The Biblical Mind

Can International Politics Be ‘Biblical’? Laws, Nations, & Ordered Loves (Robert Joustra) Ep. #262

Dr. Robert Joustra joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to explore one of the most neglected questions in Christian ethics: What does the Bible have to say about international politics? Beginning with difficult questions like the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Joustra argues that Christians need more than political pragmatism—they need a distinctly biblical framework for thinking about war, diplomacy, justice, nationalism, and global responsibility.Drawing from the theological tradition of Augustine, Calvin, and Abraham Kuyper, Joustra explains how concepts like just war theory, ordered loves, sphere sovereignty, and the common good help Christians navigate today's geopolitical challenges. The conversation examines whether Scripture speaks to foreign policy, how the prophets shape our understanding of nations, and why political power must always remain penultimate to the kingship of Christ.The discussion also engages contemporary debates surrounding nationalism, empire, immigration, religious identity, and the American political experiment, offering a thoughtful Christian response to the complexities of modern international relations.Whether you're interested in biblical theology, political philosophy, Christian ethics, or global affairs, this episode provides a rich introduction to thinking faithfully about the nations, justice, and the role of Christians in an increasingly interconnected world. Order Dr. Joustra's new book: (Click Here)We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://thebiblicalmind.org/give/For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/Social Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThoughtInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthoughtThreads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthoughtX: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThoughtBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.orgChapters:00:00 Introduction to Robert Joustra and his book01:52 The significance of 40-minute podcasts for engagement03:55 Joustra's background and the genesis of his book07:13 The impact of 9/11 on Christian political thought09:57 The biblical basis for justice and international relations14:59 The influence of Neo-Calvinism and the tradition of Kuyper and Calvin19:54 The relationship between land, language, and culture in identity24:53 Empire versus nation: Hazony's perspective and Joustra's critique30:06 The importance of rightly ordered loves in politics35:14 The role of scripture, prophets, and realism in international relations40:07 The American experiment and its unique identity44:45 The significance of geography and land in national identity50:00 The future of nations and the importance of proximate goodsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reconstructing Deconstruction: It Doesn't Have to Be This Way (Joel Wentz) Ep. #261

Faith deconstruction has become one of the defining conversations in modern Christianity—but what does it actually mean to deconstruct your faith? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson sits down with pastor, YouTuber, and book reviewer Joel Wentz to explore why so many Christians are questioning their beliefs and how those questions can lead to deeper spiritual maturity rather than cynicism.Drawing from his own experience growing up in evangelical Christianity, Joel shares how wrestling with doctrines like hell, eschatology, and biblical interpretation led him through a season of deconstruction before discovering a richer understanding of historic Christian faith. Together, Dru and Joel discuss the difference between sincere faith exploration and tearing down beliefs for their own sake, the role of church culture and church hurt, why asking difficult questions is deeply biblical, and how the Nicene Creed and church history provide stability amid uncertainty.The conversation also explores theological humility, the importance of Christian tradition, the dangers of intellectual arrogance, and how pastors, churches, and Christian communities can create safe spaces for honest questions without abandoning biblical orthodoxy.Whether you're personally deconstructing your faith, walking alongside someone who is, or simply want to understand one of today's most important conversations in Christianity, this episode offers thoughtful, compassionate, and biblically grounded wisdom.Visit Joel's youtube channel (Click Here), or his Patreon (Click Here)Contact us at The Biblical Mind: Click HereWe are listener supported. Give to the cause here:https://thebiblicalmind.org/give/For more articles:https://thebiblicalmind.org/Social Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThoughtInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthoughtThreads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthoughtX: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThoughtBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.orgChapters:00:00 Introduction to Deconstruction and Faith04:56 Different Understandings of Deconstruction06:03 Interrogating Inherited Beliefs Without Negativity08:16 Biblical Questions and Cultural Fears09:39 The Skeptical Mood of Scripture10:53 Questioning in the Bible: Examples from Scripture12:26 Personal Stories of Faith and Questioning16:30 Deconstruction of Eschatology and Hope19:11 The Compelling Vision of the Renewed Earth21:24 The Impact of Eschatology on Personal Hope23:42 Starting the YouTube Journey During COVID25:03 Sharing Faith and Books Online27:24 Encouraging Questions and Faith in Community28:51 Balancing Questions and Faithful Answers30:38 The Dangers of Going to Foundations Without Humility31:48 The Role of Sincerity and Humility in Deconstruction33:10 The Pool Analogy: Standing in the Water34:41 Rich Christian Thought on Deconstruction Questions36:24 Historical Answers to Faith Questions38:31 Healing Through Confession and Love40:30 Trust and Gentle Care in Discipleship42:00 The Continuum of Beliefs and Non-negotiables44:32 The Nicene Creed and Core Doctrines45:58 Evolving Views on Doctrine of Hell49:00 The Journey from Open Theism to Classical Theism52:31 The Impact of Doctrine on Prayer and Spiritual Life55:09 The Richness of Christian Thought and TraditionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reimagining Biblical Politics: A New Podcast (Michael Rhodes, Marshall Teague) Ep. #256

What does the Bible actually say about politics, and how should Christians engage public life in an age of division and polarization? In this inaugural episode of Reimagining Biblical Politics, biblical scholar Michael Rhodes joins co-host Marshall Teague to explore the foundational claim at the heart of Scripture: God reigns. Rather than offering partisan talking points or commentary on current political controversies, Rhodes argues that the Bible presents a rich and often-overlooked vision of political discipleship rooted in the kingdom of God. Drawing from his experiences living and serving in economically marginalized communities in Memphis, Nairobi, and Auckland, Rhodes explains how questions of justice, poverty, public life, and community inevitably led him to reconsider the relationship between faith and politics. The conversation introduces key themes from his book, Reimagining Biblical Politics, including the distinction between "outpost politics"—how God's people live together as citizens of God's kingdom—and "pilgrim politics"—how Christians engage the broader society around them. Listeners will discover why the language of kingdom, gospel, peace, and savior was deeply political in the biblical world, why Scripture offers far more than a few isolated verses on government, and how a renewed understanding of biblical politics can help Christians faithfully navigate public life today. Listen to more of Reimagining Biblical Politics (Click Here) 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    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are we Doomed to Lonely and Isolated Lives? No. (Alan Noble) Ep. #255

What does it mean to truly live well in an age of loneliness, distraction, and endless self-improvement advice? In this episode, Dru Johnson sits down with Alan Noble to discuss his new book on the seven Christian virtues and why recovering ancient wisdom may be the key to human flourishing today. Together they explore how virtues such as courage, temperance, prudence, justice, faith, hope, and love shape a life rooted in Christ rather than in modern self-help culture. The conversation examines the growing loneliness epidemic, the difference between "thin" online communities and meaningful relationships, and why many young adults struggle with agency, friendship, dating, and purpose. Noble argues that virtue is not a life hack or productivity technique but a lifelong process of spiritual formation empowered by the Holy Spirit and cultivated within Christian community. Dru and Alan also tackle the relationship between faith and works, discuss mentorship and the loss of intergenerational wisdom, and explore why courage may be one of the most important virtues for our cultural moment. From social media and smartphone habits to friendship and discipleship, this episode offers practical and theological insights for Christians seeking to live faithfully in a fragmented world. Order Alan Noble's latest book, To Live Well, here: https://www.ivpress.com/to-live-well? 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 Points of Resistance and Challenges in Teaching Virtues 02:40 Virtues as Pathways to Live Well in Christian Life 04:02 Grace, Works, and Righteousness in Christian Practice 05:25 Community and the Need for Thick, Committed Groups 08:33 The Problem of Thin Communities and Society's Disconnection 10:30 The Role of Wisdom and Mentorship Across Generations 13:25 The Importance of Affirmation and Love in Community 15:17 Healthy Groups and the Balance of Affirmation and Correction 16:59 Scriptural Foundations for Virtues and Character Traits 18:19 The Significance of Courage and Temperance for Young Adults 26:32 Understanding Courage in the Context of Inhibition and Risk 32:53 Practical Steps to Cultivate Virtues and Live Well 39:24 Starting the Journey Toward Virtue and Reflection 40:32 The Role of Prayer and the Holy Spirit in Virtue Formation 43:05 Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Helping Still Hurts (Brian Fikkert) Ep. #254

In this episode, Dru Johnson interviews Dr. Brian Fikkert about poverty, charity, economic development, and the role of the church in helping vulnerable communities flourish. Drawing from decades of experience in poverty alleviation and Christian mission, Fikkert explains why many well-intentioned efforts to help the poor can unintentionally create dependency, undermine dignity, and fail to address the deeper relational causes of poverty. The conversation explores key themes from When Helping Hurts, including the difference between relief, rehabilitation, and development, as well as how churches and nonprofits can better serve communities both locally and globally. Fikkert also discusses the spiritual dimensions of poverty, the importance of restoring human dignity, and why effective compassion requires long-term relationships rather than quick fixes. This episode is essential listening for Christians, pastors, missionaries, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in biblical justice, economic development, and sustainable poverty alleviation. If you care about faith, generosity, missions, and helping people in ways that truly empower them, this conversation with Brian Fikkert offers practical wisdom and a deeply biblical framework for serving others well. To learn more about Dr. Fikkert's work at the Chalmers Center Click Here.    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 Poverty: A New Perspective 03:01 The Role of Relationships in Alleviating Poverty 06:08 The Complexity of Helping: Individual vs. Systemic Issues 08:46 Practical Approaches to Helping the Poor 11:49 The Gospel's Role in Poverty Alleviation 14:53 Building Trust and Relationships with the Poor 23:17 The Long Arc of Love 24:06 Different Callings to Serve the Poor 25:41 The Importance of Messy Relationships 26:51 Supporting Effective Ministries 28:37 Understanding Structural Injustice 30:10 The Individualistic Nature of American Christianity 31:58 Advancing the Conversation on Helping 34:22 The Right Story of Human Flourishing 35:27 The Flaws of the American Dream 38:40 Returning to Our True Habitat 41:06 The Work of the Chalmers Center    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.