Outlaw God

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

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 appraoch 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

Judging the Spiritual Man 03/26/2025

Judging the Spiritual Man How do you know when spiritual claims are true or the result of enthusiasm? Dr. Paulson outlines the difference between the external certainty from Christ being delivered to you extra nos and the "internal" revelations of the enthusiast. The true spiritual man is not the one with internal revelations but with the external Chris preached to him. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/35873115

Ecclesiastical and Doctrinal Authority 03/14/2025

Ecclesiastical and Doctrinal Authority Erasmus and Luther struggle over the question of church authority. Erasmus makes an appeal to doctrinal authority based on ecclesial order. Luther counters by appealing to doctrine driven out of Scripture alone. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/35703030

Who Is A Saint 03/07/2025

Who Is A Saint In this episode, Dr. Paulson discusses what it means to be a Saint. This extends our conversation, responding to Erasmus's accusations of novelty against Luther. Does Luther stand against the Saints? Does God hide things from those he calls? Dr. Paulson covers these questions and more this week. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/35569490

What is the Remnant? 02/24/2025

What is the Remnant? In what way is the Church a remnant? Luther uses God's preservation of a remnant of faithful teachers and preachers throughout scripture and the Church against Erasmus and his argument that Luther stands alone. This deals with the doctrine of hiddenness and how God does not make his will desirable and evident to us. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: Take 20% Off Our Lenten Devotionals until March 5th: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/35409300

What Is The Church? 02/11/2025

What Is The Church? What is the Church, and who belongs to it? Erasmus assails Luther with an attempt to place him outside of the Church. Luther responds with Scripture and shows that consensus and works are not how the Church is formed but that God gathers the faithful and makes them the Church. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: Take 20% Off Our Lenten Devotionals until March 5th: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/35243780

Luther and the Trojan Horse 01/29/2025

Luther and the Trojan Horse In this episode, Dr. Paulson examines Luther's response to being accused of standing alone in church history. Luther uses the example of Elijah to demonstrate how feeling alone does not mean God has abandoned his Gospel. Likewise, Luther explains that the church embraced free will not because of Scripture but just as the Trojans embraced the Greek's wooden horse. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/35064460

Did Luther Stand Alone? 01/20/2025

Did Luther Stand Alone? In this episode of The Outlaw God Podcast, Dr. Steven Paulson examines the accusation against Luther that he was the only person in church history to take a stance on the bondage of the will. Dr. Paulson demonstrates that Erasmus was not only in error but also that this type of "church history" can not be leveraged against scripture. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34925090

Preaching vs. Tradition: Erasmus' Dilemma 01/11/2025

Preaching vs. Tradition: Erasmus' Dilemma In this episode, Dr. Paulson addresses the next set of acusations against Luther. Erasmus accuses Luther of rejecting church history and tradition. He proposes that Luther is teaching that God hid the truth from the Church. Luther responds by showing Erasmus that even the tradition of the Church is unable to find God apart from the place where He wants to be found—namely, the preaching of the Gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34817300

What Is Hiding? 01/01/2025

What Is Hiding? Paulson introduces chapter 3 of Luther's Outlaw God Volume Two. To understand more precisely what it means for God to hide, we look at different types of hiding that are common and ordinary to us. Paulson examines hiding from the law, hiding for safety, and hiding as play. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34683320

Christ Born Under the Law 12/24/2024

Christ Born Under the Law Dr. Paulson teaches about preaching the incarnation of Christ. Paulson hones in on the distinction between under and above the law. The incarnation of Christ is God becoming flesh, but that is where God is put under the law for us. Merry Christmas. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34600150

The Incarnation of Christ 12/20/2024

The Incarnation of Christ Dr. Paulson begins a two-episode special on the incarnation of Christ. Paulson examines the development of this doctrine and its importance to Christian theology. These episodes serve as a break from our regular programming. Merry Christmas. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34558060

Jonah Must Preach 12/12/2024

Jonah Must Preach God has given Jonah His Word. Jonah was spit out of the belly of the whale and sent to preach this word to Ninevah. God is not asking Jonah to be transformed or giving him a second chance; instead, he is fulfilling his promise. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34422985

The Word of God in Opposition 12/05/2024

The Word of God in Opposition The Law and the Gospel are not just distinct words from God but words in opposition. Here, Paulson discusses what it means for God's word of the Gospel to come and overturn the work of the law. The law is good and necessary, but the Gospel overcomes the death it delivers. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34305110

Fueling the Mission: Supporting 1517 to Proclaim the Gospel 12/03/2024

Fueling the Mission: Supporting 1517 to Proclaim the Gospel This is Caleb Keith, director of the 1517 Podcast Network. Today, as many of you may know, is Giving Tuesday. On this special day, I have a question for you: Does this podcast bring Jesus and His Gospel of peace into your life on a regular basis? At 1517, our mission—and the mission of the 1517 Podcast Network—is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free through the death and resurrection of Christ alone. Because of Jesus, God has made peace with you and continues to actively give you His peace. You can give by visiting or by following the link in the show notes. /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34266425

The Limits of Human Nature 11/30/2024

The Limits of Human Nature Dr. Paulson follows Luther's lead into discussing the limits of human nature. Is human nature a force to be formed towards God? Luther's follows Jonah into the belly of the whale to see that God is not perfecting human nature by trial but putting it to death with the Law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34212120

Ascension of the Heart 11/21/2024

Ascension of the Heart Dr. Paulson continues discussing Jonah's time in the belly of the whale. Jonah is not on a journey to overcome a trial but is being put to spirtual death by God. As Jonah sits in the belly of the whale there is no work he can do, he must simply wait for a word from God. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/34080196

Struggle in the Belly of the Whale 11/14/2024

Struggle in the Belly of the Whale The whale has swallowed Jonah. Paulson emphasizes Luther's analysis of this text, asserting that this is not a metaphorical pilgrim's journey. Instead, this trial brings on tentatio or the struggle between man and God. Here in the whale, Jonah is confronted with the reality that he cannot escape God's law by means of his own works or even his sacrifice. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/33932152

Jonah Can't Satisfy the Law 11/07/2024

Jonah Can't Satisfy the Law Dr. Paulson discusses the events that follow the sailor's discovery that Jonah is responsible for the perils of their voyage. He suggests that Jonah being sacrificed to the sea is an attempt to alleviate the Law of God and restore balance to the trespass. However, Jonah is unable to satisfy the Law through his own death, and instead, God swallows him up in the belly of the fish. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/33841692

An Outlaw God For The Church 10/24/2024

An Outlaw God For The Church This episode of the Outlaw God podcast was recorded live at Here We Still Stand 2024. The theme of the conference was Long live the church. Paulson answers the question, what does it mean for the church to have an outlaw God? Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/33603642

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