Episode 14 examines pages 79–84 of J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind, arguing that our strong sense of objective right and wrong—illustrated by Kant, Romans 2, and modern thinkers—best fits a theistic lawgiver rather than naturalistic evolution. Lance Smith walks through Miller's use of intuition, Alvin Plantinga-style inference, and William Lane Craig's moral argument.

The episode contrasts naturalism's inability to ground objective morals with theism's explanation rooted in God's unchanging nature, referencing examples from history and scripture (Psalm 19) to explain why our moral experience points beyond mere survival instincts.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Host Lance Smith examines Exodus 24 and the modern JEPD/documentary hypothesis, weighing scholarly claims of multiple authors against evidence for Mosaic authorship.

The episode reviews historical, linguistic, and biblical arguments and explains why the host leans toward Moses as the primary author while encouraging listeners to investigate with curiosity.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Join host Lance Smith in this engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as he navigates through the complex question: Is Jesus God? Exploring Matthew 9 and various biblical passages, Lance addresses skeptical claims that highlight the paradox of Jesus being both divine and human. With insights from scholarly works and theological perspectives, discover how the Trinity and hypostatic union reconcile these contradictions, unveiling a comprehensive understanding of Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us.

Dive deep into scripture, drawing on expert analyses and thought-provoking arguments to grasp the essence of the dual nature of Christ. Whether you're a believer seeking clarity or a skeptic in search of answers, this episode offers a balanced exploration of one of Christianity's foundational beliefs. Get ready to question, learn, and be inspired to delve further into the Word.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers" with your host, Lance Smith. This week, we delve into the profound discussion about consciousness and free will, pondering whether they hint at a soul beyond our physical brain. Exploring pages 76 to 78 of J. Steve Miller’s Faith is Not Blind, we challenge the materialistic view that portrays consciousness and free will as mere illusions.

Dive into the paradox of self-awareness and explore near-death experiences, as we seek clues pointing to the existence of a non-material soul. Join the conversation with insights from thinkers like Susan Blackmore and Alvin Plantinga, and discover how free will and rationality might align more closely with a supernatural worldview.

Whether a skeptic or a believer, this episode urges you to consider where you stand on the spectrum of belief in the soul. Don’t forget to check the show notes for in-depth resources and share your reflections with us on our social media pages. Tune in for another exciting exploration next week!

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Join host Lance Smith in episode 156 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we unravel the intriguing command from Exodus 23:19, "You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk." This episode delves into the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of this ancient law that appears three times in the Torah.

Explore the possible reasons behind this divine directive, from promoting compassion and ethical treatment of animals to avoiding pagan rituals. Discover how this law shapes kosher practices and reflects deeper spiritual themes, inviting listeners to live with intention and respect for life's boundaries.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Welcome to Episode 155 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! Join host Lance Smith as he delves into a puzzling gospel narrative that leaves skeptics questioning: how many men were possessed by demons in Matthew 8:28? Matthew's account mentions two demon-possessed men, while Mark and Luke each report only one. Is this a contradiction or just different perspectives on the same event? Lance explores this intriguing topic, examining why these differences exist and what they signify.

Through the eerie setting of the Gadarenes and the dramatic scene involving a herd of pigs, this episode provides insights into the different ways the Gospels convey the story of Jesus's encounter with the demoniacs. Discover how cultural contexts and audience expectations shaped these accounts. Whether you're a scripture enthusiast or a curious skeptic, this episode promises a captivating exploration of biblical narratives.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with Lance Smith, as we journey into week 12 of our enlightening series through J. Steve Miller's book, "Faith is Not Blind." In this episode, we explore the concept of a paradigm shift, or gestalt experience, and how it can dramatically alter one's perception of reality, akin to swapping blurred glasses for a 4K VR headset.

Dive into Thomas Kuhn's insights from "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" on how paradigm shifts occur not by accumulating evidence, but through sudden, transformative insights. Follow the story of Peter Hitchens and his transformative encounter with religious art that reignited his belief, reshaping his atheistic views.

Engage with thought-provoking experiments, as Lance Smith encourages listeners to look beyond logic to embrace those moments of profound insight—gestalt moments—that offer a new understanding of the universe and the divine.

Join the conversation, share your thoughts at [email protected], and stay tuned for our next deep dive into existential fit. Don't miss this episode, where a simple shift in perspective can illuminate new dimensions of faith.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores a complex and intriguing question from the Book of Exodus. What happens when negligence leads to death in ancient Israelite law? Dive into the case of a notorious ox with a deadly history, and how a community grapples with issues of justice, responsibility, and mercy.

Smith breaks down the biblical contradictions between Exodus and Numbers, and ponders the deeper principles at play. Why would a seemingly straightforward death penalty law allow for a ransom in certain cases? Is there a divine nuance that balances justice with mercy?

This episode unpacks these questions and more, offering insights into God's character and how these ancient laws might still speak to modern challenges.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Welcome to episode 152 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where we delve into the intriguing question: Was Jesus homeless? Investigating passages from Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58, Mark 2:1, and Mark 2:15, we explore whether Jesus was a divine itinerant or had a place to call home.

Join host Lance Smith as he navigates the complexities of scripture, examining whether Jesus wandered the Galilean hills without a fixed abode or had a familiar dwelling in Capernaum. This episode examines how translations and interpretations from the New Living Translation and King James Version present two sides of this mystery.

Through biblical context and historical insights, we discuss how Jesus relied on the kindness of followers and supporters, living a life dedicated to his mission. Discover the compelling arguments on both sides of the debate and what it reveals about Jesus' ministry and lifestyle choices. Tune in for a thought-provoking theological detective journey through the ancient world.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, where Lance Smith explores the concept of a "God-shaped vacuum" in our hearts that only divine connection can fulfill. Delve into the teachings of J. Steve Miller, as well as insights from Augustine of Hippo, Blaise Pascal, and C.S. Lewis on the intrinsic yearning for a higher power.

Join us on a journey through existential fits, as we examine stories of personal transformations and philosophical musings that suggest an innate spiritual need. Reflect on how these insights address the void that can only be filled by faith, while engaging in a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of belief, reason, and existential hunger.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected]