Understanding the Bible with John Odhner

In this episode, Pearse interviews the Rev. John Odhner, host of WhatTheBibleSays.info, about the Old and New Testaments. John emphasizes the importance of letting the Bible interpret itself, revealing a deeper meaning contained in the literal text. So is Biblical interpretation a postmodern free-for-all? John assures us that it is not. The Scriptures contain guidelines for us as we try to understand the Lord's messages in the often-confusing stories and sayings. So what are these messages?

Understanding the Bible with John Odhner

Bible Study with Jonathan Rose

In this episode, Todd and Pearse interview the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Rose about the Bible study he holds every week. Jonathan describes how his approach to reading the Bible has evolved, through personal study and his interactions with the Church of Truth. How to deal with non-canonical books, for example? He discusses ways the Heavenly Doctrines have informed his studies and vice versa, and he offers listeners some guidelines for their own studies.

Bible Study with Jonathan Rose

Emergent Christianity with Mac

In this episode, we hear from Glenn "Mac" Frazier, pastor of New Way Church in Austin, about the Emergent Christian movement. Mac takes a shot at describing the movement: a post-modern, authentic approach to ritual and religion. While the Emergent movement is not easily defined, it represents an exciting, diverse new corner of Christianity--the antithesis, in many ways, of the megachurch. How can the New Church learn from or reach out to Emergents?

Emergent Christianity with Mac

Biblical Hebrew with Scott

Schools out, so we get a chance to talk to Scott Frazier, about teaching Hebrew and reading the Word. We start by talking about teaching theories and strategies, including contracts and making sure no student is left behind. We also discuss the limitations of translation, as well as how much we are all dependent on someone else's interpretation of the Word, the translator. We can't all be Hebrew scholars, so how much information should we have to at least have some perspective and humility?

Biblical Hebrew with Scott

Reading the Word with Mac

We talk with Glenn "Mac" Frazier of New Way Church in Austin about reading the Word. We discuss ways of approaching reading the Word, including the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, and recommend taking one story or small work at a time. We talk about genuine truth, apparent truth, and how to see a deeper meaning in the Bible. What do you believe are some of the core, essential truths that help unlock the rest of the Word's deeper meaning?

Reading the Word with Mac