Bible and Theology Matters: Insightful Conversations with Bible Scholars

Dr. Paul D. Weaver - DTS Professor and Biblical Scholar
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The Bible and Theology Matters Podcast is a conversation with Biblical Scholars about all things Bible and Theology, including: challenging issues of Bible interpretation, important theological topics, essential Hermeneutical principles, Bible backgrounds and customs, Biblical ethics and worldview, apologetics, biblical archaeology, and much more. Dr. Paul D. Weaver, Professor and Biblical Scholar at Dallas Theological Seminary is the host.

  1. 2d ago

    BTM 215- What Psalms & The Wisdom Books Tell Us About Life | Dr. Meek & Dr. Cook

    What do the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs teach us about living wisely and worshiping God? More than we might realize. These books of the Bible help us navigate suffering, find meaning in life, express our deepest emotions to God, and grow in wisdom through every season. In this episode of Bible and Theology Matters, Dr. Paul Weaver speaks with Dr. Ryan Cook and Dr. Russell Meek, co-authors of Worship and Wisdom for Formation and Flourishing: An Introduction to the Psalms and Wisdom Literature, published by Kregel Academic. Together, they explore how the Psalms and Old Testament wisdom literature work together to shape Christian faith and practice. From the laments and praises of the Psalms to the practical wisdom of Proverbs, the difficult questions raised in Job, the search for meaning in Ecclesiastes, and the celebration of love in Song of Songs, these books offer a rich vision of life in relationship with God. Rather than treating these books as disconnected or difficult portions of Scripture, Dr. Cook and Dr. Meek explain how they teach us to worship faithfully, live wisely, respond to suffering, and embrace God's gifts in a broken world. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL EXPLORE: Why the Psalms and wisdom literature belong together in our study of the Old TestamentHow Psalm 1 introduces the themes and purpose of the entire PsalterWhat the different types of Psalms—lament, praise, thanksgiving, and wisdom—teach us about worshipWhy lament is an important and often neglected expression of Christian worshipHow the book of Job challenges simplistic assumptions about suffering and God's justiceHow Proverbs teaches us to distinguish wisdom from follyHow reading Ecclesiastes in light of Genesis can transform our understanding of life's apparent meaninglessnessWhat Song of Songs teaches about love, commitment, and the gift of marriageHow worship and wisdom form us to love God and love our neighborsABOUT OUR GUESTS Dr. Ryan Cook is a professor of Bible and Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary. He holds a PhD from Asbury Theological Seminary and has published academic work on the Psalms, including studies on the Asaphite Psalms and Psalm 78. Dr. Russell Meek holds a PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and teaches Old Testament and Hebrew. He serves as senior academic editor at Kregel Publications and has written and edited works on Old Testament wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World. FEATURED BOOK📚 Worship and Wisdom for Formation and Flourishing: An Introduction to the Psalms and Wisdom Literature By Dr. Ryan Cook and Dr. Russell Meek Published by Kregel Academic. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION How has the book of Psalms or another wisdom book shaped the way you respond to suffering, worship God, or navigate everyday life? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Scripture, theology, and Christian living, like this video, subscribe to Bible and Theology Matters, and share this episode with a pastor, Bible teacher, student, or friend who wants to grow in understanding God's Word. Bible and Theology Matters — Because what you really believe determines how you really behave.

    BTM 215- What Psalms & The Wisdom Books Tell Us About Life | Dr. Meek & Dr. Cook

  2. Oct 22

    BTM 214- Epigenetics and the Architect: Exploring Evidence of Design in Biology

    What is epigenetics, and what does it reveal about the complexity of life? Is DNA the whole story, or does the hidden information and molecular machinery within our cells point toward intelligent design? In this episode of Bible and Theology Matters, Dr. Paul Weaver welcomes Dr. Thomas E. Woodward, co-author of Epigenetics and the Architect: Evidence of Design at the Frontier of Biology, to explore the emerging science of epigenetics and its implications for the debate between Darwinian evolution and intelligent design. While DNA contains the genetic instructions essential to life, epigenetics examines additional systems that help regulate how those instructions are expressed. Dr. Woodward discusses the remarkable complexity of these systems and explains why he believes discoveries in modern biology provide evidence for an intelligent designer. Together, they explore the relationship between scientific discovery, philosophical assumptions, and Christian faith—and consider whether the complexity of living cells points beyond natural processes to a Creator. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:What epigenetics is and how the epigenome works alongside DNAHow cells regulate genetic information through chemical tags and molecular machineryWhy scientists are investigating additional layers of biological informationHow intelligent design differs from the “God of the gaps” argumentThe debate over epigenetics, Darwinian evolution, and the origin of biological complexityHow philosophical assumptions influence the interpretation of scientific evidenceWhy Dr. Woodward believes discoveries in biology point toward an intelligent designerHow science and Christian faith can inform our understanding of creationABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Thomas E. Woodward is a professor emeritus at Trinity College of Florida, a fellow at the Discovery Institute, and the founder of Apologetics, Inc. He has spent much of his career examining the relationship between science and intelligent design. He is the author of Doubts About Darwin and Darwin Strikes Back, and co-author of Epigenetics and the Architect with Dr. James Gills. 📚 FEATURED BOOK Epigenetics and the Architect: Evidence of Design at the Frontier of Biology By Dr. Thomas E. Woodward and Dr. James Gills  Published by Discovery Institute Press. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about the Bible, theology, science, and Christian apologetics, subscribe to Bible and Theology Matters, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who would benefit from it. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations exploring how biblical truth shapes the way we understand the world. Bible and Theology Matters — Because what you really believe determines how you really behave. 🌐 Visit Bible and Theology Matters for more articles, interviews, and resources.

    BTM 214- Epigenetics and the Architect: Exploring Evidence of Design in Biology

  3. Oct 15

    BTM 213- Jewish Missions During the Holocaust: The History (1900–1950) | Mitch Glaser

    What happened to Jewish missions in Europe during the turbulent first half of the twentieth century? How did two world wars, rising antisemitism, the Holocaust, and the Communist Revolution shape the efforts of Christians sharing the gospel with Jewish people? In this episode of Bible and Theology Matters, Dr. Paul Weaver speaks with Dr. Mitch Glaser, president of Chosen People Ministries, about his book Jewish Missions in the Shadow of the Holocaust. Drawing on his doctoral research, Dr. Glaser explores the history of Protestant missions among Jewish communities in continental Europe from 1900 to 1950. Their conversation traces the changing landscape of Jewish life and Christian mission in Eastern and Western Europe, examining the impact of persecution, Zionism, the two world wars, the Holocaust, and the spread of communism. They also consider the missionaries and Jewish believers who continued their work amid tremendous suffering and political upheaval. This episode offers an important look at an often-overlooked chapter of Jewish history, Christian mission history, and the history of Jewish evangelism—and invites Christians to reflect on the Jewish people, the gospel, and the Church's responsibility to understand this history. In this episode, you'll learn about: The history of Protestant missions among Jewish people in Europe from 1900 to 1950The Jewish communities of Eastern Europe before the HolocaustHow antisemitism, the two world wars, and the Holocaust affected Jewish life and missionary workThe impact of the Communist Revolution and the suppression of religious faithThe perseverance of Jewish believers and missionaries during persecution and upheavalHow Christians can better understand Jewish history and engage Jewish people with the gospelAbout our guest Dr. Mitch Glaser is the president of Chosen People Ministries and has devoted decades to ministry among Jewish people. He holds a PhD in intercultural studies and has authored and co-authored numerous books on Jewish evangelism, Israel, and the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, including Jewish Missions in the Shadow of the Holocaust. 📖 Featured book: Jewish Missions in the Shadow of the Holocaust by Dr. Mitch Glaser If this conversation helps you understand the history of Jewish missions and the relationship between Jewish history, Christian faith, and the gospel, please like this video, subscribe to Bible and Theology Matters, and share it with someone who would benefit from it. Bible and Theology Matters — Because what you really believe determines how you really behave.

    BTM 213- Jewish Missions During the Holocaust: The History (1900–1950) | Mitch Glaser

  4. Oct 1

    BTM 212- How Richard Dawkins Led People to Christianity | Alister McGrath

    What if Richard Dawkins, one of the most prominent voices of New Atheism, actually led some people to investigate Christianity—and ultimately become Christians? In this re-released episode of Bible and Theology Matters, Dr. Paul Weaver speaks with Dr. Alister McGrath about Richard Dawkins, New Atheism, science and religion, and the surprising stories of people who moved from atheism toward faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Dr. McGrath’s book Coming to Faith Through Dawkins: 12 Essays on the Pathway from New Atheism to Christianity, this conversation explores why some people who were initially persuaded by Dawkins’ arguments against religion eventually began questioning his understanding of Christianity and investigating the Christian faith for themselves. Dr. McGrath discusses five characteristics of New Atheism that contributed to this unexpected response, including its aggressive attacks on religion, its understanding of the relationship between science and faith, its tone of certainty, and the way its leading voices approached disagreement and criticism. In this episode, we discuss:Who Richard Dawkins is and his role in the New Atheism movementThe God Delusion and Dawkins’ arguments against ChristianityThe difference between Richard Dawkins’ atheism and Anthony Flew’s philosophical atheismWhether science and Christianity are really in conflictThe historical “warfare model” of science versus religionWhy some readers of Dawkins began investigating Christianity for themselvesStories of people who moved from New Atheism to faith in Jesus ChristThe importance of understanding Christianity before criticizing itThe power of personal testimony and storytelling in Christian apologeticsHow Christians can engage questions and objections to the Christian faithDr. Alister McGrath is a theologian, scientist, and intellectual historian who has written extensively on the relationship between science and Christianity, atheism, theology, and Christian apologetics. His academic background includes doctorates in molecular biophysics, theology, and intellectual history, and he spent much of his career teaching at Oxford. Whether you're interested in Richard Dawkins, New Atheism, atheism and Christianity, science and religion, Christian apologetics, or the evidence for the Christian faith, this conversation offers an engaging look at how questions and objections can sometimes lead people to investigate Christianity more seriously. Watch the full conversation and consider the questions for yourself.Subscribe to Bible and Theology Matters for conversations about the Bible, theology, Christian apologetics, faith, and the historical foundations of Christianity. Because what you really believe determines how you really behave. Support: fim.org/give/weaver

    BTM 212- How Richard Dawkins Led People to Christianity | Alister McGrath

  5. Sep 24

    BTM 211- Genesis vs. Ancient Myths: Where Scholars Got It Wrong

    Did Moses borrow the creation and flood accounts in Genesis from ancient Near Eastern myths? What should Christians make of the similarities between Genesis 1–11 and texts such as Enuma Elish, the Atrahasis Epic, and the Epic of Gilgamesh? In this episode of Bible and Theology Matters, Dr. Paul D. Weaver sits down with Dr. Michael Grisanti, Professor of Old Testament at The Master's Seminary and a leading scholar of the Old Testament and ancient Near Eastern literature, to explore these important questions. Dr. Grisanti explains why understanding genre, historical context, and the ancient Near Eastern world can be valuable for interpreting Scripture—but also why those backgrounds should never become the controlling lens through which we interpret Genesis. Together, they discuss: What is genre criticism, and why does genre matter for biblical interpretation? What are the major ancient Near Eastern texts compared with Genesis 1–11? What are the actual similarities between Enuma Elish and Genesis 1? How does the Epic of Gilgamesh compare with the biblical flood account? Did Moses borrow from Babylonian or Sumerian creation accounts? How should Christians understand similarities between ancient texts? When does comparative ancient Near Eastern study become "parallelomania"? How can ancient Near Eastern customs and literature genuinely illuminate the biblical text? Does Genesis 1–11 present history or myth? Why does the historicity of Genesis 1–11 matter theologically? Do you need a PhD to understand the Old Testament? How should pastors and students respond when critics use ancient Near Eastern parallels to challenge confidence in Genesis? One of the central themes of the conversation is that ancient Near Eastern literature can help us understand the world of the Bible without becoming the ultimate authority for interpreting the Bible. As Dr. Grisanti emphasizes, the biblical text itself must remain primary. The conversation also explores the theological significance of creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, and the flood—and why our understanding of Genesis ultimately shapes how we understand the character, power, and purposes of God.  ABOUT MICHAEL GRISANTI Dr. Michael A. Grisanti is a professor of Old Testament at The Master's Seminary and has spent decades studying the Old Testament, ancient Israel, and the ancient Near Eastern world. He has visited Israel more than forty times and has written extensively on Old Testament interpretation, biblical backgrounds, and ancient Near Eastern literature.

    BTM 211- Genesis vs. Ancient Myths: Where Scholars Got It Wrong

  6. Sep 10

    BTM 210- Part 2: Literary Devices or Historical Revision?| Genre Criticism Examined

    Did the Gospel writers change historical events to make a theological point? Or can the differences between the Gospels be explained through normal historical reporting and paraphrase? In Part 2 of this discussion on genre criticism, Dr. Paul Weaver continues his conversation with Dr. Lydia McGrew about the growing debate over how Christians should understand the Gospel accounts—and particularly the claim that the Gospel writers used “literary devices” to reshape or relocate historical events. Dr. McGrew challenges approaches that explain Gospel differences by appealing to compositional techniques such as displacement, arguing that some proposed “literary devices” go beyond ordinary paraphrase. She also addresses questions surrounding Jesus’ “I am” sayings, the Gospel of John, harmonization, eyewitness differences, and the historical reliability of Scripture. In this episode, they discuss:Whether Jesus’ “I am” sayings in John should be understood as historical“Before Abraham was, I am” and “I and the Father are one”The relationship between the Gospel of John and the Synoptic GospelsWhat counts as legitimate paraphrase—and what goes beyond itWhether Gospel differences require literary or compositional explanationsWhy Christians should not be afraid of harmonizing the GospelsHow apparent contradictions can sometimes support rather than undermine eyewitness independenceWhy Christians should critically engage with fellow Christian scholarsThe danger of dismissing arguments through labels such as “hyper-conservative” or “fundamentalist”What the early Church Fathers believed about the historical nature of the GospelsHow Christians can grow in confidence in the reliability and historicity of the Gospel accountsMcGrew's central encouragement is not simply to take one scholar's word over another, but to read the arguments, examine the evidence, define terms carefully, and think critically. If the historical reliability of the Gospels matters to you, this is an important conversation about how we interpret Gospel differences—and what is at stake when we explain them. Watch Part 2 of this conversation and join the discussion.

    BTM 210- Part 2: Literary Devices or Historical Revision?| Genre Criticism Examined

  7. Sep 4

    BTM 209- Part 1: What is the Greatest Threat to Modern Evangelicalism?| Genre Criticism and the Gospels with Dr. Lydia McGrew

    In this first part of a two-part conversation, Dr. Paul Weaver speaks with Dr. Lydia McGrew about one of the most important—and controversial—issues facing the evangelical church: genre criticism and its implications for the historical reliability of the Gospels. What happens when we interpret Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John through the lens of literary conventions and Greco-Roman biography? Did the Gospel writers rearrange events or alter historical details for literary purposes? And where is the line between legitimate literary technique and changing what actually happened? In this episode, they discuss:Genre criticism and how it is being applied to the GospelsThe Gospels as Greco-Roman biographies (bioi)Literary devices, authorial intent, and historical accuracyWhether Gospel writers rearranged events or changed detailsThe relationship between genre criticism and biblical inerrancyWhy these questions matter for Gospel reliability and Christian confidence in ScriptureDr. Lydia McGrew is an analytic philosopher specializing in epistemology and the historical reliability of the New Testament. She is the author of Hidden in Plain View, The Mirror or the Mask, The Eye of the Beholder, and Testimonies to the Truth. Watch Part 1 now, and join us for Part 2 as the conversation continues. If you find this discussion helpful, share it with someone who wants to think more deeply about the reliability of the Gospels and the authority of Scripture. Subscribe to Bible & Theology Matters for more conversations about Scripture, theology, apologetics, and the truth of Christianity. Because what you really believe determines how you really behave.

    BTM 209- Part 1: What is the Greatest Threat to Modern Evangelicalism?| Genre Criticism and the Gospels with Dr. Lydia McGrew

  8. Aug 27

    BTM 208- Can a Scientist Believe in Young Earth Creationism? | Dr. Marcus Ross

    Can you be a serious scientist and still believe Genesis is real history? In Part 2 of this conversation on the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast, Dr. Paul Weaver continues his discussion with paleontologist and geologist Dr. Marcus Ross about Young Earth Creationism, Genesis, science, biblical authority, and the relationship between faith and scientific research. How should Christians respond when scientific conclusions appear to conflict with Scripture? Does saying that "the Bible is not a science textbook" mean that Genesis should not be understood as history? And can ancient Near Eastern creation stories help us understand Genesis without becoming the lens through which we interpret it? Dr. Ross argues that while the Bible is not a modern science textbook, it does make meaningful historical claims about reality. Those historical claims, he explains, can provide important starting points for scientific investigation and the development of scientific models. In this conversation, Dr. Weaver and Dr. Ross also explore the relationship between ancient Near Eastern literature and Genesis. While comparative studies can provide helpful linguistic and cultural background, they argue that Genesis should ultimately be interpreted according to its own literary and theological context rather than having an external genre imposed upon it. Dr. Ross also shares his personal journey as a young earth creationist studying geology and paleontology in secular universities. He discusses the challenges he faced, the questions and tensions he encountered, and why he believes rigorous scientific research and confidence in the historical claims of Genesis do not have to be mutually exclusive. In this episode, you'll discover: How ancient Near Eastern creation stories can—and cannot—help us understand GenesisWhy Genesis should not simply be interpreted through the lens of Enuma Elish, Gilgamesh, or other ancient textsWhat it means to distinguish between "intrinsic" and "extrinsic" genresHow the Bible can make historical claims without functioning as a modern scientific textbookWhy Dr. Marcus Ross believes Genesis provides historical "tie points" for scientific investigationCan a scientist believe in Young Earth Creationism?What challenges young earth creationists can face in secular academic settingsHow Young Earth Creationism has developed as an area of scientific researchHow Christians should approach apparent conflicts between science and ScriptureWhy science and theology should both be examined carefully when their conclusions appear to differWhy Dr. Ross believes Scripture has a unique authority as God's propositional revelationResources for Christians who want to explore creation, origins, and Genesis more deeplyFor Christians wrestling with questions about creation versus evolution, the age of the earth, Noah's Flood, fossils, geology, biblical inerrancy, science and faith, or the historical reliability of Genesis, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation about how Christians can engage difficult questions without abandoning either intellectual rigor or confidence in Scripture. 🎙️ Listen to Part 1 of this conversation: https://youtu.be/r4OxQ49-qkg About Dr. Marcus Ross Dr. Marcus Ross is a paleontologist and geologist who has studied and taught in the fields of geology, paleontology, and origins. He joins Dr. Paul Weaver to discuss the biblical and scientific questions surrounding Young Earth Creationism and the historical interpretation of Genesis. He is also the CEO of Cornerstone Educational Supply: https://cornerstone-edsupply.com/ Subscribe to Bible and Theology Matters If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone wrestling with questions about the Bible, theology, science, and creation.

    BTM 208- Can a Scientist Believe in Young Earth Creationism? | Dr. Marcus Ross
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The Bible and Theology Matters Podcast is a conversation with Biblical Scholars about all things Bible and Theology, including: challenging issues of Bible interpretation, important theological topics, essential Hermeneutical principles, Bible backgrounds and customs, Biblical ethics and worldview, apologetics, biblical archaeology, and much more. Dr. Paul D. Weaver, Professor and Biblical Scholar at Dallas Theological Seminary is the host.

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