The Biblical Mind

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

  1. Love, Justice, and the American Prison System: A Biblical Rethink (Abigail Pasiuk) Ep. #239

    −1 D

    Love, Justice, and the American Prison System: A Biblical Rethink (Abigail Pasiuk) Ep. #239

    ********** We recently uploaded the wrong audio file for this episode — sorry about that!  The correct version is now live. If your podcast app already downloaded the original (incorrect) file, it may not automatically replace it. You’ll need to delete the old download and re-download the episode. Here’s how: Step 1: Delete the Downloaded Episode Open your podcast app. Go to the episode. Remove/Delete the downloaded file. (Look for a checkmark, download arrow, or “Downloaded” label — then choose “Remove Download” or “Delete Download.”) Step 2: Re-Download the Episode Once the old download is removed, tap the Download button again. The correct, updated audio will download. If It Still Plays the Old Version If you’re still hearing the incorrect audio: Close and reopen your podcast app. Or refresh the show feed (some apps have a “Pull to Refresh” or “Refresh” option). As a last resort, try deleting and reinstalling the app (this may remove saved downloads). App-Specific Notes (Optional to Include) Apple Podcasts: Remove Download → Tap the three dots → “Remove Download” → Re-download. Spotify: Tap the green download arrow to remove → Tap again to re-download. Overcast / Pocket Casts / Others: Remove the download, then download again. ********** In this eye-opening conversation, PhD researcher Abigail Pasiuk joins Dr. Dru Johnson to explore how the Hebrew Bible can inform modern conversations about mass incarceration. Drawing on her personal experience—her father’s time in federal prison—and academic research at Oxford, Abby offers a theologically rich critique of retributive justice models prevalent in the U.S. prison system. She explains how biblical justice prioritizes restoration and dignity rather than dehumanization, citing key themes such as the Shema and imago Dei. Abby shares firsthand accounts from interviews with incarcerated individuals, exposing everyday indignities—from food labeled “not for human consumption” to being stripped of identity and reduced to a number. With over 80% recidivism in the U.S., Abby points to countries like Norway where restorative practices and the “principle of normalcy” have dramatically reduced reoffense. The episode challenges listeners to rethink what justice should look like through a biblical lens: not just punishment, but humanizing correction rooted in love. It’s a conversation that bridges theology, criminology, and real human stories—urging the church to see prisoners not as disposable, but as image-bearers. Follow Abigail's work here: https://www.theology.ox.ac.uk/people/abigail-pasiuk 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 Chapter: 00:00 Abigail's Journey to Oxford 08:26 The PhD Experience at Oxford 17:18 Research Focus: Mass Incarceration and Justice 27:09 Critique of the Prison System and Alternatives

    37 min
  2. Archaeology of the Everyday: Grounded Theology in Ancient Israel (Backfish & Shafer-Elliott) Ep. #238

    5 FEB.

    Archaeology of the Everyday: Grounded Theology in Ancient Israel (Backfish & Shafer-Elliott) Ep. #238

    What if theology isn’t something abstract but grows directly from the soil beneath our feet? In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Shafer-Elliott and Dr. Libby Backfish discuss their new book Grounded Theology, which argues that Israel’s theological reflections were deeply intertwined with daily life—especially as subsistence farmers in a land marked by both promise and struggle. Drawing on archaeological discoveries from ancient households, the conversation explores how everyday artifacts like loom weights and ovens reveal Israelite religious practices not just in temples, but in kitchens. The land itself—its fertility, harshness, and rhythms—shaped covenantal faithfulness and theological imagination. They challenge modern listeners to reevaluate their own “floating theology” and rediscover the formative power of embodied life, land stewardship, and communal labor. With humor, honesty, and deep insight, the guests call for a return to theology that is firmly grounded—in history, material reality, and the lived experience of Israel. You can find Grounded Theology here: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540962539_grounded-theology-in-the-hebrew-bible 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 Need for a New Textbook 03:34 Household Archaeology and Daily Life 10:31 The Role of Land in Theology 15:14 Connecting Ancient Practices to Modern Faith 23:35 Challenges in Theological Education 28:53 Conclusion and Reflections on Teaching

    33 min
  3. Redeeming Eden & Eve: How the Bible Strategically Uplifts Women (Ingrid Faro) Ep. #237

    29 JAN.

    Redeeming Eden & Eve: How the Bible Strategically Uplifts Women (Ingrid Faro) Ep. #237

    Why does Scripture so often portray women as central to God’s work of redemption—even in stories of deep dysfunction and failure? In this episode, Dr. Ingrid Faro, Old Testament scholar and interim president of Northern Seminary, joins Dru Johnson to explore her groundbreaking work in Redeeming Eden: How Women in the Bible Advance the Story of Salvation. Dr. Faro shares how her personal journey through theological trauma, cultic church experiences, and academic discovery led her to reexamine Genesis 1–3 and the women of the Bible. She explains how Hebrew terms like ezer and tzelah (often translated “helper” and “rib”) have been misunderstood, how Eve’s story actually radiates hope, and how strategic female figures consistently propel salvation history forward. The conversation also tackles misinterpretations of Genesis 3:16, the patterns of dysfunction and healing across the biblical narrative, and what the Bible really says about evil. This episode is a deep and hopeful reconsideration of gender, power, and goodness within the story of Scripture. You can find Ingrid's "Redeeming Eden" here: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/redeeming-eden 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 Importance of Women in the Bible 02:58 Challenges and Misunderstandings 05:52 Theological Journey and Discoveries 08:56 Women as Key Figures in Redemption History 12:04 Genesis and the Role of Women 14:53 Understanding the Image of God 18:10 Eve's Story and Redemption 20:58 The Dynamics of Desire and Power 23:56 Women and Men in Collaboration 26:55 The Nature of Evil in the Bible 29:57 Future Works and Closing Thoughts

    50 min
  4. Seeing What’s Really There: A Guide to Biblical Allusions (Matt Swale) Ep. #236

    22 JAN.

    Seeing What’s Really There: A Guide to Biblical Allusions (Matt Swale) Ep. #236

    Can you trust that viral “Bible connection” you just saw on TikTok? In this episode, Matt Swale, author of "Scripture’s Use of Scripture in the Old Testament," joins Dr. Dru Johnson to discuss how biblical allusions really work—and why we need better instincts and better tools when interpreting Scripture. Swale wrote the book to help lay readers and undergraduates navigate the exciting (and sometimes overhyped) world of intertextuality: how one passage of Scripture evokes another, often subtly, and with profound rhetorical effect. They explore his criteria for spotting allusions—rare terms, thematic coherence, and rhetorical fit—while affirming the emotional and spiritual value of hunting for connections. From Genesis 3 and Luke 24 to Judges 19 and Genesis 19, Swale shows how true allusions enrich our understanding, while false positives can mislead or confuse. Swale also urges humility: “You want to make sure it’s real,” he says. “False positives are part of the process.” He encourages listeners to use tools like reference Bibles, read in community, and learn from scholars—while warning against treating academic access as priestly gatekeeping. 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 Conversation 01:00 Teaching Hermeneutics and Its Challenges 02:35 Illusions and Bad Practices in Interpretation 05:07 The Role of Social Media in Biblical Interpretation 07:45 Criteria for Identifying Illusions 11:55 The Importance of Rhetorical Analysis 16:07 The Need for Humility in Interpretation 20:00 Understanding Allusions in Scripture 24:01 The Nature of Illusions and Their Impact 28:03 Exploring Textual Connections 32:00 The Role of Community in Biblical Literacy 36:06 The Future of Biblical Literacy 40:03 Connecting Joseph and Daniel Stories 43:53 Rhetorical Connections in Genesis and Judges 46:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    47 min
  5. The State of Hebraic Thought In 2026 (Dru Johnson) Ep. #235

    15 JAN.

    The State of Hebraic Thought In 2026 (Dru Johnson) Ep. #235

    In this episode, Dru Johnson and Mike Tolliver reflect on the Center for Hebraic Thought’s evolving impact and expanding community. They revisit the promise made in 2025 to annually assess their work and celebrate how that commitment has borne fruit: from the flourishing Hebraic Thought Facebook community and its scripture reading groups, to the launch of a Michael Polanyi reading club. They announce the inaugural Bible First Conference Series, co-hosted with the American Bible Society, exploring how various Christian traditions engage politics through a biblical lens. The conversation highlights recent standout books—many by past podcast guests—including Becoming God’s People by Carmen Imes, Leviticus on the Butcher’s Block by Phil Bray, and Grounded Theology by Cynthia Schaefer-Elliott and Libby Backfish. Dru and Mike also preview the new Tracing Biblical Thought book series, designed to bring scholarly insights to general audiences in accessible 100-page volumes. The episode closes with a candid discussion about cultural headwinds—from Stoicism to Neoplatonism—and the Center’s commitment to reclaiming biblical categories for the church. They emphasize the need for translations and tools, like the Lexham English Bible and the NET Bible, that bring readers closer to the thought world of Scripture. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Change: New Beginnings in 2026 03:09 The State of Hebraic Thought: Community and Events 05:57 Engaging Conversations: The Bible First Conference 08:58 Exploring New Literature: Book Series and Recent Releases 12:08 Anticipating Future Works: Upcoming Books and Insights 21:45 Exploring Biblical Forgiveness 22:42 Justice and Discipleship in Biblical Politics 23:32 Resources for Studying Scripture 24:43 The Value of Modern Translations 31:42 Challenges of Hebraic Thought in Modern Culture 36:27 Neoplatonism vs. Stoicism: Cultural Influences on Thought

    46 min
  6. Sacrifice, Atonement, and Presence: Maybe Leviticus Doesn't Mean What We Think? (Phil Bray) Ep #234

    8 JAN.

    Sacrifice, Atonement, and Presence: Maybe Leviticus Doesn't Mean What We Think? (Phil Bray) Ep #234

    What happens when an Australian butcher starts reading Leviticus—and finds it fun? In this unique episode, Dru Johnson speaks with Phil Bray, author of Leviticus on the Butcher’s Block, about how his day job cutting lambs and steaks helped him see the book of Leviticus in a whole new light. Phil traces his journey from casual Bible reader to Leviticus superfan, exploring how rituals, sacrifice, and atonement make far more sense when you’ve broken down hundreds of animals by hand. Phil shares how ancient sacrificial rituals weren’t necessarily about violent death but about preparing food as a gift to God. The conversation dives into the Hebrew understanding of holiness, clean vs. unclean, and why God’s presence is depicted as a space without disease or death. Along the way, Phil and Dru reflect on Mary Douglas, Jewish slaughter laws, the power of smell and memory, and how the altar isn’t where the animal dies—but where it becomes holy. Phil’s insights bring theology and meat science into one coherent (and hilarious) frame, showing why Leviticus is deeply spiritual, richly embodied, and more relevant than most Christians assume. For Phil's YouTube Channel, go here: https://www.youtube.com/@Leviticus_is_fun 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 to Leviticus 03:19 Understanding Atonement and Sacrifice 06:19 The Butcher's Perspective on Rituals 09:15 Cultural Context of Sacrifice 12:32 The Nature of Death in Sacrifice 15:29 The Art of Kosher Slaughter 18:23 Leviticus: A Fun Exploration 21:27 The Meaning Beyond Death in Rituals 27:01 The Olfactory Experience of Worship 30:24 The Significance of Sacrifice in Ancient Cultures 34:07 Rethinking Atonement and Sacrifice 39:19 The Life of Jesus: More Than Just Death 45:06 Leviticus: A Guide to Drawing Near to God

    53 min
  7. ICYMI: How Old Testament Laws Can Shape Christians Today (Carmen Imes) Ep. #233

    1 JAN.

    ICYMI: How Old Testament Laws Can Shape Christians Today (Carmen Imes) Ep. #233

    In this episode, Old Testament scholar Dr. Carmen Imes unpacks widespread Christian misunderstandings of Torah and shows how the laws of the Old Testament were never meant as a means of salvation, but as a way of living out Israel’s covenant identity. Rather than a legalistic burden, Torah was a gift of freedom—a lifestyle for a people already redeemed. Dr. Imes explains how Jesus wasn’t raising the bar beyond Sinai but calling his followers back to its original heart: internal transformation, not external compliance. Through examples like the command against coveting and teachings on oath-making, she demonstrates how the Torah shaped a moral imagination rooted in God’s character. She also reveals the narrative logic of Israel’s law: it was given within a story of deliverance, not in abstraction. Laws were embedded in history, and many operated more like wisdom paradigms than court-enforceable codes. This narrative-law fusion is unique to Israel among ancient Near Eastern cultures. With compelling insights into the Ten Commandments, patriarchal structures, and agricultural ethics like gleaning, Imes challenges modern Christians to reinterpret Torah as a resource for discipleship—not something to discard, but to embody. Torah becomes not a list of rules, but a lens for living justly in every generation. 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: 0:00 Why the Torah isn't what gave salvation to the Israelites 2:28 Why there are rules in the Bible 7:44 Oath-making in the Hebrew Bible 13:07 What the Ten Commandments were really like 17:23 The uniqueness of the Hebraic covenants and Old Testament laws 25:04 What it means to "love the LORD your God with all your heart"

    32 min
  8. ICYMI: Is the NT Just Stoic Philosophy? (Jonathan Pennington) Ep. #232

    2025-12-25

    ICYMI: Is the NT Just Stoic Philosophy? (Jonathan Pennington) Ep. #232

    ICYMI: This episode is one of our earliest episodes, and originally aired on 5/14/2020   In this introductory conversation, Dr. Jonathan Pennington joins the Center for Hebraic Thought as its newest fellow and shares how his journey through philosophy and biblical scholarship led him to see the New Testament as part of a deeply sophisticated intellectual tradition. Pennington discusses how early Christianity, though written in Greek and shaped within a Hellenistic world, did not abandon its Jewish roots but rather translated its robust metaphysic across cultural lines. Drawing from his work on Jesus as a philosopher, Pennington explains that the New Testament doesn’t reject or capitulate to Greco-Roman philosophy—it stands alongside it, often outthinking and outlasting it. In contrast to Stoicism’s emotional detachment and denial of suffering’s reality, the Bible presents a profoundly realistic vision: a God who enters the world, values the body, and promises the restoration of creation through Shalom. Pennington argues that Jesus—especially in Matthew’s Gospel—functions as a public philosopher. In moments like the Sermon on the Mount or debates with religious elites, Jesus offers strikingly rational, ethical, and metaphysical responses to life’s biggest questions. This episode introduces not only a new CHT fellow, but a vision of Scripture as intellectually vibrant, emotionally honest, and endlessly translatable. 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

    28 min
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Om

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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  • Skapad av
    Center For Hebraic Thought
  • Aktiva år
    2019 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    101
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved. Music credits can be found at hebraicthought.org/credits/.
  • Programmets webbplats
    The Biblical Mind

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