"Just read your Bible!" The person exclaims during a discussion. But their assumption is the lens through which they've been taught to read the Bible is the way someone just picking up the Bible will read it. When someone picks up the Bible, they engage with ancient writings originally written in another language, in another culture, in another land long ago. This is not a book that someone can simply pick up and receive "Holy Ghost downloads" and understand what the writers are saying. Michael, Jim, and Loren take a look at this rich and challenging book.

The doctrine of the Trinity is a beautiful way of describing the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one Godhead. Sadly, some sects of Christianity have divided God into three separate persons, each with a distinct personality, in order to justify and embrace Janus-faced violent God images and teachings that contradict the Father as revealed in the Son. Michael, Jim, and Loren discuss how our view of the Trinity impacts how we relate to others.

There are large portions of Christianity that cling to the importance of the Bible and elevate the teaching of scripture while at the same denouncing any in-depth study of it. They're locked into their hermeneutics and interpretation of the Bible regardless of what evidence points to the contrary. Intellectuals who learn the original languages and study the culture, history, and sciences to understand the scriptures better are viewed with contempt if their research leads them to conclusions that differ from what has always been taught in those circles. Michael, Loren, and Jim (who joined late due to connectivity issues) examine this cherished anti-intellectualism that portions of Christianity have embraced.

Anti-intellectualism is dominating much of Christianity. Sadly, it is widespread in charismatic/Pentecostal circles. But that's not to say that these believers don't have something valuable to contribute to the body of Christ. As charismatics (but without the crazy, as Dr. Stephen Crosby puts it), Jim and Loren share their journeys from anti-intellectualism to embracing the scholarly work of teachers in the body of Christ.

What were you taught about history as it relates to the Bible? Many believers have misconceptions about the history surrounding the Bible times and the church. Jim wasn't able to join in on this one so Michael and Loren dared to continue in his absence and discussed the Bible through a historical lens.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies. This is not some side teaching, but the heartbeat of what it means to follow Jesus. Here in the US, we tend to think of loving our enemies as loving that person who rubs me the wrong way. But that's only scratching the surface. It also means loving my political opponents, the enemies of my country, and the people groups I despise. In this episode, Michael, Jim, and Loren get personal and share their challenges living this.

Last podcast we began a fascinating debate between Mark Karris and Thomas Jay Oord on free-will or determinism. This week things really get interesting as our guests examine how these play into desire and our relationship with God.

Is there such a thing as free will? Some would argue yes while others say no. Mark Karris and Thomas Jay Oord join us today for a fascinating debate on the topic of free will.