The Biblical Mind

How can psychology help pastors lead more effectively, strengthen Christian communities, and understand human behavior through the lens of Scripture? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, host Dru Johnson speaks with Dr. Erin Smith, a research psychologist, about the connections between psychological science, biblical wisdom, spiritual formation, and pastoral ministry.

Dr. Smith explores how psychological concepts such as diagnosis, personality, and identity can help people understand themselves while also creating limitations when labels become fixed identities. They discuss the Enneagram, the importance of believing in our capacity for growth, and how categorizing people can sometimes undermine meaningful relationships. The conversation also examines how Scripture encourages deeper, more nuanced thinking and how Christian educators can challenge students to develop beyond their current understanding.

The discussion turns to practical applications for churches, including evidence-based approaches to ministry, effective teaching, and the importance of defining desired outcomes before designing programs. Johnson and Smith also consider why Christian communities need to make space for lament, grief, and difficult emotions rather than focusing exclusively on happiness and celebration.

Finally, they explore the role of relationships in psychological health, the responsible use of scientific research, and what human finitude, growth, and created goodness mean for Christian theology.

Discover how psychology and Scripture can inform pastoral leadership, Christian discipleship, and healthier church communities.

Order Dr. Smith's book here: https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/pastoring-the-whole-person

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Chapters:

00:00 Why pastors should consider psychological science

03:18 How psychological language can empower ministry

05:44 When diagnostic labels help - and when they limit

08:17 Validation, pain, and the risk of fixed identities

10:48 Why categories obscure human complexity

14:30 Scripture, continuum thinking, and cognitive development

19:32 Why meaningful learning often feels difficult

23:06 Designing ministry around its intended outcomes

26:26 Making room for lament and shared grief in worship

30:19 Relationships as psychology's through line

32:28 Taking psychological research seriously without overclaiming

37:22 Expertise, misconceptions, and learning in community

41:31 Human finitude and the meaning of being created good

44:12 Jesus, growth, and the difference between good and perfect

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In this episode of The Biblical Mind, host Dru Johnson welcomes biblical scholars David Beldman and Michael Rhodes to discuss their introductory textbook on the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Together, they explore how Christians can read the Torah as Scripture and understand its continuing significance for faith and contemporary life.

The conversation examines why the Pentateuch is foundational to biblical theology, tracing themes of creation, covenant, the Exodus, priesthood, and the kingdom of God. Beldman and Rhodes explain how these books shape Christian understandings of Jesus, discipleship, and God's redemptive mission. They also address challenging Old Testament passages, including difficult laws, rituals, and narratives that can raise troubling questions for modern readers.

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding biblical genres, particularly how to interpret Old Testament law as wisdom and instruction rather than simply a set of rules to follow or discard. The scholars also explore theological interpretation, arguing that readers should allow the biblical text to speak on its own terms rather than reduce every passage to a simplistic explanation.

From economic justice and care for immigrants to creation and community responsibility, this episode reveals how studying the Torah can deepen Christian faith and illuminate the Bible's message for today.

Order the book here: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540961051_reading-the-pentateuch-as-christian-scripture

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Book Project and Scholars

02:08 The Purpose and Audience of the Textbook

04:00 Approach to Teaching the Pentateuch

07:52 The Significance of the Torah in Biblical Narrative

12:44 The Paradox of Mercy and Judgment in Scripture

17:02 The Creation as Sacred Space in Genesis

22:10 The Nephilim and the Sons of God: Spiritual Beings in Genesis

45:33 The Akedah: The Binding of Isaac and Its Interpretations

53:14 Reflections on Reading the Pentateuch Theologically

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What happens when we pray? Does prayer actually move God to action, or does it simply change us? In this episode of The Biblical Mind, host Dru Johnson speaks with Dr. John Peckham, theologian and author of Why We Pray, about the biblical foundations of prayer, God's nature, and the relationship between human freedom and divine sovereignty.

Peckham challenges the idea that prayer is merely therapeutic, arguing that Scripture presents petitionary prayer as something that can make a real difference to God and how he acts in the world. He examines how traditional Christian theology, influenced by Greek philosophy, has shaped beliefs about God's timelessness, immutability, and impassibility. The conversation explores how a biblical, Hebraic framework can challenge these assumptions while remaining attentive to the broader Christian theological tradition.

Drawing on biblical passages from Daniel, Mark, and the Gospels, Peckham explains how prayer fits into a cosmic conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. He explores human free will, God's covenant commitments, and why persistent prayer matters.

The discussion also addresses unanswered prayer, emphasizing that Christians should pray fervently without treating prayer as magic or blaming themselves when God does not grant a request. Discover how a deeper understanding of prayer can transform Christian faith and practice.

Buy the book here: https://bakeracademic.com/products/9781540966285_why-we-pray

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: The Purpose of Understanding Prayer

02:06 Common Views and Misconceptions About Prayer

03:59 Classical Theism and God's Immutable Nature

08:53 Scriptural Evidence for a Responsive God

12:15 God's Emotional Reactions and Biblical Depictions

20:09 Metaphysical Frameworks and Scripture's Philosophy

26:30 The Parable of the Persistent Widow and Prayer

30:57 God's Self-Limitation and the Cosmic Conflict

37:32 Implications for Prayer and Christian Life

44:44 Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane and God's Will

46:11 Conclusion: Prayer, Sovereignty, and Trust

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What is Christian Zionism, and how should Christians think about Israel, Palestine, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict? In this episode of The Biblical Mind, Dru Johnson speaks with Rev. David Pileggi, rector of Christ Church in Jerusalem’s Old City, who brings 46 years of experience living in Israel to a complex conversation about Zionism, Christian Zionism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the search for peace.

Pileggi explains why Christian Zionism is far more diverse than the term often suggests and challenges simplistic portrayals of both Christian Zionists and their critics. He discusses different forms of Jewish and Palestinian nationalism, the relationship between the State of Israel and Christianity, rising religious extremism, and the changing relationship between Jewish and Christian communities.

The conversation also explores how Christians can love and support the Jewish people while honestly confronting Israeli policies, advocate for Palestinians without demonizing Israelis, and pursue reconciliation without reducing the conflict to simple political or theological slogans.

Drawing on decades of experience in Jerusalem, Pileggi argues for greater biblical literacy, deeper understanding of Jewish and Palestinian experiences, humility among outsiders, and a willingness to embrace complexity. Ultimately, the episode asks Christians to consider how they can contribute to reconciliation rather than making an already difficult conflict worse.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Christian Zionisms and Guest Background

02:17 Understanding Zionism: Historical and Modern Perspectives

04:36 Nationalism in Israel and Its Global Contexts

06:55 Palestinian and Islamic Nationalisms Compared

07:06 Living in Jerusalem: Balancing Jewish and Palestinian Identities

08:04 Faith, Politics, and Interfaith Relations in Jerusalem

11:30 Diverse Communities and Models of Reconciliation

17:19 The Changing Dynamics of Jewish Identity and Walls in Jerusalem

23:21 Perceptions of Christianity and the State of Israel

27:43 The Role of Christian Support and Israeli Government Attitudes

35:44 Criticism of Christian Zionism and Its Misconceptions

43:25 A Radical Peace Plan for Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

44:55 The Role of Outsiders and Dialogue in Peacebuilding

55:33 The Future of Jerusalem and Interfaith Cooperation

01:00:28 The Diversity of Christian Zionist Beliefs and Interpretations

01:02:47 The Importance of Nuance and Patience in Understanding the Conflict

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What can Bible translations from around the world teach us about Scripture that we might miss in English? In this episode of The Biblical Mind, Dru Johnson talks with Bible translation scholar Dr. Jost Zetzsche about the power of language, translation, and the global Christian community.

Zetzsche introduces Translation Insights and Perspectives (TIPs), a free online resource that allows pastors, students, and Bible readers to explore how biblical passages have been translated into hundreds of languages. Rather than treating translation as a necessary compromise, the conversation explores how different languages can reveal unique perspectives on biblical words, concepts, grammar, and meaning.

The discussion examines why the Bible is “made to be translated,” how cultural context shapes language, and what sign-language translations can reveal about Jesus and biblical characters. They also explore fascinating examples involving forgiveness, pronouns, John the Baptist, and the meaning of logos in John 1:1.

The episode also considers how global Bible translations challenge the assumption that there is always one simple interpretation of a biblical passage, while still affirming that interpretation is grounded in the biblical text. Ultimately, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on Bible translation, biblical interpretation, language, theology, and the global church.

Helpful resources:

CT article about sign languages https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/01/sign-language-bible-translations-matthew-15-mark-2/

TIPs - Johns the Baptist: https://tips.translation.bible/tip_verse/matt-412/

TIPs - current lectionary illustrations: https://tips.translation.bible/lectionary/current/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bible translation and Jost Zetzsche

02:22 The problem with exclusive reliance on original languages

04:10 The global church and the richness of translation

06:00 Language as a reflection of cultural reality

08:23 The translatability of the Bible and the act of translation

10:38 The significance of making the Bible made to be translated

12:02 The translatability of Jesus and the significance for Christianity

14:06 Translations into media and depictions of Jesus

17:07 Sign language as a rich expressive language

22:17 The expressive power of sign language in biblical stories

28:22 The diversity of sign languages and their biblical translations

35:40 Understanding grammatical nuances and context in translation

42:23 The importance of multiple translations for biblical interpretation

47:10 The significance of different biblical canons and texts

50:41 Using translation data to enrich preaching and teaching

53:20 Practical applications of translation tools in ministry

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This episode explores the life, scholarship, and theological legacy of biblical scholar Michael Heiser, best known for his work on the Divine Council worldview and the biblical unseen realm. Dru Johnson speaks with Mike Chu about Heiser’s academic background, his work with Logos Bible Software, his approach to critical and evangelical biblical scholarship, and the development of AWKNG School.

The conversation examines what Heiser meant by the Divine Council worldview and why he believed the biblical authors understood the unseen realm as a genuine reality that interacts with the physical world. Mike Chu explains Heiser’s approach to passages involving the sons of God, Elohim, angels, demons, and the Divine Council, while also discussing how Heiser distinguished careful biblical scholarship from conspiracy theories and speculative interpretations.

The episode also considers Heiser’s influence as a teacher and his commitment to helping people ask difficult questions about Scripture. Finally, the discussion turns to theosis, resurrection, Revelation, the new heavens and new earth, and Heiser’s understanding of humanity’s future participation in God’s divine council.

The episode offers an accessible introduction to Michael Heiser’s scholarship, theology, and lasting influence on biblical studies.

Check out AWKNG courses here: https://awkng.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Michael Heiser and his scholarship

01:51 Heiser's background in Semitic languages and his journey to Logos

03:55 Critical scholarship and evangelical faith in Heiser's work

07:12 The divine counsel worldview explained

10:04 Heiser's move to Florida and the founding of Awakening School

12:01 Heiser's battle with cancer and his final message

15:01 Heiser's personal qualities and impact on students

17:59 Understanding angels and spiritual beings in Scripture

21:03 The significance of the divine counsel for modern believers

24:01 Heiser's nuanced approach to biblical interpretation

26:55 The role of the divine council in eschatology and the future

30:05 Heiser's influence on biblical scholarship and popular theology

35:13 The legacy of Michael Heiser and ongoing influence

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What does the Bible say about individual responsibility, corporate responsibility, and systemic sin? Can someone be responsible for wrongdoing they did not personally commit? And how should Christians think about systemic racial injustice, repentance, and reparations?

In this episode of the Biblical Mind Podcast, Mike Tolliver speaks with Dr. Andy Everhart about the biblical relationship between individual and communal responsibility. Drawing from examples including Achan, King Josiah, John the Baptist, and Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian church, they explore how Scripture presents sin as something that can affect entire communities—not simply the individual who commits an act.

Everhart distinguishes between guilt and responsibility, arguing that people may inherit responsibilities through their relationships and membership in communities without necessarily inheriting guilt for another person’s actions. The conversation applies this framework to contemporary questions surrounding systemic racism and racial injustice, including the responsibilities of people who become members of communities shaped by historical wrongdoing.

The discussion also considers the relationship between repentance and reparative action, asking whether genuine repentance requires more than acknowledging wrongdoing and whether repairing damage can be a necessary response to injustice.

Ultimately, this episode offers a biblical framework for thinking about sin, community, responsibility, justice, reconciliation, and the ways individual actions can shape—and be shaped by—the communities around us.

Link to article mentioned in podcast: "Communal Reconciliation: Corporate Responsibility and Opposition to Systemic Sin" https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijst.12570

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to systemic and individual sin

03:52 Western individualism versus global perspectives on sin

07:59 Biblical examples of corporate and individual responsibility

12:05 Responsibility in the Old Testament: Achan and Josiah

16:54 Responsibility and guilt: Paul and the Corinthian church

21:59 Systemic sin and personal responsibility in modern context

29:51 The role of community in shaping responsibility

40:00 Responsibility and reparative action in racial injustice

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How should Christians think about war, conflict, justice, and peace in a world filled with competing narratives and seemingly endless complexity? In this episode, Dru Johnson talks with peacebuilding practitioner and political scientist Austin Knuppe about how Scripture, intellectual humility, lament, and Christian realism can shape the way Christians respond to global conflict.

Knuppe explains why biblical lament can provide an important framework for responding to injustice without demanding simplistic answers to suffering. He also discusses motivated reasoning, confirmation bias, and the danger of reducing complicated conflicts to narratives of obvious heroes and villains. Drawing from his experience in Rwanda, northern Iraq, and the broader field of peacebuilding, Knuppe explores the difficult work of rebuilding social cohesion after violence, including restoring trust, addressing trauma, and pursuing reconciliation.

The conversation also examines Israel and Palestine, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine, U.S. foreign policy, restorative justice, international aid, and the limits of applying one peacebuilding model to every conflict. Knuppe argues for intellectual hospitality, careful attention to local voices, and a willingness to say “I don’t know” while still pursuing wise and practical action.

For Christians seeking a thoughtful biblical and political perspective on war, peace, justice, reconciliation, and international conflict, this conversation offers a challenging alternative to simplistic answers.

Learn more about Dr. Knuppe at his website: https://www.austinknuppe.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Austin Nuppy and the episode's focus

02:16 The practice of lament and its significance in faith and conflict

03:22 The challenge of seeking certainty in understanding conflicts

04:08 Narratives, motivated reasoning, and their impact on conflict perception

06:25 Approaching conflict with humility and good faith engagement

10:07 Memory, history, and bearing witness in conflict zones

15:03 The importance of wisdom and discernment in justice and peace

21:15 Strategies for peacebuilding and social cohesion in Iraq

24:17 The role of local trust and grassroots initiatives in reconciliation

27:09 Challenges of justice, accountability, and structural constraints

34:30 The complexity of ongoing conflicts and the limits of models

41:34 US foreign policy levers and the Christian approach to peace

52:53 Balancing ground-up and top-down peace strategies

54:54 The limits of idealism and the importance of realism in conflict

55:58 The human cost of aid and the peace industry

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In this episode, Dru Johnson continues a challenging conversation about Israel, Palestine, Gaza, Hamas, Zionism, and Christian Zionism with Bruce N. Fisk and Daniel Bannoura. The discussion examines competing narratives about the history of Israel and Palestine and asks how Christians should think about the ongoing conflict.

Fisk and Bannoura critique what they describe as the dominant Israeli and Christian Zionist narratives, particularly their treatment of Palestinian history, the Nakba, the occupation, and Palestinian claims to national identity and self-determination. They also explore how Zionism has developed historically and discuss different forms of Jewish nationalism, including political, cultural, and binational approaches.

The conversation then turns to Gaza and Hamas, including questions surrounding violence, collective punishment, international law, and the use of terms such as genocide and apartheid. Bannoura offers a theological and historical analysis of Hamas, acknowledging the problems with its early rhetoric while emphasizing the importance of understanding the political conditions and experiences that contributed to its rise.

Finally, Fisk discusses the book Being Christian After the Desolation of Gaza and its call for Christians to move beyond simplistic binaries and engage more seriously with questions of peace, justice, Palestinian rights, Israel, and Christian theology.

Dr Bannoura and Dr. Fisk are responding to this episode: https://thebiblicalmind.org/podcast/israel-palestine-conflict-more-complicated-than-you-think/

Buy the book here:

https://wipfandstock.com/9798385254859/being-christian-after-the-desolation-of-gaza/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

01:12 Bruce Fisk summarizes the Israeli narrative

03:36 Discussion of Gaza and international law

05:01 Reflections on narratives and historical perspectives

07:16 Orientalist discourse and Palestinian history

09:38 The Nakba and Palestinian identity

11:00 Zionism, land, and international law

12:28 Critique of Zionist narratives and bias

15:10 Zionism, transfer, and ethnic cleansing

17:45 International law, UN resolutions, and legal issues

19:02 Netanyahu's Zionism and security focus

20:53 Israeli security fears and victimhood

22:21 The book project and its goals

37:26 Hamas, resistance, and evolution

50:36 The development of Hamas and its political stance

55:42 Militancy, resistance, and historical parallels

01:00:23 The Christian critique of Israel and Palestine

01:02:10 The future of a Jewish state and democratic solutions

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What does it mean to be a good man? In this episode, Dru Johnson talks with Professor Nancy Pearcey about masculinity, toxic masculinity, feminism, fatherhood, Christianity, and the cultural forces that have shaped modern ideas about men.

Pearcey explains why she wrote her book on masculinity after seeing increasingly hostile portrayals of men in popular culture and explores the deeper history behind these attitudes. Rather than tracing hostility toward men only to second-wave feminism, she argues that its roots extend back to the Industrial Revolution and changing ideas about work, family, masculinity, and human nature.

The conversation examines how Darwinism and evolutionary psychology have contributed to negative cultural scripts about male aggression, sexuality, and dominance—and how those ideas can help explain the appeal of figures such as Andrew Tate. Pearcey also discusses research suggesting that Christian men can be loving husbands, engaged fathers, and committed family members.

The episode explores the importance of recovering a healthier vision of biblical masculinity centered on responsibility, virtue, service, protection, provision, fatherhood, and family. It also considers how working from home, integrating family and work, and reconnecting fathers with their children could help reshape modern family life.

Order Professor Nancy Pearcey's book here: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780801075735_the-toxic-war-on-masculinity

Professor Nancy Pearcey's website: https://www.nancypearcey.com/

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Chapters

00:00 — Covenant, new Christians, and the intellectual questions nobody knew how to answer

02:19 — How the conversation will work and why the book matters

04:04 — Why Pearcey wrote the book after seeing anti-male rhetoric everywhere

06:38 — Abuse, feminism, and moving from blame to healing

09:06 — Anti-male language before the 20th century

11:50 — Darwinism, social Darwinism, and the “beast within” script

13:44 — Andrew Tate as a popularizer of older intellectual ideas

16:16 — The universal “three Ps” of masculinity: provide, protect, procreate

18:11 — The difference between the “good man” and the “real man”

21:23 — Why empirical research matters for claims about Christian men

22:21 — What the studies say about evangelical husbands and fathers

25:26 — Why churches often discourage men instead of encouraging them

27:24 — How the Industrial Revolution changed fathers and family life

34:39 — Pandemic remote work and fathers getting closer to their children

36:24 — Work, family, and the real-life benefits of flexibility

40:36 — Men on the daddy track and the cost of choosing family

43:08 — Bringing work home for women and the recovery of integrated family life

47:16 — Millennials and Gen Z want a more integrated life

48:45 — What Pearcey means by secular and how the split developed

50:55 — The historical reversal that made women seem morally superior

53:13 — The double standard in dating and the pressure on women to police men

55:25 — Why the title is controversial and how people misread the book

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What does it mean to believe something—and can we genuinely believe while also experiencing doubt? In this episode of the Center for Hebraic Thought and the Biblical Mind Podcast, Mike Tolliver talks with philosopher Dr. Joshua Mugg about his book From Human Reasoning to Belief and his alternative to the influential “dual process” theory of human reasoning.

Mugg explains why he rejects the idea that the mind is simply divided between fast, intuitive thinking and slow, rational thinking. Instead, he proposes that human reasoning operates across multiple dimensions, allowing us to adjust how we think, gather evidence, recruit other beliefs, and repeatedly reconsider our conclusions.

The conversation then explores how this account of human cognition helps illuminate one of the Bible’s most intriguing statements: “I believe; help my unbelief” in the Gospel of Mark. Mugg’s theory of fragmented belief suggests that people can hold different beliefs within distinct cognitive contexts, helping explain how faith and doubt can coexist.

Mike and Josh also discuss anxiety, emotion and reasoning, conspiracy theories, religious belief, deconstruction, Michael Polanyi, Esther Meek, the relationship between faith and certainty, and whether faith will remain in the eschaton. This wide-ranging conversation offers a fresh perspective on belief, doubt, faith, and what it means to know.

Buy Dr. Mugg's book here: https://www.routledge.com/From-Human-Reasoning-to-Belief-An-Empirical-Account/Mugg/p/book/9781032736952

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mugg and the focus on belief

01:02 Dr. Mugg's background and academic journey

02:37 From theology to philosophy: questions of knowledge

04:24 Overview of dual process theory in reasoning

05:55 Critique of dual process theory and its messiness

07:41 An alternative to dual process theory: a soundboard model

11:16 Rerunning reasoning in everyday life and decision making

15:50 The biblical story of the father and Jesus' response

19:59 Fragmentation of belief and domain-specific reasoning

24:02 Belief in the context of ancient Israel and religious practices

27:14 Conspiracy theories and reasoning patterns

31:01 The role of emotion in reasoning and belief

33:23 Faith, hope, and love in the eschaton

36:10 Personal journey and influence of Polanyi and Meek

39:33 Christian philosophy and naturalistic methodology

42:58 The relationship between faith and belief in biblical and philosophical context

44:46 Conclusion and future discussions

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How is technology shaping the way we live, relate to one another, and understand what it means to be human? In this episode, Dru Johnson talks with sociologist Dr. Felicia Song about digital technology, AI, social media, Christian discipleship, and the spiritual consequences of living in a world of constant connection.

Song argues that Christians should resist both technological hype and fearmongering and instead develop a more thoughtful, historically informed approach to digital culture. Rather than simply asking whether technology is “good” or “bad,” she encourages us to consider what our devices are actually doing to our relationships, habits, attention, and embodied experience.

The conversation explores social media and mental health, AI companionship, the potential displacement of human relationships, and the ways technology is reshaping churches and Christian communities. Song also challenges Christians to reconsider whether Sunday worship should be one of the few places where people can put their devices away and genuinely rest.

Drawing on the Christian contemplative tradition of silence and stillness, Song suggests that spiritual maturity in the digital age may require learning how to disconnect, be present, and recover forms of human connection that technology cannot replace.

See more of Dr. Song's work here: https://feliciawusong.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the discussion on technology and human experience

04:00 The importance of historical perspective in understanding tech

06:16 The investment in human evolution and technological possibilities

07:52 Technology as a variable in human relationships and self-understanding

10:08 The neurological and phenomenological effects of digital interaction

12:22 The impact of mediated interactions on human experience

14:22 The social and cultural variability in felt experiences

16:40 Imagination and the inability to conceive of a tech-free life

18:24 Using movies and stories to understand different digital experiences

20:44 Young people's resignation and the influence of tech industry narratives

22:18 Historical changes in societal attitudes towards technology

24:20 The analogy of safety belts and cultural change

27:29 Advocacy and community action in digital ethics

28:56 Analog experiences and community building through low-tech practices

30:27 The value of silence and stillness in spiritual maturity

36:32 The societal effects of AI companionship and therapeutic uses

38:02 The role of churches and spiritual spaces in digital life

40:12 Church as a space for digital detox and spiritual rest

43:20 The importance of stillness and silence in Christian practice

45:59 The transformative power of contemplative practices in a digital age

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What did the Puritans really believe about the Old Testament, Mosaic law, Jews, and Israel? In this episode of the Biblical Mind Podcast, historian Dr. Yisroel Benporat explores the fascinating and often misunderstood relationship between Puritan theology and the Hebrew Bible.

Benporat explains why Puritans attempted to apply biblical judicial laws to early American society, including laws concerning adultery, the Sabbath, and criminal punishment. He unpacks the distinction between moral, ceremonial, and judicial law and shows how Puritan thinkers wrestled with the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

The conversation also challenges the popular myth that Puritans were essentially “quasi-Jews.” Although Puritans were deeply fascinated by Hebrew Scripture and Jewish texts, their views of contemporary Jews were shaped by Christian supersessionism and a strong desire for Jewish conversion.

Finally, Benporat examines Puritan eschatology and the restoration of Israel, exploring why some scholars see connections between Puritan thought and later Christian Zionism. The episode concludes by considering what Puritanism can teach us about biblical interpretation, Christian nationalism, theocracy, Jewish-Christian relations, and the enduring Hebraic roots of Christianity.

For Dr. Yisroel Benporat's website Click Here

Helpful Resources: "How Far Moses Judicialls Bind Mass[achusetts]" (ca. 1643), "John Cotton’s Treatise on the Duration of the Lord’s Day" (1611) , "Legislating the Lord's Day"

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Puritans' biblical interpretation

02:26 Yisrael Ben Parat's interest in Puritan New England

03:26 Puritan laws: adultery and capital punishment

06:46 Sabbath laws and biblical prohibitions

08:17 Puritan use of scripture as political model

11:36 Puritan views on Sabbath and Old Testament laws

14:29 Categories of Mosaic law: moral, ceremonial, judicial

16:21 Puritans' application of judicial laws

21:13 Hermeneutic of continuity and abrogation in Puritan law

24:10 Puritans' view of Jews and anti-Semitism

27:29 Replacement theology and Puritan eschatology

36:55 Puritan eschatological visions and Christian Zionism

44:40 Puritans' objectification of Jews and cultural views

49:36 Modern resurgence of Puritanism and its implications

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How should Christians study the Bible? Does Scripture itself teach us how it should be read? In this episode of The Biblical Mind, Dru Johnson is joined by Dr. Gary Edward Schnittjer, distinguished professor of Old Testament for Cairn Theological Seminary at Cairn University, to discuss his new book, Connected: How Scripture Guides the Study of Scripture. Together they explore why the Bible should be interpreted on its own terms rather than through modern assumptions, and how the biblical authors model faithful reading of Scripture itself.

The conversation begins with the challenges of teaching today's college students, biblical literacy, and how classroom practices have changed over the past three decades. From there, Schnittjer explains why the Bible's literary artistry, historical context, and overarching narrative are essential for understanding God's revelation. Rather than treating Scripture as isolated verses, he argues that the Bible presents one unified story centered on God's covenant relationship with humanity through Jesus Christ.

Along the way, Dru and Gary discuss intertextuality, the importance of reading biblical books within their historical setting, why ancient treaties help illuminate covenant language, and even why Nehemiah might be "the first American" in the Bible. This episode offers practical wisdom for pastors, students, and everyday readers who want to read the Bible more faithfully and discover how Scripture itself teaches us to study Scripture.

Order Dr. Schnittjer's new book, Connected: How Scripture Guides the Study of Scripture: https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/connected

See more from Dr. Schnittjer at his Substack: https://CarpentersStudent.com

Contact us at The Biblical Mind: Click Here

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and podcast format

01:32 Primary hurdles in biblical teaching

02:35 Changes in seminary and college classrooms

04:03 Teaching biblical discovery to college students

07:02 Adapting teaching methods for modern students

10:36 Classroom dynamics and student engagement

13:33 The impact of technology and culture on biblical understanding

17:50 Using treaties to understand biblical covenants

21:07 The significance of Jesus as a connection maker

26:36 The metaphor of connectedness in Scripture

30:28 Visualizing the biblical story as a scroll

34:31 The importance of genre and context in Scripture

40:07 The role of historical background in biblical interpretation

45:36 Developing biblical wisdom through diverse genres

50:52 Nehemiah as an American archetype

54:18 Closing remarks and book recommendations

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Dr. Robert Joustra joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to explore one of the most neglected questions in Christian ethics: What does the Bible have to say about international politics? Beginning with difficult questions like the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Joustra argues that Christians need more than political pragmatism—they need a distinctly biblical framework for thinking about war, diplomacy, justice, nationalism, and global responsibility.

Drawing from the theological tradition of Augustine, Calvin, and Abraham Kuyper, Joustra explains how concepts like just war theory, ordered loves, sphere sovereignty, and the common good help Christians navigate today's geopolitical challenges. The conversation examines whether Scripture speaks to foreign policy, how the prophets shape our understanding of nations, and why political power must always remain penultimate to the kingship of Christ.

The discussion also engages contemporary debates surrounding nationalism, empire, immigration, religious identity, and the American political experiment, offering a thoughtful Christian response to the complexities of modern international relations.

Whether you're interested in biblical theology, political philosophy, Christian ethics, or global affairs, this episode provides a rich introduction to thinking faithfully about the nations, justice, and the role of Christians in an increasingly interconnected world.

Order Dr. Joustra's new book: (Click Here)

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Robert Joustra and his book

01:52 The significance of 40-minute podcasts for engagement

03:55 Joustra's background and the genesis of his book

07:13 The impact of 9/11 on Christian political thought

09:57 The biblical basis for justice and international relations

14:59 The influence of Neo-Calvinism and the tradition of Kuyper and Calvin

19:54 The relationship between land, language, and culture in identity

24:53 Empire versus nation: Hazony's perspective and Joustra's critique

30:06 The importance of rightly ordered loves in politics

35:14 The role of scripture, prophets, and realism in international relations

40:07 The American experiment and its unique identity

44:45 The significance of geography and land in national identity

50:00 The future of nations and the importance of proximate goods

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Faith deconstruction has become one of the defining conversations in modern Christianity—but what does it actually mean to deconstruct your faith? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson sits down with pastor, YouTuber, and book reviewer Joel Wentz to explore why so many Christians are questioning their beliefs and how those questions can lead to deeper spiritual maturity rather than cynicism.

Drawing from his own experience growing up in evangelical Christianity, Joel shares how wrestling with doctrines like hell, eschatology, and biblical interpretation led him through a season of deconstruction before discovering a richer understanding of historic Christian faith. Together, Dru and Joel discuss the difference between sincere faith exploration and tearing down beliefs for their own sake, the role of church culture and church hurt, why asking difficult questions is deeply biblical, and how the Nicene Creed and church history provide stability amid uncertainty.

The conversation also explores theological humility, the importance of Christian tradition, the dangers of intellectual arrogance, and how pastors, churches, and Christian communities can create safe spaces for honest questions without abandoning biblical orthodoxy.

Whether you're personally deconstructing your faith, walking alongside someone who is, or simply want to understand one of today's most important conversations in Christianity, this episode offers thoughtful, compassionate, and biblically grounded wisdom.

Visit Joel's youtube channel (Click Here), or his Patreon (Click Here)

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Deconstruction and Faith

04:56 Different Understandings of Deconstruction

06:03 Interrogating Inherited Beliefs Without Negativity

08:16 Biblical Questions and Cultural Fears

09:39 The Skeptical Mood of Scripture

10:53 Questioning in the Bible: Examples from Scripture

12:26 Personal Stories of Faith and Questioning

16:30 Deconstruction of Eschatology and Hope

19:11 The Compelling Vision of the Renewed Earth

21:24 The Impact of Eschatology on Personal Hope

23:42 Starting the YouTube Journey During COVID

25:03 Sharing Faith and Books Online

27:24 Encouraging Questions and Faith in Community

28:51 Balancing Questions and Faithful Answers

30:38 The Dangers of Going to Foundations Without Humility

31:48 The Role of Sincerity and Humility in Deconstruction

33:10 The Pool Analogy: Standing in the Water

34:41 Rich Christian Thought on Deconstruction Questions

36:24 Historical Answers to Faith Questions

38:31 Healing Through Confession and Love

40:30 Trust and Gentle Care in Discipleship

42:00 The Continuum of Beliefs and Non-negotiables

44:32 The Nicene Creed and Core Doctrines

45:58 Evolving Views on Doctrine of Hell

49:00 The Journey from Open Theism to Classical Theism

52:31 The Impact of Doctrine on Prayer and Spiritual Life

55:09 The Richness of Christian Thought and Tradition

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The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the world's most complex and emotionally charged issues—but how should Christians think about it with both historical honesty and theological humility?

In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson welcomes Robert Nicholson for a thoughtful response to a previous conversation about Being Christian After the Desolation of Gaza. Together, they explore competing historical narratives surrounding Israel, Palestine, Zionism, Hamas, the Oslo peace process, and the lasting impact of October 7. Rather than reducing the conflict to political slogans, they examine the fears, aspirations, and failures on both sides while asking what responsible Christian engagement should look like.

The conversation addresses difficult questions about Palestinian leadership, Israeli security concerns, Christian perspectives on nationalism, colonialism, and violence, as well as the role of Palestinian Christians within a predominantly Jewish-Muslim conflict. Throughout, Robert argues that genuine understanding requires careful attention to history, humility in theological judgment, and a commitment to seeking peace without ignoring reality.

Whether you're wrestling with Christian ethics, biblical theology, Middle East history, or contemporary geopolitics, this episode offers a nuanced framework for thinking beyond headlines and ideological caricatures toward wisdom, empathy, and faithful discipleship.

Listen to the episode Robert is responding to: Click Here

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Chapters:

00:00 Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

03:45 The Role of Christians in the Holy Land

06:14 Perceptions and Misconceptions of American Christians

10:03 The Complexity of Palestinian Sentiments

14:04 The Impact of Leadership on Peace Efforts

15:21 Historical Context of the Conflict

18:57 The Need for Strong Leadership

21:51 Fear and Victimhood in the Conflict

25:11 Breaking the Cycle of Violence

28:05 The Path Forward for Peace

40:48 Crafting a New Narrative for Peace

43:48 The Israeli Perspective Post-October 7th

52:08 Understanding the Conflict: Historical Context and Narratives

01:01:59 The Experience of Arab Israelis and Palestinians

01:11:54 Christian Perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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Can Christians watch horror movies? Is horror merely entertainment, or can it reveal profound theological truths? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson sits down with theologian and film scholar Dr. Kutter Callaway to explore why horror has become one of today's most influential storytelling genres—and why Christians should take it seriously.

Drawing from his new book, Be Afraid: What Horror Reveals About Facing the Darkness, Callaway argues that great horror doesn't simply frighten audiences; it exposes deep truths about evil, suffering, trauma, sin, and the human condition. Together, Dru and Kutter examine the horrifying stories already found in Scripture—from the Levite's concubine in Judges to the crucifixion—and ask what these passages have in common with modern horror films.

The conversation also explores why supernatural horror resonates with younger generations, how films like Get Out, The Babadook, Hereditary, and Midsommar wrestle with inherited trauma and cultural fears, and why interpreting films in community resembles reading the Bible in community. Whether you're skeptical of horror or an avid fan, this episode offers a thoughtful biblical framework for understanding fear, art, and the stories that shape our imaginations.

Learn more about Kutter Callaway at his website! (Click Here)

Order his latest book (click here)

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Chapters:

00:00 Defining Horror: A Genre Exploration

02:46 Horror in Biblical Texts: A New Perspective

06:14 The Role of Horror in Understanding Humanity

09:00 Personal Experiences with Horror and Its Impact

16:09 The Supernatural vs. Slasher Horror: A Comparative Analysis

21:12 Cultural Reflections in Horror Films

22:16 Exploring Horror and Societal Trauma

25:12 Artistic Truths in Horror Films

28:01 Parent-Child Dynamics in Horror

30:26 Emerging Voices in Horror Cinema

32:42 Reflections on Personal and Societal Sin

35:31 Horror as a Reflection of Societal Fears

37:02 Engaging with Horror: Questions to Consider

41:11 Community Interpretation of Art and Scripture

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What were synagogues actually like in the time of Jesus? Were they places of worship, centers of local government, or something entirely different?

In this episode, archaeologist and New Testament scholar Dr. Jordan Ryan joins Dru Johnson to challenge common assumptions about ancient synagogues. Drawing on archaeological discoveries, ancient texts, and the writings of Josephus, Philo, and the New Testament, Ryan explains why synagogues in the first century looked and functioned very differently from both modern churches and modern synagogues.

The conversation explores the origins of synagogues, their possible connection to city gates in the Hebrew Bible, and their role as “town halls with Torah” in Judea and Galilee. Ryan discusses ritual purity, mikva’ot (ritual baths), Torah and prophetic readings, public debate, and the surprising evidence that synagogue gatherings were highly interactive communal events rather than passive worship services.

Listeners will also hear fresh insights into the ministry of Jesus, including what happened when he taught in synagogues, whether men and women sat separately, why rabbis were not yet a formal office, and why Jesus seems to have avoided major cities like Tiberias and Sepphoris.

This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into Jewish life, worship, and community in the world of Jesus and the early church.

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Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Synagogues: Misconceptions and Functions

05:00 Origins of Synagogues: Historical Perspectives

07:48 The Role of Synagogues in Ancient Jewish Society

11:39 Worship Practices in Ancient Synagogues

14:21 Ritual Purity and Preparation for Synagogue

20:37 The Experience of Attending Synagogue on Shabbat

25:21 Scriptural Readings and Teachings in Synagogues

28:12 The Role of Discussion in Torah Readings

33:44 Understanding the Origins of Rabbis

39:08 The Structure and Function of Ancient Synagogues

44:15 Jesus in the Synagogue: A Cultural Perspective

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In this wide-ranging conversation, Dru Johnson sits down with theologians Daniel Bannoura and Bruce Fisk, contributors to Being Christian After the Desolation of Gaza, to explore the Israel-Palestine conflict through the lens of Palestinian Christian experience. Drawing on history, theology, and personal experience, Bannoura and Fisk argue that the crisis in Gaza cannot be understood apart from the broader history of Zionism, Palestinian displacement, and the ongoing struggle for justice and human dignity in the region.

The discussion examines the relationship between Christianity, Christian Zionism, and modern Israeli politics, while also addressing questions of antisemitism, Palestinian identity, settler violence, military occupation, and competing historical narratives. Dru pushes back on several claims, creating a thoughtful exchange that highlights both areas of agreement and disagreement.

The episode also explores how biblical interpretation shapes political views, why many Western Christians know little about Palestinian Christians, and how younger generations are rethinking the Israel-Palestine debate. Throughout the conversation, the guests challenge listeners to consider what Christian faithfulness, neighbor love, and justice look like in the aftermath of Gaza’s devastation.

This is the first installment of a deeper discussion on theology, politics, Israel, Palestine, Gaza, and the future of Christian engagement with one of the world’s most contested conflicts.

Buy the book here:

https://wipfandstock.com/9798385254859/being-christian-after-the-desolation-of-gaza/

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Chapters:

00:00 Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

09:25 The Impact of Historical Narratives

12:21 The Legacy of Imperialism and Its Effects

16:56 The Complexity of Regional Conflicts

20:02 The Current Reality in Israel and Palestine

22:13 The Call for Justice and Equality

26:14 The Future of Christian Engagement in the Conflict

30:26 The Security Dilemma: Perspectives on Israeli Actions

31:27 Shifting Narratives: The Impact of October 7th

33:04 Defining Zionism: Perspectives and Misconceptions

37:15 Zionism and Its Evolution: A Critical Examination

42:56 Settler Violence: A Growing Concern

49:18 The Realist Perspective: Understanding the Conflict

54:06 Christian Zionism: A Complicated Legacy

57:55 The Complexity of Middle Eastern Politics

01:00:43 The Role of Arab Nations in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

01:04:11 Understanding Gen Z's Perspective on Israel and Palestine

01:09:02 The Nuances of Violence and Power Dynamics

01:13:27 Guiding the Next Generation of Christians

01:17:28 The Call for Radical Love and Justice

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