Divine Simplicity Explained | Kevin DeYoung

Over the past few years I’ve noticed, along with other colleagues and friends in ministry, that while there is a lot of good written content out there from our Reformed neck of the woods, there isn’t nearly as much when it comes to video. Yes, there are plenty of recorded sermons, conference messages, and lecture series. But we don’t have a lot of short explainer videos, especially when it comes to theology and history.

So, about a year ago I started exploring what it would take to make a professional level explainer video for various topics and terms in systematic theology. I got a board together and started a ministry called Clearly Reformed. You may hear more about that in the weeks and months ahead. Initially the plan was to make a whole series of theological explainer videos. The good news: we got a great crew together to record a professional level video with teaching on the doctrine of divine simplicity. The bad news: it took a lot of time and a lot of money. The time and money aren’t anyone’s fault, that’s just what it takes to make a video like this. We tried one and learned what it takes.

The upshot is that the “pilot episode” on divine simplicity is the only video we’ve made as Clearly Reformed. We have other ideas for the ministry and other ideas for the explainer concept. We are exploring more time efficient and cost-effective ways (e.g., a new podcast, a teaching series) to deliver the same sort of theological content. I am under contract with Crossway to do a book that will include 260 short chapters on theological terms and themes. So a book is definitely in the works, hopefully other complementary projects too.

All that to say, we’ve had this video for several months now and haven’t been sure what to do with it. But whether we make another video like this or (more likely) go in a different direction, we thought one video was better than zero videos! So take a look, and if the video is helpful for you or your church, feel free to use it.

[weisjohn]

Kevin, please produce more of these. We're in a dearth and need short explainers we can link to others.

[nathan.lafave]

This is excellent!! More videos like this, please!

[andrewmathieson]

Thank You Kevin. This was excellent. Hope you do a whole series

[RobbieRobinsonGamecockWBB]

Thanks for this.
I would like to ask that you might please continue these, and put them in a series playlist.

In desiring to know God better, there are not that many video resources that are both deeply theological, and yet explained in clear, terse, and simple terms that laypeople can grasp.

Well done!

[theworldisharvested]

This kind of short form videos on essential Christian doctrines are very needed, and this is very well produced. Very awesome!

[NoahRichardHarris]

Fantastic!! Very built up from this, thanks for sharing!

[Rohan]

Amazing illustration on the doctrine of God. Please produce more like these. Thanks a lot Kevin. 🙂

[obadiahmcadoo]

As nice as it is to have podcasts and books, I really think this kind of video would be very helpful to keep up if possible. I get finances may be a hurdle, but if there's a way to keep these going, it would be awesome.

Maybe others could give feedback too. Thanks, brother!!

[icecastillo]

You and your team have done an exceptional job in explaining such a profound and complex teaching. I am truly grateful for your ministry. Thank you.

[micheallim]

Thanks Kevin. Simply (pun intended) and concisely put!

[DavidKMartin]

Excellent video on an important subject, thank you. Concise, clearly stated, and well produced.

[prtheisen]

Kevin, thank you. Great topic, wonderfully done. Keep it up. Your original vision is crystal clear and inspiring. Keep it. While you are right to count the cost before making the commitment, I might suggest you include more faith (and less doubt and fear) in your decision model.😉Let's go with the promises and truths found in 1 Thess 5:24 to start with! Please consider posting your ministry URL (or other contact info) for more information on how we can support this vision and partner with you financially. Also, consider partnering with selected seminary's and drawing other resources into this wonderful opportunity.

[Kentucky_Tim]

Outstanding! Concise and easy-to-understand, yet solid in its teaching. Videos like this are sorely needed.

[lyleak]

How can we help support this much needed effort? I lead a small group and want to use shorts like this to introduce vital concepts to the faith.

[mattblacklivinghope]

Please please do more!!! I learned much.

[TheJesusNerd]

So easy for a child to understand this. Nice catechesis, Kevin.

[TheologyMukbang]

Crucial to the doctrine of the Trinity!

[Bogart]

It would be amazing if the churches would preach or teach more theology proper. ( in the theistic classical position of course.) thank you for sharing.

[christopher-sikv]

In 2022/23, this video needs to be produced in 4K. Future proof it for years to come, a resource to look back on. 1080p is mid 2000s era

[ClipSwitchFlashlights]

Great explanation. Would love to see more of these videos, but as I understand it they take a lot of time and money.

Might I suggest a more simple approach? People don’t necessarily need to be bombarded by visual stimulation in order to be engaged. Rather than animation, perhaps short video clips of real world objects?

For background music, perhaps sticking to a set selection of 3 or so songs (each with different tempos or moods) would also make subsequent video productions quicker.