What does it mean that faith is Gods work rather than human achievement? In this thought-provoking episode, father-daughter duo Lutheran theologians Paul Hinlicky and Sarah Hinlicky Wilson tackle a listener's question about the nature of faith and Gods work in our spiritual lives. They explore how Gods work manifests in gifting us faith while still crediting Abraham's faith as righteousness, addressing the seeming paradox between divine initiative and human response. The conversation delves deep...
Jul 01, 2025•27 min•Season 8Ep. 154
Why Doesn't the Gospel of Mark Include Any Resurrection Eye Witness Accounts Like the Other Gospels? Why doesn't the Gospel of Mark contain any resurrection eye witness accounts when the other three gospels do? This question about the gospel of mark resurrection eye witness problem has fascinated biblical scholars for generations. In this episode, New Testament professor Kristofer Phan Coffman from Luther Seminary tackles this complex issue, explaining why Mark - considered the oldest and potent...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min•Season 8Ep. 153
The Hidden Agenda Behind How We've Been Reading Hebrews All Wrong. Can you read the Book of Hebrews without displacing the Jews? This crucial question gets to the heart of how Christians interpret one of the New Testament's most challenging books. In this episode, New Testament scholar Craig Koester explains why centuries of interpretation have wrongly positioned Hebrews as anti-Jewish, tracing this problematic reading back to John Chrysostom's 4th-century commentary. Koester, author of the Anch...
Jun 17, 2025•26 min•Season 8Ep. 152
Why does Joseph's lineage in Matthew 1 matter if Joseph wasn't Jesus' biological father? Professor Diane Jacobson reveals how this apparent contradiction actually unlocks the key message of Matthew's Gospel. Through adoption, Jesus becomes the son of David, demonstrating that God's family extends far beyond bloodlines to include all who are claimed and named as God's own. The Joseph lineage Bible passage also features five remarkable women - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary - whose storie...
Jun 10, 2025•26 min•Season 8Ep. 151
What's the difference between biblical infallibility and inerrancy, and does it matter for your faith? Join hosts Rev. Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston as they welcome PhD candidate Bridget Jack Jeffries to explore this crucial theological distinction. Many Christians struggle with apparent contradictions in Scripture and wonder if they can still trust the Bible's authority. This episode provides clarity on biblical infallibility as an alternative to strict inerrancy, showing h...
Jun 03, 2025•30 min•Season 8Ep. 150
Can women be pastors? This question continues to divide Christian communities, with faithful believers reaching different conclusions based on their interpretation of Scripture. In this episode, we welcome Bridget Jack Jeffries, a PhD candidate at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, to explore both complementarian and egalitarian perspectives on women's ordination. We examine key biblical passages including 1 Timothy 2:12, which seems to restrict women's teaching authority, alongside compelling...
May 27, 2025•35 min•Season 8Ep. 149
In this engaging episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Rev. Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston welcome biblical scholar Dr. Cory Driver to tackle listener questions about understanding biblical prophecy. The conversation explores the historical context and theological significance of Amos's bold critique of the wealthy northern kingdom, Micah's geographically diverse preaching locations, and the complex role of Job's friends in biblical wisdom literature. Dr. Driver provides fascinat...
May 20, 2025•39 min•Season 8Ep. 148
What does the Bible say about God and life on other planets? In this thought-provoking episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker welcome theologian Dr. Alan Padgett to explore this cosmic question. While the Bible doesn't specifically mention planets as we understand them today, Dr. Padgett explains how the biblical affirmation of God as Creator of everything provides a theological framework that can accommodate the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The conv...
May 13, 2025•32 min•Season 8Ep. 147
Welcome to Season 8 of the Enter the Bible podcast! In our premiere episode, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston welcome back Professor Alan Padgett from Luther Seminary to tackle a challenging question from a listener: "Is believing in God or Jesus like having an imaginary friend?" Professor Padgett offers a thoughtful exploration of the philosophical foundations of belief in God, addressing skeptical perspectives while providing insights into the rationality of faith. Whether you'r...
May 06, 2025•28 min•Season 8Ep. 146
In this episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker engage with retired Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology and Chair of the Biblical Studies Department at Princeton Theological Seminary, Dennis T. Olson to explore the significance of the Sabbath commandment for Christian believers. In our season seven finale, we explore the rich meaning of Sabbath rest—its roots, its connection to Jesus’ life, and its relevance today. From the shift t...
Dec 17, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 145
In this episode of the Enter the Bible Podcast, we tackle a listener-submitted question that explores the complex relationship between early Christianity and Jewish identity. Drawing from Paul's writings and the historical context of the early church, we uncover the tensions and unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. Learn how faith practices can foster joy and community, the significance of humility for Gentile Christians, and how Ephesians 2 calls for breaking down barriers. Join hosts Re...
Dec 10, 2024•17 min•Season 7Ep. 144
In this episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker are joined by Professor Mary Hinkle Shore to explore the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:12. Together, they unpack the powerful imagery of "seeing through a mirror dimly" and its connection to love, community, and navigating a world of imperfect understanding. Tune in for a conversation filled with: - Insights into the depth of God's love - The importance of humility in faith - Practical wisdom for engaging across di...
Dec 03, 2024•27 min•Season 7Ep. 143
In this episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker welcome Professor Diane Jacobson to discuss one of the Bible’s most complex and compelling books: Job. Together, they explore: The profound questions raised by God's whirlwind speeches. The nature of suffering and its relationship to faith. Job’s restoration and its implications for understanding divine justice. This conversation offers rich theological insights and challenges listeners to wrestle with the text, ...
Nov 26, 2024•24 min•Season 7Ep. 142
Join the Enter the Bible podcast with hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker as they sit down with Luther Seminary Professor of New Testament Matthew L. Skinner to tackle the question: Was Paul the real founder of Christianity? Explore how Paul’s writings shaped the early church, his focus on the cross and resurrection, and his revolutionary views on community, gender, and the gospel. Discover the cosmic scope of his theology and how Jesus profoundly influenced his mission. This convers...
Nov 20, 2024•33 min•Season 7Ep. 141
In this episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston are joined by Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, Kristofer Phan Coffman, to explore the question: Does anyone sit at God’s left hand? Together, they examine the biblical and cultural symbolism of the right and left hands, with insights from figures like Martin Luther and the Midrash. Discover how these seating positions convey power and presence in scripture. Do you have Bible qu...
Nov 12, 2024•19 min•Season 7Ep. 140
In the latest episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker sit down with Luther Seminary Professor and Olin and Amanda Fjelstad Registad Chair for Systematic Theology, Lois Malcolm to tackle the challenging themes of human and demonic evil. Together, they unpack the crucial distinctions between these two forms of evil, examining how human choices impact our moral compass and how forgiveness plays a vital role in breaking the chains of evil. Through a po...
Nov 05, 2024•23 min•Season 7Ep. 139
In our 138th episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston explore a listener's question regarding the biblical practice of anointing with blood and its potential connection to current events, specifically an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. They delve into the practice's scriptural context, discussing its origins in the ordination of priests and the significance of blood in ancient rituals. The conversation highlights the dangers of misinterpretin...
Oct 29, 2024•31 min•Season 7Ep. 138
In this episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston are joined by Professor Lois Malcolm, the Olin and Amanda Fjelstad Reigstad Chair of Systematic Theology at Luther Seminary. Together, they dive into the complexities of salvation, forgiveness, and repentance in the Christian faith. They discuss whether salvation can be lost, the unconditional nature of God's grace, and how faith transforms lives. The conversation explores the balance between God's justice and me...
Oct 22, 2024•33 min•Season 7Ep. 137
In this thought-provoking episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston sit down with Professor of Systematic Theology and The Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary Chair of Theology of Luther Seminary, Dr. Alan Padgett, to delve into the theological significance of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden. Together, they unpack the symbolism behind the trees, the complex nature of good and evil, and the profound impact of Adam a...
Oct 15, 2024•35 min•Season 7Ep. 136
Welcome to Season 7 of the Enter the Bible podcast! This season, we're diving deep into some of the Bible's most intriguing questions: Was Paul the true founder of Christianity? Is there a distinction between human and satanic evil? And who, if anyone, sits at God's left hand? Join hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston and a lineup of new and returning guests as we tackle these tough topics and explore fresh perspectives on the Bible's most pressing inquiries. We begin with a Lightning...
Oct 08, 2024•30 min•Season 7Ep. 135
In episode 134, the final episode of season 6 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss a series of audience-submitted questions in a lightning-round episode with guest Dr. Rolf Jacobson. Rolf Jacobson is Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary and Dean of the Faculty. He has served as co-host of Working Preacher's Sermon Brainwave and Narrative Lectionary podcasts. Questions addressed in this Lightning Round: Who was Cyrus? What is the sign...
Jul 16, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 134
In episode 133 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss a series of audience-submitted questions in a lightning round episode with guest Dr. Rolf Jacobson. Rolf Jacobson is Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary and Dean of the Faculty. He has served as co-host of Working Preacher's Sermon Brainwave and Narrative Lectionary podcasts. Questions addressed in this Lightning Round: Where did Cain get his wife? What is the background of her anc...
Jul 09, 2024•22 min•Season 6Ep. 133
In episode 132 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss the audience-submitted question, "Were there female leaders in the early church?" with guest Dr. Matt Skinner. Matthew L. Skinner is Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. His books include Acts: Catching up with the Spirit (Abingdon Press, 2020), A Companion to the New Testament (3 volumes; Baylor University Press, 2017-18), Intrusive God, Disruptive Gospel: Encountering the Divine ...
Jul 02, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 132
In episode 131 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss the audience-submitted question, "Can you interpret "flesh and spirit" (Apostle Paul) from a pro-body perspective?" with guest Dr. Matt Skinner. Matthew L. Skinner is Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. His books include Acts: Catching up with the Spirit (Abingdon Press, 2020), A Companion to the New Testament (3 volumes; Baylor University Press, 2017-18), Intrusive God, Disruptiv...
Jun 25, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 131
In episode 130 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss the audience-submitted question, "What about Bible verses used to justify slavery, corporal punishment, domestic violence??" with guest Dr. Jennifer Kaalund. Jennifer T. Kaalund is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. She received her Ph.D. from The Theological School at Drew University in New Testament and Early Christianity. Her dissertatio...
Jun 18, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 130
In episode 129 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss the audience-submitted question, "As a Christian, am I supporting a book (the Bible) and an organization (the church) that hurts people?" with guest, Dr. Jennifer Kaalund. Jennifer T. Kaalund is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. She received her Ph.D. from The Theological School at Drew University in New Testament and Early Christianity. H...
Jun 11, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 129
In episode 128 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss the question of capital punishment in the time of the Old Testament with guest, Professor Jonathan Paradise. Dr. Jonathan Paradise received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania where he specialized in Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Biblical Studies. His doctoral research dealt with family law documents, written on clay tablets in the cuneiform script. Jonathan established the progra...
Jun 04, 2024•26 min•Season 6Ep. 128
In episode 127 of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss the question of lending money with interest in the time of the Old Testament with guest, Professor Jonathan Paradise. Dr. Jonathan Paradise received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania where he specialized in Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Biblical Studies. His doctoral research dealt with family law documents, written on clay tablets in the cuneiform script. Jonathan established t...
May 28, 2024•22 min•Season 6Ep. 127
In episode 126 of the sixth season of the Enter the Bible podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston discuss the question of how to interpret the Bible figuratively or metaphorically while still believing in the literal resurrection of Jesus with guest Nicholas Schaser. Together, they explore the different genres of biblical literature and the importance of understanding the intentions of the authors. Schaser explains that while Jonah may not be taken 100% literally, the resurre...
May 22, 2024•26 min•Season 6Ep. 126
In this episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, Professor Nicholas Schaser delves into the historical and spiritual depths of baptism, tracing its origins within Jewish tradition and its significance in the Christian faith. Highlighting its dual role as a symbol of purification and a marker of Christian identity, Schaser emphasizes its urgency as a call to repentance and preparation for the coming of God's kingdom. Guest Nicholas Schaser teaches courses in biblical and Jewish studies at Macalest...
May 14, 2024•26 min•Season 6Ep. 125
