
John Walton
Old Testament scholar and professor who has written extensively on ancient Near Eastern backgrounds of the creation accounts in the Bible.
Top 10 podcasts with John Walton
Ranked by the Snipd community

47 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 45min
How to Read and Interpret the Old Testament (ft. Dr. John H. Walton) | The Story of Israel E3
Dr. John H. Walton, Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, brings a fresh perspective on interpreting the Old Testament. He highlights common missteps readers make when approaching Scripture, urging a contextual understanding. Walton emphasizes the Bible’s divine authority and narrative structure as foundational. He discusses the importance of storytelling in biblical texts, revealing deeper theological insights. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Scripture more deeply, enhancing their spiritual journey and connection to God's story.

29 snips
Jun 21, 2021 • 59min
Genesis 1-2: Origins or Identity? – Feat. Dr. John Walton
Dr. John Walton, an Old Testament scholar, dives deep into the creation narratives of Genesis, exploring how ancient culture shapes our understanding of these texts. He contrasts the cosmic focus of Genesis 1 with the terrestrial perspective of Genesis 2, highlighting their unique roles. Walton sheds light on the compatibility of biblical interpretations with scientific concepts, discussing 'mechanism' versus 'agency.' The episode also touches on the ongoing dialogue between faith and science, urging listeners to appreciate the richness of ancient perspectives.

24 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Cultural Rivers, Order, and Covenant: Tools For Reading Scripture Well (John Walton) Ep. #222
John Walton, an esteemed Old Testament scholar and author of the 'Lost World' series, shares insights on how cultural perspectives shape our understanding of Scripture. He introduces the concept of 'cultural rivers,' emphasizing that ancient texts should be interpreted through their original societal context. Walton discusses Genesis as a narrative of order rather than origin, explores the significance of covenant in establishing divine order, and highlights the roles of women in the Exodus. His views offer a fresh lens on key biblical themes, merging text and culture.

14 snips
Jun 18, 2022 • 1h 44min
Naked Bible 430: John Walton on Demons and Spirits
Over the past two years Dr. Heiser has been asked a number of times to respond to the book Demons and Spirits in Biblical Theology: Reading the Biblical Text in its Cultural and Literary Context, by John H. Walton and J. Harvey Walton (2019). The book runs quite contrary to Dr. Heiser’s own work. In this episode Dr. Heiser responds to the book’s content and how he fears it might be used by opponents of the faith.

11 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 25min
Israel’s Rituals, God’s Needs, and the Covenant That Changed Everything (John Walton) Ep. #223
Dr. John Walton, a renowned Old Testament scholar and expert on the Ancient Near East, discusses transformative shifts in his understanding of Genesis, the temple, and covenant theology. He posits that Genesis creation focuses on functional order rather than material origins and suggests that the story of humanity is about seeking order, not sin. Walton emphasizes that Israel's rituals are unique, fostering a covenant with God rather than meeting divine needs, advocating for flexibility in scholarship committed to evidence.

6 snips
Aug 16, 2023 • 1h 32min
578: How America Got Mean & Why We Misread the Bible with John Walton
Expert on religious and educational structures, John Walton, discusses the decline of moral formation in American society. The hosts debate the interpretation of the Second Commandment regarding images of God. Dr. Walton also shares insights on biblical interpretation and the crisis of biblical illiteracy. Snakes falling from the sky in Texas is a bizarre news story discussed in this episode.

Nov 10, 2024 • 29min
SINGLE: 39 Books
John Walton, a leading expert on the Old Testament and professor at Wheaton College, takes listeners on a captivating journey through its 39 books. He provides a concise overview, breaking down complex narratives and literary genres. Discussions dive into ancient creation stories, the significance of the Torah as customary wisdom, and the pivotal role of prophets in guiding Israel's kings. Walton also sheds light on themes of exile and the deep human emotions expressed in the Psalms, urging a richer understanding of this foundational scripture.

Jun 18, 2024 • 24min
Episode 198 Lost World of the Prophets with John Walton
John Walton, a renowned Old Testament scholar and retired professor from Wheaton College, joins Aubrey Buster, his colleague, to discuss their commentary on the book of Daniel. They delve into the ancient contexts of Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing how understanding historical and cultural backgrounds enhances biblical interpretation. Walton explores the evolution of prophetic literature and its relevance today, urging listeners to connect ancient messages with contemporary spiritual insights, fostering deeper engagement with the text.

Jan 8, 2024 • 11min
Biblical Authority, with John Walton
John Walton, an Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, dives into the intricate concept of biblical authority. He emphasizes the importance of authorial intent, arguing that understanding what the original authors meant is crucial for proper interpretation. Walton contrasts different models of authority, including performance and Christology, showcasing how they influence our reading of Scripture. He advocates for careful exegesis to avoid distorting the intended messages of biblical texts, enriching our understanding of faith and context.

Jun 23, 2023 • 51min
Episode 134 John Walton on Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation
Dr. John Walton, a retired professor from Wheaton University and prolific author, delves into Old Testament interpretation in this fascinating conversation. He shares insights from his latest book, emphasizing the concept of 'faithful reading' and the importance of context. Walton critiques the tendency to see the Old Testament solely through Jesus' lens, advocating for original intentions and careful exegesis. He also discusses his prolific writing journey, the transformative power of prayer, and the influence of family on his academic pursuits.


