

The Divine Council Worldview Podcast
Dr. Ronn Johnson
Welcome to the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, where hosts Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu honor the legacy of their late friend and colleague Dr. Michael S. Heiser (author of the best-selling book The Unseen Realm). Our interest is the Bible, studying it through the lens of its original authors and audience. We will specifically take notice of created divine beings and the role they play in the physical cosmos through the ultimate authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Join the fun conversation!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 16, 2025 • 1h 17min
EP084: Awakening a Generation: Testimony, Theology, and the Chinese Church
How do culture and suffering shape our faith? Mike Chu unpacks his story with Mel and Rich, exploring the Chinese church, Awakening School, and why theology, mentorship, and mission matter more than ever in today's spiritual landscape. You can find Awakening (AWKNG) School of Theology here: https://awkng.com/ You can find the Shane & Shane songs mentioned in this podcast here: Psalms 45 https://youtu.be/-d_lQI15fxo?si=-hl3FiECl4F5C7dA Psalms 46 https://youtu.be/PKs_gQecaDY?si=k9yWx1F0Ekk1NEen Over the Sun https://youtu.be/qGbT7FkhIus?si=lDaATBgY38ACTw-i

Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 24min
EP083: Q&A Session #7
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) How does a person go about studying the DCW and the related topics it uncovers? 2) How can a DCW increase a person's intimacy with God? 3) Are idols a human invention, and if so, does this show that gods are invented as well? 4) Can I combine Eastern Orthodoxy with western Protestant theology? 5) How should the gospel be presented to a child—say, a 7-year old?

Nov 2, 2025 • 1h 24min
EP082: Q&A Session #6
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Are there foundational beliefs regarding the identity of Jesus and Yahweh in order to be worshipping the correct deity? 2) Is the Hebrew text (MT) younger than the Septuagint? 3) What sins were considered "high-handed"? 4) Are spirit "hauntings" related to sacred space? 5) Does the DCW favor the New Perspective on Paul?

Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 18min
EP081: Q&A Session #5
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: Could the effects of Jesus' "finished work" have been true while he was still active in his ministry? Did the church fathers use "faith" to mean "loyalty" or "allegiance"? How does the Septuagint handle the Hebrew definite article when it translates the phrase "the angel of the LORD" into Greek? Can a Mormon have saving faith? Is "sonship" to be understood differently than "inheritance"? Will we have different inheritances in the next age?

Oct 19, 2025 • 1h 20min
EP080: Raising Warriors: Faith, Identity, and the Unseen Battle
In this insightful conversation, Doug Overmyer, an author and ministry leader, delves into the intersection of faith, identity, and spiritual warfare. He shares how Chi Rho Outdoors mentors boys by linking faith and nature. Doug emphasizes the importance of storytelling for spiritual growth and introduces resources for parents navigating the unseen realm. Discussing respect for women and teaching youth their identity in God’s image, he tackles cultural challenges and the spiritual implications of idolatry. This chat is a must-listen for those seeking to raise spiritually aware warriors.

Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 24min
EP079: John 8:13-59: "Abraham Rejoiced to See My Day"
Dive into a deep discussion about the significance of Jesus' claims in John 8, especially regarding the nature of sin and identity in 2nd Temple Judaism. Explore how the woman caught in adultery embodies freedom through faith while contrasting it with the belief of being Abraham's offspring. The hosts analyze cultural reactions to truth-seeking in today's world and question the understanding of sin within covenantal contexts. Expect revelations on Jesus' preexistence and the theological reactions he provoked, all tied together with a modern lens.

Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
EP078: John 7:32-8:12: The Woman Taken in Adultery
Ronn and Mike dive into the intriguing context of Jesus' teachings in John 7:32-8:12, focusing on his profound interactions with non-believers. They discuss the controversial story of the woman caught in adultery, its historical significance, and its absence in the original manuscripts. The duo emphasizes the tension between Mosaic law and mercy, analyzing Jesus' clever response to the accusers. They explore themes of inclusion in God's family and how this narrative foreshadows the broader message of salvation, leading to a deeper understanding of faith and belonging.

Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 23min
EP077: John 7:1-31: Jesus, the Law
In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:1-31. They discuss the importance of constructive disagreements in theology (reflecting upon the recent death of Charlie Kirk), the secretive nature of Jesus' ministry, and the political context surrounding his teachings. Their conversation also explores the treatment of the law by Jesus, the nature of demons (a highly nuanced issue relating to the Greek concept of daimonia), and the significance of Hezekiah's prayer for God's forgiveness of Israelites who had been guilty of breaking Mosaic law (2 Chron. 30).

Sep 21, 2025 • 23min
EP076: Gaming the Unseen Realm: Faith and Fantasy in Allies of Majesty
Mel interviews Anthony Diastello at the DCW Conference about how his role-playing game *Allies of Majesty* weaves faith and divine council concepts into immersive storytelling. They explore how games can foster spiritual awareness, personal agency, and deeper engagement with the unseen realm. You can find his game here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HqI9JVINeg https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/purefunmedia/allies-of-majesty-chronicles-vol-1 https://subscribepage.io/iCPswe

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
EP075: John 6:41-71: Being Drawn to Jesus by the Father
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the latter part of John 6, taking on the themes of forgiveness, the identity of Jesus, and the implications of his teachings on communion (they understand the concept of eating Jesus' flesh to be metaphorical for internalizing his teachings and life). They explore the complexities of forgiveness, and how this issue often lacks clear biblical answers to our modern questions. The conclude by discussing the significance of Jesus' claims about himself, and the reactions of his followers, culminating in a pivotal moment where many disciples turn away (6:66). Peter's declaration of faith highlights the importance of loyalty to Jesus.


