On the Way with Max Botner: A Podcast of the Center for Bible Study

Max Botner
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

On the Way is a biblical studies podcast hosted by scholar Max Botner, featuring interviews with leading experts in biblical studies, theology, and early Christianity. Explore the historical contexts of the Bible and key issues in biblical interpretation. Designed for students, pastors, and serious readers, this podcast helps you read the Bible with clarity, depth, and historical insight.

  1. 3d ago

    Archaeological Evidence for the Historicity of John's Gospel: A Conversation with Dr. Paul Anderson

    **Is the Gospel of John historically reliable?** How does archaeology help us understand the historical Jesus and the world of the Fourth Gospel?In this episode, Max welcomes Dr. Paul N. Anderson, professor of biblical and Quaker studies at George Fox University and a leading scholar of the Gospel of John, for a conversation about biblical archaeology, Johannine scholarship, and the historical reliability of the New Testament.Drawing on his edited volume, *Archaeology, Jesus, and the Gospel of John: What Recent Discoveries Show*, Anderson challenges the assumption that John is less historically reliable than the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). He argues that the Gospel of John deserves to be taken seriously as an independent witness to Jesus, preserving valuable historical memories of his ministry, the geography of ancient Palestine, and the religious and political world of first-century Judaism.We also discuss the relationship between theology and history, the role of oral tradition and memory in the composition of John, the chronology of Jesus's ministry, and why reading John *within Judaism* matters for understanding Jesus.📚 **IN THIS EPISODE**- Why the Gospel of John was marginalized in modern historical Jesus research- Dr. Anderson's *bioptic hypothesis* and the relationship between Mark and John- Whether John was independent of the Synoptic Gospels- Archaeology and the historical geography of the Gospel of John- The Pool of Siloam, Bethesda, Cana, Capernaum, and other significant sites- Jesus's ministry, Jerusalem visits, and the Passover chronology- Theology and historical reliability: Does theological writing have to be historically unreliable?- Oral tradition, memory, and the composition of the Fourth Gospel- The two-edition theory of John's Gospel- Reading John within its first-century Jewish context- Why the Gospel of John deserves a larger place in historical Jesus research📖 **ABOUT DR. PAUL N. ANDERSON**Dr. Paul N. Anderson is professor of biblical and Quaker studies at George Fox University and a prominent scholar of the Gospel of John. His work explores Johannine theology, the historical Jesus, Gospel relationships, and the development of early Christian traditions. His publications include *The Fourth Gospel and the Quest for Jesus* and the edited volume *Archaeology, Jesus, and the Gospel of John: What Recent Discoveries Show*.📚 **BOOK DISCUSSED***Archaeology, Jesus, and the Gospel of John: What Recent Discoveries Show* 👉https://www.amazon.com/Archaeology-Jesus-Gospel-John-Discoveries/dp/0802879896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BMO4O16KFSP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PG-jLVf20b2sdfo3_zVw1wdQFegi-BBqepV6aYEy2YuL_JSFgaUsgIe1ToAu8DI7q1Aj1gc8MfBT9fVqePoD8LwS4NlH5KuOgp3L1mEOt0UeuFw2FOekvlguo3fT8zmhLzejfh8MgIZ-T7_GeP6V_wBBoj26QHT_XNvSowzZjLFLf6NSV2HdfYWxIT7psSQU3o6WiLsJ_vAuwFNm9JXv_pl4jE-KFcVU-9xDp4WITjWYQ7Bn_3XwyPjh8xpLXzlpRU2hKv-yLp5Ybephj6tEY_SZ7pxz4f-JTSuElz7fS44.LzF05MjA7Z8iM3lEib3p4nzHpGU4Gi0Hjffk48oSSJI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Paul+anderson&qid=1792376377&sprefix=paul+anderson%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1Become a Member of the Center for Bible Study 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membershipKoine Greek Course (self-paced, one-on-one instruction w/ Dr. Botner) 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/l/pdp/beginning-koine-greek#GospelOfJohn #HistoricalJesus #BiblicalArchaeology

  2. Oct 12

    Emotion in Early Christianity: A Conversation with Dr. Andrew Crislip

    How did early Christians understand their emotions? What did they believe about joy, sadness, anger, envy, and disgust? And how did these feelings shape Christian spirituality and communal life in the ancient world?In this episode of On the Way, Dr. Andrew Crislip joins us to explore the fascinating world of emotions in early Christianity. Drawing on his book Emotion in Early Christianity, Dr. Crislip examines how early Christians understood, expressed, and evaluated emotions—and how their ideas about feelings changed over the first centuries of Christian history.Together, we explore the complex relationship between emotion, theology, and spiritual formation in ancient Christianity. From the distinction between joy and happiness to the changing Christian understanding of sadness, this conversation reveals how emotions shaped early Christian ideas about virtue, community, and the spiritual life.Grab your copy of Emotion in Early Christianity 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Emotion-Early-Christianity-Andrew-Crislip/dp/0802884261/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PWUL0QHP0L7V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sYsmr0RPvBMI6rWhwVUVFJIwJkpPenl9k2PKjLApGpXfGDUVOE6rGg56L2oUiR21xAb6Csf2S6miY6oJpYpkgfIRPp2khX0QNgF3Zf3dbYCSUA3cBdTHPkX6EmZr5Qef8-Dn0aql8L8yKDJas1ILzf8HAeHhiKQLRNI_ViHfOn6ns1jyn2Z_aNz4O_BQIskq5w5tvrc_FMhVBQBM3K6sSR4Ivqiz8RkgWJa-EeN9Sts.uMMhd6o-OhKW9FREzF2UvFCGaLTqDZCJmFoKYATPCR4&dib_tag=se&keywords=emotion+in+early+christianity&qid=1791581086&sprefix=emotion+in+early%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1Become a Member of the Center for Bible Study 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membershipKoine Greek Course (self-paced, one-on-one instruction w/ Dr. Botner) 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/l/pdp/beginning-koine-greek

  3. Sep 28

    Paul the Rabbi Philosopher: A Conversation with Dr. Joseph Dodson

    In this episode, Max sits down with Dr. Joseph Dodson, Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, to discuss his book, Paul the Rabbi Philosopher. The conversation explores how Paul can be read within both his Jewish inheritance and the broader Greco-Roman world without flattening either side. They discuss how Wisdom of Solomon and Seneca help illuminate Romans, especially Paul’s arguments about sin, death, idolatry, and moral judgment. Joey also explains why he prefers dialogue over using ancient authors as foils, and how that shapes his reading of Paul’s theology and rhetoric.Grab a copy of Paul, the Rabbi Philosopher 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Rabbi-Philosopher-Philosophy-Apostles/dp/B0FD7QD4BD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1IY9105PT6SSN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qfUs3s1UhIIE7mX00kYMl-VroO1IhzzjfVC-t1-ViEeT2kK2hxXJKAsxJl0qi1k0jvgB3c_cY9wjoLzXAnEyBqwAIDRXGc632_3P6-_1Fd3f6Y9Do0IN2A4LBgpz7wpA.tyDFJf6mKtuxVfMSh7xo9g0Y-lnwi5YVuvOj_MSCc5s&dib_tag=se&keywords=paul+the+rabbi+philosopher&qid=1790350112&sprefix=paul+the+rab%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1Check out Joey's forthcoming book, Jesus, Hercules, and the Gospel of Truth 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZ9G68HN?lv=shuf&bestFormat=true&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VBKRD467FJQXY3BSCQVR&channelId=704&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VBKRD467FJQXY3BSCQVR&plpRedirect=mhFallbackCheck out Joey's Substack 👉 https://jrrdodson.substack.comBecome a Member of the Center for Bible Study 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membershipKoine Greek Course (self-paced, one-on-one instruction w/ Dr. Botner) 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/l/pdp/beginning-koine-greek

  4. May 18

    Why the Biblical God Is Nothing Like Zeus: A Conversation with J. D. Lyonhart

    Become a member of the Center for Bible Study 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membershipWhat if God is not simply the greatest being in the universe—but Being itself? In this thought-provoking episode, Max Botner sits down with philosopher and theologian JD Lyonhart to explore the deep philosophical and theological themes behind his new book, *Zeus Was an Atheist: An Odd Retelling of the Moses Story*. Together, they unpack one of the Bible’s most profound revelations: the divine name “I AM.” Drawing from the Exodus story, JD argues that the God of Scripture is fundamentally unlike the gods of mythology. This conversation explores what it means for God to be “Being itself,” and why that changes everything about morality, justice, beauty, miracles, and human meaning. Along the way, Max and JD discuss false gods, objective morality, divine transcendence, the limits of science, and how the biblical vision of God offers a richer framework for understanding reality. Get JD's book 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Zeus-Was-Atheist-Retelling-Moses/dp/1666758949/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CDPTSKYIY5HV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8zheFGEdaDyPhpgRleJriLrot6Xza0ykbZUR_PIMJMLYmxJaMv9sBby_agN09FF_8fr0ARUUdQarA9bg2MvvT07ngz6B5WWfYxNdB7Pmx0KF-SwMevfy4Xi2TFC68TXxt0NfprB49l3JRF26-PF7ITroa3q8-hMWPG-lb4FGvps9_y3wuHteQ3RRsdFq2XdJRmiJJ14LMkIOLBjBR1IJaUHooRFBSHpXu_OxHoefRSI.xUZkwHnwtEYN-wvQqA1uVyO3Rh4Wk9WI-YqrWZgejnI&dib_tag=se&keywords=zeus+was+an+atheist&qid=1778883886&sprefix=zeus+was+an+%2Caps%2C527&sr=8-1The Spiritually Incorrect Podcast 👉 https://www.spirituallyincorrectpodcast.com/

  5. Apr 13

    7 Key Ideas about Gender in the World of the New Testament: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Hylen

    What did gender signify in the world of the New Testament, and how might gender theory help us understand it better? In this interview, Dr. Susan E. Hylen, Charles Howard Candler Professor of New Testament at Emory University, discusses her groundbreaking book Gender Mobility: 7 Ideas about Gender in the New Testament Period, exploring how gender functioned in the ancient world. She challenges common assumptions about fixed gender roles, showing how social status, power, and identity rendered gender more fluid than we often imagine. You’ll discover: - How gender operated as a spectrum in antiquity - The role of eunuchs and non-binary categories in the ancient world - How social status shaped gender identity in the New Testament - Why modern gender theory can illuminate biblical texts - What this means for biblical interpretation today Grab your copy of Gender Mobility: 7 Ideas about Gender in the New Testament Period 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0197797334?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzmaxbotne-20&creativeASIN=0197797334&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.187O2RHGHXS6E&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin Become a member of the Center for Bible Study! 👉https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membership

  6. Mar 30

    Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible: A Conversation with Drs. Libby Backfish and Cynthia Shafer-Elliott

    Imagine entering the world of ancient Israel not just through texts, but by understanding everyday life, household rituals, and the deep theological meanings behind laws and worship. Dr. Cynthia Shafer-Elliott, an archaeologist specializing in everyday domestic practices, and Dr. Elizabeth (Libby) Backfish, a biblical theologian, showcase the ground-breaking approach of grounded theology—analyzing material culture alongside biblical texts to paint a fuller picture of Israel's faith, law, and worship practices. This episode uncovers the fascinating connections between household life, covenant, divine justice, and worship, all grounded in the archaeological remains and biblical narratives that shaped Israelite identity.You'll discover:- Why the household was the starting point for understanding Israelite theology and how everyday life reflects divine priorities.- How covenant parallels ancient Near Eastern treaties, like the infamous Godfather analogy, and what that reveals about divine grace and justice.- That the Hebrew Bible is full of grace, challenging the notion of a wrathful deity, especially in the context of divine punishment and exile.- The nuanced ways Israelite worship was embedded in daily routines, household rituals, and the environment, blurring the line between sacred and secular.- Why laws are more about wisdom and relationship, not just rule enforcement, and how that understanding transforms our view of biblical morality. Grab you copy of Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible 👉https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Theology-Hebrew-Bible-Exploring/dp/1540962539/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2N8OFDEBE8YHU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A_3DVwkyRt5Jye024eFUf-GOL_dPnWb1IJmH3dfeDRhLboowsfqiIKbA53BvqN3YN72viv-qQcOpDacdLGQSYBHCF1oaFuH8WWcc3eAJ1ku3NeyIn2zkN3Lqg5ys1bFXVM75lrfoIUdD5inVQj1tFt5gw4AN7p2LnCS3PJIswM1MnkiJ4g3jsflD6h03ppBnGehiNTINquoQJ7GjcDTtumSabzoF7BS6RJ3blijHmhs.d8lTV3cL00Szrq4_1hyFeY-Hfl40gY4j1DxTgxWlYno&dib_tag=se&keywords=grounded+theology+in+the+hebrew+bible&qid=1774652104&sprefix=grounded+theology%2Caps%2C370&sr=8-1 Become a member of the Center for Bible Study! 👉https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membership

  7. Mar 9

    What Was Paul Doing with the Old Testament? A Conversation with Dr. David Lincicum

    In this conversation, New Testament scholar David Lincicum explores how the Apostle Paul the Apostle reads and interprets Scripture in his letters. Drawing on insights from his book The Commentarial Impulse, Lincicum argues that Paul often writes in a way that resembles ancient biblical commentary, engaging deeply with texts like Book of Deuteronomy and Book of Genesis. We explore how Paul’s interpretive approach shapes major passages such as Epistle to the Romans (especially Romans 9–11) and Epistle to the Colossians, and how his reading of Israel’s Scriptures influenced later Christian interpretation of the Old Testament.Topics include:- How Paul uses the Old Testament in his letters- The “commentarial impulse” in early Christian interpretation- Paul’s engagement with Genesis and Deuteronomy- The theological significance of Romans 9–11- How Paul shaped Christian interpretation of Scripture Grab Your Copy of The Commentarial Impulse👉https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884206/the-commentarial-impulse/ Become a member of the Center for Bible Study! 👉https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membership

  8. Feb 23

    How Did We Get The Bible? Thinking Theologically about the Formation of Text and Canon

    Grab Your Copy of How Then Shall We Read? A Student's Guide to Interpreting the New Testament 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802883842?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzmaxbotne-20&creativeASIN=0802883842&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1Z0VC22LJXOFX&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin Check out our new course: Introduction to Biblical Interpretation 👉 https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/l/pdp/introduction-to-biblical-interpretation Become a member of the Center for Bible Study: https://the-center-for-bible-study.teachable.com/p/the-center-for-bible-study-membership ***How did the Bible come to be? Why do Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Bibles differ? And what role did scribes, church communities, and the Holy Spirit play in shaping the Scriptures we read today? In this episode, Max Botner explores the formation of the biblical canon, the history of manuscript transmission, and the theological significance of textual variation. From the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls to debates over the Deuterocanonical books, you’ll discover how history, community discernment, and divine guidance together shaped the Bible.This conversation unpacks major questions in biblical studies:- How the Old Testament developed, including the Masoretic Text and the Dead Sea Scrolls- What textual variants and scribal practices reveal about transmission- How the New Testament canon emerged in the early church- Why apostolicity, orthodoxy, and catholicity mattered for canon formation- How different Christian traditions (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox) came to have slightly different Bibles- The role of the Holy Spirit not only in inspiration, but in preservation and receptionRather than imagining the Bible as a book that “dropped from the sky,” this episode presents Scripture as a divine-human gift formed through centuries of faithful transmission. Understanding canon formation and textual criticism doesn’t weaken confidence in the Bible—it deepens it.

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On the Way is a biblical studies podcast hosted by scholar Max Botner, featuring interviews with leading experts in biblical studies, theology, and early Christianity. Explore the historical contexts of the Bible and key issues in biblical interpretation. Designed for students, pastors, and serious readers, this podcast helps you read the Bible with clarity, depth, and historical insight.

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