

Alastair's Adversaria
Alastair Roberts
If you would like to support my work, you can do so at https://www.patreon.com/zugzwanged.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 12min
Christ the Beginning
Dive into a reflection on how the New Testament reinterprets Genesis, placing Christ at creation's core. Explore Paul's profound insights in Colossians, highlighting Jesus as the firstborn and reconciler, connecting deep cosmic roles with redemptive power. This engaging discussion reveals the essence of Christ-centered monotheism, showcasing the unity of creation and salvation.

Sep 8, 2025 • 28min
The Red Heifer and the Coherence of Numbers
Dive into the rich symbolism of the red heifer ritual and its unique role in purification practices. Explore the theological reflections on sacrifice and how they relate to eternal life, encouraging a profound connection to Christ's suffering. Uncover the deeper meanings within the Book of Numbers, emphasizing themes of holiness, faithfulness, and the significance of laws. This intriguing discussion weaves together historical context and spiritual lessons from Israel's journey, offering insight into the transformative nature of these ancient practices.

Aug 26, 2025 • 18min
Spirits in Prison
Dive into the intriguing themes of 1 Peter 3:18-22, exploring Christ’s suffering and His preaching to spirits in chains. Discover the historical context of these imprisoned spirits and their potential interpretations. Unravel the stories of the Nephilim and fallen angels from Enoch, shedding light on the consequences of forbidden knowledge. Finally, connect the cosmic battle of angelic rebellion with human suffering, emphasizing baptism's significance and Christ's victory over spiritual adversities.

Jun 30, 2025 • 28min
Eight Lessons on the Psalms from the Book of Hebrews
Dive into the profound links between the Psalms and the Book of Hebrews, showcasing their interpretation in light of Christ. Discover how specific Psalms reveal Jesus as the Messiah and support early Christians facing persecution. Explore worship practices from David’s time that resonate in the New Testament and see how they unify communal faith. The discussion emphasizes the importance of Psalms in shaping Christian identity, fostering ethical commitments, and inspiring gratitude in a new covenant context.

10 snips
May 26, 2025 • 9min
Teaching as Feeding
Explore the intriguing comparison between spiritual teachings and nutritional feeding. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for a balanced spiritual diet, warning of the pitfalls of only seeking preferred messages. Pastors are encouraged to provide diverse teachings to nurture their congregations. This thought-provoking analogy raises questions about the roles of those teaching and those learning, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and education.

Apr 17, 2025 • 11min
David's Lamb
The following was first published on my Substack: https://argosy.substack.com/i/116018131/davids-lamb.
Follow my Substack, the Anchored Argosy at https://argosy.substack.com/. See my latest podcasts at https://adversariapodcast.com/.
If you have enjoyed my videos and podcasts, please tell your friends. If you are interested in supporting my videos and podcasts and my research more generally, please consider supporting my work on Patreon (www.patreon.com/zugzwanged), using my PayPal account (bit.ly/2RLaUcB), or by buying books for my research on Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3…3O?ref_=wl_share).
You can also listen to the audio of these episodes on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/alastairs-adversaria/id1416351035.

Apr 4, 2025 • 16min
The Levitical System for the Uninitiated
Discover the fascinating world of the Levitical sacrificial system and its profound significance. Unpack the rituals that shape communal and personal identities in faith. Learn how ancient practices connect to modern rituals, like weddings, highlighting the importance of intention in fostering divine relationships. This exploration reveals the underlying logic and symbolism that connect believers with God in powerful ways.

Mar 22, 2025 • 3min
Bible Reading Skills for Narrative Texts
Explore the complexities of reading biblical narratives in a unique course designed for both newcomers and seasoned readers. Delve into the ethical and theological dimensions of scripture while uncovering rich literary elements. The discussion highlights the challenges modern readers face, providing tools to deepen understanding. This engaging journey promises to enhance one's approach to biblical texts with insights that elevate reading skills.

Mar 13, 2025 • 10min
A Lenten Reflection on the Cross
The following was first published on my Substack: https://argosy.substack.com/i/142188520/a-lenten-reflection.
Follow my Substack, the Anchored Argosy at https://argosy.substack.com/. See my latest podcasts at https://adversariapodcast.com/.
If you have enjoyed my videos and podcasts, please tell your friends. If you are interested in supporting my videos and podcasts and my research more generally, please consider supporting my work on Patreon (www.patreon.com/zugzwanged), using my PayPal account (bit.ly/2RLaUcB), or by buying books for my research on Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3…3O?ref_=wl_share).
You can also listen to the audio of these episodes on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/alastairs-adversaria/id1416351035.

6 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 6min
Characteristics of Dysfunctional Communities
Dive into the intriguing dynamics of dysfunctional communities, where disruptive individuals often dominate the interactions. Discover the differing expressions of dysfunction between masculine and feminine traits. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of self-regulation and accountability in averting collective failures. Understand how these elements intertwine to shape the very fabric of community life.