Philosophy: 10-minutes in the doorway

Professor Owen Anderson, Philosophy

As a young philosophy student, I used to follow my professor to his office and ask him questions in his doorway as he prepared for his next class. He only had 10 minutes between classes, but I was asking the big questions. He called these my 10-minute in the doorway questions. I would have loved to spend more time, but it is all he had. Sometimes in life, you only have 5 minutes, but you need to use those minutes asking deep questions.

  1. May 12

    RPCNA Testimony Part 3: "True Myth and C.S. Lewis"

    Most Christians accept the Bible as historically true, but what if many scholars and thinkers claim it’s just a myth designed to convey deep archetypal truths? In this episode, Owen Anderson, a philosophy professor and pastor, unpacks how modern myths, like those from Jung and Lewis, distort biblical history and undermine truth itself. Discover the dangerous allure of viewing Scripture through a Gnostic, archetypal lens, and learn why rejecting the literal historicity of Genesis 1-11 is a pivotal mistake with profound spiritual consequences.You'll uncover: How the logical positivists of the 20th century dismissed biblical claims as meaningless and why that view persists todayThe influence of Carl Jung and C. S. LewisThe subtle shift from biblical truth as factual history to stories that "do something to us" psychologicallyHow pagan myths point to Christ, yet fall short of the truth, and how this impacts worldview todayWhy the repeated elevation of myth over fact leads to cultural acceptance of occultism and undermines gospel clarityC. S. Lewis in promoting myths as vehicles of deep spiritual truths, and why this is problematicThis episode is perfect for believers eager to understand how faulty interpretations threaten biblical authority, or anyone wrestling with the questions of myth, truth, and spirituality. If you’re tired of superficial answers and want to grasp the roots of modern spiritual confusion, this discussion provides essential insights to help you stand firm on biblical truth. Owen Anderson is a philosophy professor at Arizona State University and an ordained pastor in the RPCNA. Drawing from decades of theological study and cultural critique, he reveals how the myth turn of the mid-20th century continues to shape our understanding of Scripture and how to counter it. Whether you’re a church leader, a student of theology, or a Christian curious about the cultural shifts influencing faith today, this episode equips you to recognize and resist the myths that threaten biblical authority. Tune in for a clear, compelling argument that reminds us: the truth of Scripture is not just a story. It is the foundation of life. Ready to see through the myths and reclaim biblical clarity? Hit play now. Then share with friends.

    12 min
  2. May 5

    Gavin Ortlund and the Medieval Beatific Vision

    Gavin Ortlund at the Credo Conference defending the Medieval Beatific Vision. Let's look at some of the problems in that view as adopted from pagan philosophers. Most views of the Beatific Vision miss the deep biblical and philosophical roots that shape our understanding of seeing God face to face. Owen Anderson exposes the pitfalls of the medieval and mystical interpretations, revealing how they often drift into pagan dualism, mysticism, and even Platonism — all while claiming to reflect Christian hope.In this episode, you’ll discover how the true biblical vision of seeing God involves knowledge, creation, and the ongoing revelation of His glory across Scripture — not just a mystical experience beyond words. Owen dives into the philosophical debates about prophecy, divine communication, and the real meaning of the resurrection, challenging popular notions that separate the body or dismiss creation as illusion.You'll hear a critique of the mystical, non-cognitive visions championed by some, and learn why the full glorified body and the resurrection are essential to understanding true Beatific Vision. Owen unpacks how the Bible portrays God's glory displayed in creation and how this continual revelation is central to Christian hope — a hope that does not diminish with suffering or death, but is magnified in the renewed heavens and earth.If you're wrestling with how to coherently define the Beatific Vision in accord with Scripture and Reformed orthodoxy, this episode is essential. It clarifies why a true biblical vision of God involves knowledge, creation, and divine revelation — not escape from the material world. Perfect for pastors, theologians, or anyone hungry for a grounded, biblical understanding of Christian hope and glorification.Why this works:This episode grabs attention immediately with its critique of mystical visions while promising a biblically grounded alternative. It appeals to theologians and believers seeking clarity on the biblical doctrine of seeing God face to face. By highlighting specific arguments around prophecy, resurrection, and creation, it ignites curiosity and invites engagement with profound truths that impact worldview and hope. Calvin'sInstitutes: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vi.html I Cor 15: https://biblehub.com/library/calvin/commentary_on_corinthians_volume_2/1_corinthians_15_20-28.htm 1 Peter 3: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom45.vii.ii.i.html I John 3: https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/cal/1-john-3.html

    31 min
  3. Apr 23

    RPCNA Testimony Part 2: Biblical revelation

    Most philosophers and theologians overlook how the Bible uniquely bridges faith and reason, and that misunderstanding has profound consequences for your view of truth. Owen Anderson, a philosophy professor and minister, unveils how the biblical doctrine of God’s revelation demolishes common philosophical blind spots, offering clarity on the nature of truth, human limitations, and the purpose of philosophy itself.In this episode, Professor Anderson looks at the RPCNA's Testimony and especially the first three points that are connected to the WCF 1:1. Professor Anderson breaks down:The brilliance of the RPCNA’s testimony on God’s covenants and its vital role in theology and philosophy.How God makes himself known in general and special revelation.Why Christian philosophers should treat the Bible as the ultimate source for understanding truth, ethics, and human existence.The importance of reformed thought in navigating contemporary debates about truth, skepticism, and divine revelation.This episode is essential listening for students, pastors, and thinkers tired of secular philosophies that ignore divine revelation. If you want to see how biblical truth transforms your understanding of the universe, human nature, and the pursuit of knowledge, this conversation is your starting point.Owen Anderson is a tenured professor of philosophy and religious studies at Arizona State University and a minister in the RPCNA, renowned for his scholarship on reformed theology and the relationship between faith and reason. These insights cut through modern philosophical confusion, offering a compelling biblical model for understanding the world and ourselves.Perfect for students, pastors, and anyone seeking a biblically grounded approach to truth. Hit play now and discover how divine revelation can reshape your understanding of reality.

    21 min

About

As a young philosophy student, I used to follow my professor to his office and ask him questions in his doorway as he prepared for his next class. He only had 10 minutes between classes, but I was asking the big questions. He called these my 10-minute in the doorway questions. I would have loved to spend more time, but it is all he had. Sometimes in life, you only have 5 minutes, but you need to use those minutes asking deep questions.

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