The Jimmy Akin Podcast

Frank Turek, evangelical apologist known for debating and media work, joins a campus Q&A clash over the Bible and the Church. Short, sharp back-and-forths cover the New Testament’s origins, John 14 and 16 claims, the deuterocanonical books, how early councils shaped the canon, and whether Jesus used the Septuagint. Energetic, surprising, and respectfully combative.

John DeRosa, host of the Classical Theism Podcast and interviewer, asks sharp questions about Jimmy Akin’s resurrection debate. They dissect abductive reasoning, compare competing theories, and weigh composite vs single explanations. The conversation probes timing and cultural issues, challenges to alternative models, and how parapsychology and evidence shape the overall case.

A clear look at influential Christian teachings that are not explicitly found in Scripture. The conversation examines how tradition shapes beliefs about apostles, the closure of Scripture, and the end of public revelation. It explores early sources like the Didache and explains why some doctrines are accepted by custom rather than direct biblical statements.

A deep dive into whether anything beyond the virgin conception made the birth miraculous. Discussion of proposals like Mary experiencing no labor pains or Jesus bypassing the birth canal. Survey of early Christian writings and theological arguments that support extraordinary birth claims. Reflection on why Church teaching stays open to different physical explanations.

An inductive study exploring what the phrase "Word of God" actually refers to across Scripture. Short surveys consider meanings like Jesus as the Word, divine creative speech, promises, commands, prophecy, and preaching. Numerous passages are tested to see whether the phrase points to revelation proclaimed orally rather than to written books.

A deep dive into the apparent mismatch in Jesus’ family lines, comparing Matthew’s and Luke’s lists. The host walks through possibilities like dual names, skipped generations, legal adoption, heiress claims, and levirate marriage. Ancient genealogical practices and a family tradition reported by Africanus are examined as ways to reconcile the two pedigrees.

A discussion of why Jesus taught in parables and how Mark frames those moments. Conversation about who heard and who was given explanations and why that matters. Exploration of parables as invitations to wrestle with meaning and prompts for meditation. Reflection on how parables respect human freedom rather than forcing belief.

A clear walk through what it means to bless and how the word works in Latin and Greek. Stories from Scripture illustrate invocative and constitutive blessings. Discussion of consecrations, who can perform different blessings, and the Church's Book of Blessings. Practical notes on effects people associate with blessings and resources for further study.

A lively examination of when Revelation was written, weighing clues from early Church statements and Roman emperors. Close attention to Patmos and whether John was exiled or imprisoned. Discussion of temple imagery and how it points to a pre-70 date. A case made for dating the book around 68–69 AD during the Galba interlude.

Discover the optional nature of the Sign of Peace during Mass and clear up common misconceptions. Explore its rich history, from the early Church to modern practices and potential abuses. Unpack church laws guiding this rite and learn about variations allowed by U.S. bishops. Jimmy offers creative alternatives for expressing peace, including everything from a handshake to a Vulcan salute. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration that balances tradition with personal expression!