The Biblical Mind podcast

#Philosophy #centerforhebraicthought #Society #Religion #Dru Johnson #Christianity #Podcasting Education

39:33

"The basic premise of the event is that hunters hunt rattlesnakes from the surrounding environment all across West Texas, and bring them into the roundup for the weekend. And during the roundup, these snakes are kept in a pit and then, one by one, beheaded and skinned in front of in front of audiences." - Elizabeth MeLampy Elizabeth MeLampy is a lawyer dedicated to animal rights and protection, and her passion for this work shines through in her latest book, Forget the Camel, the Madcap World of Animal Festivals and What They Say About Being Human . To research the book, Elizabeth traveled across the country, immersing herself in a wide range of animal festivals — from the Iditarod dog sled race to the rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Elizabeth examines these festivals as revealing microcosms of our broader relationship with animals. Whether it's rattlesnake hunts, frog-jumping contests, ostrich races, or groundhog celebrations, these events reflect the ways humans use animals to express cultural identity, community pride, and historical traditions. Yet beneath the pageantry and excitement lies a deeper question: Is our fascination with these spectacles worth the toll it takes on the animals involved? With compassion and insight, Elizabeth invites readers to consider whether there’s a more ethical and empathetic way to honor our stories — one that respects both animals and the traditions they inspire. Please listen, share and read, Forget the Camel. It will be released on April 8th, 2025. https://apollopublishers.com/index.php/forget-the-camel/…

The Biblical Mind

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The Biblical Mind is dedicated to helping its audience understand how the biblical authors thought, promoting Bible fluency through curious, careful reading of Scripture. It is hosted by Dr. Dru Johnson and published by the Center for Hebraic Thought, a hub for research and resources on the intellectual world of the Bible.

153 episódios

The Biblical Mind

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Home de séries•Feed

153 episódios

#Philosophy #centerforhebraicthought #Society #Religion #Dru Johnson #Christianity #Podcasting Education

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1
Why We Struggle to Read the Bible—And How to Fix It (Alex Goodwin) Ep. #192 44:32

há 7 dias44:32

44:32

What if the way we format and structure the Bible is actually making it harder to read? In this episode, Alex Goodwin joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to discuss how chapter breaks, verse numbers, and footnotes—while useful for study—can actually disrupt the natural flow of Scripture. Alex shares his journey from marketing to Bible publishing, how his first exposure to serious theology transformed his faith, and why modern Bible formatting has fundamentally changed how people engage with Scripture. He and Dru explore how early Christians and Jews experienced the Bible (hint: it wasn’t through personal quiet times with a study Bible), why reading big sections matters, and how removing unnecessary “additives” can help us better understand the biblical story. This episode also tackles the difference between Bible literacy and Bible fluency, the power of listening to Scripture, and why engaging the Bible in community leads to richer understanding. If you’ve ever struggled with Bible reading, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to rethink how you interact with Scripture. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hebraicthought Chapters 00:00 From Marketing to Ministry: A Journey of Faith 04:47 The Impact of Formatting on Bible Reading 09:10 Bible Sales vs Bible Literacy 13:21 The Bible Reset 17:34 Listening vs. Reading: Engaging with Scripture in New Ways 20:41 Pursuing Biblical Fluency 27:08 The Concept of a Bible Reset 31:25 Reevaluating Church Practices 36:52 Engaging with Scripture in Community 40:55 The Role of the Congregation in Biblical Literacy…

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Faith, Politics, and Media: Rethinking Christian Political Involvement (Kaitlyn Schiess) Ep. #191 50:40

há 14 dias50:40

50:40

Are we mistaking media consumption for political engagement? In this episode, Kaitlyn Schiess joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to challenge the way Christians think about politics, faith, and media. She explains why binge-watching C-SPAN or endlessly scrolling Twitter doesn’t make us politically engaged—but actually forms us into people less capable of real advocacy. Dru and Kaitlyn discuss the modern obsession with national politics, why Christians ignore their local communities, and how the church provides a model of meaningful engagement. Instead of trying to "change the world" through social media outrage, Kaitlyn argues that real political involvement means knowing your neighbors, understanding local government, and prioritizing embodied relationships. They also explore the role of Christian media consumption, asking whether 24-hour news, partisan social feeds, and political influencers have become a form of secular discipleship. How can Christians discern which voices are trustworthy? And how can the church offer a healthier alternative? We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Kaitlyn Schiess' Content https://www.holypost.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kaitlyn.schiess https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynschiess https://twitter.com/KaitlynSchiess Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters 00:00 Misunderstandings in Political Engagement 03:45 The Impact of 24-Hour News Cycle 07:13 Agency and Exhaustion in Political Involvement 09:46 Local vs. National Political Engagement 13:52 The Role of Community and Church 16:17 Listening to Trustworthy Voices 25:02 Understanding Local Politics Through Community Engagement 26:14 The Importance of Recognizing Underlying Narratives 28:18 The Challenge of Political Discourse in Faith Communities 31:09 The Role of Stories in Shaping Political Beliefs 34:44 Navigating Conspiracy Theories in Faith Contexts 37:12 The Need for Meaningful Conversations in Churches 40:00 The Impact of Media Consumption on Relationships 41:51 Reality TV and Its Moral Implications…

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From the Five Percent Nation to Biblical Scholar: CHT Fellow Hakeem Bradley Ep. #190 46:01

há 21 dias46:01

46:01

What if the Bible isn’t meant to be neatly packaged and easily explained? In this episode, CHT Fellow Hakeem Bradley joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to discuss how engaging scripture means leaning into tension rather than eliminating it. He explains why asking better questions leads to deeper understanding and why forcing Jesus into every Old Testament passage can sometimes do more harm than good. Bradley also shares his personal story—growing up in the Five Percent Nation, a movement that sees the Black man as divine, and how a surprising mentorship relationship led him to faith in Jesus. His journey from deep skepticism to biblical scholarship gives him a unique perspective on how to approach scripture without assumptions or shortcuts. The conversation explores how biblical authors thought, why Jesus himself had to read scripture in context, and how reading the Bible as a tension-filled conversation—rather than a collection of easy answers—can reshape faith and theology. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Hakeem Bradley's Content https://hakeembradley.substack.com/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Navigating Questions on Creation and Biblical Interpretation 06:01 The Role of Tension in Understanding Scripture 10:01 Hakeem's Journey from Five Percenter to Follower of Jesus 18:31 The Importance of the Old Testament in Understanding Jesus 22:15 Personal Journeys in Biblical Understanding 23:11 The Challenge of Connecting Old Testament to Jesus 25:50 Understanding Biblical Texts on Their Own Terms 29:31 The Role of the Bible Project in Modern Scholarship 33:34 Exploring the Catholic Epistles and Their Significance 38:47 Intertextual Connections in Biblical Texts…

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The Contemporary Worship Music Pipeline, or "Where Did The Psalms Go?" (Marc Jolicoeur) Ep. #189 1:08:17

há 28 dias1:08:17

1:08:17

Who decides what worship songs we sing in church? It turns out, worship music is a massive industry, and the way songs make it from a Nashville songwriting room to a Sunday morning service might surprise you. In this episode, Marc Jolicoeur joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to break down the business of contemporary worship music (CWM). He explains how four major megachurches dominate the industry, why most modern worship songs are written by teams of professionals rather than individual artists, and how CCLI licensing and copyright structures shape what gets sung in churches. But is this market-driven approach shaping worship in unhealthy ways? Dru and Marc discuss whether the emotional tone of worship music has shifted, why lament and imprecatory psalms are almost absent from today’s songs, and whether churches should return to singing scripture itself. Is the worship music we sing today more about marketing than theology? And what would happen if the Psalms were reintroduced into Sunday services? We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Marc Jolicoeur's Content https://marcjolicoeur.substack.com/podcast Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:27 The Landscape of Worship Music 04:25 The Role of Songwriters and Publishing 10:35 Market Penetration of Worship Songs 16:33 The Influence of Megachurches on Worship Music 21:11 The Evolution of Christian Music 25:48 Worship Music vs. Performance Music 28:38 The Role of Ritual in Worship 31:28 Psalms and Their Relevance in Modern Worship 35:29 Lament in Worship Music 45:16 The Challenge of Lament in Worship 49:55 Navigating Worship Leadership and Emotional Contexts 54:44 Imprecatory Psalms and Modern Worship 01:00:47 The Role of Specificity in Worship Lyrics…

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Listening to the Bible: Why Scripture Was Meant to Be Heard (Dru Johnson) Ep. #188 17:38

há 5 weeks17:38

17:38

Most of us read the Bible with our eyes—but what if we’re missing something essential by not listening to it? In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson challenges the modern tendency to engage Scripture primarily as a written text, arguing that the Bible was designed to be heard. From the Torah readings of Moses to the public proclamation of Paul's letters, Scripture has always been an aural experience—one meant to be absorbed in community rather than private, silent reading. Dr. Johnson explains why listening changes how we understand Scripture, uncovering literary structures like repetition, parallelism, and chiasms that are far easier to hear than to see. He also explores the cognitive science behind reading vs. listening, showing why oral engagement helps us retain and interpret biblical texts more deeply. Could reclaiming the practice of hearing Scripture together revolutionize the way we experience the Bible? This episode dives into why the church should return to communal listening, what ancient Jewish and Christian traditions teach us, and how modern worship services might be reshaped by putting Scripture at the center—not just as a text to analyze, but as a living word to hear. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:03 The Natural Habitat of Scripture 04:15 Hear and Obey in Hebrew - The Shema 09:05 Active Listening and Vigorous Discussion 10:17 Listening vs. Reading: A New Perspective…

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The Rapture, the Mark of the Beast, & Christian Eschatology—Fact & Fiction (Matt Halsted) Ep. #187 1:01:37

há 6 weeks1:01:37

1:01:37

What if much of what we believe about the end times is shaped more by modern speculation than by biblical theology? In this episode, Dr. Matthew L. Halsted joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to debunk common misconceptions about eschatology, including the rapture, the mark of the beast, and the role of the Middle East in biblical prophecy. Halsted and Dru Johnson explore how American Christianity has often read Revelation through a me-centered lens, focusing on personal fears rather than the broader biblical narrative of renewal and justice. They discuss the history of end-times speculation, tracing it from the 16th century to modern prophecy teachers, and why discipline in reading scripture is crucial to avoiding theological confusion. Drawing from his book The End of the World as We Know It, Halsted unpacks how early Christians understood eschatology and why the Bible’s emphasis is not on escaping the world but on God’s renewal of creation. For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:03 Understanding Eschatology in American Christianity 10:19 What Happens When You Die? 16:59 The Nature of Post-Mortem Existence 28:25 Its The End of The World As We Know It 29:06 Pandemic Fears and Speculations 31:17 The Mark of the Beast and Public Response 33:45 Dispensationalism, The Rapture, and Tim Lahaye 38:23 Rapture Theology and Its Implications 45:53 Political Dimensions of Eschatology 50:47 Future Projects and Research Directions…

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How Scripture Reads Scripture: Understanding Biblical Intertextuality (Brent Strawn) Ep. #186 48:08

há 7 weeks48:08

48:08

How does the Bible interpret itself? In this episode, Dr. Brent Strawn joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to explore intertextuality—the ways biblical authors intentionally or unconsciously connect their writings to earlier texts. Strawn breaks down different types of intertextuality, from direct citations (like Jesus quoting Psalm 22) to subtle patterns that only emerge when we read scripture holistically. Together with Dru Johnson, Strawn unpacks how intertextuality deepens biblical meaning and why recognizing these connections can transform the way we understand scripture. They also discuss the surprising link between Solomon and the Mark of the Beast (666) and how Revelation critiques imperial power using the legacy of Israel’s wealthiest king. Strawn argues that biblical authors weren’t just making random allusions—they were teaching us how to read scripture well. If we can recognize these hyperlinks, we can move beyond surface-level readings and grasp the depth of biblical theology. Give to the cause! https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Understanding Intertextuality: Strong vs. Weak 02:07 The Unintentional Connections Between Texts 05:13 Patterns in Biblical Texts: A Deeper Look 08:08 Intertextuality and Its Interpretive Significance 11:10 Criteria for Evaluating Intertextual Connections 14:30 The Importance of Context in Scripture 17:19 The Dangers of Thin Intertextual Links 20:28 Exploring the Number 666 in Biblical Texts 26:13 Intertextuality and Biblical Texts 29:22 The Beast and Solomon: A Biblical Connection 33:13 Activating the Biblical Imagination 39:32 The Role of Scripture in Shaping Virtue 44:29 Hyperlinks in Revelation and Cultural References…

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American Christian Nationalism and the Way of Jesus (Caleb E. Campbell) Ep. #185 1:05:12

há 8 weeks1:05:12

1:05:12

What if Christian nationalism isn’t a head problem but a heart problem? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Dru Johnson speaks with Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan, about the rise of Christian nationalism in America and how Christians can engage this movement missionally rather than combatively. Campbell discusses the anxieties that drive people to embrace Christian nationalism, highlighting the fear of pluralism, the longing for safety, and the allure of worldly power. Drawing from his experience as a pastor and cultural observer, he argues that many Christian nationalists are not inherently motivated by hatred but by a deep desire for rest and stability in a changing world. The conversation delves into themes of hospitality, humble subversion, and the transformative power of the cross, challenging listeners to rethink how they approach those with opposing views. Campbell offers practical steps for engaging Christian nationalists, emphasizing the need for curiosity, safety, and scripture-centered dialogue. Find Caleb E. Campbell at: Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/revcalebcampbell Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.campbell2 X profile: https://www.twitter.com/calebphx Bluesky profile: https://bsky.app/profile/revcalebcampbell.bsky.social Find Disarming Leviathan at: https://www.ivpress.com/disarming-leviathan For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:03 Exploring the Good Impulses of Christian Nationalism 10:18 The Dilemma of Power: Christian Leadership in Politics 23:22 Christian Nationalism: Ideology and Identity 32:23 The Means vs. The Ends: A Christian Perspective on Power 33:25 The Call for Unity and Protection 34:26 Christian Nationalism: A Critical Examination 35:22 Navigating Leadership as a Christian 36:44 The Role of Scripture in Decision Making 38:57 The Complexity of Power Dynamics 39:54 The Dilemma of Political Engagement 42:48 The Duality of Christian Identity 44:41 The Dangers of Christian Nationalism 47:39 Personal Experiences with Christian Nationalism 51:11 A Shift in Perspective: From Combat to Mission 54:43 Practical Steps for Engagement 57:47 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue 01:00:30 The Importance of Humility in Conversations…

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Joseph's Brothers Never Sold Him Into Slavery (Ari Lamm) Ep. #184 55:18

há 9 weeks55:18

55:18

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson interviews Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm about a provocative interpretation of the Joseph narrative: Joseph’s brothers did not sell him into slavery. Rabbi Lamm explains that while the brothers planned to sell Joseph, they never completed the act. Instead, Midianite merchants discovered Joseph in the pit and sold him to Ishmaelites, creating ambiguity in the biblical text. Rabbi Lamm delves into the narrative techniques of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its minimalist yet profound storytelling. He discusses how key Hebrew words and repeated motifs, such as “sell” (Machar), link the Joseph story to broader biblical themes of chosenness, rejection, and familial dynamics. Joseph’s perception of rejection by his father, Jacob, is also explored, tying his emotional journey to the larger narrative of Genesis. The discussion highlights the development of key characters, including Judah’s moral growth and Reuben’s failure to lead. These arcs foreshadow the future roles of the tribes of Israel, underscoring Genesis’s role as a foundational text for understanding biblical theology and history. This episode invites listeners to engage deeply with scripture, appreciate its narrative sophistication, and consider alternative interpretations that illuminate its enduring relevance. Find Ari Lamm at: https://twitter.com/arilamm https://twitter.com/gfaitheffort https://www.instagram.com/holy_landings For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:40 Understanding Joseph's Silence 05:19 The Role of Dreams in Joseph's Life 08:12 The Emotional Revelation of Family 10:39 The Complexity of Selling Joseph 13:30 The Brothers' Journey of Growth 16:07 The Consequences of Actions 18:52 The Legacy of the Tribes 21:42 The Moral Implications of the Sale 24:37 The Brothers' Guilt and Recognition 25:58 The Brothers' Guilt and Joseph's Plea 27:38 The Pit: A Place of Despair 30:10 The Brothers' Plan and Reuben's Dilemma 33:36 The Caravan and the Brothers' Decision 37:07 Reuben's Return and the Aftermath 41:42 The Complexity of Joseph's Journey 45:28 Understanding the Text: Insights and Interpretations 45:51 Learning Hebrew: Resources and Recommendations…

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The State of Hebraic Thought in 2025 (Dru Johnson) Ep. #183 54:29

há 10 weeks54:29

54:29

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson and Mike Tolliver reflect on the growth and challenges of Hebraic thought over the past year and explore its future trajectory in 2025. They highlight recent scholarly advancements, key publications, and practical tools that are shaping the field. Dr. Johnson discusses notable books, including Human Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures by Beryl Dove Lerner and Just Discipleship by Michael Rhodes, which integrate Hebraic thought into contemporary issues such as justice and divine-human relationships. Resources like the Bible Project, Disciple Dojo, and Bible Dojo are emphasized for their contributions to making Hebraic thought accessible to diverse audiences. The episode also tackles challenges, including the oversaturation of content and the difficulty of discerning reliable voices. Dr. Johnson advocates for careful engagement with diverse perspectives and emphasizes the communal nature of Hebraic thought, encouraging listeners to study scripture collaboratively and critically. Looking ahead, the Center for Hebraic Thought plans to expand its offerings with online courses, workshops, and collaborative discussions that challenge traditional theological paradigms and realign them with biblical insights. This forward-looking conversation underscores the vibrancy and relevance of Hebraic thought in academic and faith communities. Articles: Philosophical Engagement with the Hebrew Bible by Arthur Keefer https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1476993X221124950 The Hebrew Bible and The Philosophy of Religion by Jaco Gericke https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt32bzm3 Books: Human-Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures: Covenants and Cross-Purposes By Berel Dov Lerner https://www.routledge.com/Human-Divine-Interactions-in-the-Hebrew-Scriptures-Covenants-and-Cross-Purposes/Lerner/p/book/9781032539287 Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God by Matthew J. Lynch (Portraying Violence in the Hebrew Bible) https://www.ivpress.com/flood-and-fury Just Discipleship: Biblical Justice in an Unjust World by Michael J. Rhodes https://www.ivpress.com/just-discipleship Numbers: An Introduction and Commentary by Peter Altmann and Caio Peres https://www.christianbook.com/numbers-an-introduction-and-commentary/9780830842902/pd/842902 Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture: A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Survey by Mark S. Gignilliat (Author), Heath A. Thomas (Author) https://bakeracademic.com/p/reading-the-old-testament-as-christian-scripture-mark-s-gignilliat/598786 Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism by Paul T. Sloan (Author) http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/jesus-and-the-law-of-moses/415310 Paul the Storyteller: A Narratological Approach by Christoph Heilig https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802878953/paul-the-storyteller/ Wine, Soil, and Salvation in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament By Mark Scarlata https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/wine-soil-and-salvation-in-the-hebrew-bible-and-new-testament/1C1B582958A9591ACE009889987EB238 Paul and the Resurrection of Israel By Jason Staples https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/paul-and-the-resurrection-of-israel/E88A324A84EB7F7533F23817E4FF17AD Cursing with God: The Imprecatory Psalms and the Ethics of Christian Prayer By Trevor Laurence https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481316477/cursing-with-god/ Organizations: Theopolis: https://theopolisinstitute.com/ Disciple Dojo: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscipleDojo BibleProject: https://bibleproject.com/ Learning/ Software: Aleph with Beth: https://www.youtube.com/@AlephwithBeth BibLingo: https://biblingo.org/ BibleDojo: https://www.enterthebibledojo.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:13 Recent Scholarly Contributions to Hebraic Thought 07:20 Diverse Resources and Authors in Hebraic Thought 15:33 Organizations and Platforms Supporting Hebraic Thought 23:31 Tools and Resources for Understanding Hebraic Thought 29:45 Navigating the Challenges of Hebraic Thought 34:54 The Importance of Questioning and Community Engagement 45:07 Evaluating Influential Voices in Hebraic Thought…

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Hebraic Thought, "What Hath Darwin...", and What's Coming Next (Dru Johnson) Ep #182 39:45

há 11 weeks39:45

39:45

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson, president and founder of the Center for Hebraic Thought, explains the concept of Hebraic thought and its enduring relevance. Hosted by Mike Tolliver, the discussion explores how the biblical authors understood and conveyed ideas about freedom, justice, morality, and the nature of reality. Dr. Johnson defines Hebraic thought as the intellectual framework reflected in the Hebrew Bible and extended into the New Testament. The conversation highlights the distinctiveness of Hebraic thought compared to Greek and modern Western philosophy. Dr. Johnson emphasizes that the biblical authors often prioritized restoration and community over punitive justice, demonstrating a wisdom-centered approach to ethics and relationships. The discussion also clarifies common misconceptions, distinguishing Hebraic thought from later Jewish philosophical traditions and situating it as a foundational framework for understanding scripture. Dr. Johnson addresses how Hebraic thought can inform contemporary issues, from justice to scientific inquiry, by offering a conceptual foundation rooted in scripture. He also introduces his upcoming projects, including a book on Hebraic philosophy of science, aimed at bridging ancient biblical insights with modern intellectual challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Understanding Hebraic Thought 04:04 The Distinction of Hebraic Thought 06:34 Hebraic Thought in Historical Context 08:06 Paul and the Greco-Roman Influence 09:55 Philosophical Misunderstandings of Hebraic Thought 12:05 Biblical Scholars and Hebraic Thought 14:51 Cross-Pollination of Disciplines 17:50 Hebraic Thought in Everyday Ethics 22:37 Cultural Forces Against Understanding 24:59 Community Engagement with Scripture 27:32 Exploring Hebraic Thought and Darwin 32:00 The Conceptual Worlds of Natural Selection 33:46 Reception of the Book and Future Implications 34:23 Exploring Hebraic Thought and Science 38:36 The Intersection of Logic, Math, and Science…

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ICYMI: The Church's Alarming Neglect of the Old Testament (Brent Strawn) Ep. 181 42:19

há 12 weeks42:19

42:19

This episode was originally published on April 30, 2021. We thought it was worth a reissue for our newer listeners. In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson interviews Dr. Brent Strawn to discuss his thought-provoking book, The Old Testament is Dying . Dr. Strawn argues that the Old Testament is increasingly neglected in many Christian circles, resulting in a loss of scriptural literacy and depth. Comparing the Old Testament to a language, he explains how fluency in its teachings requires immersion and consistent practice. Without this, the language of faith risks fading into irrelevance. Dr. Strawn outlines the challenges posed by cultural and chronological distance from the biblical authors, making empathetic and accurate interpretation of scripture more difficult. He emphasizes the need for Christians to approach the Old Testament as authoritative scripture, not just as a historical or theological backdrop to the New Testament. Through engaging examples, he illustrates how neglecting the Old Testament diminishes a believer’s understanding of foundational concepts like justice, love, and God’s covenantal promises. The conversation also offers practical solutions, including incorporating more Old Testament readings into worship, sermons, and Christian music. Dr. Strawn’s insights inspire a renewed commitment to rediscovering the Old Testament’s rich vocabulary and its vital role in shaping a vibrant and holistic faith. A must-listen for anyone passionate about scripture! Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Challenges of Biblical Interpretation 08:42 The Decline of the Old Testament in Modern Christianity 12:35 Reviving Old Testament Literacy 20:08 Integrating Old and New Testament Teachings 35:01 The Conceptual World of the Ancient Near East Brent’s book The Old Testament is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment…

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ICYMI: The Biblical Authors vs. Greek Philosophy (Joseph Dodson) Ep. 180 34:39

há 13 weeks34:39

34:39

This episode was originally published on April 2, 2021. We thought it was worth a reissue for our newer listeners. In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson sits down with Dr. Joseph Dodson to explore the intersection of Greco-Roman philosophy, Stoicism, and Hebraic thought in shaping the New Testament. Dr. Dodson explains how the Bible didn’t emerge in a vacuum but within a dynamic cultural context influenced by Judaism and Greco-Roman ideas. The discussion highlights Stoicism, the dominant philosophy of the first century, which emphasized overcoming passions, achieving contentment, and the transformative power of reason. Dr. Dodson demonstrates how Stoic principles overlap with Christian teachings, as seen in Paul’s writings and the Gospel of John, which incorporates philosophical concepts like the Logos . He also examines how biblical authors adapted, affirmed, and challenged these ideas to articulate a distinctly Hebraic worldview. Dr. Dodson emphasizes the importance of studying texts like the Apocrypha and Greco-Roman writings to fully grasp the intellectual milieu of early Christianity. He explains how Jewish and Hellenistic ideas coexisted in a “roundabout,” influencing each other in profound ways. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hebraic and Greco-Roman Thought 04:09 The Influence of Stoicism on New Testament Texts 13:32 Philosophical Foundations: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle 20:01 The Interplay of Hellenistic and Hebrew Intellectualism 29:00 Recommended Readings for Understanding Context…

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Judaism is About Love (Shai Held) part 2 Ep. 179 28:45

há 14 weeks28:45

28:45

In this continuation of their conversation, Dr. Dru Johnson speaks with Rabbi Dr. Shai Held about the themes explored in his book, Judaism is About Love . The discussion delves into the complexities of love, law, and chosenness within Jewish thought, offering a profound perspective on the relationship between particularity and universalism. Rabbi Held addresses the idea of divine chosenness, emphasizing that God’s love for Israel is unique but not exclusive. He critiques modern rejections of chosenness as caricatured and argues for a theology that balances grace with humility. Rabbi Held also explores the tension between loving one’s own and extending love universally. He describes Judaism’s “particularist universalism,” where love for one’s family and community naturally expands to encompass all humanity as bearers of God’s image. The conversation turns to the ethics of love, including the challenges of enemy love and the discernment required to navigate complex relationships. Rabbi Held shares deeply personal stories that illustrate the real-life implications of these ideas, demonstrating how love can be both demanding and transformative. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:13 The Concept of Divine Love for Israel 08:02 The Obligation to Love Neighbors 13:18 Understanding Love for Enemies 20:16 Navigating Complex Questions of Love 24:38 Reflections on the Book and Its Impact…

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Judaism is About Love (Shai Held) part 1 Ep. 178 42:13

há 15 weeks42:13