The Biblical Mind

Is God emotionless and unchanging? Many systematic theologians have long argued that God is completely impassible—meaning He cannot feel, suffer, or be influenced by creation. But is this truly what the Bible teaches? In this episode, Dr. R.T. Mullins joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to challenge traditional ideas about God’s nature, emotions, and engagement with the world. He explains how philosophy has often shaped theology more than scripture, why systematic theologians ignore biblical descriptions of God’s emotions, and what it actually means to call God all-powerful and all-knowing. Dru and R.T. explore the hidden assumptions behind classical theism, why ancient theologians rejected the idea that God could suffer, and whether modern theology needs a reset. Mullins also discusses how our view of God shapes how we pray, worship, and think about suffering. If you’ve ever wondered why theology sometimes feels disconnected from the Bible, or why certain doctrines sound more like philosophy than scripture, this episode will challenge you to rethink how we describe God. For More of RT Mullin's Content, Check Out His Podcast: https://www.rtmullins.com/podcast 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 Understanding the Doctrine of God 03:21 Concepts of God: Models and Attributes 06:23 The Role of Scripture in Systematic Theology 09:15 Historical Perspectives on God's Attributes 12:21 Philosophical Underpinnings of Theological Claims 15:12 The Challenge of Defining God's Perfections 18:04 Empathy and Knowledge in God's Nature 21:13 The Intersection of Philosophy and Scripture 24:11 Concluding Thoughts on God's Nature 30:53 The Nature of God's Communication 33:08 Empathy and the Divine: A Theological Dilemma 36:18 Impassibility and the Perfection of God 38:45 The Role of Empathy in Hebrew Moral Philosophy 41:44 The Disconnect Between Systematic Theology and Biblical Texts 45:28 Cultural Perspectives on Biblical Literature 47:16 Upcoming Projects: Debates and Collaborative Works

In this engaging discussion, Alex Goodwin, a former marketer turned Bible publisher and author of "The Bible Reset," shares how modern formatting disrupts our connection to Scripture. He explores the impact of chapter breaks and verse numbers on reading flow, arguing for a return to immersive biblical experiences. Alex contrasts Bible literacy with fluency, highlighting the necessity of community interaction for deeper understanding. His insights challenge listeners to rethink their approach to engaging with the Bible authentically.

Kaitlyn Schiess, an expert on the intersection of faith and politics, joins the discussion to challenge how Christians engage with political issues. She argues that scrolling social media or binge-watching political news is not true engagement. Instead, she advocates for knowing your neighbors and participating in local politics. They explore the overload of information affecting critical thinking and the need for discerning trustworthy voices within Christian media. Kaitlyn emphasizes building relationships over social outrage as a means for genuine advocacy.

What if the Bible isn’t meant to be neatly packaged and easily explained? In this episode, CHT Fellow Hakeem Bradley joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to discuss how engaging scripture means leaning into tension rather than eliminating it. He explains why asking better questions leads to deeper understanding and why forcing Jesus into every Old Testament passage can sometimes do more harm than good. Bradley also shares his personal story—growing up in the Five Percent Nation, a movement that sees the Black man as divine, and how a surprising mentorship relationship led him to faith in Jesus. His journey from deep skepticism to biblical scholarship gives him a unique perspective on how to approach scripture without assumptions or shortcuts. The conversation explores how biblical authors thought, why Jesus himself had to read scripture in context, and how reading the Bible as a tension-filled conversation—rather than a collection of easy answers—can reshape faith and theology. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Hakeem Bradley's Content https://hakeembradley.substack.com/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Navigating Questions on Creation and Biblical Interpretation 06:01 The Role of Tension in Understanding Scripture 10:01 Hakeem's Journey from Five Percenter to Follower of Jesus 18:31 The Importance of the Old Testament in Understanding Jesus 22:15 Personal Journeys in Biblical Understanding 23:11 The Challenge of Connecting Old Testament to Jesus 25:50 Understanding Biblical Texts on Their Own Terms 29:31 The Role of the Bible Project in Modern Scholarship 33:34 Exploring the Catholic Epistles and Their Significance 38:47 Intertextual Connections in Biblical Texts

Marc Jolicoeur, an expert in contemporary worship music, dives into the complex landscape of worship music today. He reveals how megachurches shape what songs make it to Sunday services and discusses the industry's reliance on professional songwriting teams. The conversation shifts to the absence of lament and imprecatory psalms in modern worship, questioning whether contemporary music prioritizes marketing over theology. Jolicoeur also raises the provocative idea of reintroducing the Psalms into worship, suggesting it could enrich the emotional depth of church services.

What if the Bible was meant to be heard instead of read? Dr. Dru Johnson reveals how listening transforms our understanding of Scripture, exposing literary structures that resonate better through sound. He argues for the communal experience of Scripture, which enriches retention and interpretation. Drawing from ancient traditions, the discussion highlights how reclaiming auditory engagement can reshape modern worship by placing Scripture at the heart of the experience.

Matt Halsted, author of 'The End of the World as We Know It' and a scholar of New Testament eschatology, challenges common misconceptions about end times beliefs. He discusses the rapture and the mark of the beast, arguing that American interpretations often reflect personal fears rather than biblical renewal. Halsted traces the history of eschatological speculation and emphasizes the importance of scriptural discipline. He highlights early Christian understandings of eschatology, asserting that the focus should be on creation's renewal rather than mere escape.

How does the Bible interpret itself? In this episode, Dr. Brent Strawn joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to explore intertextuality—the ways biblical authors intentionally or unconsciously connect their writings to earlier texts. Strawn breaks down different types of intertextuality, from direct citations (like Jesus quoting Psalm 22) to subtle patterns that only emerge when we read scripture holistically. Together with Dru Johnson, Strawn unpacks how intertextuality deepens biblical meaning and why recognizing these connections can transform the way we understand scripture. They also discuss the surprising link between Solomon and the Mark of the Beast (666) and how Revelation critiques imperial power using the legacy of Israel’s wealthiest king. Strawn argues that biblical authors weren’t just making random allusions—they were teaching us how to read scripture well. If we can recognize these hyperlinks, we can move beyond surface-level readings and grasp the depth of biblical theology. Give to the cause! https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/ X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Understanding Intertextuality: Strong vs. Weak 02:07 The Unintentional Connections Between Texts 05:13 Patterns in Biblical Texts: A Deeper Look 08:08 Intertextuality and Its Interpretive Significance 11:10 Criteria for Evaluating Intertextual Connections 14:30 The Importance of Context in Scripture 17:19 The Dangers of Thin Intertextual Links 20:28 Exploring the Number 666 in Biblical Texts 26:13 Intertextuality and Biblical Texts 29:22 The Beast and Solomon: A Biblical Connection 33:13 Activating the Biblical Imagination 39:32 The Role of Scripture in Shaping Virtue 44:29 Hyperlinks in Revelation and Cultural References

Caleb E. Campbell, an author and pastor, dives deep into the heart of Christian nationalism, exploring its driving anxieties, like the fear of pluralism and the search for stability. He challenges the notion that supporters are driven by hatred, suggesting instead a longing for belonging. The conversation emphasizes the importance of hospitality, compassion, and curiosity in engaging differing views. Campbell also shares insights from his book 'Disarming Leviathan', advocating for scripture-centered dialogue as a means to connect and transform even amid political divides.

Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, an expert in Hebrew Bible interpretations, presents a fascinating take on the Joseph narrative, arguing that his brothers never actually sold him into slavery. He explores the minimalist storytelling and key Hebrew motifs in the text, linking them to themes of rejection and familial dynamics. The discussion highlights Joseph's emotional journey and the moral development of characters like Judah and Reuben. Lamm invites listeners to re-evaluate traditional interpretations and appreciate the richness of the biblical narrative.