Book and Spade

Defending scripture and a biblical world view through archaeology, philosophy, and science. It is the intention of this page to provide a platform for all devout Christians to examine and defend the claims of scripture regardless of denomination, in order to arrive at a clear understanding of truth. This site will provide the latest in archaeological and theological hypotheses for the reliability of the biblical narrative and common questions associated with the claims they are in. However as a disclaimer, we encourage every viewer to diligently research everything that is provided so that they can come to their own conclusion in their quest for veritas [truth]. We do not claim to possess answers that will be satisfying to every inquirer, but we do hope that or explanations will be intriguing and will spur you on in your own study of the word. God speed, and many thanks, John -- Founder of Book & Spade

Last refreshed: July 14th, 2025 at 9:45 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Satan’s Defeat from a Scriptural Lens

Wrestling in the Wilderness - Satan’s Defeat from a Scriptural Lens. The temptation of Jesus is one of the most provocative passages in the New Testament. It is a revelation in modern questions of spiritual warfare. The following is composed in light of John’s ongoing work to revisit the Hebrew Bible New Testament and its historical and spiritual context.

Apr 18, 2023•16 min

A Reflection on Pastoral Responsibility

Pastoral Responsibility – A Reflection for United Lutheran Seminary. The study of models of pastoral responsibility and their practical application in ministry.

Apr 17, 2023•21 min

Identity in the Spirit – A Reflection for United Lutheran Seminary

A brief reflection for United Lutheran Seminary on the concept of identity in pastoral formation as well as in the psychological needs of those whom we will be ministering.

Apr 17, 2023•8 min

The Christology of Saint Thomas Aquinas

A brief overview of the life Thomas Aquinas, a brief sketch of implications of his Christology, and some pastoral implications for his thoughts for United Lutheran Seminary.

Apr 15, 2023•10 min

The Heart of a Shepherd: Re-Examining Practices of Pastoral Authority

Reviewing the concept of pastoral authority for United Lutheran Seminary

Apr 14, 2023•18 min

Thoughts on the Revelations of Divine Love and The Life of Julian of Norwich

In 1373, Julian of Norwich had an extraordinary experience of mystical proportions. Her experience of Jesus crucified has inspired popes, Protestant theologians, and feminist voic3es in the 20th and 21st centuries. Nevertheless, little is known about this iconic figure of medieval history.In this episode of Book & Spade, recorded for United Lutheran Seminary, seminarian theologian John C. Evans revisits the life of this iconic figure, controversial profit, and mystic of our times.

Apr 13, 2023•14 min

The Puzzle of the Man God – Revisiting Saint Anselm’s “Why God Became a Man?”

A brief explanation of the doctrine of the incarnation as expressed by Saint Anselm of Canterbury, and his work, “Why God Became a Man?” This is a piece for United Lutheran Seminary.

Apr 12, 2023•11 min

On Collegiality, Discord, and Harmony in the Body of Christ

A review of the concept of collegiality for United Lutheran Seminary.

Apr 11, 2023•11 min

Death is Defeated, Revisiting the Power of the Empty Tomb

A brief reflection on the resurrection as understood by the sacred scripture and its historical and Jewish context.

Apr 10, 2023•7 min

"I Thirst." - Through The Eyes of Christ Crucified

A meditation on one of the seven last words of Christ on the cross.

Apr 07, 2023•6 min

Through the Eyes of Leo the Great - Inside His Tome and the Controversies of Chalcedon

The council of Chalcedon and Saint Leo's Tome remain foundational for the study of Christology. How is this council still relevant and what implications does it still have for the church today?

Mar 31, 2023•11 min

Inside the Controversy of Saint Cyril of Alexandria and his work on the Unity of Christ

In this lecture for United Lutheran seminary, seminarian John C. Evans discusses in brief Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s masterpiece on the unity of Christ in light of the council of Ephesus invoked to discuss the primary issue — should Mary be called mother of God or merely mother of Christ?

Mar 30, 2023•9 min

At the Crossroads, Pastoral Care, And Crisis

A brief overview of the importance of pastoral care for United Lutheran Seminary.

Mar 29, 2023•13 min

Through The Eyes of the Magi - At the Door with Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

A reflection on the historical reality of the magi as preserved in Matthew's gospel.

Mar 28, 2023•11 min

The Manger of the Lord and the Ark of Noah

Links across time. A brief overview of the reality of the nativity accounts.

Mar 27, 2023•6 min

Shutting the Mouths of the Lions - Court Intrigue and Civil Disobedience in the Book of Daniel

Most of us remember the story of Daniel in the Lions' Den as a colorful narrative depicted in a cartoonish manner in storybooks and in children's catechesis. However, the truth is more challenging, radical, and relevant to our own climate.Join us as we review the book of Daniel and its historical and Jewish context.

Mar 26, 2023•18 min

The Fall and Salvation and The Lord of the Rings

Where can we find the idea of the fall and salvation in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings? I've been asked to answer this question for a course on systematic theology for United Lutheran Seminary.

Mar 25, 2023•8 min

What Can The Early Pentecostal Tradition Teach Us About Liturgical Practice?

The Gifts of the Spirit - What Can The Early Pentecostal Tradition Teach Us about Liturgical Practice?A Review of the early Pentecostal revival of 1906 and what it can teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in our church cross-denominationally today.

Mar 24, 2023•10 min

Marriage and the Family in the Hebrew Bible - Inside the Debate

An overview of the question of marriage, family, and sexuality in the Hebrew Bible. A lecture given for United Lutheran Seminary.

Mar 23, 2023•15 min

Did Job sin? Through the eyes of the man of sorrows

The book of Job is perhaps one of the most enigmatic texts of the Hebrew Bible which has become a source of inspiration for Jews, Christians, and students of ancient literature. But its meaning continues to be elusive. In this lecture for united Lutheran seminary, student of theology, John Evans explores the complex riddle underlying this powerful and amazing book.

Mar 22, 2023•13 min

Revisiting Baptism - The Office of Prophet, Priest, and King

Insights into our baptismal vocation in light of the work of Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams.

Mar 21, 2023•11 min

The Experience of Exile in the Life of the Jewish People

A review of the relevance of the exile narratives contained in sacred scripture.

Mar 21, 2023•9 min

The Meaning of the Cross - On Kathryn Tanner's Article on the Incarnation, Cross, and Sacrifice

Is Kathryn Tanner's article linking the incarnation with the atonement, in light of feminist critiques, sufficient on pastoral grounds to explain the relevancy of the passion to women in modern church contexts?

Mar 20, 2023•13 min

How Does The Holy Spirit Speak To Us?

A review of a chapter on Kathryn Tanner's book on the operation of the Holy Spirit.

Mar 18, 2023•10 min

Is a Prophet Born or Made? - A Journey Through the Hebrew Bible

The role of prophecy is commonly discussed and debated among Christians. The question remains: what makes a prophet? Are they chosen before the foundations of the world, or were they simply born this way? Or have they done something to have acquired this unique status? Join us as we explore this contested issue.

Mar 17, 2023•7 min

The Incarnation - Looking Through the Humanity and Divinity of Jesus with Fresh Eyes

A review of Oliver Crisp's work on the incarnation of the Son of God and pastoral questions about how to make this doctrine relevant.

Mar 16, 2023•11 min

The Fall and Sin - Rereading Augustine’s Theology of Original Sin

Saint Augustine, the fourth-century church father, is believed to be one of the first thinkers to develop the concept of original sin from sacred scripture; yet, theology is often contested in light of supposed advances in the material sciences. Can faith and reason be reconciled in light of these scientific and philosophical discoveries?

Oct 10, 2022•21 min

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