Outlaw God
The Outlaw God podcast is about moving from theological speculation to proclamation. Featuring Dr. Steven Paulson and co-hosted by Caleb Keith.
info_outline
Law of Love
07/09/2026
Law of Love
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their conversation on Luther's lectures on Psalm 51, showing how true repentance is rooted not in human effort or love for God, but in God's mercy alone. They unpack Luther's "conjunction of the incompatible" to explain how the holy God joins Himself to sinful people through Christ, shaping the Reformation's teaching on justification, the sacraments, and the Christian life. The discusssion challenges common misunderstandings about faith, emphasizing that salvation comes through God's Word creating faith—not through our works, decisions, or acts of love. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/42019060
info_outline
David Dilemma
07/02/2026
David Dilemma
In this episode of Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson explore what it means to "pray against yourself" through Psalm 51, showing how David learns that true repentance begins with God's law exposing the depth of sin rather than human effort or moral improvement. The conversation explains that faith is not something we produce or preserve but a gift created by the Holy Spirit through the preached promise of the forgiveness of sins. David's confidence ultimately rests not in his own worth, sacrifice, or works, but in God's Word of absolution, which unites sinners to Christ by grace alone. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41947335
info_outline
The Conjunction Conundrum
06/26/2026
The Conjunction Conundrum
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith explore Martin Luther's idea of the "conjunction of the incompatible," showing how Christ unites Himself to sinners not after they become holy, but while they are still completely sinful. They contrast this Gospel-centered understanding with views that make Jesus primarily an example to follow, emphasizing instead that Christ gives Himself fully through preaching and the sacraments to forgive sins and create faith. Looking at Psalm 51, they reveal how David's story points to the heart of the Gospel: God's grace comes to those who are utterly undeserving, joining the Holy One to the unholy through Christ alone. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41831070
info_outline
Just vs. Justifier
06/18/2026
Just vs. Justifier
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their examination of Psalm 51, showing how David’s confession reveals the total reality of sin and the complete inability of human beings to save themselves through free will or good works. Drawing on Luther’s distinction between Law and Gospel, Paulson explains that God’s righteousness is not merely His own holiness but His action of justifying sinners through the promise of forgiveness. The discussion highlights how faith comes through God’s external Word, which exposes sin, creates trust, and grants the righteousness that comes apart from the Law. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41687235
info_outline
Creator of Compatibility
06/11/2026
Creator of Compatibility
In this episode of the Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their exploration of Psalm 51, focusing on David's confession that sin is not merely something we do but something that defines us apart from God's intervention. Paulson explains Luther's understanding of repentance as two distinct words preached from outside the sinner—the law, which exposes and kills, and the gospel, which forgives and raises to new life through absolution. The conversation highlights David as prophet, showing how God creates faith by joining the seemingly incompatible realities of a holy God and sinful humanity through the promise of the gospel. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41614875
info_outline
Judge or Justifier?
06/04/2026
Judge or Justifier?
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their exploration of Psalm 51, examining how David’s encounter with Nathan reveals the difference between God as a mere judge and God as the Justifier who forgives sinners through the gospel. They argue that the law can only expose sin, punish wrongdoing, and attempt reform, while only God’s absolving word can truly remove sin and create a new heart. Through David’s prayer, “Have mercy on me, O God,” the episode presents justification as God’s complete and decisive act of forgiveness, accomplished apart from the law through the promise fulfilled in Christ. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41543000
info_outline
David the Theodidact
05/28/2026
David the Theodidact
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson explore Luther’s understanding of being “Theodidact” — taught by God through the preaching of law and gospel rather than through inward spirituality or self-discovery. Using Psalm 51 and David’s confrontation with Nathan after Bathsheba, they unpack how the law exposes humanity as completely sinful while the gospel creates an entirely new identity through God’s mercy alone. The conversation centers on Luther’s theological “summa”: “God the Justifier, I the sinner,” showing how true knowledge of God comes not through self-improvement, but through forgiveness spoken by God himself. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41458885
info_outline
Real Repentance
05/21/2026
Real Repentance
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith conclude their series on repentance by contrasting legal repentance with repentance rooted in the Gospel alone. Through Psalm 51, John the Baptist, and Luther’s theology, Paulson explains how true repentance is not self-improvement or sacrifice, but a total death and resurrection brought entirely by the Word and the Holy Spirit. The conversation explores how God justifies sinners outside the law, why faith is created through promise rather than free will, and how baptism itself is a complete exorcism from the spirit of Satan into the life of the Holy Spirit. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41381385
info_outline
Disastrous Directions
05/14/2026
Disastrous Directions
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith examine Luther’s teaching on Psalm 51 to contrast medieval “legal repentance” with true repentance. They explain how generations of Christians—and even modern secular culture—tend to treat repentance as self-improvement powered by human will, rather than recognizing original sin as unbelief that cannot be fixed by inner effort. The discussion shows how legal systems of repentance try to restore human willpower, while the gospel instead gives faith from outside the sinner through Christ’s promise. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41286330
info_outline
Evangelical Repentance
05/07/2026
Evangelical Repentance
In this episode of the Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their discussion of Psalm 51 by looking at repentance. Dr. Paulson explains how true repentance comes not through ritual cleansing or self-improvement, but through the Holy Spirit working through preaching to reveal original sin and deliver justification through the Gospel. The episode also connects repentance to baptism, critiques natural law approaches to morality, and previews Luther’s challenge to the church’s law-centered understanding of repentance. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41201150
info_outline
Justifying God
04/23/2026
Justifying God
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith discuss the evangelical doctrine of sin, contrasting it with medieval and modern approaches that define sin primarily as individual acts or failures of free will. Using Psalm 51 and David’s encounter with the prophet Nathan, they explain how sin is truly revealed and forgiven not by the law or human effort, but through the external promise of the gospel. The conversation highlights Luther’s insight that sin is ultimately unbelief, while faith itself is a gift created by God’s Word that frees the sinner through mercy rather than merit. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40986835
info_outline
Remembering and Repenting
04/15/2026
Remembering and Repenting
In this episode of Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue their exploration of Psalm 51 by examining the question, “What is sin?” The conversation highlights how sin is not something humans can objectively analyze or fix through self-reflection, but is revealed when God’s Word exposes the sinner and delivers mercy. Drawing on Luther’s teaching, the episode contrasts repentance based on remembering individual sins with an evangelical understanding grounded in confession and absolution through preaching. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40891930
info_outline
With and Without God's Word
04/10/2026
With and Without God's Word
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson turn to Psalm 51 to explore sin, repentance, and the human will. Drawing on Luther’s teaching, they show how David’s confession comes after God’s Word confronts him through the law and restores him through the gospel. The discussion emphasizes that repentance is not self-improvement but God’s work of creating a new heart in the sinner. Psalm 51 is presented as a living prayer that teaches how God moves sinners from death to forgiveness. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40799140
info_outline
Christ in the Cleft
04/02/2026
Christ in the Cleft
In this episode of Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson return to Moses in the cleft of the rock to clarify what Scripture means by the glory of God. Paulson explains how Luther learned to read the entire Bible through the distinction between Law and Gospel, showing that Moses was commanded to preach the Law while Christ Himself preached mercy to him. The discussion highlights how God’s glory is not found in human ascent or mystical experience but in the preached Word of Christ that delivers grace apart from works. Ultimately, the episode reveals that the Old Testament centers on Christ’s promise and proclamation, making Moses a recipient of the Gospel even as he served as the preacher of the Law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40714320
info_outline
David's Last Words
03/25/2026
David's Last Words
In this episode of Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson explore the unity of Scripture and the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. Paulson critiques mystical and scholastic traditions that sought God’s glory through human ascent, showing instead how Scripture reveals God through His spoken Word received by faith. Drawing from Moses, Joseph, Paul, and David’s final words in 2 Samuel 23, the discussion highlights how God forms prophets and preachers who deliver forgiveness rather than self-improvement through the Law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40625770
info_outline
Free Faith Not Free Will (HWSS 25)
03/19/2026
Free Faith Not Free Will (HWSS 25)
In this episode, Dr. Steven Paulson speaks at the most recent Here We Still Stand Conference on Martin Luther’s teaching in The Bondage of the Will. He explains that the human will is not free but bound in sin, continually resisting God rather than cooperating in salvation. Instead, salvation comes entirely from God’s almighty action through His Word that creates faith from outside of us. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40540060
info_outline
Divine Election through Preaching
03/12/2026
Divine Election through Preaching
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue discussing the story of Joseph and how it has been used to explain divine election, suffering, and the human will. They critique the common theological idea that God uses suffering to align human will with His will or to produce righteousness. Instead, they show how Luther’s reading of the story points to God accomplishing election through preaching and absolution, not through suffering or human cooperation. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40406220
info_outline
When Suffering Replaces Preaching
03/04/2026
When Suffering Replaces Preaching
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson examine the story of Joseph in the pit and how it has been used in Christian theology to interpret divine election, sovereignty, and suffering. They trace how medieval mystics and nominalist theologians treated Joseph’s suffering as God’s chosen means of purifying and justifying the elect—effectively replacing preaching with suffering as the instrument of righteousness. The episode concludes by previewing Luther’s break from this view, arguing that Joseph’s story ultimately points not to redemptive suffering, but to the proclamation of the gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40318145
info_outline
Perfecting Pain
02/26/2026
Perfecting Pain
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Steven Paulson look into the themes of suffering and atonement as discussed in 1 Corinthians. They explore the historical context of suffering in early Christianity, the significance of the word of the cross, and the implications of mysticism and absorption theory. The conversation also touches on the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact of his theology on modern Christianity. The episode concludes with reflections on the role of preaching in understanding suffering for the Christian life. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40243770
info_outline
Mysticism Through Suffering
02/19/2026
Mysticism Through Suffering
In this episode of the Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue their look into suffering, the theology of the cross, and the historical context of mysticism in relation to faith. They explore how suffering is perceived in Christian theology, particularly through the lens of Luther's insights, and discuss the implications of viewing God's suffering as redemptive. The conversation also touches on the challenges of cultural Christianity and the importance of external word in faith, culminating in a critique of Oseander's mystical interpretations. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40169015
info_outline
Suffering As a Means of Faith?
02/13/2026
Suffering As a Means of Faith?
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith examine Christian views of suffering and critiques the common idea that God sends hardship to create or strengthen faith. Drawing on Luther’s reading of the Psalms and 2 Corinthians 3, they argue that faith comes first and suffering follows because faith is attacked, not produced, by affliction. They trace how mystical and modern evangelical traditions interpret suffering as a path to humility, conversion, and even divine compassion, including the notion that God must suffer to understand humanity. The discussion concludes by previewing Luther’s break from these ideas and a clearer theology of the cross to be explored next time. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40093880
info_outline
Plainly Speaking and Preaching
02/05/2026
Plainly Speaking and Preaching
On this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue to look at 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul contrasts the ministries of Moses and the Holy Spirit as law and gospel. They explore how the “glory” associated with Moses belongs to the law that kills and comes to an end, while the Spirit’s glory gives life through resurrection and endures forever. They discuss common theological confusions that treat law and gospel as cooperative or parallel paths to salvation and argue instead that the gospel alone creates righteousness by promise. The episode concludes by showing how this passage shaped Luther’s theology and sets up a new way of reading Moses through the lens of Christ and the gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40013120
info_outline
Moses Accuses and Kills
01/28/2026
Moses Accuses and Kills
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Steven Paulson finally arrive at 2 Corinthians Chapter 3, discussing the distinction between law and gospel, the authority of Paul, and the implications of Moses' ministry. They explore how the law, represented by Moses, is a ministry of death, while the gospel, delivered through Christ, offers life and assurance. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39912625
info_outline
Attack on Grace
01/22/2026
Attack on Grace
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue to talk about the theological implications of Moses' encounter with God in the cleft of the rock. They discuss the nature of God's glory, the significance of worship, and the relationship between grace and the law. The conversation emphasizes that true worship is rooted in hearing God's word and receiving His promises. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding the distinction between law and gospel in Christian worship. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39844405
info_outline
God's Presence, Favor and Glory
01/15/2026
God's Presence, Favor and Glory
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue their discussion on Moses and Mysticsm. They explore the significance of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments and the deeper implications of his encounter with God, especially the moment when Moses asks to see God's glory. The conversation transitions into how this narrative has influenced both Christian and philosophical thought, particularly in relation to the law and its interpretation. Paulson emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the law and the gospel, suggesting that many interpretations mistakenly equate God's glory with the law itself, rather than recognizing it as a manifestation of grace and favor. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39751465
info_outline
Sublimation Message
01/07/2026
Sublimation Message
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith discuss the theological implications of divine favor, exploring Martin Luther's perspectives on the law, the role of suffering, and the significance of the incarnation. They discuss the transition from ascendant mysticism to a more democratized understanding of spirituality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's downward movement towards humanity. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39650895
info_outline
Following God's Backside
01/01/2026
Following God's Backside
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the themes of mysticism, the nature of God's law, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. They explore the story of Moses in the cleft of the rock, discussing how this narrative illustrates the complexities of knowing God and the implications of the law. The conversation also touches on the teachings of Gregory of Nyssa and Pseudo-Dionysius, highlighting their differing views on the law's role in the believer's life. Ultimately, the episode examines how Luther critiques these perspectives and introduces the concept of 'subcontrario' as a means of understanding God's favor through the law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39581110
info_outline
The Infinite Law
12/18/2025
The Infinite Law
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their conversation on the relationship between mysticism and the law. They explore the significance of the Ten Commandments, the theological implications of Moses' encounter with God in the cleft of the rock, and the perspectives of early church fathers like Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Maximus the Confessor. 00:00 Introduction to Mysticism and the Law 01:45 The Story of Moses and the Ten Commandments 06:15 Moses in the Cleft of the Rock 08:34 Theological Perspectives on Moses' Experience 11:03 Gregory of Nyssa's Insights on the Law 14:03 The Relationship Between Free Will and the Law 18:20 The Trinity and Its Connection to the Law 22:03 God's Relationship to the Law 25:42 Understanding God's Favor and Glory 34:42 The Infinite Nature of the Law Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39451435
info_outline
Ministry of Death
12/11/2025
Ministry of Death
In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith explore the complexities of the biblical narrative surrounding Moses, particularly through the lens of 2 Corinthians. They discuss the misinterpretations of Moses, the role of Pseudo-Dionysius and humanism in shaping Christian thought, and the critical distinction between law and gospel. Paulson emphasizes that Moses' ministry is one of death, contrasting it with the life-giving Spirit through the gospel. The discussion also touches on Nietzsche's critique of Christian humility and the implications of Moses' veil as a symbol of misunderstanding the law's purpose. 00:00 Introduction to the Outlaw God Podcast 01:00 Exploring 2 Corinthians and the Story of Moses 02:18 Luther's Revelation on Moses and the Law 03:59 Humanism and the Fraudulent Teachings 05:41 The Donation of Constantine and Its Impact 07:22 Pseudo-Dionysius and His Influence on Christian Thought 10:50 Paul's Perspective on Moses in 2 Corinthians 16:19 Distinguishing Law from Gospel 19:39 The Assurance of the Gospel vs. the Law 21:40 Nietzsche's Critique of Christian Morality 23:37 The Problem of False Humility in Society 25:22 Understanding the Law vs. the Gospel 27:03 Moses: The Ministry of Death 31:35 The Veil of Moses: Mysticism vs. Truth 36:30 The End of the Law and the Glory of the Spirit 40:38 Moses' Role and the Transformation through the Gospel Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39372795
info_outline
Negative Theology
12/05/2025
Negative Theology
In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steve Paulson and Caleb Keith discuss Moses and mysticism, exploring how the story of Moses has been interpreted through the lens of law and gospel. They discuss Luther's understanding of Moses, the theology of humility, and the implications of pietism. The conversation also touches on the role of the law, the concept of negative theology, and the significance of Moses as a mediator between God and the people. The episode concludes with a preview of Moses' second journey to Mount Sinai and its importance in understanding the gospel. 00:00 Introduction to Moses and Mysticism 02:41 Luther's Understanding of Moses 05:26 The Theology of Humility 07:53 Pietism and New Laws 10:26 The Story of Moses and Commandments 13:26 Moses as Mediator 15:53 Luther's Perspective on Moses 18:29 The Role of the Law and the Gospel 21:04 Negative Theology and Worship 23:39 The 613 Commandments and Their Implications 26:28 Conclusion and Next Steps Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39288355