

The Bible (Unmuted)
The Bible (Unmuted) with Dr. Matthew L. Halsted
In this podcast, author and professor Matthew Halsted helps listeners understand the Bible in light of its ancient cultural and literary context. These episodes dig deep into the world of Scripture, theology, interpretation, and religion. But don't worry: it's not all cerebral. Each episode comes with practical insights to help listeners walk away with something meaningful and applicable from a Christian worldview. Some episodes are standalone, while others are part of a longer series. Many episodes feature guests (e.g., authors and speakers) who offer their insights into a particular topic.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2024 • 40min
#68: An Interview with Brian Zahnd, Part 2 (The Wood Between the Worlds)
Part 2 of 2 of Matt's interview with Brian Zahnd, the author of The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross (link below).
Description:
Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story―the axis upon which the biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude―that there is always something more to be said.
Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/i02RYTa
Brian's website: https://brianzahnd.com
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Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here)
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

May 14, 2024 • 40min
#67: An Interview with Brian Zahnd, Part 1 (The Wood Between the Worlds)
Part 1 of 2 of Matt's interview with Brian Zahnd, the author of The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross (link below).
Description:
Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story―the axis upon which the biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude―that there is always something more to be said.
Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/i02RYTa
Brian's website: https://brianzahnd.com
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Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here)
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

May 7, 2024 • 44min
#66: Revelation, Part 4 (Rev. 2:12-17)
The city of Pergamum had a long history with the Imperial Cult. How might knowing about that relationship help modern readers understand Rev. 2:12-17 -- particularly with respect to how John writes that "Satan's throne" resides in Pergamum? Are there other things in Pergamum to which this could refer? There's also the mention of the Old Testament character Balaam, which may shed light upon the enigmatic Nicolaitans. How do we make sense of this group? And finally, there is the mysterious "hidden manna" reference in v. 17. What is John talking about and what role does it play in encouraging the church at Pergamum to be faithful in their chaotic world?
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: (link here)
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

Apr 30, 2024 • 52min
#65: Revelation, Part 3 (Rev. 2:1-11)
In this episode, Matt takes listeners through the first and second messages to the seven churches -- to Ephesus and Smyrna, respectively. How do we understand the critique given to the Ephesian church? What is meant, for example, by their having "abandoned the love [they] had at first"? Moreover, who were the Nicolaitans, and what challenge did they present to these believers? When the church at Smyrna was told they would encounter difficulties for "ten days," how should we interpret that?
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

Apr 23, 2024 • 54min
#64: Revelation, Part 2 (Rev. 1:9-20)
John’s opening vision of “the Son of Man” is full of Old Testament allusions, and readers need to gain familiarity with these OT texts in order to understand the depth of meaning John seeks to convey. It invites us to ask, “What did John’s vision—and the symbols inherent to it—intend to communicate? Why was it important for the seven churches to learn about this vision?” Moreover, some prophecy teachers think John’s “seven churches” represent seven eras of church history. How plausible is this view? Is there warrant for this idea?
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

Apr 16, 2024 • 48min
#63: Revelation, Part 1 (Rev. 1:1-8)
Revelation is an ancient text that garners a lot of speculation in today's modern world. Sadly, it's been read in such a way that has spread a lot of fear --not to mention confusion about what Christianity actually teaches about eschatology. In this episode, Matt kicks off a new series on this fascinating text, showing how it was originally intended to spread encouragement and clarity for the church, not despair and confusion. A range of questions are explored, such as: What (or who!) is Revelation revealing? What kind of "book" is it? How did it's author intend it to be read? Listen to find out!
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
#62: Hermeneutics and Genre Theory: An Interview with Andrew Judd
In this episode, Matt talks with Andrew Judd, whose research brings together hermeneutics, genre theory, and biblical studies. Andrew gives listeners a tour of some of the more troubling/difficult passages of Scripture and brings to bear upon them them the insights of his research, specifically as it has to do with genre theory and the hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer -- both of which can help modern interpreters think critically and carefully about interpreting the Bible.
Andrew's website: www.andyjudd.com
Check out Andrew's books: www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CPLZNJKF
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 17min
#61: All The Genealogies of the Bible - An Interview with Nancy Dawson
Matt chats with Dr. Nancy Dawson about her new book, All the Genealogies of the Bible: Visual Charts and Exegetical Commentary. Why are genealogies important? How do they contribute to discovering Scripture's narrative? How do genealogies give us insights into the way early Jewish and Christian people viewed the past in relation to their present? Listen to find out!
Order Dr Dawson's book: https://a.co/d/62Ysg27
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 28min
#60: The Divine Council Worldview - An Interview with Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu
Matt chats with Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu, who both host The Divine Council Worldview Podcast. The conversation covers a range of topics, from what is a divine council worldview and the fall of spiritual beings to translation issues and the practical benefits of DCW.
Subscribe to The Divine Council Worldview Podcast on all major podcast platforms, including:
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4UdkIcEWNTw9EoniNWSa4e...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-divine.../id1732773760
Audible: https://www.audible.com/.../The-Divine-Council.../B0CW783R23
Website: https://sites.libsyn.com/513968/
AWKNG School of Theology: https://awkngschooloftheology.com/
Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted

Mar 20, 2024 • 11min
#59: Thy Kingdom Come: Rethinking the Darkness of Earth in Light of the Dawn of Heaven
How can the Lord's Prayer help us anticipate the eschaton? In this episode, Matt takes listeners from Eden to Easter, showing how the bodily resurrection of Jesus can inspire us to work for the Kingdom here and now as we await our own resurrection.
*This is based on an article posted to Matt's website, which you can read here: "Thy Kingdom Come"
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted


