
The Biblical Mind
The Biblical Mind is dedicated to helping its audience understand how the biblical authors thought, promoting Bible fluency through curious, careful reading of Scripture. It is hosted by Dr. Dru Johnson and published by the Center for Hebraic Thought, a hub for research and resources on the intellectual world of the Bible.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 46min
Jesus Under Every Rock? Rethinking Christ-Centered Reading & Preaching (Chris Wright) Ep #209
Dr. Christopher J. H. Wright, a renowned Old Testament scholar and Global Ambassador for the Langham Partnership, explores the nuances of reading the Old Testament with a Christ-focused lens. He discusses the dangers of oversimplifying scripture by trying to find Jesus in every verse, arguing for richer interpretations that respect historical context. Wright highlights the importance of global voices in theological education and the transformative power of preaching, especially in regions with low literacy, echoing a call for the Western church to learn from its global counterparts.

Jul 10, 2025 • 53min
The NAR, Power, and Prophecy: Inside America’s Forgotten Christian Movement (Matthew Taylor) Ep. #208
Dr. Matthew Taylor, a scholar of religion and politics, dives into the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its surprising sway over modern evangelicalism and U.S. politics. He reveals how influential televangelists like Paula White and Lance Wallnau helped deliver Trump’s presidency. The conversation explores the blend of prophecy, celebrity culture, and populist theology that shapes this movement. Taylor critiques the evangelical elites' dismissal of NAR leaders and discusses the implications of Christian supremacy in American political power.

Jul 3, 2025 • 48min
Hollywood, Scripture, and Politics: Joan Didion and the Power of Story (Alissa Wilkinson) Ep. #207
Alissa Wilkinson, a film critic at The New York Times and author of 'We Tell Ourselves Stories', dives deep into the narrative prowess of Joan Didion. She uncovers how Didion viewed stories as survival mechanisms in chaotic times. The conversation touches on the interplay of Hollywood and politics, the resurgence of nostalgia, and the role of storytelling in addressing trauma. Wilkinson intriguingly questions if Scripture is merely another constructed narrative, highlighting the complexities of cultural memory amidst contemporary conspiracy theories.

7 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 49min
Wine, Worship, and Craftsmanship: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol (John Dunne) Ep #206
In this enlightening discussion, John Dunne, author of *The Mountain Shall Drip Sweet Wine*, reveals the rich cultural and theological significance of wine in ancient Israel. He examines the artistry behind winemaking, emphasizing its connection to divine blessing and abundance. Dunne challenges modern perceptions, highlighting wine's role in biblical miracles, such as Jesus turning water into white wine. The conversation delves into fermentation methods and ancient techniques, offering a fresh perspective on how wine shaped both community rituals and spiritual life.

Jun 19, 2025 • 55min
Is Nationalism Biblical? Yoram Hazony on Nations, Empires, and Justice (Yoram Hazony) Ep. #205
Yoram Hazony, an Israeli philosopher and author of The Virtue of Nationalism, dives into the complex relationship between nationalism and biblical teachings. He discusses the Old Testament's vision of nations, citing the Table of Nations in Genesis and critiques of empires like Babylon. Hazony argues for the value of independent nations with borders, traditions, and moral guidelines. His insights challenge modern Christian perspectives on nationalism and highlight the Old Testament's relevance in today's political landscape.

Jun 12, 2025 • 46min
Do You See What I See? Worship, Joint Attention, and Being Human (Cockayne & Salter) Ep. #204
Join theologian Josh Cockayne and developmental psychologist Gideon Salter as they delve into the profound nature of communal worship. They discuss how we are neurologically wired for joint attention and why gathering together is not just a ritual but a crucial aspect of understanding God. From the behavior of infants to the significance of liturgical practices, they challenge the idea of individuality in faith, emphasizing that worship is an embodied, social necessity that enriches our connection with each other and the divine.

Jun 5, 2025 • 57min
How Artists Think Biblically: Liturgies, Ritual, and the Weight of Words (Douglas McKelvey) Ep. #203
Douglas McKelvey, author of the bestselling Every Moment Holy liturgical series, shares his spiritual journey from neo-charismatic roots to solidifying a biblically coherent faith. He discusses the transformative power of community, particularly through the Rabbit Room, and highlights the responsibility of crafting impactful prayers. McKelvey also opens up about finding beauty and meaning in rituals, the art of liturgy, and how art can beautifully intertwine with faith, offering listeners a deeper understanding of creativity in spiritual practice.

4 snips
May 29, 2025 • 57min
Is Abraham a Hero or a Warning? How Genre Makes or Breaks Your Bible Reading (Andy Judd) Ep. #202
In this engaging discussion, Old Testament scholar Andy Judd, an expert in genre studies, tackles the common pitfalls of biblical interpretation. He reveals how misreading genre can lead to flawed assumptions about figures like Abraham and the nature of biblical laws. Judd emphasizes the need to recognize different genres to avoid misunderstandings, using humor and literary insights to navigate complex texts. He also highlights the importance of biblical literacy in fostering accountable communities, offering fresh perspectives for readers.

May 22, 2025 • 53min
Storge, Justice, and the Ten Commandments: Rethinking Biblical Love (Mike Tolliver) Ep. #201
Mike Tolliver, the Executive Director of the Center for Hebraic Thought, dives deep into familial love and biblical justice. He challenges the notion of prioritizing family over neighborly love, arguing that Storge is vital for societal function. Tolliver discusses the roles of the kinsman-redeemer and adoption in scripture, shedding light on how family ethics permeate the Ten Commandments. His exploration includes the complexities of family loyalty versus love for strangers, offering fresh perspectives on ancient concepts and modern implications.

May 15, 2025 • 54min
Managing Fame, Faith, and the Stage: Inside the (Christian) Music Industry (Nick Barre) Ep. #200
What does it mean to call something “Christian music”? Nick Barré has spent decades in the music industry—from working at EMI with early Switchfoot to managing major names like Casting Crowns, KB, Brandon Heath, and more. In this 200th episode of The Biblical Mind, he joins Dru Johnson to reflect on the Christian music label, the tension between calling and category, and how artists navigate faith and fame.
Nick argues that labeling music—or restaurants or plumbers—as “Christian” may do more harm than good. He shares why genre categories are a business necessity but spiritually unhelpful, and why the most important questions artists must answer are about calling, audience, and identity—not chart placement.
From spiritual burnout to public affirmation, from the temptations of platform to the dangers of envy, Nick shares pastoral, industry-hardened wisdom on how to guide artists into longevity and spiritual wholeness. He even offers advice for aspiring Christian musicians—and what it really means to “show, not tell” when pursuing a creative calling.
Nick Barre's Company "Proper Management" can be found here:
https://www.propermanagement.net
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Chapters:
00:00 Defining Christian Music
03:11 The Evolution of Music Genres
06:10 Navigating the Music Industry
08:57 The Dangers of Labeling
12:09 The Role of Artists in Ministry
15:16 The Impact of Fame on Identity
18:24 Identifying Unique Gifts in Artists
25:41 Exploring Diverse Artist Portfolios
28:29 Navigating Hard Conversations in the Music Industry
31:05 Defining Success in the Arts
33:15 The Challenge of Artistic Compromise
37:06 Understanding Market Dynamics in Music
40:22 Fragmentation of the Music Industry
46:39 Advice for Aspiring Christian Artists