In this episode, two distinguished "scholars" tackle the age-old question: What is the true meaning of baptism in early Christianity? Dr. Rebecca Clayborn, a specialist in ancient Near Eastern cosmology, argues that baptism acts as a form of spiritual warfare, marking believers' break from the dominion of hostile spiritual forces and their allegiance to Christ. On the other side, Dr. Nathaniel Reed, an expert in Pauline theology, presents baptism as primarily a covenant sign—a unifying act that brings believers into the New Covenant community as members of God’s family. Join us as these scholars dive deep into early Christian theology, citing works from Michael Heiser to N.T. Wright, to explore the covenantal and cosmic dimensions of this practice.

In this episode of the Five-Minute Debate Podcast, we explore Genesis 22—the story of Abraham and Isaac—and ask the question: is it a critique of the Canaanite practice of child sacrifice, or does it reflect continuity with ancient traditions? Dr. Miriam Cohen argues that the story echoes child sacrifice rituals found in Canaanite religion, while Dr. Jacob Matthews presents the case that it serves as a polemic, signaling a decisive break from such practices. Tune in as these two scholars debate the deeper meaning behind one of the Bible’s most perplexing stories.

In this episode, we dive into the intriguing debate over the interpretation of John 10:34 and Psalm 82. Our moderator guides a discussion between two renowned scholars, Dr. Sarah Mitchell and Dr. James Carter, who present contrasting views on whether the "gods" mentioned in these passages refer to Jewish elders or divine beings. Dr. Mitchell argues that the term refers to human judges, backed by scholarly insights from John Goldingay and Richard Bauckham. Meanwhile, Dr. Carter contends that these "gods" are divine beings, drawing on ancient texts and scholars like Michael Heiser and Peter Davids. Join us as we explore the complex theological implications of Jesus’ words and the broader biblical narrative.

Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on one of the most debated passages in Scripture.