Theology

The Bible and Mesopotamian Myth: Iron and Myth podcast

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Skeptics often claim that the Hebrew Bible must have been copied from older Mesopotamian texts.

Frankly, this is lazy thinking by people looking for excuses not to deal with God.

Our Iron and Myth crew joins us to discuss the relationship between the Bible and Mesopotamian religion: Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of Chronicles of the Nephilim, Chronicles of the Watchers, the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and a forthcoming novel based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea. Sadly, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net) was unable to join us this month.

We discuss the parallels between creation stories from different cultures, including Mesopotamian and Mesoamerican myths, and the implications of these similarities for understanding the Bible.

We dig into the nature of myth and history, the importance of context in biblical interpretation, and the need for a nuanced approach to understanding ancient texts.

There is an intricate relationship between myth and history, particularly in the context of biblical narratives.

It’s important to understand ancient texts through the lens of genre and cultural context, and at the end of the day the Bible’s authority does not negate the value of other literature.

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Gods of Greece in the Bible: Iron and Myth Podcast

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The Iron and Myth crew discuss the intricate relationship between Greek mythology and biblical narratives, particularly focusing on the influence of Greco-Roman religion on Jewish thought, and the significance of the Abomination of Desolation (Dan. 9:27, 11:31, 12:11; Matt. 24:15).

We also explore the role of demigods and the Rephaim in ancient beliefs, the reality of ancient deities, and how the New Testament engages with Greek mythology.

Doug highlights subversive storytelling in the Book of Acts, undermining Greek stories about the gods Zeus and Hermes.

And we discuss the influence of ancient oracles on early Christianity; specifically, how the spread of the gospel silenced the oracles of Apollo, which provoked the most intense persecution of Christians in the history of the Roman Empire.

Finally, we discuss the significance of the Septuagint and how it provides insights into biblical texts that may have been lost in translation, emphasizing the supernatural elements present in the Bible.

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

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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.

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

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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.

 

Are there spiritual portals linked to locations? Iron and Myth podcast discussion

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DO PLACES EXIST where the veil between this world and the next is thinner—namely, portals?

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, and join Derek Gilbert to discuss the concept of portals.

From Mount Hermon to the Tower of Babel to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, a belief in portals between the supernatural and human realms is ancient and widespread.

Do portals actually exist? Can our entertainment choices open us up to spiritual influences?

This would all be an intellectual exercise if Jesus hadn’t specifically chosen to declare his divinity at Caesarea Philippi, a location widely believed to be a portal in the ancient world.

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

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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.”

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Sorcery in the Bible and Our World – Iron and Myth Podcast # 22

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GOD WAS very clear when He told Moses that sorcery was absolutely forbidden. Would He have bothered to mention it if it was make-believe?

Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), 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 their monthly round table to discuss witches, warlocks, and the forbidden practice of spell-casting.

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THIS Is How We BEAT Hollywood and its Wokeness

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If you’ve been bothered by how woke Hollywood has gotten, then don’t miss this discussion! In this video I chat with Hollywood filmmaker and author Brian Godawa, author of the brand new novel: Cruel Logic.

We chat about how Christians can tell better stories, whether or not sex and violence are appropriate in films, and Christians can get movies made in today’s anti-Christian culture. Check it out 🙂

Watch or Listen Here.