ian A. McFarland currently serves as Robert W. Woodruff Chair of Theology at Emory University's Candler School of Theology, where he returned after four years as Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. He had previously been on the Candler faculty from 2005–2015 and before that taught at the University of Aberdeen. Professor McFarland's research has focused on Christology, theological anthropology, and the doctrine of creation. His interests also include the use of the Bible in theology, the relationship between theology and science, and the thought of Maximus the Confessor. He is the sole author of six books, including The Word Made Flesh: A Theology of the Incarnation (2019) and From Nothing: A Theology of Creation (2014); he also served as lead editor for the Cambridge Dictionary of Christian Theology (2010).