The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

In this episode, Ronn and Mike return to Genesis 2 & 3 and ponder some of the specific stories related to the Garden of Eden. What did the two trees mean, or represent? How was Eve "made," and what was her relationship to Adam? Who or what was the serpent? Even more importantly, what was the temptation that the serpent presented to the human pair? Was it to become like Yahweh, or to become a divine being, even like the snake himself?

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, Ronn and Mike interview Dr. Matthew Bates, author of Why the Gospel? Living the Good News of King Jesus with Purpose (Christianity Today's 2024 book award winner in the category of Popular Theology). Their conversation surveys the narrative nature of the gospel story, the meaning of divine kingship in the first century, and the modern implications of living under Jesus' sovereignty. In the end, Bates sees the gospel as much more than the forgiveness of sins. He believes that being a Christian includes both an intentional confession of Jesus as King and a commitment of allegiance to this King. Get the book here: Why the Gospel? Living the Good News of King Jesus with Purpose

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu discuss the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. They debate the possible options presented by the serpent to Eve: was the temptation to become like "God," or to become like himself, an elohim? And what did it mean for Adam and Eve to fear their "nakedness" when Yahweh entered the garden? The curses upon the snake, Eve, and Adam are lastly considered, specifically the famous "proto-gospel" passage of 3:15 which finds the seed of the woman crushing the head of the serpent. Could this "seed" be referring to Jesus?

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu discuss the creation account of humanity and the implications of being made to be like/as divine beings (the "us" of Genesis 1:26). They "test drive" the possibility that Genesis 1 and 2 offer separate creation accounts, with Adam and Eve being formed and placed into a garden after an existing world had been populated with many plants, animals, and humans. The benefit of this option, as they understand it, is the later narrative of Genesis 4, where Cain appears to enter a populated world after his murder of Abel. Ronn refers to a recent book by S. Joshua Swamidass ("The Genealogical Adam and Eve") which gives scientific support to the idea that a historical Adam and Eve provide the genealogical ancestry for the entire human race. The Genealogical Adam and Eve: The Surprising Science of Universal Ancestry by S. Joshua Swamidass

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu introduce two friends who will be contributing to upcoming shows. Rich Baker and Mel were close followers and friends of Dr. Heiser and his ministry, and their goal will be to interview people from various cultures who have been impacted by Mike's work. They will enjoy recounting where a divine council worldview has been introduced into local ministries and how it has made a difference. Because the seduction of other gods is still very real in our modern world, understanding what it means to worship Yahweh and his Son Jesus has never been more crucial. The speakers express gratitude for the opportunity to connect with each other and witness this unique work in bringing people together for the sake of Christ.

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu discuss the concept of the Divine Council worldview and its relevance to the study of Genesis 1. They explore the translation and meaning of the Hebrew word elohim, which is often translated as 'God' in English. They also discuss the plural use of elohim and the importance of reading non-evangelical scholarship to gain a broader understanding of the biblical text. The episode concludes with a discussion on the interpretation of the days of creation in Genesis 1, as well as the significance of the phrase 'let us make man in our image.

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu introduce themselves and discuss their background in theology. They explain that their goal is to move the discussion of a divine council worldview forward and provide a fresh perspective on the Bible. They also discuss their personal journeys to faith and how they became interested in the divine council worldview. The episode concludes with a discussion on the definition of a divine council worldview and its key principles. In this conversation, Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu discuss various aspects of the Divine Council worldview. They explore the idea that the gospel is about loyalty to Jesus and God, and how believers can become divine in the next age. They also touch on the role of gods in the next world and the concepts of theosis and glorification. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the topics often discussed within a Divine Council worldview and the plan to explore Genesis in future episodes.