The New Evangelicals Podcast 396. Exploring the Open Bible with Philip Nation
Sep 22, 2025
Philip Nation, Vice President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles, shares his insights on the complexities of biblical texts in modern faith. He discusses the potential for the Bible to be both a tool for good and a weapon, the evolution and relevance of study Bibles, and the impact of various translations. Philip emphasizes the importance of transparency in biblical scholarship and highlights the NET Bible's approach. He also offers guidance for those looking to reconnect with Scripture, suggesting starting with themes of peace and the Book of Psalms.
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Bible Is Valuable Yet Frequently Weaponized
- Philip Nation says the Bible is valuable yet often weaponized by many sides of the spectrum.
- Publishers aim to create editions that meet readers where they are in faith and life stages.
Publishers Prioritize Translation Transparency
- Thomas Nelson publishes many English translations and seeks transparency about textual variants.
- Philip emphasizes including apparatus and notes to alert readers to alternate readings and canons.
Personal Canon: Protestant Core Plus Wider Study
- Philip shares he personally uses a core Protestant canon for daily teaching but keeps wider canons for historical context.
- He owns a Bible containing every book ever claimed as canonical to understand global Christian history.
