This episode finds Ronn and Mike discussing Genesis 6-9, which begins with that odd story of the “sons of god” producing nephilim through human women (6:1-4). They agree with early Christian and Jewish tradition in viewing this story as an intense divine rebellion which led to God’s decision to destroy the world with a flood. They consider what this account might mean to the larger narrative of the Bible, admitting in the end that we are left with many unanswered questions. Their conversation...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike review the place of Genesis 5 in the early story of the Bible. They suspect that this list of fathers and sons was formatted to suit a literary purpose as well as to recognize that a line of Yahweh-worshippers could be identified between Adam and Noah. Enoch is noted as among these righteous men, mysteriously disappearing off the earth after faithfully walking with his God. At the conclusion of this episode they introduce the pivotal narrative which took place...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the events described in Genesis 4. They challenge the popular notion that God was frustrated with Cain's vegetable offering, suspecting that something much more ominous was at stake. After surveying the story of Cain and his expanding family, they recommend that the last verse of the chapter offers the necessary clue for understanding the chapter as a whole—where we hear that Yahweh-worship eventually returned to Adam's family through Enosh, the son of...

In this episode, hosts Rich and Mel share personal anecdotes about their relationship with Dr. Michael Heiser, and reminisce on how they first met. They then delve into their shared passion and vision of integrating Dr. Heiser's teachings with the core message of the Gospel. Together, they aim to foster discipleship and inspire listeners to embark on their own transformative journey.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...