Iron and Myth: The Sons of God in Genesis 6 – Sethites and Dynastic Kings Debunked

A DEBATE over the nature and identity of a shadowy group mentioned in the Book of Genesis has divided Christian theologians for the last 1,600 years.

This month, our Iron and Myth roundtable discusses the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:1–4. Were they divine beings or humans?

And if they were just flesh and blood, how did their unions with “daughters of men” result in the Nephilim (which we’ll discuss next month)?

Joining Derek Gilbert to hash this out are Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic.

Our discussion explores the interpretation of the phrase ‘sons of God’ in Genesis 6 and its implications in the Old and New Testaments.

We delve into the Sethite view, the dynastic king view, and the supernatural view, examining the historical and linguistic context of the phrase.

The Septuagint’s role in clarifying the supernatural elements is also highlighted.

We also address the fear of mythology and selective theology based on personal bias.

The conversation also explores the divine right of kings, the nature of the angel of the Lord, the concept of the Nephilim, the cultural context of ancient beliefs, and the danger of interpreting ancient scriptures while projecting modern values onto the past.

Watch or listen here

Iron and Myth Podcast: Psalm 82 – Gods or Human Judges?

When are gods not gods? When they’re rebranded as human judges or rulers to avoid uncomfortable theological implications.

Derek Gilbert, hosts. Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, and Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, discuss a Hebrew phrase in Genesis 6:2 that has led to a lot of theological discussion over the last 1,700 years.

Are the bene ha-elohim (“sons of God”) angelic beings or is that simply a term that refers to human rulers who allowed themselves to be corrupted.

Psalm 82 reads like a courtroom scene in heaven if one accepts the supernatural interpretation of “sons of God” or “sons of the Most High.”

However, because Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6 (“I said, ‘You are gods’”) in John 10:34, responding to a group of Jews who wanted to stone him for claiming to be divine, there are those who argue that Psalm 82 does not refer to supernatural beings.

We discuss Jesus’s use of Psalm 82 in John 10; in a nutshell, he would not have claimed to be divine (“I and the Father are one” – John 10:30) and then immediately said, in effect, “But it’s OK because you’re all gods, too.”

Watch or listen here

Iron and Myth – Psalm 29 – What does Baal have to do with Yahweh anyway?

The Psalms are often polemics directed at the gods of the pagan nations around Israel. Case in point is the subject of this month’s Iron and Myth roundtable, Psalm 29.

Host Derek Gilbert, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the new novel Cruel Logic, and Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, discuss Psalm 29 and its interpretation from a divine counsel perspective.

We explore the translation of the Hebrew phrase bene elim as “sons of God” and its connection to the divine council (Psalm 82:1).

We also discuss the similarities between Psalm 29 and Canaanite poetry about Baal, suggesting that the psalm may be a subversive polemic against Baal worship.

We also highlight the geographical references in the psalm and their significance in relation to the storm-god language. It’s important to recognize these similarities and understand the cultural context of the biblical world.

Not only did the Hebrew prophets and psalmists take direct aim at the gods of their pagan neighbors, their writings reveal Christ in the Old Testament.

Watch or listen on YouTube here.

 

Iron and Myth Podcast: The Gods of War in the War of Gods

Some of the most epic stories from the ancient world deal with the wars of the gods.

It’s not a coincidence that one of the most commonly used titles for God in the Bible is “Lord of hosts,” which literally means “Yahweh of armies.”

Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the new novel Cruel Logic, get together with Derek Gilbert to discuss warrior gods of the ancient world like Ares/Mars, Inanna/Ishtar, Baal/Zeus/Jupiter, and the violent old gods the Titans, and how their motives differ from those of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

We also talk about how we Christians, believing in a loving God who’s willing to forgive those who repent and accept Him as Lord, can reconcile the image of Jesus as the suffering servant with the depiction of Yahweh the warrior.

Watch or listen here.

God’s Comic Brad Stine Interviews Brian Godawa on Conversion, Hollywood and Nephilim


I was on Brad Stine’s podcast to talk about my conversion to Christianity, my Hollywood screenwriting and my wildly successful Nephilim novels.

Brad is an interesting guy. I actually met him many years ago when he first started out. I did the graphic design for some of his marketing when he was with Clean Comedians.

My interview starts at 14:53.

Watch or listen here.

At the Table Podcast: From Hollywood to Biblical Novels to Philosophical Serial Killers

 

This was an interesting interview.

I talked to the guys on At the Table Podcast about my origins in Hollywood and how that lead to becoming a best-selling author of Bible novels!

Then we talked about my newest novel, a theological thriller called Cruel Logic: The Philosopher Killer.

Sit back and enjoy this fun discussion. I did.

Listen on Spotify here

Listen on Apple Podcasts here

 

Iron and Myth 24 – Tis the Season to Talk About Giants

Studying topics like giants, gods, and dragons in the Bible is important.

But does focusing on these subjects detracts from the message of love, grace, and salvation in Jesus Christ?

Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the new novel Cruel Logic, Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, and Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, join us to discuss the significance of geographic locations and religious context in biblical events with Derek Gilbert on A View From the Bunker.

Jesus himself waged war with demons, principalities and powers who rebelled against their Creator. We need a comprehensive theology that includes historical, cultural, and biblical knowledge. Without it, we cannot recognize or understand the devices of the enemy.

As our good friend the late Dr. Michael Heiser used to say, “If it’s in the Bible and it’s weird, it’s probably important.”

Watch or listen here

One of the most Notorious Villains in the Bible

One of the most notorious characters in the Bible, and all of history, is a man about which we know almost nothing.

Nimrod is blamed for the Tower of Babel and the occult wickedness of Babylon.

Some identify Nimrod as the Sumerian king Enmerkar, some as Sargon the Great of Akkad, others as the mythical hero of Uruk, Gilgamesh.

How much do we really know about Nimrod? Is there any connection to Semiramis, Tammuz, and Christmas?

Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the new novel Cruel Logic join us for our monthly round table to discuss the man, the myth, the legend—Nimrod.

WATCH OR LISTEN HERE.

Giant Steps Podcast: All About Nephilim, Bible Novels and Hollywood

Here is what my interviewer, Doug Van Dorn wrote about this interview:

Acclaimed Author/Novelist/Script Writer Brian Godawa takes us into the heart and soul of his work.

With a vast and wildly popular catalog of writings that span everything from fiction book series to Hollywood films, Brian shares with us, everything from where he draws inspiration to how he manages his writing process.

A must-listen for fans of his work and for those who wish to discover new and quality, reality-based fictional literature!

 

WATCH OR LISTEN HERE