The Biblical Mind

Latest Episodes:

How Scripture Reads Scripture: Understanding Biblical Intertextuality (Brent Strawn) Ep. #186 Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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

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American Christian Nationalism and the Way of Jesus (Caleb E. Campbell) Ep. #185 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

What if Christian nationalism isn’t a head problem but a heart problem? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Dru Johnson speaks with Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan, about the rise of Christian nationalism in America and how Christians can engage this movement missionally rather than combatively.

Campbell discusses the anxieties that drive people to embrace Christian nationalism, highlighting the fear of pluralism, the longing for safety, and the allure of worldly power. Drawing from his experience as a pastor and cultural observer, he argues that many Christian nationalists are not inherently motivated by hatred but by a deep desire for rest and stability in a changing world.

The conversation delves into themes of hospitality, humble subversion, and the transformative power of the cross, challenging listeners to rethink how they approach those with opposing views. Campbell offers practical steps for engaging Christian nationalists, emphasizing the need for curiosity, safety, and scripture-centered dialogue.

Find Caleb E. Campbell at:
Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/revcalebcampbell
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.campbell2
X profile: https://www.twitter.com/calebphx
Bluesky profile: https://bsky.app/profile/revcalebcampbell.bsky.social

Find Disarming Leviathan at:
https://www.ivpress.com/disarming-leviathan
For more articles:
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:03 Exploring the Good Impulses of Christian Nationalism
10:18 The Dilemma of Power: Christian Leadership in Politics
23:22 Christian Nationalism: Ideology and Identity
32:23 The Means vs. The Ends: A Christian Perspective on Power
33:25 The Call for Unity and Protection
34:26 Christian Nationalism: A Critical Examination
35:22 Navigating Leadership as a Christian
36:44 The Role of Scripture in Decision Making
38:57 The Complexity of Power Dynamics
39:54 The Dilemma of Political Engagement
42:48 The Duality of Christian Identity
44:41 The Dangers of Christian Nationalism
47:39 Personal Experiences with Christian Nationalism
51:11 A Shift in Perspective: From Combat to Mission
54:43 Practical Steps for Engagement
57:47 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue
01:00:30 The Importance of Humility in Conversations

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Joseph's Brothers Never Sold Him Into Slavery (Ari Lamm) Ep. #184 Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson interviews Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm about a provocative interpretation of the Joseph narrative: Joseph’s brothers did not sell him into slavery. Rabbi Lamm explains that while the brothers planned to sell Joseph, they never completed the act. Instead, Midianite merchants discovered Joseph in the pit and sold him to Ishmaelites, creating ambiguity in the biblical text.

Rabbi Lamm delves into the narrative techniques of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its minimalist yet profound storytelling. He discusses how key Hebrew words and repeated motifs, such as “sell” (Machar), link the Joseph story to broader biblical themes of chosenness, rejection, and familial dynamics. Joseph’s perception of rejection by his father, Jacob, is also explored, tying his emotional journey to the larger narrative of Genesis. The discussion highlights the development of key characters, including Judah’s moral growth and Reuben’s failure to lead.

These arcs foreshadow the future roles of the tribes of Israel, underscoring Genesis’s role as a foundational text for understanding biblical theology and history. This episode invites listeners to engage deeply with scripture, appreciate its narrative sophistication, and consider alternative interpretations that illuminate its enduring relevance.

Find Ari Lamm at:

https://twitter.com/arilamm
https://twitter.com/gfaitheffort
https://www.instagram.com/holy_landings

For more articles:
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:40 Understanding Joseph's Silence
05:19 The Role of Dreams in Joseph's Life
08:12 The Emotional Revelation of Family
10:39 The Complexity of Selling Joseph
13:30 The Brothers' Journey of Growth
16:07 The Consequences of Actions
18:52 The Legacy of the Tribes
21:42 The Moral Implications of the Sale
24:37 The Brothers' Guilt and Recognition
25:58 The Brothers' Guilt and Joseph's Plea
27:38 The Pit: A Place of Despair
30:10 The Brothers' Plan and Reuben's Dilemma
33:36 The Caravan and the Brothers' Decision
37:07 Reuben's Return and the Aftermath
41:42 The Complexity of Joseph's Journey
45:28 Understanding the Text: Insights and Interpretations
45:51 Learning Hebrew: Resources and Recommendations

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The State of Hebraic Thought in 2025 (Dru Johnson) Ep. #183 Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson and Mike Tolliver reflect on the growth and challenges of Hebraic thought over the past year and explore its future trajectory in 2025. They highlight recent scholarly advancements, key publications, and practical tools that are shaping the field. Dr. Johnson discusses notable books, including Human Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures by Beryl Dove Lerner and Just Discipleship by Michael Rhodes, which integrate Hebraic thought into contemporary issues such as justice and divine-human relationships. Resources like the Bible Project, Disciple Dojo, and Bible Dojo are emphasized for their contributions to making Hebraic thought accessible to diverse audiences. The episode also tackles challenges, including the oversaturation of content and the difficulty of discerning reliable voices. Dr. Johnson advocates for careful engagement with diverse perspectives and emphasizes the communal nature of Hebraic thought, encouraging listeners to study scripture collaboratively and critically. Looking ahead, the Center for Hebraic Thought plans to expand its offerings with online courses, workshops, and collaborative discussions that challenge traditional theological paradigms and realign them with biblical insights. This forward-looking conversation underscores the vibrancy and relevance of Hebraic thought in academic and faith communities.

Articles:

Philosophical Engagement with the Hebrew Bible by Arthur Keefer https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1476993X221124950

The Hebrew Bible and The Philosophy of Religion by Jaco Gericke

https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt32bzm3

Books:

Human-Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures: Covenants and Cross-Purposes By Berel Dov Lerner
https://www.routledge.com/Human-Divine-Interactions-in-the-Hebrew-Scriptures-Covenants-and-Cross-Purposes/Lerner/p/book/9781032539287

Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God by Matthew J. Lynch (Portraying Violence in the Hebrew Bible)
https://www.ivpress.com/flood-and-fury

Just Discipleship: Biblical Justice in an Unjust World by Michael J. Rhodes

https://www.ivpress.com/just-discipleship

Numbers: An Introduction and Commentary by Peter Altmann and Caio Peres https://www.christianbook.com/numbers-an-introduction-and-commentary/9780830842902/pd/842902

Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture: A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Survey by Mark S. Gignilliat (Author), Heath A. Thomas (Author)
https://bakeracademic.com/p/reading-the-old-testament-as-christian-scripture-mark-s-gignilliat/598786

Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism by Paul T. Sloan (Author)
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/jesus-and-the-law-of-moses/415310

Paul the Storyteller: A Narratological Approach by Christoph Heilig https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802878953/paul-the-storyteller/

Wine, Soil, and Salvation in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament By Mark Scarlata https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/wine-soil-and-salvation-in-the-hebrew-bible-and-new-testament/1C1B582958A9591ACE009889987EB238

Paul and the Resurrection of Israel By Jason Staples
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/paul-and-the-resurrection-of-israel/E88A324A84EB7F7533F23817E4FF17AD

Cursing with God: The Imprecatory Psalms and the Ethics of Christian Prayer By Trevor Laurence https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481316477/cursing-with-god/

Organizations:

Theopolis: https://theopolisinstitute.com/

Disciple Dojo: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscipleDojo

BibleProject: https://bibleproject.com/ Learning/

Software:

Aleph with Beth: https://www.youtube.com/@AlephwithBeth

BibLingo: https://biblingo.org/

BibleDojo: https://www.enterthebibledojo.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:13 Recent Scholarly Contributions to Hebraic Thought

07:20 Diverse Resources and Authors in Hebraic Thought

15:33 Organizations and Platforms Supporting Hebraic Thought

23:31 Tools and Resources for Understanding Hebraic Thought

29:45 Navigating the Challenges of Hebraic Thought

34:54 The Importance of Questioning and Community Engagement

45:07 Evaluating Influential Voices in Hebraic Thought

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Hebraic Thought, "What Hath Darwin...", and What's Coming Next (Dru Johnson) Ep #182 Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson, president and founder of the Center for Hebraic Thought, explains the concept of Hebraic thought and its enduring relevance. Hosted by Mike Tolliver, the discussion explores how the biblical authors understood and conveyed ideas about freedom, justice, morality, and the nature of reality. Dr. Johnson defines Hebraic thought as the intellectual framework reflected in the Hebrew Bible and extended into the New Testament.

The conversation highlights the distinctiveness of Hebraic thought compared to Greek and modern Western philosophy. Dr. Johnson emphasizes that the biblical authors often prioritized restoration and community over punitive justice, demonstrating a wisdom-centered approach to ethics and relationships. The discussion also clarifies common misconceptions, distinguishing Hebraic thought from later Jewish philosophical traditions and situating it as a foundational framework for understanding scripture.

Dr. Johnson addresses how Hebraic thought can inform contemporary issues, from justice to scientific inquiry, by offering a conceptual foundation rooted in scripture. He also introduces his upcoming projects, including a book on Hebraic philosophy of science, aimed at bridging ancient biblical insights with modern intellectual challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:26 Understanding Hebraic Thought

04:04 The Distinction of Hebraic Thought

06:34 Hebraic Thought in Historical Context

08:06 Paul and the Greco-Roman Influence

09:55 Philosophical Misunderstandings of Hebraic Thought

12:05 Biblical Scholars and Hebraic Thought

14:51 Cross-Pollination of Disciplines

17:50 Hebraic Thought in Everyday Ethics

22:37 Cultural Forces Against Understanding

24:59 Community Engagement with Scripture

27:32 Exploring Hebraic Thought and Darwin

32:00 The Conceptual Worlds of Natural Selection

33:46 Reception of the Book and Future Implications

34:23 Exploring Hebraic Thought and Science

38:36 The Intersection of Logic, Math, and Science

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ICYMI: The Church's Alarming Neglect of the Old Testament (Brent Strawn) Ep. 181 Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

This episode was originally published on April 30, 2021. We thought it was worth a reissue for our newer listeners.

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson interviews Dr. Brent Strawn to discuss his thought-provoking book, The Old Testament is Dying. Dr. Strawn argues that the Old Testament is increasingly neglected in many Christian circles, resulting in a loss of scriptural literacy and depth. Comparing the Old Testament to a language, he explains how fluency in its teachings requires immersion and consistent practice. Without this, the language of faith risks fading into irrelevance.

Dr. Strawn outlines the challenges posed by cultural and chronological distance from the biblical authors, making empathetic and accurate interpretation of scripture more difficult. He emphasizes the need for Christians to approach the Old Testament as authoritative scripture, not just as a historical or theological backdrop to the New Testament. Through engaging examples, he illustrates how neglecting the Old Testament diminishes a believer’s understanding of foundational concepts like justice, love, and God’s covenantal promises.

The conversation also offers practical solutions, including incorporating more Old Testament readings into worship, sermons, and Christian music. Dr. Strawn’s insights inspire a renewed commitment to rediscovering the Old Testament’s rich vocabulary and its vital role in shaping a vibrant and holistic faith. A must-listen for anyone passionate about scripture!

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Challenges of Biblical Interpretation
08:42 The Decline of the Old Testament in Modern Christianity
12:35 Reviving Old Testament Literacy
20:08 Integrating Old and New Testament Teachings
35:01 The Conceptual World of the Ancient Near East

Brent’s book The Old Testament is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment

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ICYMI: The Biblical Authors vs. Greek Philosophy (Joseph Dodson) Ep. 180 Dec 26, 2024

Show notes

This episode was originally published on April 2, 2021. We thought it was worth a reissue for our newer listeners.

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson sits down with Dr. Joseph Dodson to explore the intersection of Greco-Roman philosophy, Stoicism, and Hebraic thought in shaping the New Testament. Dr. Dodson explains how the Bible didn’t emerge in a vacuum but within a dynamic cultural context influenced by Judaism and Greco-Roman ideas.

The discussion highlights Stoicism, the dominant philosophy of the first century, which emphasized overcoming passions, achieving contentment, and the transformative power of reason. Dr. Dodson demonstrates how Stoic principles overlap with Christian teachings, as seen in Paul’s writings and the Gospel of John, which incorporates philosophical concepts like the Logos. He also examines how biblical authors adapted, affirmed, and challenged these ideas to articulate a distinctly Hebraic worldview.

Dr. Dodson emphasizes the importance of studying texts like the Apocrypha and Greco-Roman writings to fully grasp the intellectual milieu of early Christianity. He explains how Jewish and Hellenistic ideas coexisted in a “roundabout,” influencing each other in profound ways.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hebraic and Greco-Roman Thought
04:09 The Influence of Stoicism on New Testament Texts
13:32 Philosophical Foundations: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
20:01 The Interplay of Hellenistic and Hebrew Intellectualism
29:00 Recommended Readings for Understanding Context

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Judaism is About Love (Shai Held) part 2 Ep. 179 Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this continuation of their conversation, Dr. Dru Johnson speaks with Rabbi Dr. Shai Held about the themes explored in his book, Judaism is About Love. The discussion delves into the complexities of love, law, and chosenness within Jewish thought, offering a profound perspective on the relationship between particularity and universalism.

Rabbi Held addresses the idea of divine chosenness, emphasizing that God’s love for Israel is unique but not exclusive. He critiques modern rejections of chosenness as caricatured and argues for a theology that balances grace with humility. Rabbi Held also explores the tension between loving one’s own and extending love universally. He describes Judaism’s “particularist universalism,” where love for one’s family and community naturally expands to encompass all humanity as bearers of God’s image.

The conversation turns to the ethics of love, including the challenges of enemy love and the discernment required to navigate complex relationships. Rabbi Held shares deeply personal stories that illustrate the real-life implications of these ideas, demonstrating how love can be both demanding and transformative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:13 The Concept of Divine Love for Israel
08:02 The Obligation to Love Neighbors
13:18 Understanding Love for Enemies
20:16 Navigating Complex Questions of Love
24:38 Reflections on the Book and Its Impact

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Judaism is About Love (Shai Held) part 1 Ep. 178 Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode, Dr. Dru Johnson interviews Rabbi Dr. Shai Held, president and dean of the Hadar Institute, about his book, Judaism is About Love. The conversation explores the intricate relationship between love and law in Judaism, offering insights for both Jewish and Christian audiences.

Rabbi Held emphasizes that, in Judaism, law is not opposed to love but serves as its manifestation, challenging the common dichotomy in some Christian traditions. He highlights the centrality of love in Jewish rituals and commandments, portraying them as pathways to cultivate love for God and others. Through examples like the Torah’s command to love the stranger and the ritual practice of gratitude, Rabbi Held illustrates how Jewish thought integrates love into every aspect of life.

The episode also delves into Rabbi Held’s methodology, blending traditional Jewish interpretations with modern academic approaches. He discusses his book’s aim to present Jewish spirituality in an accessible yet deeply reflective way.

For those curious about Hebraic and Jewish thought, this episode provides a compelling perspective on the transformative power of love, the joy of being commanded, and the communal and spiritual dimensions of the Torah’s teachings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Shai Held and His Work
05:18 The Relationship Between Torah and Love
10:06 Methods of Jewish Thought and Love
13:36 Rituals and Their Role in Instilling Love
17:35 The Interplay of Love and Ritual
21:18 Understanding Love in the Context of Divine Love
24:53 Comparing Approaches to Love in Jewish Thought
30:39 The Call to Love in Contemporary Society
36:21 Exploring Jewish Humor and Its Depths
37:19 Influential Works in Biblical Studies
37:46 A Fun Game of Love Songs

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What Do You Want? (Mike Tolliver) Ep 177 Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the final installment of this podcast series on the past, present, and future of the Center for Hebraic Thought! In this episode, hosts Dru Johnson and Mike Tolliver turn their attention to you, the audience, asking for your thoughts, questions, and suggestions as the Center grows and evolves.

We explore exciting possibilities, including new video content for YouTube, packaged resources for community groups and classrooms, and fresh scholarship on topics like the philosophical elements of Moses and Plato, the significance of the Old Testament calendar, and even Hebraic perspectives on modern questions like tattoos.

Join us as we discuss our plans to equip learners, from churchgoers to Bible college students, with meaningful and accessible resources for a lifetime of engaging with Hebraic thought.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:01 More of What We Are Already Doing

04:16 Some New Things For The Center For Hebraic Thought Audience

04:53 More Resources For The Biblical Mind Audience

06:56 Questions We've Never Answered On The Show

08:27 How To Get Us These Questions

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