Romans Unpacked: God's Righteousness and the Corrupt Will

Host Jerry Eicher (Anabaptist Theological Perspectives) explores Romans chapter 1—especially verses 16–17—to ask what Paul means by “the righteousness of God,” surveying theological controversies about whether God’s righteousness is inherent in his nature or defined by his will. The episode traces the biblical foundation from Genesis through Paul: the fall’s effect on the human will, idolatry and God giving people over to sinful desires, the role of conscience vs. the law, and how moral choices relate to true righteousness. Eicher contrasts Anabaptist (Menno Simons) and Protestant/Reformed/Catholic readings, arguing for the necessity of a real new birth (dying to the old self) rather than merely forensic imputation or moral reform, and discusses pastoral implications—including sensitive treatment of sexual sin, human inclination, and the limits of moralism.