The Biblical Mind

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Kim, the Executive Director of Crazy Love Ministries and founder of Basil Tech, shares his unique insights from Silicon Valley. He explores how technology can enrich the church, criticizing the isolating culture of the tech industry. Kevin emphasizes a balance between creativity and spiritual reliance, discussing innovative ways to reimagine sermons and engage communities. He also highlights the importance of ethical considerations in tech, urging Christians to shape its future through humility and service.

Join Pastor Dalton Avery, who focuses on formative biblical narratives, and Dr. Rick Wadholm, an Old Testament scholar, as they delve into the Exodus plagues. They discuss how these plagues are not just divine punishments but transformative events shaping Israel's identity and detaching them from Egypt's worldview. Both guests emphasize the theological significance of these acts, noting how they reset Israel's calendar and challenge existing cultural values, ultimately revealing a redemptive intention behind God's actions.

Dive into the intriguing exploration of how non-biblical films resonate with biblical themes. Discover how 'Tree of Life' mirrors the Book of Job, and 'A Serious Man' offers a modern take on suffering. Unpack sibling rivalry in 'East of Eden' and examine the generational struggles showcased in 'Magnolia.' Consider the haunting chaos of 'No Country for Old Men' alongside the moral lessons in 'American History X.' Plus, films like 'Coco' highlight the significance of memory and legacy. This conversation reframes how cinema can reflect deep theological truths.

Dr. Dru Johnson shares valuable insights for church leaders about the importance of budgeting for the Center for Hebraic Thought. He highlights innovative resources like Biblical Thinks workshops and a scholar-guided book series that enrich congregational life. The podcast also features the dynamic Hebraic Thought Community, fostering engagement through weekly Scripture listening and book clubs. Johnson emphasizes that any financial partnership can greatly support this mission and enhance biblical thinking within the church.

In this candid and heartfelt message, Dr. Dru Johnson steps out from behind the mic to speak directly to you—the listener, the learner, the potential donor. “I’m a recurring giver. I actually pay to do this work.” That’s how strongly he believes in the mission of the Center for Hebraic Thought. In this short but powerful donor appeal, Dru explains how the Center’s podcast, public resources, book series, and workshops are made possible—not by salaries or institutional budgets—but by the generous support of people like you. He outlines the unique work of the Center: promoting a biblical way of thinking that’s structurally rich, theologically grounded, and practically wise. From the top-20-ranked Biblical Mind Podcast, to a growing Hebraic Thought Community, to partnerships with publishers and institutions, this movement is growing—but it needs your help to continue. “I used to be embarrassed to ask,” Dru says, “but I’m not anymore.” Whether you’re a scholar, pastor, teacher, or lifelong learner, you can become part of the team by giving a one-time gift—or becoming a recurring donor like Dru. If you’ve ever benefited from the work of the Center, now’s the time to give back. One Time Gifts: https://hebraicthought.org/give Recurring Donations (and the gift of the Donor Book Series): https://hebraicthought.org/donor-book-series

Join Dr. Cindy Parker, a biblical narrative expert, who shares her mixed feelings about scholarly conferences, balancing joy with the pressure to present. Dr. Megan Roberts talks about practical tips for presentations and the unique testing grounds these gatherings provide. Dr. Chris Skinner defends the importance of paper presentations for professional growth while revealing insights about scholarly egos. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the exhilarating yet daunting world of biblical academia, filled with camaraderie and critique.

Dr. Elżbieta Łazarewicz-Wyrzykowska, a Polish biblical scholar, dives into profound questions of divine presence stemming from her experiences in war-torn Warsaw. She discusses her unique approach combining Hebrew scriptures and psychology, particularly how Catholics identify the Eucharist as a primary representation of God's presence. Elżbieta also highlights the influence of Mikhail Bakhtin on interpreting disobedience in the Book of Amos, bridging her literary roots with theological insights to explore complex intersections of faith and trauma.

Dr. Anthony Bradley, a seasoned youth and family scholar, delves into the emotional needs of boys and the shortcomings of traditional youth ministries. He argues that churches should focus on families, emphasizing the need for fathers, mentors, and intergenerational communities. Bradley shares insights from his teaching experience and highlights the alarming dropout rates in youth groups. He advocates for a shift towards nurturing spiritual formation at home rather than isolated programs, ensuring boys receive the emotional training they truly need.

Dr. Jeffrey Arroyo García, an archaeologist specializing in first-century Judaism, shares insights from his excavations at El-Araj, believed to be biblical Bethsaida. He discusses how archaeological findings reshape our understanding of the Gospels. Jeffrey critiques the portrayal of Pharisees in The Chosen, pointing out visual 'othering' through color choices that echo harmful anti-Jewish stereotypes. He emphasizes the importance of nuanced depictions of Pharisees and how they relate to historical and modern interpretations of Judaism.

Rachel Booth Smith, an author and pastor known for her work on Genesis and Sabbath, dives deep into ancient creation narratives alongside host Dru Johnson. She reinterprets Genesis, framing it not as a tale of origins but as God's enthronement, where rest signifies divine reign rather than simple relief from labor. Smith explores how comparing biblical texts to Egyptian and Hittite myths can enrich faith. She emphasizes the seven-day structure as a sacred rhythm, asserting that understanding rest fosters trust in God's sovereignty.