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The Bible: Tough Qs and Answers

Dec 2, 2024

Guest

John Meade

Guest

Peter Gurry

In this engaging discussion, New Testament scholar Dr. Peter Gurry and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Meade explore how we got the Bible. They unpack the reliability of biblical texts, touching on the fascinating history of early manuscripts and the debate surrounding their authorship. The conversation reveals insights about the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and how textual variants, like Goliath's height, impact interpretation. Personal reflections on faith through academic study add a compelling layer to the dialogue.

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ANECDOTE

New Papyrus Discovery

Peter Gurry visited Duke's library to examine a recently published papyrus of Acts.
This 6th-century copy provides new material for study, highlighting the exciting aspect of discovering new biblical materials.

insights

INSIGHT

Moses and the Alphabet

Some claim Moses couldn't have written the Pentateuch due to the lack of an alphabet.
This claim is false, as alphabets existed in the 19th/18th century BC, predating Moses.

insights

INSIGHT

Early Scribes of the Old Testament

The Masoretic text, the basis of many Bibles, dates back to the 9th century AD.
Earlier scribes, including those of the Dead Sea Scrolls period (BC), existed, raising questions about their practices.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Unmasking Biblical Myths

02:15 • 5min

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Debating Biblical Texts and Their Preservation

07:29 • 16min

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Goliath's Height: Textual Variants Explored

23:46 • 9min

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Comparative Textual Insights: Gospels and Old Testament Variations

32:31 • 17min

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Unpacking the Biblical Canon

49:43 • 13min

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Exploring Faith Through Biblical Scholarship

01:02:45 • 4min

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Exploring Faith and Scholarship in Biblical Narratives

01:07:00 • 4min

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Scribes and Scripture

Peter Gurry

John Meade

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Ștefan Agopian

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1 Samuel

Ralph W. Klein

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Judith

Arnold Bennett

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1 Peter

J. Ramsey Michaels

This commentary, part of the Word Biblical Commentary series, offers an in-depth treatment of 1 Peter. J. Ramsey Michaels examines the historical context and social crises that led to the writing of this epistle, analyzing textual problems and drawing out implications for contemporary life. The commentary emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence, providing judicious and balanced insights into the meanings of the text within the framework of biblical theology.

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Genesis

Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit

Craig Mundie

Eric Schmidt

Henry A. Kissinger

In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence. AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution. The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.

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Ecclesiasticus

Richard Green Moulton

Ecclesiasticus, edited by Richard Green Moulton, is a scholarly examination of the Book of Ecclesiasticus, which is part of the Deuterocanonical books of the Bible. The book provides insights and analysis of the text, reflecting Moulton's expertise in classical and biblical studies. Originally published in 1896, it remains a significant historical work in the field of biblical scholarship.

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Philemon

Timothy

Apostle Paul

The Book of Philemon is one of the shortest letters written by Paul and is part of the New Testament. It was written during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, around AD 60-62. The letter addresses Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, regarding his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had fled to Rome, where he encountered Paul and became a Christian. Paul writes to Philemon to appeal for Onesimus's return, asking him to treat Onesimus not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ. The letter emphasizes the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the equal status of believers in Christ, regardless of their social positions. Paul offers to take on any debt or wrongdoing attributed to Onesimus, demonstrating the principles of Christian love and grace.

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Jeremiah

Stasia Black

Jeremiah is part of the Stud Ranch series and focuses on a character who is clearly a man in control at all times. The story involves complex relationships and steamy romance, typical of Stasia Black's writing style. It is the fifth book in the Stud Ranch series but can be read as a standalone novel.

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Malachi

Andrew E. Hill

This commentary, part of the Anchor Yale Bible series, offers a thorough and detailed analysis of the book of Malachi. Andrew E. Hill places the book in its historical context, interpreting its original meaning and providing insights for modern readers. The book includes a fresh translation, notes, and comments, along with photographs, line art, and maps to enhance understanding. Hill's approach is characterized by a 'believing criticism' that balances critical tools with an orthodox appreciation of the Bible, aiming to ascertain the authorial intent of the text. The commentary also includes discussions on the liturgical use of Malachi within Judaism and Christianity, and it provides a wealth of detail on theological, literary, and grammatical terms.

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Exodus

Leon Uris

The novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction account that explores the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. It follows the stories of Jewish refugees, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, as they attempt to reach Palestine despite British opposition. The book delves into the back stories of its characters, the history of Jewish settlement in Palestine, and the broader political context of the time, including the struggle for independence and the conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations.

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Isaiah

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Isaiah

The Book of Isaiah is a major prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It's attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in Judah during the 8th century BCE. The book contains a collection of oracles, poems, and prophecies addressing various aspects of Judah's history and the future. Key themes include God's judgment on Israel's sins, the promise of a future messiah, and the restoration of God's people. Isaiah's powerful imagery and evocative language have had a profound impact on religious thought and literature for centuries.

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The Da Vinci Code

Dan Brown

In 'The Da Vinci Code', Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the murder of the curator, Jacques Saunière. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon embarks on a perilous journey to decipher cryptic clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The plot revolves around an alternative religious history, suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child, and their descendants are protected by the Priory of Sion. The novel is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the astonishing conclusion.

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Evidence that demands a verdict

historical evidences for the Christian faith

Josh McDowell

This book is an extensive defense of Christianity, covering topics such as the reliability of the Bible, the historicity of Jesus, and responses to skepticism. It is divided into four main parts: Evidence for the Bible, Evidence for Jesus, Evidence for the Old Testament, and Evidence for Truth. The book includes updated chapters and new sections addressing contemporary criticisms and competing worldviews. It serves as a resource for Christians to defend their faith against various critics and skeptics.

How did we get the Bible? How many variants of the early manuscripts are there? Can we trust our biblical texts? Joining me today is New Testament scholar Dr. Peter Gurry and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Meade to discuss the trustworthiness of Scripture and how we can have confidence in our biblical text. READ: Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible, by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry (https://amz.run/68IN) READ: A Rebel's Manifesto, by Sean McDowell (https://amzn.to/3u8s2Oz) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for $100 off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

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