The Biblical Mind

Center For Hebraic Thought

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.

  1. When Helping Still Hurts (Brian Fikkert) Ep.# 254

    VOR 2 STD.

    When Helping Still Hurts (Brian Fikkert) Ep.# 254

    In this episode, Dru Johnson interviews Dr. Brian Fikkert about poverty, charity, economic development, and the role of the church in helping vulnerable communities flourish. Drawing from decades of experience in poverty alleviation and Christian mission, Fikkert explains why many well-intentioned efforts to help the poor can unintentionally create dependency, undermine dignity, and fail to address the deeper relational causes of poverty. The conversation explores key themes from When Helping Hurts, including the difference between relief, rehabilitation, and development, as well as how churches and nonprofits can better serve communities both locally and globally. Fikkert also discusses the spiritual dimensions of poverty, the importance of restoring human dignity, and why effective compassion requires long-term relationships rather than quick fixes. This episode is essential listening for Christians, pastors, missionaries, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in biblical justice, economic development, and sustainable poverty alleviation. If you care about faith, generosity, missions, and helping people in ways that truly empower them, this conversation with Brian Fikkert offers practical wisdom and a deeply biblical framework for serving others well. To learn more about Dr. Fikkert's work at the Chalmers Center Click Here.    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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Poverty: A New Perspective 03:01 The Role of Relationships in Alleviating Poverty 06:08 The Complexity of Helping: Individual vs. Systemic Issues 08:46 Practical Approaches to Helping the Poor 11:49 The Gospel's Role in Poverty Alleviation 14:53 Building Trust and Relationships with the Poor 23:17 The Long Arc of Love 24:06 Different Callings to Serve the Poor 25:41 The Importance of Messy Relationships 26:51 Supporting Effective Ministries 28:37 Understanding Structural Injustice 30:10 The Individualistic Nature of American Christianity 31:58 Advancing the Conversation on Helping 34:22 The Right Story of Human Flourishing 35:27 The Flaws of the American Dream 38:40 Returning to Our True Habitat 41:06 The Work of the Chalmers Center

    46 Min.
  2. Are There Other Gods in the Bible?: James Duguid on Divine Council (James Duguid) Ep. #253

    21. MAI

    Are There Other Gods in the Bible?: James Duguid on Divine Council (James Duguid) Ep. #253

    Did the biblical authors believe in a divine council of heavenly beings surrounding God? In this episode, Dru Johnson sits down with Hebrew Bible scholar Jamie Duguid to unpack one of the most controversial debates in modern biblical scholarship: the meaning of “sons of God” in Deuteronomy 32 and the growing influence of Michael Heiser’s Divine Council worldview. The conversation explores the Hebrew phrase bene elohim, the Divine Council interpretation of Deuteronomy 32:8, and whether the Bible presents Yahweh as ruling among other divine beings. Duguid and Johnson examine the textual evidence behind the debate, including the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Samaritan Pentateuch, Syriac translations, and Isaiah 40–55. They also discuss Genesis 6, Psalm 82, angels, demons, ancient Near Eastern religion, monotheism vs. henotheism, and why the Divine Council framework has become so influential through scholars like Heiser. If you’ve wondered whether the Bible teaches the existence of other gods, spiritual powers, or a heavenly council, this episode offers a careful, scholarly, and deeply accessible exploration of one of the Bible’s most fascinating theological questions.   Read more of Dr. Duguid's work here: https://www.quaerendum.com/   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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Divine Council Debate 07:14 Understanding Elohim and Divine Beings 13:22 The Role of the Divine Council in Scripture 18:52 The Importance of the Masoretic Text 24:55 Exploring Alternative Texts: Septuagint and Samaritan Pentateuch 31:04 The Impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls on Biblical Texts 33:21 Exploring the Dead Sea Scrolls 35:39 Textual Variations in Biblical Manuscripts 40:11 Theological Implications of Textual Differences 45:18 Assessing the Nature of Divine Beings 51:57 Reconceptualizing Godhood in Scripture 56:57 Critiques and Responses to Heiser's Work

    1 Std. 1 Min.
  3. Is Job a Trauma Survivor?: Suffering, PTSD, and Healing in the Bible (Michelle Keener) Ep. #252

    14. MAI

    Is Job a Trauma Survivor?: Suffering, PTSD, and Healing in the Bible (Michelle Keener) Ep. #252

    What if the Book of Job is not primarily about explaining suffering—but about surviving trauma? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson sits down with Old Testament scholar and licensed therapist Michelle Keener to explore the Book of Job through the lens of trauma, PTSD, lament, and healing. Drawing from her book Comfort from the Ashes, Keener argues that the long poetic sections of Job—often skipped by modern readers—may actually portray the slow process of trauma recovery rather than abstract theological debate. Together, Dru and Michelle discuss why Job’s friends sound so much like modern Christian clichés, how churches often rush people past suffering toward “victory,” and why lament is essential to spiritual health. The conversation also explores the neuroscience of trauma, the body’s involuntary survival responses, repetition in trauma processing, and how God’s presence—not simplistic answers—brings healing in Job. They also examine the church’s discomfort with anger, grief, and unresolved pain, asking whether modern Christians have lost the biblical language of lament found in Job and the Psalms. This episode is a thoughtful and deeply pastoral conversation for anyone wrestling with suffering, trauma, faith, or the meaning of the Book of Job. For Michelle Keener's latest book, buy it here: https://www.ivpress.com/comfort-in-the-ashes 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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Job and Common Misunderstandings 02:08 The Movie Tree of Life as an Exposition of Job 04:07 Is Job the Oldest Book in the Bible? 05:23 The Significance of the Middle Poetry in Job 06:22 Trauma and the Messy Middle of Job 08:17 Sitting with Suffering: The Role of Lament and Honesty 09:42 Job as a Trauma Survivor and Its Modern Relevance 11:55 The Process of Healing and God's Presence 14:07 Physiological Responses to Trauma and Divine Design 16:50 Reintegration of Trauma and the Role of Narrative 19:44 The Encounter with God as Resolution 22:40 Creating Trauma-Informed Church Spaces 24:37 The Power of Honest Testimony and Lament 26:42 The Ubiquity of Trauma Talk and Its Nuances 29:48 Language of Trauma: Distress, Wounded, and Healing 33:40 Ripple Effects of Trauma on Families and Communities 36:11 How to Approach Reading Job for Deep Understanding 38:18 Interpreting Job's Final Resolution and God's Response 40:20 Theological Insights: God's Goodness and Human Suffering 41:18 Conclusion: Healing and Hope in the Biblical Narrative

    43 Min.
  4. What Hegseth Gets Wrong About Pharisees (Jeffrey Garcia) Bonus Episode

    11. MAI

    What Hegseth Gets Wrong About Pharisees (Jeffrey Garcia) Bonus Episode

    In this episode, biblical scholar Jeffrey Garcia joins Dru Johnson to unpack one of the most misunderstood groups in the New Testament: the Pharisees. Prompted by recent public comments from U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the conversation explores how the term “Pharisee” has often been used as a caricature for hypocrisy—and why that misunderstanding can contribute to anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic attitudes. Drawing from the Gospels, Acts, ancient Judaism, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Dr. Garcia explains that the Pharisees were not simply legalistic villains opposed to Jesus. Instead, many Pharisees shared substantial theological ground with Jesus and were actively engaged in serious debates about how to faithfully live out God’s commandments. The episode also examines how Christian preaching has historically oversimplified the Pharisees, why phrases like “Christ killer” emerged from these distortions, and how pastors and churches can teach the New Testament more responsibly today. 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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Understanding the Pharisees: Context and Misconceptions 08:47 The Pharisees and Their Relationship with Jesus 17:45 Navigating Modern Discourse on Pharisees and Anti-Semitism

    23 Min.
  5. Vocation vs. Career vs. Calling (Steven Garber) Ep. #251

    7. MAI

    Vocation vs. Career vs. Calling (Steven Garber) Ep. #251

    What does it truly mean to have a vocation—and how is it different from a career? In this thought-provoking conversation, Steven Garber and Dru Johnson explore the deep disconnect between faith and everyday work, challenging the dualism that separates “spiritual” callings from ordinary life. Garber argues that vocation is not reserved for clergy or religious roles but is integral to the mission of God. Drawing from biblical theology, church history, and lived experience, the discussion highlights how modern culture often reduces calling to career success, income, or personal fulfillment—leaving many disillusioned. Together, they unpack the tension between vocation and occupation, the myth of “doing what you love,” and the overlooked dignity of ordinary work—from parenting to manual labor. The conversation also addresses the Protestant work ethic, the confusion between money and meaning, and why younger generations struggle with career pressure and purpose. With insights shaped by L’Abri, Hebraic thought, and a lifelong exploration of what it means to be human, Garber offers a compelling vision: true vocation is about coherence—aligning who we are with how we live in the world. This episode is essential listening for anyone wrestling with calling, work, and the search for a meaningful life. Dr. Garber's books can be bought here: https://www.ivpress.com/steven-garber 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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Vocation: Common Misunderstandings 03:03 The Role of Dualism in Vocation 04:55 Biblical Literacy and Vocation 06:41 The Protestant Work Ethic and Its Implications 12:07 The Nature of Work: Toil and Redemption 18:19 The Value of Work Beyond Monetary Gain 20:48 The Importance of Ordinary Work in the Church 24:45 Vocation vs. Occupation: Understanding the Difference 29:22 The Influence of Labrie on Personal Development 33:56 The Value of Delayed College Education 41:37 Exploring the Human Condition 47:59 The Role of Truth in Storytelling and Society

    59 Min.
  6. C.S. Lewis Under the Microscope: Biblical Accuracy, Errors, and Influence (Leslie Baynes) Ep. #250

    30. APR.

    C.S. Lewis Under the Microscope: Biblical Accuracy, Errors, and Influence (Leslie Baynes) Ep. #250

    In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Leslie Baynes explores the complex relationship between C.S. Lewis and the Bible. While Lewis is widely celebrated for his theological insight and literary brilliance, Baynes’ research uncovers a more nuanced reality—one where Lewis occasionally misquotes scripture, relies heavily on memory, and even attributes statements to Jesus that do not appear in the Gospels. Drawing from her book Between Interpretation and Imagination: C.S. Lewis and the Bible, Baynes examines both Lewis’s profound contributions and his interpretive missteps, including his famous “liar, lunatic, or Lord” argument.  The episode also tackles the cultural phenomenon of “Saint Lewis,” particularly among American evangelicals, and the resistance to critically evaluating his work. Yet, rather than dismissing Lewis, Baynes advocates for a balanced perspective—appreciating his literary and spiritual impact while engaging his ideas with scholarly rigor. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in biblical interpretation, theology, and the enduring influence of one of Christianity’s most beloved thinkers. You can buy Dr. Baynes' book here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467469708/between-interpretation-and-imagination/   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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to C.S. Lewis and Evangelical Perception 03:00 The Complexity of C.S. Lewis's Legacy 05:57 Navigating Criticism in Lewis Studies 08:59 The Role of Biblical Scholars in Lewis's Work 12:06 The Trilemma: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord? 14:45 Gender Dynamics in Scholarly Critique 23:55 The Influence of Michael Ward 26:01 Critique of C.S. Lewis's Biblical Interpretation 27:15 Misquoting Jesus: The Dangers of Inaccurate Scripture 31:11 The Problem with Lewis's Scriptural Assertions 33:24 The Adulterous Woman: A Misplaced Argument 38:26 Lewis's Misunderstanding of Greco-Roman Literature 40:14 C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia 44:30 A Hermeneutics of Love 47:23 C.S. Lewis: A Public Intellectual?

    51 Min.
  7. Rethinking Women in Ministry: From Genesis to Paul (Preston Sprinkle) Ep. #249

    23. APR.

    Rethinking Women in Ministry: From Genesis to Paul (Preston Sprinkle) Ep. #249

    What does the Bible actually say about women in church leadership—and are we asking the wrong questions? In this episode, Dru Johnson sits down with biblical scholar Preston Sprinkle to explore the complex, often misunderstood topic of gender roles in Scripture. Drawing from his book From Genesis to Junia, Sprinkle shares his “exegetical journey,” a multi-year study that avoids predetermined conclusions and instead carefully examines key biblical texts. Together, they challenge modern assumptions often imposed on Scripture, including Western ideas about equality, hierarchy, and leadership. The conversation highlights how women are portrayed throughout the Bible—from influential figures in the Old Testament to faithful disciples in the Gospels—and why these narratives matter for interpreting passages like 1 Timothy 2. They also unpack how leadership functioned in the early church, revealing a more fluid and diverse structure than many assume today. Rather than offering simplistic answers, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with the full biblical witness, appreciate its complexity, and approach the conversation with humility, patience, and deeper study. Whether you’re complementarian, egalitarian, or still exploring, this discussion offers fresh insight into one of the church’s most debated topics. You can buy Dr. Preston Sprinkle's latest book here: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780830785803_from-genesis-to-junia? 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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Understanding Women in Leadership 02:58 Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation 13:04 Women in the Old Testament vs. New Testament 18:11 Exegetical Challenges and Practical Applications 23:42 The Complexity of Prescriptive and Descriptive Narratives 25:50 Theological Rationale in Creation Order 27:39 Desire and Headship: A Deeper Look 28:09 Authority and Epistemic Roles in Relationships 29:37 Leadership Dynamics in the Early Church 32:43 Paul's Perspective on Gender Roles 36:59 Women in Paul's Ministry: A Closer Examination 40:00 Cultural Context and Gender Stereotypes 41:50 Celebrating Gender Differences in Leadership

    54 Min.
  8. Inside the Bible Business: The Story behind Publishing the NIV (Paul Caminiti) Ep. #248

    16. APR.

    Inside the Bible Business: The Story behind Publishing the NIV (Paul Caminiti) Ep. #248

    In this episode, former Bible publisher Paul Caminiti shares an insider look at the global Bible industry, revealing surprising truths about how Scripture is translated, marketed, and consumed. From his leadership role at Zondervan to overseeing millions of Bible sales annually, Caminiti uncovers the business dynamics behind modern Bible publishing—including why Bibles remain the bestselling book every year. The conversation dives into the creation of the New International Version (NIV), exploring the complex, expensive process of translation and the ongoing scholarly debates between “word-for-word” and “thought-for-thought” approaches. Caminiti also recounts the intense “Bible wars,” where cultural, theological, and political pressures clashed over gender-inclusive language in Scripture. Despite record-breaking sales—over 25 million Bibles sold annually in North America—Bible reading continues to decline. Caminiti explains why, pointing to fragmented reading habits, over-engineered study Bibles, and the unintended consequences of chapter and verse formatting. Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to rethink how they engage with Scripture, introducing a fresh approach that emphasizes immersive, communal reading over isolated study—offering a compelling vision for rediscovering the Bible’s original impact. Buy the Immerse Bible here: https://ourdailybreadpublishing.org/immerse-bible.html 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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 The Bible Publishing Industry: Surprises and Insights 04:34 The Economics of Bible Publishing 10:44 Translation Challenges and Scholarly Rigor 17:43 Navigating the Bible Wars 24:27 Marketing Strategies and Media Reactions 30:11 Controversies in Bible Translation 31:53 Understanding Gendered Language in Translation 35:26 The Bible's Bestselling Status vs. Reading Trends 39:10 The Dilemma of Bible Sales vs. Engagement 42:10 Introducing the Immersed Bible 51:13 The Impact of Reading Order on Understanding Scripture

    1 Std. 1 Min.

Info

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.

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