Dr. Ben Spackman

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Smoot, a doctoral candidate in Semitic languages, Dr. Ben Spackman, an expert in American religious history, and Travis Anderson, a missionary assistant, delve into the intricate differences in biblical interpretation between Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals. They tackle topics like Sola Scriptura, ongoing revelation, and proof texting, all while sharing personal anecdotes and humorous insights. The panel emphasizes the importance of context in understanding scripture and encourages constructive dialogue across faith traditions.

In this discussion, Ben Spackman, an eclectic historian with a deep understanding of ancient scripture and religious history, shares insights on using the Bible effectively in missionary work. He critiques the common practice of proof texting, highlighting its pitfalls and advocating for a richer, contextual understanding of scripture. Spackman explores how different faith traditions interpret the Bible, urging missionaries to build bridges and embrace deeper comprehension of texts. His expertise encourages thoughtful dialogue over simple doctrinal assertions.