Outlaw God

The Outlaw God podcast is about moving from theological speculation to proclamation. Featuring Dr. Steven Paulson and co-hosted by Caleb Keith.

Written vs Spoken 11/19/2025

Written vs Spoken In this episode of the Outlaw God, Dr. Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith focus on Paul's interpretation of Moses in 2 Corinthians. They explore the differences between written and spoken word, the implications of mystical interpretations of scripture, and the significance of the New Covenant. The discussion emphasizes the ministry of death associated with the law and contrasts it with the life-giving nature of the Spirit. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38869850

The Goals of Mysticism 11/13/2025

The Goals of Mysticism Summary In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the complexities of the law as presented in Exodus 20, particularly through the lens of mysticism and the distinction between law and gospel. They explore the significance of the written law, the role of promises, and how mystics interpret the law in search of glory. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the Ten Commandments and the implications of God's promises, ultimately highlighting the challenges of reconciling the law with the gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39016035

Doctrine vs. Preaching 11/06/2025

Doctrine vs. Preaching In this episode of the Outlaw God, Dr. Stephen Paulson and Caleb keith discuss the transition from the Garden of Eden to the teachings of Moses, focusing on the significance of the Ten Commandments and the role of the law in theology. They explore the distinction between doctrine and preaching, the difference between law and gospel, and the implications of having the law written down versus verbally proclaimed. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38933285

Imperatives and Indicatives (HWSS25) 10/22/2025

Imperatives and Indicatives (HWSS25) In this episode of the Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Stephen Paulson dive into the theological debate between Martin Luther and Erasmus, focusing on the concepts of free will, the interpretation of scripture, and the significance of grammar in understanding faith. They explore Luther's critique of Erasmus's views on free will and the importance of distinguishing between indicatives and imperatives in scripture. The conversation emphasizes the certainty of faith and the promise of repentance as opposed to mere commands, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of God's word. This episode was recorded live from Here We Still Stand 2025 coference. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38749220

Special Episode: Bondage Of The Will 10/16/2025

Special Episode: Bondage Of The Will In this special episode of Outlaw God, Steven Paulson, Caleb Keith are joined by Scott Keith to look at the Bondage of the Will. This discussion serves as an introduction to the theme of the upcoming Here We Still Stand conference in San Diego, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the work's publication. If you can't attend, don't worry—talks, including Dr. Paulson's, will be available on YouTube. Stay tuned for next week's live-recorded podcast from the conference. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38599870

Threat and Accusation 10/09/2025

Threat and Accusation In this episode of Outlaw God, Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their conversations on misunderstanding Law and Gospel, misconceptions of free will and the Fall of Adam and Eve. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38531260

Second Use of the Gospel? 10/02/2025

Second Use of the Gospel? In this episode of Outlaw God, hosts Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the theological implications of the fall of Adam and Eve. They explore the concept of free will, questioning its validity. The discussion highlights the role of God's law in the Garden of Eden, emphasizing that it was not merely a test of morality but a means of communication between God and humanity. The episode challenges common interpretations of why God gave Adam and Eve the two trees and it's implications. The conversation concludes with reflections on the nature of God's law and its purpose in the lives of believers. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38441500

Proclamation Not Speculation 09/25/2025

Proclamation Not Speculation In this episode of Outlaw God, hosts Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the theological implications of law and gospel as presented in Genesis. They explore the prelapsarian law given to Adam, discussing its necessity and the distinction between law and gospel. The conversation touches on Luther's perspective on the role of the church and family before sin, emphasizing the importance of proclamation over speculation. The hosts also address the theological debates surrounding free will and the nature of God's commands. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38347550

The Law Before Sin 09/17/2025

The Law Before Sin In this episode of the Outlaw God, hosts Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith delve into the theological implications of the law before sin, exploring Luther's perspective on prelapsarian law and its distinction from postlapsarian law. They discuss the historical debates between Luther and Erasmus, focusing on the nature of God's law in the Garden of Eden. The conversation touches on the theological significance of Adam's first sermon and the existential threat posed by the law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38259090

Silencing God's Law 09/10/2025

Silencing God's Law In this episode of the Outlaw God, Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look at the mystical interpretations of Psalm 18, focusing on the phrase "God made darkness his hiding place." The discussion highlights the concept of spiritual weddings and the mystics' approach in achieving silence with God. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38172770

Mysticism's Silence of the Lamb 09/03/2025

Mysticism's Silence of the Lamb In this episode of the Outlaw God, Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look at Martin Luther's interpretation of Psalm 18 and connects it back to Acts 17. They explore Luther's transition from mystical and allegorical readings to a focus on proclamation and the distinction between law and gospel. The discussion highlights how Luther's understanding of God's promises, as opposed to the law's accusations, marked a significant shift in his theological approach. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38078655

Hide and Seek with God 08/27/2025

Hide and Seek with God On this episode of The Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith and continue discussing Luther’s early engagement with mysticism, Augustine and the Heidelberg Disputation. They trace how Luther began to recognize the problem of seeking God by looking inward and upward. Dr. Paulson explains how Luther wrestled with Psalm 18:11, the idea of God hiding in darkness, versus God’s revealed light in the preached promise of Christ. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37983320

Mysticism Through Love 08/21/2025

Mysticism Through Love In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith take a look into Eastern and Western influences on mysticism. The conversation transitions to Western mysticism, highlighting the shift towards feeling and love, particularly through the works of Hugh of St. Victor and Bonaventure. They examine how Luther's theology evolved, moving from a focus on the mind to embracing the love of the crucified Christ, a concept central to Christological mysticism. The episode also touches on the broader implications of these mystical traditions on modern faith and church practices. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37901355

Mysticism and the Mind 08/13/2025

Mysticism and the Mind In this episode of the Outlaw God, Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith explore the transition from mysticism to evangelicalism, focusing on Luther's scholarship. They delve into the influence of early mystics like Pseudo-Dionysius and how Luther navigated these teachings. They also touch on the mystical interpretation of Romans 1:20 and its significance in understanding God's invisible attributes with your mind. The episode concludes with insights into Luther's eventual rejection of these mystical teachings and a teaser for the next discussion on the mysticism of love. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37808225

Overlooking Idiocy (Acts 17:26-34) 07/31/2025

Overlooking Idiocy (Acts 17:26-34) In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith continue to look at the theological implications of Paul's sermon at the Areopagus. They discuss common misinterpretations of Paul's message, the concept of allotted periods in theology, the distinction between Jews and Gentiles, and the role of preachers in conveying God's word. The conversation also touches on God's overlooking of ignorance, the call to repentance, and the assurance provided through Christ's resurrection. The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of Paul's message on his audience. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37615850

Paul's Preaching 07/23/2025

Paul's Preaching In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, hosts Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith continue in Acts 17, focusing on the themes of mysticism, the influence of scholasticism, and the contrast between natural law and divine law. They explore Paul's sermon at the Areopagus engages with Greek philosophy, ultimately emphasizing the law's role in accusing sin rather than providing a pathway to virtue. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the true nature of God and the implications of Paul's message for contemporary theology. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37531245

Finding the Unknown God 07/17/2025

Finding the Unknown God In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith explore the themes of divine election, the search for the unknown God, and humans attempts of understanding God through mysticsm. They discuss the contrasting views of Erasmus and Luther on election, the significance of Paul's sermon at the Areopagus, and how mysticism has influenced Lutheran thought. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preaching and the certainty of God's promises in contrast to the uncertainty of human understanding. Show Notes: Fundraiser! What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37267195

Method of Mysticism 07/10/2025

Method of Mysticism In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the complexities of Martin Luther's relationship with mysticism, exploring how Luther's views diverge from traditional mysticism. They discuss the nature of mysticism, the role of the law and gospel, and the significance of tribulation in the Christian journey. The conversation also touches on the sacraments, the importance of hearing God's voice, and the implications of Moses sermond to Israel and Paul's sermon at the Areopagus. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37354925

Problem of Death 07/03/2025

Problem of Death In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, hosts Caleb Keith and Steve Paulson explore the intersection of Lutheran theology and mysticism, particularly through the lens of Martin Luther's interactions with Erasmus. They discuss the nature of humanity's search for God, the role of the law, and the significance of death in the mystical experience. The conversation delves into how mysticism attempts to offer a path to understanding God beyond mere intellectualism, emphasizing the importance of feeling and conscience in the spiritual journey. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37437755

A Right Sacrifice 06/27/2025

A Right Sacrifice What is the right sacrifice before God? Dr. Paulson continues to examine Cain and Able in an effort to refute the notion that the difference between the two was a result of the correct use of free will. Paulson argues that Luther rightly demonstrates that the difference was between faith and works. Show Notes: Fundraiser! What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37182080

Cain and Abel 06/19/2025

Cain and Abel Dr. Paulson opens up an examination of the story of Cain and Abel. Here at the first murder, there are lessons to be learned about why free will is a fiction and how no man can approach God through the law. After his attempted sacrafice fails, Cain's anger and desporation leads him away from God. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/37081885

The Sandbox 06/10/2025

The Sandbox Dr. Paulson discusses the difference between free will and dominion over creation. Here, the conversation turns to Genesis, but it demonstrates how Luther explained that Adam and Eve were not exercising free will but rather utilizing the gift of dominion over creation. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36943640

Imagine The World Before The Fall 05/28/2025

Imagine The World Before The Fall Dr. Paulson continues to analyze the appeal Erasmus makes to Sirach in chapter 15. Here, Erasmus speculates, creating an internally consistent logic about free will, creation, and sin. Though his speculation may be consistent, Luther aptly demonstrates how Scripture does not support it. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36749940

Where There Is Law There Is Free Will 05/22/2025

Where There Is Law There Is Free Will This week, Dr. Paulson outlines Erasmus' bold claim that the existence of the law necessitates human free will. Erasmus begins to argue against the clarity of Scripture and advocates for looking at Sirach chapter 15 to examine the relationship between the law and free will. Paulson demonstrates how Luther used the Scriptures to prove this theory wrong. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36674660

There Is No Sin Where There Is No Law 05/15/2025

There Is No Sin Where There Is No Law This episode begins an examination of the Apostle Paul's proclamation that where there is no law, there is no sin. From here, Dr. Paulson will examine Erasmus and Luther as they consider what it means to be free and what, if any, glimpse can be gathered from looking back to Eden. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36586385

Chaos and Silencing the Law 05/06/2025

Chaos and Silencing the Law Dr. Paulson continues to characterize the dialogue between Luther and Erasmus. As Erasmus begins to grasp every possible need for free will, he finally arrives at an argument based on societal behavior. Erasmus knows Luther does not want society to be lawless and appeals to the law's ability to rein in chaos. Luther, of course, does not give in and continues his appeal to Scripture. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36455535

Psychologizing the Gospel 04/30/2025

Psychologizing the Gospel Is the Gospel just a feeling of relief? Steve Paulson addresses the difference between the internal need for relief from the law and the external reality of the Gospel. The Gospel is not an internal force but an external act proclaimed and done for you. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36376870

The External and Internal Distinction 04/24/2025

The External and Internal Distinction Paulson continues the conversation about the "spiritual man" who cannot be judged. But how do you know if you can claim such spirituality? The man who cannot be considered is not identified by internal revelation, thoughts, or theological musings. Instead, the fortification from judgment comes from the certainty of the external word of the Gospel preached. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36301040

Out of the Cave 04/15/2025

Out of the Cave God's word is not just a guide, making you desire to leave the cave and enter the world of real things. Dr. Paulson dives into how the construction of the Gospel as enabling guide confuses God's two words. Scripture is not just another Plato leading you out of the darkness but actually brings new life. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36153635

Plato's Cave 04/07/2025

Plato's Cave Dr. Paulson discusses Plato's analogy of the Cave. He emphasizes how Erasmus used this analogy to confuse God's words of law and gospel. This construction is considered the word of God and the enlightening power that can draw us out of the Cave. But the word of God is not just a tantalizing light but the actual creative power of God to save. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/36039150

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