OnScript

Brian Toews, professor emeritus and scholar of Hebrew Bible wisdom literature, discusses reading the Writings as a unified conversation. He explores wisdom threads across Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Chronicles, and Song of Songs. Topics include meditation as a reading practice, Genesis 1–4 as a theological backdrop, suffering and lament, and surprising theological roles for Ruth and Ecclesiastes.

Carmen Imes, Associate Professor of Old Testament and author of the Bearing›Being›Becoming trilogy, brings biblical theology focused on community and presence. She discusses the church as corporate identity, migration and outsiders in Israel’s story, hospitality and protecting the vulnerable, and how texts from Genesis to Romans reshape family, worship, and communal formation.

Marty Folsom, theologian and professor who writes accessible guides to Karl Barth, walks through Barth’s Doctrine of Creation. He highlights creation as covenant, divine hospitality, embodied imagery, and the waterfall metaphor of grace. Conversations range from Barthian actualism and freedom to everyday delights like angels and the coffee machine.

Ingrid Farrow, a professor of Old Testament and author, dives into the often-overlooked stories of women in the Bible. She discusses Jehosheba's daring actions to save David's lineage and reframes Tamar's boldness as a quest for justice. Ingrid emphasizes the significant roles of women like Rahab and Deborah in Israel's narrative and argues that reading Scripture through a trauma-informed lens is crucial for understanding figures like Bathsheba. Ultimately, she advocates for a more inclusive approach to teaching Scripture that uplifts women's voices.

Mark Scarlata, an Anglican priest and Old Testament lecturer, dives deep into the spiritual significance of wine in his discussions. He highlights Noah's role as the first vintner and explores how wine relates to the restoration of humanity and creation. Scarlata argues that understanding scripture involves embodied knowledge of viticulture, emphasizing ecological interdependence in Genesis. He connects wine to communal salvation and Eucharist, advocating for sensory appreciation as a spiritual practice, all while reflecting on wine's socio-political implications.

Paul Sloan, Chair of theology at Houston Christian University and author of 'Jesus and the Law of Moses,' explores the complexities of Jesus' relationship with the Jewish law. He argues that Jesus offered a radical reworking rather than a rejection of the law, emphasizing compassion over legalism. Sloan highlights the importance of understanding restoration eschatology and critiques popular readings like that of the Rich Young Man. He also shares insights on Torah obedience, discusses Jesus’ healings as messianic signs, and encourages engaging with Jewish law for a deeper understanding of the Gospels.

Drew Johnson, a Professor of Religion at Hope College and author of Understanding Biblical Law, dives deep into the role of biblical law as a tool for moral reasoning. He argues that laws in Exodus-Deuteronomy promote care for the vulnerable rather than merely restricting behavior. Drew contrasts biblical law with modern legal systems, highlighting its unique narrative embedding and wisdom-like qualities. The discussion includes how stories, like that of Rahab, enrich the application of laws and emphasizes the importance for Christians to better engage with the Torah.

Cor Bennema, a New Testament scholar at the London School of Theology, dives into the fascinating role of imitation in early Christianity. He discusses how early Christians engaged in mimesis for personal and communal growth, highlighting its roots in Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions. Bennema examines the ethical dimensions of imitation, linking it to character formation and mentorship, while emphasizing the importance of understanding Jesus' love command as a model for discipleship. His insights reveal imitation as a transformative tool for faith and moral development.

Brent Strawn, a distinguished biblical scholar and Old Testament professor at Duke University, dives deep into the rich imagery of Psalm 23. He masterfully connects this beloved biblical poem to contemporary poetry, illustrating how poetic expressions enrich understanding. Strawn explores themes of comfort and divine presence, shedding light on the historical context and translations of Psalm 23. He also draws parallels to Robert Hayden's work, enhancing the discourse on faith and vulnerability through the lens of poetry.

Matthew Novenson, a professor and author of 'Paul and Judaism at the End of History,' dives into the intricate relationship between Paul’s theology and Jewish identity. He explores Paul's unique views on time and eschatology, shedding light on his categorization of humanity into Jews and Gentiles. With a playful twist, the discussion features humorous interpretations of Paul’s letters, while also tackling the evolving nature of Jewish law. Novenson encourages nuanced readings of these texts, aiming to inspire both academic and community engagement.