Few debates in modern biblical scholarship have generated as much controversy as the New Perspective on Paul. Does this reinterpretation help us recover Paul’s Jewish context, or does it blur the gospel message of justification by faith alone? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Rachel Carter—a New Testament theologian—argues that the New Perspective is historically faithful, while Dr. John Mitchell—a Reformation studies scholar—defends the traditional Protestant interpretation. We’ll also draw on the scholarship of N.T. Wright, E.P. Sanders, and Michael Heiser to frame this discussion in both ancient context and modern theology.

Do James and Paul contradict each other on the role of faith and works? Paul insists we are justified by faith apart from works of the law, while James says that faith without works is dead. In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Smith—a New Testament theologian—argues that James and Paul are complementary, while Dr. Jones—an early church historian—contends they reflect distinct theological emphases. Along the way, we’ll draw on the work of Michael Heiser (Unseen Realm) and N.T. Wright (Paul and the Faithfulness of God) to frame this crucial discussion.

Do government-funded Pre-K programs like Head Start actually level the playing field—or are they a costly bandage over deeper educational inequities? In this episode, we debate whether early childhood education deserves sustained federal and state investment. Joining host Robert Smith are Dr. Elena Rivera, a developmental psychologist advocating for Pre-K expansion, and Dr. Calvin Rhodes, an education policy economist who questions the long-term payoff. They draw from research by James Heckman, Deborah Phillips, Grover Whitehurst, and others to examine what the data really say about these early years.

Was the Israelite understanding of Yahweh original, or did it grow out of surrounding Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) religious traditions? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Miriam Adler argues that early Israelite theology shows clear signs of cultural borrowing from Canaanite and Mesopotamian religion. In contrast, Dr. Ezra Cohen contends that Yahweh is a distinct, revealed deity whose character and exclusivity set Him apart from other ANE gods. Join us as we unpack one of the most provocative questions in Old Testament studies.

What happens to the unrepentant after death? In this Five-Minute Debate, we tackle one of the most sobering and debated questions in theology: the nature and reality of hell. Dr. Steven Smith argues for the traditional view of eternal conscious torment, while Dr. Rachel Jones presents the case for annihilationism, or conditional immortality. Drawing from Scripture and centuries of theological reflection, both scholars engage this weighty doctrine with clarity and conviction.

Does God ever change His mind—or does He remain eternally fixed in His plans? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Emily Foster argues that Scripture shows God responding dynamically to human actions, while Dr. Benjamin Cole defends the classical view that God's purposes are unchanging. Drawing on theologians like Clark Pinnock, John Calvin, and J.I. Packer, this discussion explores whether divine immutability allows for relational change.

Are the early chapters of Genesis meant to be read as literal history, symbolic myth, or theological reflection? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Lauren Meyers argues for a theological interpretation, while Dr. Adam Frost defends a mythic reading. Drawing on insights from John Walton, Peter Enns, and Tremper Longman, they explore how ancient literary context and theological intention shape our understanding of Genesis 1–11.

Who wrote Genesis 1–11? Was it Moses, as traditional Jewish and Christian belief holds, or did these chapters evolve from ancient oral traditions shaped by Near Eastern mythology? In today’s Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Abigail Stone defends Mosaic authorship, while Dr. Jonathan Rivers argues that Genesis 1–11 developed over time from mythic and oral traditions. Drawing from scholars like Kenneth Kitchen, Umberto Cassuto, John Walton, and Hermann Gunkel, this episode explores one of the Bible’s most debated origins.

Were the early chapters of Genesis written by Moses during the wilderness period, or were they compiled centuries later during the exile in Babylon? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Collins defends the traditional Mosaic authorship of Genesis 1–11, while Dr. Bennett argues for a post-exilic composition shaped by ancient Near Eastern influences. Drawing from scholars like Kenneth Kitchen, Umberto Cassuto, Mark S. Smith, and Joel Baden, our debaters wrestle with one of the most foundational questions in biblical scholarship.

Does God predestine who will be saved, or do humans have the freedom to choose Christ? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Samuel Carver defends the Reformed view of predestination, while Dr. Julia Marsh argues for human free will in salvation. Drawing from Scripture and scholars like Jonathan Edwards and Augustine, both perspectives aim to honor God's sovereignty and love—yet they reach very different conclusions.