Ask Dr. E

Should You Take The Bible Literally?

Q: I have a friend who has recently grown in their Christian faith, and part of that growth has been a new belief and interest in the Bible. However, this has led them to taking the scripture so literally that they now strongly believe that the earth is flat. 

They cite Isaiah 11:12– the four corners of the earth. Psalm 104:5– being set on immovable “foundations” (it will not totter). And Genesis 1:6–8– having a solid firmament.

The core of their argument: “If Scripture is God’s Word and perfect, why reinterpret it to fit modern science? Shouldn’t we interpret science through the Bible—not the Bible through science?”

Summary

What happens when someone reads the Bible too literally? In this episode, Dr. E responds to a listener’s question about a friend who believes the earth is flat—because “the Bible says so.” Dr. E unpacks why context matters in interpretation, using hermeneutics—the grammatical, historical, literal, and theological principles that guide faithful reading. While Scripture is perfect and true, hyper-literalism can distort its meaning when genre, audience, or idiom are ignored. 

Dr. E explains that phrases like “the four corners of the earth” or “the eyes of the Lord” are poetic or symbolic, not scientific. God’s Word reveals the truth about Himself and His creation—but it’s not meant to be a physics textbook. This episode helps believers discern when to take Scripture literally and when to understand it figuratively, so that we honor both the authority and intent of God’s Word.

Takeaways

Good hermeneutics keeps interpretation faithful, not fanciful.

The Bible uses poetic and symbolic language to reveal truth.

“Four corners of the earth” reflects language, not geography.

Hyper-literalism can miss the heart of what God intends to teach.

Scripture is sufficient for faith—not a science textbook.

Context, audience, and theology must guide every interpretation.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: Why were Adam and Eve the first people? How are there so many nationalities today? Why is there a time period where not much is written about Jesus? 

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E and Hanna wrap up their three-week journey through Sydney’s questions, diving into biblical origins, Jesus’ early life, and the purpose of Scripture itself. Dr. E explores why God created Adam and Eve as the first people and how nationalities came to be, tracing it back to the Tower of Babel and God’s plan for humanity to fill the earth. The discussion turns to Jesus’ “silent years,” the time between His childhood and public ministry, and what Scripture intentionally reveals—and withholds—about His life. 

Dr. E reminds listeners that the Bible gives us everything we need for faith and godliness: to understand our sin condition, God’s love, His redemption through Christ, and His eternal plan. While many of our questions may remain unanswered on earth, eternity will bring clarity beyond imagination. Heaven won’t be an endless church service in the clouds—it will be a perfect, unhindered relationship with the Triune God, filled with purpose, joy, and awe.

Takeaways

Adam and Eve were created as image bearers with the capacity to relate to God.

The Tower of Babel explains the origins of languages and nationalities.

Scripture doesn’t answer every question—it gives what we need for faithfulness.

Jesus’ “silent years” remind us that God reveals what is essential, not exhaustive.

Heaven will be an eternal, unhindered relationship with the Triune God.

Eternity will bring clarity to the mysteries we can’t grasp on earth.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: How can God know the future? How can God make everything?

Summary

How can God know the future? Dr. E unpacks this question by pointing to Scripture’s prophetic precision. From Isaiah’s writings—700 years before Christ—to Jeremiah’s prophecy of Israel’s exile and return, the Bible repeatedly reveals God’s perfect foreknowledge. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Assyrian carvings of Israel’s captivity and the Pontius Pilate stone, confirm what Scripture already declared true. Dr. E reminds us: the Bible doesn’t need to be proven—it proves the evidence around it. God knows the future because He wrote it.

The conversation then turns to creation itself—how God made everything ex nihilo (“out of nothing”). While humanity can invent and build using existing materials, only God can bring something into being by His word alone. From forming Adam from the dust to speaking the cosmos into existence, creation reveals God’s unmatched power and sovereignty. In a world that marvels at human innovation, Dr. E points us back to the Creator who authored time, matter, and life itself.

Takeaways

Biblical prophecy demonstrates God’s complete foreknowledge.

Archaeological evidence supports, not disproves, Scripture.

God’s promises—like Israel’s return from exile—always come true.

Humanity can create from something, but only God creates from nothing.

God’s sovereignty extends over all time, space, and creation.

The Bible’s truth continually aligns with world history.

If you’ve been wondering whether faith and evidence can align, this is one you won’t want to miss.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: How did God create Himself? Where did God come from? How can God see everyone at the same time?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E and Hanna dive into two main questions: Where did God come from? and How can God see everyone at the same time? Dr. E explains that Scripture reveals God as eternal—He has always existed and always will. Passages like Psalm 90 and Isaiah 40 affirm God’s existence “from everlasting to everlasting,” reminding us that He alone is the Creator and sustainer of all things. From the vastness of galaxies seen through the James Webb Telescope to the microscopic precision of an atom, creation itself bears God’s fingerprints.

They also explore God’s omniscience and omnipresence—His ability to see and know everything at once. Using Psalm 139 and 2 Chronicles 16:9, Dr. E unpacks how God’s eyes roam the earth to strengthen those whose hearts belong to Him. Unlike Satan, who prowls step by step, God perceives all at once and intimately knows every detail of our lives. He doesn’t just see humanity collectively—He sees you personally. This eternal, all-knowing God is not distant but deeply present, caring, and actively engaged with those who are fully His.

Takeaways

God has always existed—He has no beginning and no end.

Scripture, not speculation, defines our understanding of God’s eternality.

Creation—from galaxies to atoms—reveals God’s creative power and design.

God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent—everywhere, all-knowing, all-powerful.

Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows our thoughts, actions, and words before we do.

God’s all-seeing nature isn’t distant; it’s personal, intimate, and loving.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: Dr. E, my question concerns prayer. Does God ever tell us not to pray for someone or something? What does this say about the power or purpose of prayer? Jeremiah 7:16 God states do not pray for those people, when he found that Judah was not inclined to repent. In the New Testament, John 17:9 Jesus did not pray for the world, but those you have given me.

Summary

In this episode. Dr. E unpacks a fascinating question rooted in Scripture: when God told the prophet Jeremiah not to pray for Judah, what did He mean—and what does that teach us about prayer today?

Dr. Easley explains that Jeremiah’s command was a specific prophetic instruction tied to judgment, not a model for believers today. In contrast, we’re repeatedly told to “pray without ceasing” and to bring everything before the Lord.

Prayer, he reminds us, isn’t a formula or a way to change God’s mind—it’s an alignment of our hearts with His will. “The litmus test for prayer,” Dr. Easley says, “is whether the answer would glorify God.” It’s not outcome-based but obedience-based.

Drawing on examples from Jeremiah, Jonah, and Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17, Dr. Easley helps us see prayer not as a spiritual wish list, but as humble communication with our Creator—rooted in trust, surrender, and reverence.

Takeaways

Prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind—it’s about aligning our hearts with His will.

God’s command to Jeremiah not to pray was a specific act of judgment, not a model for believers.

The purpose of prayer is to glorify God, not to secure the results we want.

Even Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” modeling perfect submission.

True peace comes when we bring our requests to God and trust His verdict.

The best prayers we can pray are those shaped by Scripture and God’s revealed Word.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: The death of John MacArthur.  I've heard Abner Chou in both a Sunday evening church service and seminary chapel, eulogize Mac Arthur and claim that "all heaven gave him a “standing ovation” when he died.” In Chou’s mind, MacArthur is elevated to the position of the apostle Paul. Is there any scriptural basis for this type of recognition of a man entering heaven? 

 The hero worship grates on me. I’m a widow; all men die. Some men fought for our country; others were martyred. This type of eulogy detracts from my Savior, the one who died for all of us. 

Summary

In this episode of Ask Dr. E, a listener raises a question following the passing of John MacArthur: is there biblical basis for imagining heaven giving a standing ovation when a well-known Christian leader arrives? 

Dr. E explains that while it is appropriate to acknowledge the ministry impact of faithful men and women, Scripture makes it clear—Christ alone is the hero. Hero worship, even in subtle forms, distracts from the glory of God. Mature Christians know that heaven is not about applause for accomplishments but worship of the triune God.

From church history, we can honor figures like D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, and Billy Graham, but even their legacies fade with time. In contrast, God calls His people not to fame or recognition but to faithfulness.

Dr. E reminds us that heaven is not about eulogizing human achievement but magnifying Christ. Our calling is simple: be faithful servants of Christ. Whether known by millions or by a few, believers are celebrated in the right way only when Christ is the focus. God does not ask us to be successful—He asks us to be faithful.

Takeaways

Hero worship in the church can easily distract from Christ as the true focus.

Eulogies should highlight faith in Christ, not human accomplishment.

Scripture shows that Christ does not share His glory or worship.

God uses flawed people, but their legacies ultimately fade with time.

True recognition in heaven is given to faithful servants of God.

God calls His people to faithfulness, not worldly success.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: Hi! I recently had a miscarriage and it has been a season that has brought up a lot of questions. I was wondering if you had any insight? If God knits each person together in their mother’s womb, as Psalm 139 describes, then where is God in miscarriage? And if God is the creator of life, why does miscarriage happen? Does He create a life, then immediately change his mind? Do babies who die before they are born go to Heaven? 

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E addresses a listener’s heartfelt question: Where is God in miscarriage? This painful reality raises deep theological concerns—if God creates life, why does miscarriage happen? Do babies who die before birth go to heaven? Dr. Easley draws on both Scripture and personal experience with infertility to help frame the conversation. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows us intimately, even from conception, and yet we live in a fallen world where tragedy and loss are unavoidable. 

Turning to Ecclesiastes, he explains that life under the sun is marked by brokenness, and not every “why” question will be answered this side of eternity. From David’s grief over his infant son in 2 Samuel 12, we see an example of trust: “I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” Ultimately, spiritual maturity means acknowledging our questions while leaning by faith into God’s sovereignty and goodness. Though miscarriage leaves parents with grief and unanswered questions, God’s Word assures us that He is near to the brokenhearted and offers peace that surpasses understanding.

Takeaways

Miscarriage raises difficult questions about God’s role in life and loss.

Scripture teaches that God knows and forms every life from conception.

We live as fallen people in a fallen world, where tragedy is inevitable.

David’s response to his infant’s death shows trust in God despite grief.

Maturity in faith means setting aside unanswered “why” questions.

God is near to the brokenhearted and offers peace beyond understanding.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: I have been taught the holiness, grace, and righteous wrath of the Lord my whole life. However I've begun to struggle deeply with the nature of God and His love.

If God is sovereign and desires that all be saved, why does He not do so? Wouldn't that be the natural expression of His love? That not happening feels like a betrayal of what I've known His character to be. I know He can do whatever He desires, but I don't understand why He doesn't redeem all.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E and Hanna tackle a challenging theological question: If God is sovereign and loving, why doesn’t He save everyone? At the heart of this question lies the tension between God’s perfect nature and humanity’s sinful condition. Scripture affirms that God desires none to perish (2 Peter 3:9), yet salvation requires faith in Christ. Universalism—the belief that everyone will ultimately be saved—fails to account for God’s holiness and justice. If God simply overlooked sin, He would no longer be just.

Dr. E explains that our human perspective of fairness is shaped by sin, while God’s nature is defined by His Word—He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, loving, and just. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God offers the one and only remedy for sin. Just as one cure is effective for a disease while others fall short, only Christ’s saving work secures eternal life. Hanna reflects that many underestimate the seriousness of sin, which diminishes how good the gospel truly is. When we recognize the depth of our sinful condition, we see God’s love and mercy more clearly. Salvation is not earned but received by faith in Christ alone, who lived, died, and rose again.

Takeaways

God desires none to perish, but salvation requires faith in Christ.

Universalism overlooks God’s holiness and justice.

Our sense of fairness is distorted by sin.

Scripture, not feelings, defines God’s character.

Christ’s death and resurrection provide the only true cure for sin.

Recognizing our sin magnifies the beauty of God’s love.

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: In the women’s ministry at my church, there is a woman who encourages many of the Bible study facilitators to attend an outside event/separate ministry to receive deliverance. 

At first, I was intrigued, but then after prayer and research, started to have discernment about this. I’m looking for clarification on the topic. 

My understanding is Jesus is the deliverer. Through daily practice of prayer on our own and with others, reading the Word, and tuning into the Holy Spirit- we will be sanctified and therefore delivered from (rejection, anger, addiction, etc). 

This event is where people are praying over you individually but in a corporate setting and they are claiming to deliver you of evil spirits. That seems to be elevating people over God. This deliverance ministry does claim Jesus as Lord but this doesn't seem biblically sound. Can you clarify more on this topic?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E addresses a listener’s concern about deliverance ministry that claims to free people from evil spirits through prayer and pronouncement. While Scripture records Jesus and the apostles casting out demons, Dr. E emphasizes that the New Testament never instructs believers or churches to continue these practices as an ongoing ministry. Instead, the biblical pattern for Christians is to stand firm in the faith, resist temptation, and live under the control of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. E explains that a believer indwelt by the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed by demons, though Satan and his forces will harass and tempt us. The danger of deliverance ministries, he notes, is that they can elevate human leaders and rituals above Christ, and in doing so, diminish the sufficiency of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. True freedom does not come through formulaic prayers or rituals, but by walking faithfully with God through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.

Ultimately, Dr. E encourages discernment. If something feels unbiblical, measure it against Scripture. Christ is enough, and believers can live in confidence that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

Takeaways

Scripture records demonic encounters, but it never prescribes ongoing deliverance rituals for the church.

A believer indwelt by the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed by demons.

Temptation and harassment are real, but God calls us to stand firm and resist.

Deliverance ministries risk undermining Christ’s finished work by adding extra steps.

Discernment is vital—if something feels unbiblical, test it against God’s Word.

True freedom comes through Christ’s sacrifice and walking with God’s Word, Spirit, and people.

Links Mentioned

Alisa Childers Youtube Channel

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If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

Q: As a fellow believer who adopted a pair of siblings who were 5+ years of age, how best may we seek to reverse what seem to be ‘generational curses’?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E tackles a difficult question from an adoptive parent wrestling with the idea of “generational curses” and the lingering effects of brokenness.

Dr. Easley reminds us that while Scripture warns about the consequences of sin, it does not teach that children are doomed by their parents’ failures. Instead, each person is responsible before God for their own life and choices. At the same time, we can’t ignore the very real challenges that come with adoption: past trauma, struggles with attachment, and the weight parents feel to somehow “fix” their children.

Through both biblical teaching and personal experience, Dr. Easley points listeners back to the steady hope of the gospel. Parents cannot control outcomes—but they can faithfully love, nurture, and pray, trusting the Lord to do what only He can do. Adoption mirrors our place in God’s family: welcomed, broken, yet deeply loved.

This conversation is an honest encouragement for adoptive parents, foster families, and anyone walking through the complexity of raising children in a fallen world.

Takeaways

The Bible teaches consequences of sin can affect generations, but children are not guilty of their parents’ sins.

Misapplications of “generational curses” are common in some ministries, but Scripture does not provide formulas for breaking them.

Adoption is rooted in brokenness—children come from loss and often trauma that families must carefully navigate.

Attachment theories can be helpful, but they are not ultimate; only God heals hearts and secures identity.

Parents can disciple, love, and encourage, but they cannot control the spiritual outcomes of their children’s lives.

Hope rests in Christ, who loves our children more than we do and continues His work even when the path is difficult.

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].