Stunned by Scripture

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology
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Oct 25, 2025 • 26min

The Origin of the Cosmos

Many people today speak of the "Big Bang Theory" as being opposed to belief in God. However, they this is an uninformed thing to say. Ironically, the theory was opposed for decades by scientists because of its theistic implications. If the universe had a beginning, this implies that the universe has a creator. In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma examines the origin of the “big bang theory” and the shocking reason that atheist and agnostic scientists—including Albert Einstein—vehemently opposed it. From its development and early opposition to the philosophical and logical arguments that support it, you’ll come away with a better understanding of the origins of the “big bang” and its impact on science and theology. ✨ Join the largest group Bible Study in America—Bible Across America ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.com/america Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences 📖 Start a Bible study with the St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.co/biblestudies ✈️ Go on a pilgrimage with us: https://stpaulcenter.co/pilgrimages 🛒 Browse our bookstore: https://stpaulcenter.co/emmausroadpublishing 🔥 Support our mission: https://stpaulcenter.co/donate #stunnedbyscripture #johnbergsma #science #bigbangtheory #atheism #christianity
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Oct 11, 2025 • 1h 28min

Women of Faith & Pilgrims of Hope | Joan Watson

In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma is joined by his good friend Joan Watson to talk about pilgrimages, prayer, and the impact of women in the Bible. Joan talks about her new book, Making a Pilgrimage, exploring the biblical roots of pilgrimages, what makes a pilgrimage, and why it matters to go on one—especially during this year of Jubilee. Get your copy at the link below: https://stpaulcenter.com/watson From saving Israel to being part of the genealogy of Christ, Dr. Bergsma and Joan explore the various heroines of the Bible and how we can follow their example today. Join the largest group Bible Study in America—Bible Across America ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.com/america Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences 📖 Start a Bible study with the St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.co/biblestudies ✈️ Go on a pilgrimage with us: https://stpaulcenter.co/pilgrimages 🛒 Browse our bookstore: https://stpaulcenter.co/emmausroadpublishing 🔥 Support our mission: https://stpaulcenter.co/donate #stunnedbyscripture #johnbergsma #joanwatson #womeninscripture #pilgrimages
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Sep 27, 2025 • 13min

Defining the Deuterocanon

In this intriguing discussion, the origins and definitions of key theological terms like deuterocanonical, apocryphal, and pseudepigraphal are explored. Discover the significance of the seven deuterocanonical books in Catholicism, and learn how they differ from apocryphal texts. The podcast also dives into the historical context of these terms, clarifying their varying interpretations across traditions. Finally, the distinction between apocryphal and pseudepigraphal writings sheds light on what’s considered inspired versus falsely attributed in biblical texts.
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Sep 13, 2025 • 2h 22min

Experiencing Eastern Religions & Thomas Aquinas | Dr. Michael Sirilla

In this sixth episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma sits down with fellow colleague at Franciscan University, Dr. Michael Sirilla. Dr. Sirilla shares his story of his reversion and rediscovery of Jesus Christ. From leaving the faith to his journey through the New Age Movement and Eastern religions, Dr. Sirilla shares how life events, spiritual encounters, and the pursuit for meaning and truth brought him back home to the Catholic Faith. For more on Dr. Sirilla and his theological work, check out his course on Christology: https://my.stpaulcenter.com  ✨ Want the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for FREE? Sign up for our annual All Access Membership: ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.co/bible Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences 📖 Start a Bible study with the St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.co/biblestudies ✈️ Go on a pilgrimage with us: https://stpaulcenter.co/pilgrimages 🛒 Browse our bookstore: https://stpaulcenter.co/emmausroadpublishing 🔥 Support our mission: https://stpaulcenter.co/donate #stunnedbyscripture #johnbergsma #michaelsirilla #conversion #theology
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Aug 16, 2025 • 27min

Does Science Prove God Exists?

Leaders in the New Atheist movement have always made the claim that God doesn’t that science explains everything. However, as we progress in our knowledge of the natural world, the evidence for an intelligent, all-powerful creator also becomes greater. In this new installment of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma takes on this atheist belief by examining the science. In this episode Dr. Bergsma unpacks cosmic fine-tuning, exploring how the cosmic constants of the universe provide strong evidence for the existence of God. Science does not contradict Scripture or the existence of God, but rather proves it.  ✨ Want the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for FREE? Sign up for our annual All Access Membership: ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.co/bible Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences 📖 Start a Bible study with the St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.co/biblestudies ✈️ Go on a pilgrimage with us: https://stpaulcenter.co/pilgrimages 🛒 Browse our bookstore: https://stpaulcenter.co/emmausroadpublishing 🔥 Support our mission: https://stpaulcenter.co/donate #stunnedbyscripture #johnbergsma #science #atheism #cosmicfinetuning
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Aug 2, 2025 • 1h 45min

The Relentless Pursuit of Truth | Dr. Shane Owens

In this fourth episode of Stunned by Scripture, John Bergsma interviews fellow biblical scholar Dr. Shane Owens about his personal faith journey. Shane shares how he kept his faith amidst a secular college culture—holding fast to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Drs. Bergsma and Owens unpack a wide range of topics, including American Catholic education, secular college culture, the historical impact of St. Augustine and the Church Fathers, and practical approaches to studying scripture. Watch this latest installment of Stunned by Scripture to learn how to better read the Bible, following the guidance of trusted scholarship and the teachings of the Church Fathers. For more content on St. Augustine and the Church Fathers, start your free trial below: https://stpaulcenter.com/memberships ✨ Want the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for FREE? Sign up for our annual All Access Membership: ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.co/bible Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences 📖 Start a Bible study with the St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.co/biblestudies ✈️ Go on a pilgrimage with us: https://stpaulcenter.co/pilgrimages 🛒 Browse our bookstore: https://stpaulcenter.co/emmausroadpublishing 🔥 Support our mission: https://stpaulcenter.co/donate #stunnedbyscripture #johnbergsma #shaneowens #churchfathers #augustine
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Jul 19, 2025 • 28min

Why Catholic Bibles Are Bigger

Why do Catholic Bibles include seven additional books? John Bergsma explores this question and debunks the myth that the Council of Trent added them. Discover the origins of the word 'Bible' and how the book format influenced scripture canonization. Delve into the historical growth of the Old Testament from Moses to the apostles and learn about the differing biblical lists among Jewish sects. Find out why Protestants chose a smaller canon after the Reformation and what early complete Bibles looked like.
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Jun 21, 2025 • 1h 47min

The Biblical Roots of Indulgences | An Interview With a Jewish Convert

In this second episode of Stunned by Scripture, John Bergsma sits down with fellow Bible scholar Dr. Jeff Morrow to discuss his own conversion story as well as the history and validity behind Indulgences. Growing up in a culturally Jewish but agnostic household, Jeff Morrow shares how his skepticism and academic studies led him to ultimately converting to Catholicism. Furthermore, they discuss Evangelical Protestantism, historical criticism, the role of Scripture, Indulgences, Purgatory, and addressing the Protestant claim of Catholics "adding" books to the Bible. Dive deeper into your knowledge of the Bible with John Bergsma in Stunned by Scripture. ✨ Want the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for FREE? Sign up for our annual All Access Membership: ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.co/bible Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences 📖 Start a Bible study with the St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.co/biblestudies ✈️ Go on a pilgrimage with us: https://stpaulcenter.co/pilgrimages 🛒 Browse our bookstore: https://stpaulcenter.co/emmausroadpublishing 🔥 Support our mission: https://stpaulcenter.co/donate #stpaulcenter #johnbergsma #stunnedbyscripture #drjeffmorrow #podcast #indulgences #purgatory #scripture #biblicaltheology #historicalcriticism #deuterocanonicalbooks #politics #science #evolution #agnostic #philosophy #theology #judaism #protestantism #catholicism #christianity
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Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 10min

How I Was Stunned By Scripture

In this first episode of his new podcast, Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma invites us into his journey from Protestantism to Catholicism. Having grown up in a Dutch Calvinist home, Bergsma began his career as a pastor only to come face-to-face with the weaknesses of the various Protestant theologies. Today he shares how his struggles with sola Scriptura and sola fide challenged his core beliefs, setting him on a path that led inevitably into the Catholic Church. Like him, you will be stunned by the enduring Catholic truths present in the Scriptures. ✨ Want the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for FREE? Sign up for our annual All Access Membership: ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.co/bible Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences 📖 Start a Bible study with the St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.co/biblestudies ✈️ Go on a pilgrimage with us: https://stpaulcenter.co/pilgrimages 🛒 Browse our bookstore: https://stpaulcenter.co/emmausroadpublishing 🔥 Support our mission: https://stpaulcenter.co/donate #stpaulcenter #johnbergsma #stunnedbyscripture #conversion #catholicism #protestantism #christianity #solafide #solascriptura #eucharist #churchfathers #podcast #newseries  

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