The Biblical Mind

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.

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. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org 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  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.