Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity
Church Potluck serves up thoughtful, friendly, informal conversation at the intersection of Christianity and contemporary culture. Just like a church potluck, we offer variety: a variety of topics, a variety of academic disciplines, and a variety of Christian traditions. Guests are friends and colleagues who are also experts in the fields of sociology, political science, theology, philosophy, divinity, and more.
Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity
Happy 1700th Birthday, Nicene Creed! Part 1: History and Context
The Nicene Creed may be 1700 years old, but its relevance has never fully faded. In this episode of Church Potluck, host Dale McConkey gathers with Dr. Michael Papazian (philosopher/theologian) and Dr. Larry Marvin (historian) to explore how a fourth-century council shaped Christian identity in ways that still echo today. From Trinitarian debates to modern misunderstandings, the conversation reveals why creeds continue to matter—especially in a world where faith, authority, and interpretation are constantly in flux.
With the signature potluck mix of substance and light-heartedness, the episode includes a spirited game show ("If I Were a Bishop at Nicaea"), reflections on how politics and theology have always been intertwined, and thoughts on what a modern-day ecumenical council might tackle. Whether you recite the Nicene Creed weekly or have never heard of it, this episode offers food for thought that’s both timeless and timely.
The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.