WWUTT WWUTT 2580 Q&A Seeing the Unseen Realm, How Dangerous is This Theology
Mar 13, 2026
Fred Butler, a ministry leader who oversees volunteers at Grace To You and runs a theology blog, critiques Michael Heiser's views on angels, demons, and the unseen realm. He discusses textual interpretation of Psalm 82, Genesis 6 and the Nephilim, the use of Enoch and noncanonical sources, and theological risks like reinterpreting monotheism and promoting speculative spiritual focuses.
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Heiser Reinterprets Scripture Through Ancient Near Eastern Lenses
- Michael Heiser heavily relies on ancient Near Eastern scholarship to reinterpret biblical texts about gods, angels, and the divine council.
- Fred Butler argues this approach over-privileges pagan parallels and risks reading Israelite faith as a pantheon rather than revelation from Yahweh.
Psalm 82 Speaks To Judges Not A Heavenly Pantheon
- Psalm 82's 'congregation' (Heb. elohim context) is better read as God among his assembly or human judges, not evidence of a heavenly pantheon.
- Butler notes translations like RSV/ESV popularized 'divine council' but the historical use points to earthly judges and Israelite worship contexts.
Context Places Psalm 82 In Exilic Reproof Of Human Leaders
- Asaph's Psalms (73–82) likely come from the exile period and address human injustice and failed leaders, undermining Heiser's claim of an ancient divine-council origin.
- Butler ties Psalm 82 themes (widows, fatherless) to prophetic rebukes, indicating human judges are in view.
