Five-Minute Debate

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.

Is the Bible completely free from error—or does insisting on inerrancy miss the Bible’s ancient context and purpose? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Nathan Smith defends the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, while Dr. Elena Jones argues for a more flexible view that upholds Scripture’s authority without requiring modern standards of precision. Host Robert Smith moderates this concise but weighty theological conversation, referencing scholars like Michael S. Heiser, Peter Enns, and Kevin Vanhoozer to frame the debate.

Genesis 6:1–4 is one of the most mysterious and debated passages in the Bible. Were the Nephilim the offspring of divine beings and human women—or simply the result of intermarriage between faithful and unfaithful human lines? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Laura Collins defends the Sethite View, while Dr. Marcus Reynolds argues for the Divine Beings View. Host Robert Smith moderates this compelling exchange, drawing on insights from biblical scholars including Michael Heiser, John Walton, C. John Collins, and Umberto Cassuto.

Did Adam and Eve’s fall actually happen in real time and space—or is Genesis 2–3 a theological myth rich in meaning, but not history? In this Five-Minute Debate, Dr. James Carter defends a literal historical view, while Dr. Daniel Reed argues for a theological reading informed by ancient Near Eastern mythic frameworks. Host Robert Smith moderates this fast-paced theological exchange, with insights from Michael Heiser, John Walton, Peter Enns, and C. John Collins.

Is the Bible fundamentally anti-woman—or does it point toward a deeper story of justice and redemption? In this extended episode of Five-Minute Debate, Dr. Rachel Collins (Old Testament Ethics, Oxford) and Dr. Thomas Levin (Biblical Theology, Wheaton) return to discuss how biblical laws and narratives function within patriarchal societies. Drawing on the work of Michael Heiser, John Walton, Sandra Richter, and Carol Meyers, they argue that even troubling texts may contain seeds of justice and covenantal restraint—and ultimately anticipate restoration in Christ.

In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, host Robert Smith moderates a compelling discussion between two fictitious biblical scholars, Dr. Rachel Collins and Dr. Thomas Levin.

They tackle the thorny question: Is the Bible—especially the Old Testament—anti-woman?

Drawing insights from real scholars like Dr. Michael S. Heiser, Carol Meyers, John Walton, and others, this debate dives into Scripture’s complex portrayal of women—examining the cultural context, the brokenness of humanity, and God’s redemptive intent.