Psalm 33:1–3 calls God’s people to shout for joy, give thanks with instruments, and sing a “new song.” But what does this mean? Is it simply about fresh expressions of worship—or does it carry prophetic weight about God’s future acts of salvation? In this episode, two biblical scholars debate questions of authorship, the meaning of “new song,” and whether skillful music in worship is primarily about artistry or sincerity. Along the way, we’ll touch on insights from Tremper Longman III, John Walton, and Michael Heiser.

Did the resurrection of Jesus actually happen, or is it best understood as a theological narrative? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Smith defends the historical reliability of the resurrection, citing eyewitness testimony, the empty tomb, and the transformation of the disciples. Dr. Jones takes a more skeptical view, arguing that the resurrection is a meaningful theological symbol shaped by early Christian faith rather than a verifiable event. Is the resurrection historical fact—or spiritual truth? Join us and decide for yourself.

Should apocryphal texts like 1 Enoch, Tobit, or Wisdom of Solomon be taken seriously as authoritative Scripture? Some early Christians and Jews revered these writings, but others rejected them as non-canonical. In today’s Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Elias Mercer defends the value and influence of apocryphal texts, while Dr. Jonathan Cross argues that they lack divine inspiration and were rightly excluded from the canon. Listen in as they cite real scholars like James H. Charlesworth and Bruce Metzger in this fast-paced exchange.

Are Christmas trees and holiday traditions innocent fun—or hidden remnants of pagan worship? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, host Robert Smith moderates a spirited exchange between Dr. John Matthews, who argues that many Evangelical traditions have pagan roots that should be reconsidered, and Dr. Sarah Hawthorne, who contends that such practices can be redeemed and reoriented to glorify Christ. Featuring insights from scholars like Michael Heiser, Robert Gundry, and Carl Trueman.

Did early Christians choose December 25th for Christmas to co-opt pagan festivals like Sol Invictus, or were they drawing on theological calculations based on Jesus’ death and conception? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, host Robert Smith moderates a brisk and respectful exchange between Dr. Elias Peterson, who argues that pagan celebrations influenced the date, and Dr. Sophia West, who contends that early Christian reasoning rooted in Jewish tradition led to the choice. Featuring scholarly input from Timothy Dailey, William Tighe, and Michael Heiser.

Is the Church the fulfillment of Israel—or does Israel still have a distinct role in God’s redemptive plan? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, host Robert Smith moderates a lively exchange between Dr. David Smith, a lecturer in biblical theology who argues that the Church continues Israel’s mission in Christ, and Dr. Rebecca Jones, a teacher of New Testament studies who maintains that Israel and the Church remain distinct in Scripture and prophecy. Drawing on insights from N.T. Wright, Michael Vlach, and Walter Kaiser, the discussion wrestles with Paul’s imagery, covenant theology, and the promises of restoration.

As automation and AI reshape the labor market, humanity faces a defining question: will the decline of traditional work open a new era of leisure and creativity—or usher in instability and inequality? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, host Robert Smith moderates a fast-paced exchange between two scholars with opposing views. Drawing on insights from thinkers like Rutger Bregman, Peter Frase, Daron Acemoglu, Robert Gordon, and Mariana Mazzucato, the debate explores whether post-labor economics is a dream worth chasing—or a gamble too risky to take.

Should Christians pray to saints? For some, asking departed believers to intercede is a natural extension of the Church’s unity across heaven and earth. For others, it risks blurring the line between prayer and worship. In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Lydia Cross, a lecturer in historical theology, argues that prayer to saints is rooted in communion across the body of Christ. Dr. Marcus Hale, a New Testament instructor, insists that prayer belongs to God alone. Along the way, we’ll hear echoes of N.T. Wright, Michael Heiser, Craig Keener, and D.A. Carson as this ancient question gets a fresh airing.

What’s the relationship between the Old Testament law and New Testament grace? Are they two stages in one divine plan—or does grace render the law obsolete? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Naomi Blake, a lecturer in Old Testament theology, argues that law and grace are complementary in God’s covenant story. Dr. Peter Kline, an instructor in Pauline studies, contends that the New Testament marks a radical break from law-based righteousness. Drawing on the work of N.T. Wright and Douglas Moo, this debate tackles one of the most foundational tensions in biblical theology.

When Paul writes aout the pistis Christou—“faith of Christ”—what does he mean? Some argue Paul is pointing to Christ’s own faithfulness to God, while others insist he’s describing our faith in Christ. In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Lydia Harper, a New Testament lecturer, argues for Christ’s faithfulness as the foundation of justification, while Dr. Michael Keene, a seminary instructor in Pauline studies, maintains that Paul emphasizes the believer’s faith in Christ. Along the way, they interact with the insights of Richard Hays, Douglas Moo, and Michael Heiser.