EP #60 - Reclaiming Forgotten & Untapped Treasure of the Word - Interview with Bradley Jersak

The Scriptures are an essential aspect of the Christian faith. But we have often equated them with the living Word Himself, even elevating them above the One to whom they point. In doing so, we have distorted their central message—and our view of God. Tragically, this has caused multitudes of people unnecessary doubt, confusion, and pain in their encounters with the Scriptures. Many people understand God as being truly loving and good. Yet, they struggle with depictions of God in Scripture as wrathful, violent, and genocidal. These “toxic texts” have caused some to set aside their Bibles as R-rated and unreliable. They have led others to completely reject their faith. Author and theologian Bradley Jersak has wrestled deeply with such passages over many years. He has experienced the same questions, doubt, and pain. In A More Christlike Word, he offers a clarifying and freeing path forward. Whether readers consider themselves believers, doubters, or skeptics, all are invited to a more beautiful and ancient way of reading the Scriptures. Bradley calls this path the “Emmaus Way” because it demonstrates how Jesus regarded all Scripture as fulfilled in himself, the final Word of God who reveals the true nature of the Father. After deconstructing the modern biblicist/literalist approaches to Scripture interpretation that have failed us, Brad turns to the early church for a hermeneutic of prefigurement, treating the Bible as the grand narrative of redemption, told through a polyphony of voices and worldviews, culminating in the arrival of Christ as the eternal Word of God—what God has to say about himself. Join Bradley Jersak and myself as we discuss this joyful, restorative topic! Bradley Jersak, a prairie boy, migrated west to marry Eden (1986). Brad served as a pastor and church planter for twenty years, where he developed a heart for restorative justice for people with disabilities, addictions and economic disadvantages. In 2009, Brad began Ph.D. studies in political theology at Bangor University (Wales). After graduating, he was invited to teach at Westminster Theological Centre (UK), then at SSU and IRPJ, eventually becoming Dean of the Theology & Culture program. He has authored numerous books, including, “Her Gates Will Never be Shut”, “A More Christlike God…”, “A More Christlike Way….”“The Pastor”. His newest, “A More Christlike Word: Reading Scripture the Emmaus Way” is hot off the presses! Stay connected to receive more free ministry resources every day! Catherinetoon.com FB: Catherine Toon, MD IG: @CatherineToon ➡️ Watch on YouTube: Catherine Toon, MD (like & subscribe for more!) ➡️ Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts ➡️ Visit my Instagram Podcast highlight for more links