The Nathan Jacobs Podcast

This week Dr. Jacobs gives a rundown of mystery in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. You’ll get definitions, how he thinks the misunderstanding devolved, and the Chuch Fathers’ on natural theology. You’ll also get a little side tangent about the future of Orthodoxy in America. 

All the links: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNathanJacobsPodcast

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

00:00:00 Intro 

00:07:31 What is mystery?

00:14:13 How did the understanding of “mystery” shift? 

00:20:57 “The nous is more than mind” is true, but…

00:29:46 St. Paul and Philosophy

00:36:08 Orthodoxy in America, the best and worst cases

00:52:51 Are the Church Fathers anti natural theology? 

Join us for Part Two of our Hollywood Taxidermy series, where Dr. Jacobs explores intellectual property and creative adaptation. Through the lens of natural law and rights theory, he'll examine what it means to faithfully adapt stories from page to screen while honoring creators' original visions.

All the links: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNathanJacobsPodcast

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

00:00:00 Hollywood taxidermy & examples 

00:12:13 An overview of rights

00:26:43 An overview of natural law 

00:46:19 Invention versus discovery

01:11:24 Ownership and destruction

01:35:06 A guide for stewardship in adaptation 

02:01:46 A few examples of Hollywood’s many violations 

02:10:48 Han shot first 

02:19:46 The permissibility of knockoffs 

Part 1: https://youtu.be/J7uP9uFNThY

Part 2: https://youtu.be/9B1G44hywd0

Dr. Jacobs’ Class Survey Link: Survey Link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCCSj9URmUSo5YE8JyxCTDo0ESjUKZ7eZMD_SFwmbG10aAsw/viewform?usp=sharing

In this third episode on the problem of divine hiddenness series, Dr. Jacobs takes a closer look at the premise. Is God truly hidden? Through anthropological and theological lenses, he investigates how our status as creatures might affect our ability to perceive God, and whether divine hiddenness serves a purpose in redemption. He’ll also explore whether you are ultimately morally culpable for non-resistant unbelief. 

All the links: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNathanJacobsPodcast

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

00:00:00 Intro 

00:02:51 The timing of belief in God 

00:13:32 The requisite conditions for unveiling God 

00:18:44 Anthropology 

00:26:31 The nature of creatureliness 

00:38:59 Objective and subjective hiddenness 

00:54:16 Why is God not more evident? 

01:10:25 Hiddenness & redemption

01:16:23 Are you ultimately morally culpable for non-resistant unbelief? 

Part 1: https://youtu.be/J7uP9uFNThY

Dr. Jacobs’ Class Survey Link: Survey Link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCCSj9URmUSo5YE8JyxCTDo0ESjUKZ7eZMD_SFwmbG10aAsw/viewform?usp=sharing

Episode on Free Will: https://youtu.be/3KEhWydyFfA

In this second episode of the divine hiddenness series, Dr. Jacobs delves deeper into another element of the problem — whether non-resistant unbelief is possible. He examines whether people can genuinely be open to belief in God yet remain unconvinced. The discussion explores psychological barriers to faith, the role of evidence in religious belief, and how different philosophical and theological traditions have dealt with seekers who think they cannot believe. You’ll get a deeper glimpse into proofs for God, and free will. 

All the links: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNathanJacobsPodcast

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

(00:00:00) Intro 

(00:01:38) What is the problem of divine hiddenness? 

(00:07:00) Knowledge as a requirement for responsibility

(00:11:10) The defense of God 

(00:15:01) A recap of realism & is Christianity committed to realism?

(00:32:28) The assumptions in Schellenberg’s case 

(00:44:54) Is rational analysis the way to God? 

(00:53:54) How ought God unveil himself and how has he revealed himself? 

(00:59:12) Non-resistant unbelief 

(01:16:49) Is God actually hidden? 

(01:24:54) The genealogy of religion & the numinous 

(01:34:25) Perception is mystical 

Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCCSj9URmUSo5YE8JyxCTDo0ESjUKZ7eZMD_SFwmbG10aAsw/viewform?usp=sharing

Episode on the Nones: https://youtu.be/pBH9TTduBAE

Episode on Free Will: https://youtu.be/3KEhWydyFfA

Episode Man’s Place in the Cosmos: https://youtu.be/uohc2aWOJbw

Hell, Hades, & Christ’s Descent Part 1: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/p/hell-hades-and-christs-descent-part?r=r1mfj

On Universal Salvation: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/p/on-apokatastasis-and-universal-salvation?r=r1mfj

In today’s episode, Dr. Jacobs explores the philosophical problem of divine hiddenness — the question of why God, if real, isn't more obviously apparent to all people. He examines whether rational unbelief in God is possible and discusses how divine hiddenness might actually serve a spiritual purpose, while engaging with topics like free will, proofs for God's existence, and universal salvation.

All the links: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNathanJacobsPodcast

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

00:00:00 Intro 

00:01:42 The religiously unaffiliated

00:13:12 What is the problem of divine hiddenness? 

00:16:50 Is there a thing as rational unbelief? 

00:20:31 If proofs worked, everyone would believe in God 

00:37:04 The value of divine hiddenness

00:58:35 Spiritual maturity 

01:08:53 A deficiency in the free will defense 

01:20:48 The proofs for the existence of God 

01:42:20 Not everybody is created equal 

01:52:32 Universal salvation 

01:58:09 Divine hiddenness is unnatural 

Survey Link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCCSj9URmUSo5YE8JyxCTDo0ESjUKZ7eZMD_SFwmbG10aAsw/viewform?usp=sharing

The Traditions of the Virgin Mary: https://youtu.be/9TkSiOBwo04

Critical Drinker video on Rings of Power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kquNKboBtJw

Today, we venture into Hollywood. In this first of two parts, Dr. Jacobs uses the new Netflix movie about the Virgin Mary to explore the many pitfalls that Hollywood falls into when trying to create a movie for Christians. He’ll also get prescriptive. Who can fix these problems and how? 

All the links: 

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

00:00:00 Intro 

00:00:24 Take the survey 

00:02:57 The IP problem in Hollywood 

00:11:59 Hollywood, Faith, & Propaganda 

00:29:00 Hollywood doesn’t know how to make these movies 

00:41:41 Background on Dr. Jacobs and the Mary movie 

00:45:24 Choosing Protestant, Catholic, or the Orthodox versions of the Mary story

00:50:12 Mary and Joseph: To romance or not to romance? 

00:54:21 Mary’s early life in the temple 

00:57:39 The Netflix approach to Satan in their movie 

00:59:38 When writers rip off other writers 

01:04:42 Back to Satan in the movie 

01:06:32 Inexplicable story changes 

01:11:40 Filling in the gaps in biblical storytelling 

01:18:08 Honoring the worldview of the source material 

01:29:14 Girlbosses subverting the men 

01:35:59 Cringe :/

01:45:31 How to make a successful organically Christian movie 

01:55:30 The myth of secular neutrality 

01:59:35 Depth in storytelling (Tolkien vs. Lewis)

02:13:00 The Hollywood taxidermists 

02:26:04 Can Hollywood self-correct? 

Today we repost another episode from the Hank Unplugged podcast. They’ll tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of Orthodox practice: the use of icons in worship. Together they examine the historical and biblical foundations for iconography, drawing on the teachings of John of Damascus and exploring how those who oppose icons might be missing key aspects of Christ's incarnation. The conversation moves from the practical role icons played in spreading the faith in pre-literate societies to their continued relevance and profound impact in today's world. 

Original episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=updb-fkGCwE

All the links: 

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

(00:00) Intro

(05:30) John of Damascas and his defense of icons 

(08:55) Do those who are against icons, iconoclasts, have an inadequate view of the incarnation? 

(16:40) Explaining the veneration of icons 

(29:30) The historical role of icons in a world of illiteracy and oral traditions that didn’t have the biblical texts that we often take for granted today 

(34:15) The appeal and potential profundity of icons in our world today as evangelical examples 

(41:20) Does the Bible Answer Man’s son believe he has left the Christian faith?

Watch Dr. Nathan Jacobs and Bible Answer Man host Hank Hanegraaff explore Eastern Orthodox perspectives on faith, works, and Mary's role in Christianity. Together they unpack common misconceptions about Orthodox beliefs, diving deep into why Mary's significance extends far beyond being Jesus's mother, and how Eastern Christians view the relationship between faith and salvation. Originally aired on the Hank Unplugged Podcast on March 3, 2020. 

Original episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IkWN4WgIKc

All the links: 

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

(03:37) Why do some Evangelicals believe that Hank Hanegraaff left the Christian faith when he became Eastern Orthodox? 

(07:37) Discussing the differing framework of faith and works in the East and the West 

(20:47) We are not saved by good works, but for good works

(23:42) Discussing the Dormition of the Mother of God, Mary 

(26:37) The perpetual virginity of Mary 

(34:47) The role of Mary in the Incarnation and the profound theological implications 

(38:17) A preview of the next conversation in this podcast series with Nathan Jacobs on Sola Scriptura

You're surely familiar with the popularized details of the Mary and Nativity stories. This week, Dr. Jacobs is going to deep dive into the extra Biblical tradition of Mary and the birth of Christ, as well as exploring what the devil was up to while the Christ child was gestating in Mary's womb. 

https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/p/on-mary-the-mother-of-god-1-of-2?r=r1mfj

All the links: 

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

(00:00:00) Intro 

(00:01:02) The common Nativity Story

(00:05:56) Christian Tradition: the stories and practices beyond the Bible 

(00:25:06) Extra Biblical texts (the Gospel of James and Nicodemus)

(00:30:16) The lesser known details about the Mary’s origins 

(00:48:08) A brief note on Mary’s perpetual virginity and the birth of Jesus Christ

(00:54:37) Who were the wisemen (Magi) and Herod’s search for the newborn King 

(00:58:19) Bringing the Christ child to the temple 

(01:01:32) The Christian perspective on the origin of evil 

(01:10:06) The rebellion of angels 

(01:20:48) An analysis of miracles 

(01:37:02) The devil and the Nativity story

Dr. Jacobs is feeling some Christmas nostalgia today and wondered, "What is this feeling, so sudden and new?" To get to the bottom of this, of course, he's going to explore the topic of human nature and divine essence and energies. Diving back into the history of ideas and coming out the other side with the answer: all creation groans.

All the links: 

X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast

Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/

Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/

Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:00) Christmas, longing, and nostalgia

(00:10:39) What is the nature of man?

(00:13:28) Aristotle, essance, and energies

(00:18:06) Philo of Alexandria, essance, and energies

(00:20:22) The communicable nature of God

(00:26:06) Saint Paul and energia

(00:30:04) Plato, Deuteronomy, images, and archetypes

(00:37:57) The nature of creation

(00:52:04) Man is a microcosm of all that God has made

(01:09:03) How God’s energies interact in the world

(01:21:31) The deeper feeling