

The Biblical Mind
centerforhebraicthought
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2025 • 37min
The Illusion of Intelligence: Why AI Can’t Replace Embodied Life (Noreen Herzfeld) Ep. #215
Dr. Noreen Herzfeld, a scholar blending computer science and theology, critiques the overhyped potential of AI in this thought-provoking discussion. She highlights the environmental toll of AI, emphasizing its high energy consumption and biases. Herzfeld argues against the belief that digital tools can replace human connection, reinforcing the importance of embodiment and community. She warns that our reliance on AI reflects ancient Gnostic heresies, advocating for critical engagement with technology rather than blind faith in its promises.

15 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 45min
Becoming God’s Family: Against Church Hurt, Isolation, and Autonomy (Carmen Imes) Ep. #214
Carmen Imes, author of 'Becoming God’s Family,' passionately discusses the essential role of community in Christianity. She tackles pressing issues like church hurt, toxic culture, and how many are leaving church communities behind. Carmen shares insights on when to stay or leave a church, emphasizing the importance of belonging despite discomfort. With references to Hagar's story and the impact of cultural individualism, she makes a compelling case that true faith is about growth in community, not personal comfort.

Aug 14, 2025 • 41min
Literature and Idealism: Or, How The Bible Is A "Thick" Story (Karen Swallow Prior) Ep. #213
In this engaging discussion, Karen Swallow Prior, a literary scholar and cultural critic, shares her insights into the intersection of literature and faith. She critiques the tendency of Christians to idealize genre fiction, like Tolkien's works, urging listeners to confront 'thick texts' that deepen biblical understanding. Karen highlights how modern reading habits limit our literary engagement and discusses a more grounded view of vocation, challenging disillusionment in the workplace. Her thoughts on the balance between gritty realism and romantic ideals are both thought-provoking and relevant.

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
Tribes, States, & Empires: Scripture’s Vision for a Virtuous Political Order (Yoram Hazony) Ep. #212
In this engaging discussion, political philosopher Yoram Hazony delves into the biblical concept of nationhood, emphasizing a vision of unity based on shared laws and faith, rather than ethnicity or imperialism. He clarifies the meanings of Hebrew terms like 'am' and 'goy', challenging modern racialized views of identity. Hazony also explains how the teachings of ancient Israel have shaped America's political ideals and critiques outdated notions of purity, advocating for a diverse yet cohesive national identity.

Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Just War, Christianity, and The Call to Serve: The Ethics of Military Service (Darren Duke) Ep #211
Darren Duke, a retired Marine Corps Special Operations commander with over 30 years of military experience, provides a candid look at the ethics of military service from a Christian perspective. He discusses the moral complexities faced by service members, emphasizing the importance of preparing for both combat and the challenging military culture. Duke reflects on his transformation from Cold War patriotism to post-9/11 disillusionment, and explores how symbols like the Punisher and Valhalla help cope with the trauma of warfare.

Jul 24, 2025 • 29min
Building a Movement: Why the Church Needs Hebraic Thought—and What We’re Doing About It Ep. #210
In this update episode, Dru Johnson and Mike Tolliver pull back the curtain on the work happening at the Center for Hebraic Thought. From filing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and building a stellar advisory board, to launching a redesigned website and reviving in-person workshops, the CHT has been quietly preparing for long-term growth and broader influence.
They discuss the newly relaunched Hebraic Thought Community (HTC) on Facebook—already hundreds strong—and the four activities that bring the community together: highlighting member-created resources, sharing weekend reading, gathering weekly for public listening of Scripture, and hosting scholar Q&As. This digital community is sparking cross-disciplinary conversations, surfacing unexpected gems from laypeople, and reimagining how Christians listen to the Bible together.
Dru and Mike also explain why listening (not just reading) Scripture in community is a powerful and ancient discipline—and why it’s missing from most churches today. They reflect on the joy of watching Scripture come alive in unexpected ways through these communal practices.
They close with a call to support: whether through recurring giving, hosting a workshop, or sharing the word, CHT is building something bigger than any one person—something rooted in Scripture and flourishing in community.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:03 Updates on The Center for Hebraic Thought
03:03 Community Engagement and Workshops
06:03 Hebraic Thought Community Initiatives
09:04 Public Listening of Scripture
11:55 The Importance of Listening to Scripture
15:10 Website Updates and Future Plans
17:53 Funding and Support for the Center
20:58 Workshops and Community Involvement

5 snips
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.