In today’s episode of Five-Minute Debate, two biblical scholars go head-to-head over Joshua 9—the story of the Gibeonites’ deception. Was Israel wrong to make a treaty with them, or was this part of God’s plan? Dr. Eli Kaplan argues that Israel sinned by failing to seek Yahweh’s guidance, while Dr. Rachel Monroe contends that God ultimately accepted the covenant as part of His providence. Listen in as they debate biblical, historical, and theological perspectives in just five minutes!

In today’s episode of Five-Minute Debate, we dive into the ethics of minimum wage laws. Are they a moral imperative to ensure a fair standard of living for all workers, or do they cause more harm by disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations? Two fictitious debaters, Dr. Laura Price, a philosopher and ethicist, and Dr. Michael Anderson, a policy analyst and economist, will tackle the ethical implications of minimum wage laws, with a focus on their correlation to higher jobless rates among young male minorities and potential links to crime. Join us as we explore both sides of this complex moral dilemma.

In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, we tackle the controversial issue of school vouchers and school choice. Do these programs expand educational freedom and improve student outcomes, or do they drain resources from public schools and exacerbate inequality? Our fictitious scholars, Dr. Rohan Patel and Dr. Emily Carter, bring opposing viewpoints, citing research and real-world examples. Join host Robert Smith for a fast-paced debate that cuts through the rhetoric to get to the core of the issue.

 In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, we explore the efficacy of minimum wage laws in the United States. Are they a necessary step toward reducing income inequality, or do they hinder job growth and hurt small businesses? Two fictitious debaters, Dr. Emily Hartfield and Dr. Jonathan Steele, will present their arguments, while host Robert Smith moderates the discussion. Tune in for an insightful exchange that delves into the economics and social impact of minimum wage laws, citing scholarly research and real-world studies.

The battle over diet rages on! Is the ketogenic diet the best way to fuel the body, or does a plant-based vegetarian approach offer superior health benefits? In this episode, two experts debate the science behind these dietary choices. Dr. Paul Whitaker, a proponent of the ketogenic diet, argues that high-fat, low-carb eating optimizes metabolism and brain function. On the other side, Dr. Emily Chen defends vegetarianism, citing its benefits for heart health, longevity, and disease prevention. Which diet comes out on top? Listen in and decide for yourself!

The Bible says David killed Goliath… but another passage credits a warrior named Elhanan with slaying the giant. Is this a contradiction, a scribal error, or evidence of multiple traditions? In this episode, two scholars debate the issue, drawing on insights from Michael Heiser, Peter Enns, Richard Hess, John Walton, and Emanuel Tov. We’ll also consider how modern media, like the House of David series on Prime Video, portrays the story. Who really took down the Philistine champion? You decide!

In this extended episode of Five-Minute Debate, we dive deeper into one of the most controversial eschatological topics: Does Ezekiel 38–39 predict a Russian-led invasion of Israel in the end times? While many prophecy teachers claim that Gog and Magog represent modern Russia, others argue that Ezekiel’s prophecy refers to ancient historical enemies or apocalyptic symbolism rather than contemporary geopolitics.

Our guests today are Dr. Samuel Wright, an Old Testament scholar specializing in biblical languages and ancient Near Eastern history, and Dr. Mark Collier, a prophecy expert and best-selling author on end-times events. They will engage in a rigorous discussion about the linguistic, historical, and theological issues at play in interpreting Ezekiel’s prophecy.

In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, we dive into one of the Bible's most intriguing mysteries: the height of the Nephilim, the so-called "giants" of Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. Were they towering, superhuman beings as some traditions suggest, or is their "giant" status symbolic of power and corruption? Biblical scholars Dr. Marcus Calloway and Dr. Rachel Adar go head-to-head, drawing on insights from experts like John Walton, Michael Heiser, Bruce Waltke, and Kenneth Kitchen. Were the Nephilim literal skyscrapers or just larger-than-life in reputation? Tune in for a fascinating debate about these ancient figures!

In this special extended episode of Five-Minute Debate, host Robert Smith provides a historical overview of Gaza and the Gaza Strip, from biblical times to today’s geopolitical landscape. Then, two biblical scholars debate whether Yahweh gave Gaza to the Jews as part of the Promised Land.

This discussion is especially timely given yesterday’s announcement by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, which has reignited debate over Gaza’s status in both religious and political contexts. Did God intend for Israel to have Gaza? Listen, then vote in our poll!

In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, we explore the controversial question: Are the conquest narratives in the book of Joshua historical records, theological reflections, or a blend of both? Doctor Noah Abrams, a biblical archaeologist, examines the archaeological evidence (or lack thereof) for a swift conquest, while Doctor Sarah Quinn, an Old Testament theologian, highlights the theological significance of Yahweh’s covenant promises. Together, they discuss the interplay between history, theology, and ancient literary intent, offering listeners fresh insights into one of the Bible’s most debated books. Join us for this engaging discussion and decide for yourself where the evidence leads!