Bible and Theology Matters: Insightful Conversations with Bible Scholars

In this first part of a two-part conversation, Dr. Paul Weaver speaks with Dr. Lydia McGrew about one of the most important—and controversial—issues facing the evangelical church: genre criticism and its implications for the historical reliability of the Gospels.What happens when we interpret Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John through the lens of literary conventions and Greco-Roman biography? Did the Gospel writers rearrange events or alter historical details for literary purposes? And where is the line between legitimate literary technique and changing what actually happened?In this episode, they discuss:Genre criticism and how it is being applied to the GospelsThe Gospels as Greco-Roman biographies (bioi)Literary devices, authorial intent, and historical accuracyWhether Gospel writers rearranged events or changed detailsThe relationship between genre criticism and biblical inerrancyWhy these questions matter for Gospel reliability and Christian confidence in ScriptureDr. Lydia McGrew is an analytic philosopher specializing in epistemology and the historical reliability of the New Testament. She is the author of Hidden in Plain View, The Mirror or the Mask, The Eye of the Beholder, and Testimonies to the Truth.Watch Part 1 now, and join us for Part 2 as the conversation continues. If you find this discussion helpful, share it with someone who wants to think more deeply about the reliability of the Gospels and the authority of Scripture.Subscribe to Bible & Theology Matters for more conversations about Scripture, theology, apologetics, and the truth of Christianity.Because what you really believe determines how you really behave.

Can Christians trust the Genesis creation account as real history? Does Genesis 1–11 describe actual events, or should these opening chapters of the Bible be understood primarily as theological literature, myth, or symbolism?In this episode of the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast, Dr. Paul Weaver is joined by Dr. Marcus Ross, a paleontologist, geologist, former professor of geology at Liberty University, and a prominent voice in the Young Earth Creationism movement. Together, they explore some of the most important questions surrounding Genesis, creation, Adam and Eve, Noah's Flood, biblical history, and the relationship between Scripture and science.Dr. Ross explains why his commitment to Young Earth Creationism is fundamentally rooted in his interpretation of Scripture and outlines five defining components of the position: a recent creation, six consecutive days of creation, a historical Adam and Eve as the first humans, the cosmic consequences of the Fall, and a global Flood in the days of Noah.The conversation also examines why the historical nature of Genesis matters for the rest of the biblical story. Dr. Ross and Dr. Weaver discuss the literary and theological richness of Genesis 1–11 while arguing that theological purpose does not require abandoning historical reality. They compare Genesis with other ancient Near Eastern creation stories, consider the mytho-historical approach to Genesis, and explore how Jesus, Paul, and the rest of Scripture treat Adam and the creation account.In this episode, you'll discover:What Young Earth Creationism actually teachesThe five key components of a biblical Young Earth Creationist worldviewWhy a scientist can maintain confidence in the authority and reliability of ScriptureWhether Genesis 1–11 is history, theology, myth, or a combination of literary genresWhy Genesis can be both historically grounded and theologically purposefulHow Genesis differs from ancient Near Eastern creation accountsWhy the historicity of Adam and Eve matters for Christian theologyWhat Romans 5, 1 Corinthians 15, Acts 17, and the genealogy of Luke contribute to the discussionHow the first Adam and the "second Adam," Jesus Christ, are connected in the gospelWhy the Fall has consequences that extend beyond Adam and EveWhether Noah's Flood should be understood as global or localHow Jesus connects Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 as part of a unified creation accountWhy the debate over Genesis affects far more than the age of the earthAt the heart of this conversation is a larger question: Is Genesis the historical foundation of the biblical story? From creation and the Fall to sin, redemption, Israel, and ultimately Jesus Christ, the opening chapters of Genesis provide essential context for understanding the rest of Scripture.Whether you are wrestling with questions about creation versus evolution, the age of the earth, biblical inerrancy, Adam and Eve, dinosaurs and fossils, Noah's Flood, or how science and the Bible relate, this conversation offers a thoughtful and engaging exploration of why Genesis still matters.Subscribe to Bible and Theology MattersIf this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who is interested in the Bible, theology, creation, and Christian worldview.The Bible and Theology Matters Podcast exists to help Christians grow in their knowledge of the Word of God and in their relationship with the God of the Word.Because what you really believe determines how you really behave.#YoungEarthCreationism #Genesis #Creation #BiblicalCreation #AdamAndEve #NoahsFlood #BibleAndTheologyMatters #ChristianApologetics #BiblicalWorldview #CreationVsEvolution #BiblicalInerrancy #GenesisHistory #MarcusRoss

Learn how to finish well (or begin well) in ministry as Dr. Danny Akin shares the 10 core convictions that guided his long career. Gain wisdom for your own path. After serving for 22 years as president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Danny Akin delivered a final chapel message that serves as a roadmap for anyone in Christian ministry. This message focuses on the essential principles needed to maintain faithfulness and integrity over a lifetime of service. If you are looking for practical guidance on what it means to finish well, these convictions offer a clear framework for your leadership journey. We explore how your personal theology directly impacts your daily behavior and decision-making. By examining these specific ministry convictions, you can better understand how to align your life with your beliefs and sustain your calling for the long haul. This discussion is essential for pastors, students, and church leaders aiming to build a lasting legacy rooted in biblical truth. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Watch Part 1 to hear more about Dr. Akin's life and Great Commission legacy.🎓 Learn more about studying at Dallas Theological Seminary: https://www.dts.edu 📚 Check out Paul Weaver's biblical archaeology video library: / @bibleandtheologymatters 📖 Get his book Faith Affirming Findings (Kregel)🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Bible and theology, and leave a review to help others find the show.🌐 Learn how to partner with the podcast: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com #FinishWell #ExpositoryPreaching #SoutheasternSeminary #DannyAkin #BibleAndTheologyMatters #DallasTheologicalSeminary #GreatCommission #PastoralMinistry #ChristianPodcast #SeminaryPresidentSubscribe for weekly Bible and theology breakdowns, and comment below with one conviction that has shaped your own walk of faith. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dr. Akin's ministry legacy 02:18 All that matters is to please Jesus 07:28 The importance of a word-driven ministry 13:38 Praying to finish well 16:34 Dealing with disappointment in ministry 19:57 Responding to opposition and misrepresentation 25:39 Lifelong Great Commission passion 31:22 Keeping Christ at the center 36:15 Living in grace and trusting Jesus 41:27 Final encouragement to finish well 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. / @bibleandtheologymatters 🔗 Stay Connected With Dr. Weaver.📘 Facebook (Paul Weaver): / pauldeanweaver 📷 Instagram: / faith_affirming_findings 💼 LinkedIn: / paul-weaver-55070317 🌐 Website: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com/🌐 Website: https://pauldweaver.com/📩 To invite Dr. Weaver to speak at your church or conference, email at: [email protected]

WHAT IS “WOKENESS”—AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE WITH A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW?In this episode of the Bible and Theology Matters podcast, Dr. Paul D. Weaver interviews Dr. Neil Shenvi, author of Postwoke: A Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality, for an in-depth discussion about woke ideology, critical theory, intersectionality, cultural Marxism, and the challenge these ideas present to the Christian worldview. Dr. Neil Shenvi shares his remarkable journey from skepticism to faith in Jesus Christ and explains how the very tools he learned in a class designed to challenge Christianity ultimately helped him see the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. He also discusses the intellectual and personal barriers he had to overcome before taking Christianity seriously. The conversation then turns to the ideas behind contemporary “wokeness.” What does the term “woke” actually mean? Where did it come from? How is it connected to critical theory and neo-Marxism? Dr. Shenvi explains the core concepts of critical theory, including the social binary of oppressors and oppressed, hegemonic power, lived experience, and social justice. The discussion also examines intersectionality and how identity categories such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and physical ability are viewed within contemporary critical theory. Dr. Shenvi explains how these ideas influence culture, education, churches, and the way people understand truth and authority. Dr. Weaver and Dr. Shenvi also discuss the importance of understanding these ideas carefully rather than simply reacting to them. They explore why Christians should examine primary sources, recognize where certain theories may contain elements of truth, and then evaluate those ideas through the lens of Scripture. Finally, Dr. Shenvi explains why he wrote Postwoke as a more accessible follow-up to his earlier work, Critical Dilemma, and how Christians can respond to cultural confusion with truth, wisdom, humility, and grace.🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Bible and Theology Matters for more conversations on biblical truth, theology, apologetics, archaeology, culture, and the reliability of Scripture.📖 TOPICS DISCUSSED:• Neil Shenvi’s journey from skepticism to Christianity • Evidence for the historical resurrection of Jesus• What does “woke” actually mean?• The history of woke ideology• Critical theory and contemporary culture• Cultural Marxism and neo-Marxism • Oppressors and oppressed groups• Hegemonic power and lived experience • Intersectionality explained• Critical race theory and Christianity• Race as a social construct • Gender, culture, and social customs• The “oppression Olympics”• The importance of primary sources • How Christians should respond to cultural issues• A biblical vision of race, gender, and sexuality📚 BOOK DISCUSSED: Postwoke: A Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality by Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer🎙️ HOST: Dr. Paul D. Weaver #NeilShenvi #Postwoke #CriticalTheory #CriticalRaceTheory #Intersectionality #Wokeness #ChristianApologetics #Christianity #BiblicalWorldview #CulturalMarxism #Marxism #BibleAndTheologyMatters🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@BibleandTheologyMatters/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Dr. Weaver.📘 Facebook (Paul Weaver): https://www.facebook.com/PaulDeanWeaver📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_affirming_findings/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-weaver-55070317/🌐 Website: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com/🌐 Website: https://pauldweaver.com/📩 To invite Dr. Weaver to speak at your church or conference, email at: [email protected] =============================🎬Suggested videos for you: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jf0c4cjxe0 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJQDvGEdW-0 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBQODoZ2jGs ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiM-yxQOm4g ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcbFmrcsyvE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48NFw4RfrJ8 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kl7XTzluDE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRQvs89mXTc ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQEBTDfoaWA ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBy3-egeiu4