Show Notes
In this episode Skyler interviews Mark Clark on the problem of Jesus. Mark is the lead pastor at the Village Church in Vancouver Canada and author of the book The Problem of God. Mark is passionate about reaching people for Jesus and helping skeptics find answer to their questions. In this interview we talk about what makes Jesus unique, what hangs people up, and how to help skeptics on their journey toward faith.What makes Jesus UniqueHe claimed to be God in a way a first century Jew would understand.He claimed to be the only way to the FatherHe claimed to accomplish what humans could never do for themselves (ie. Pay for their own sins).What are the common hangups for post-Christian peopleReliability of JesusSexualityExclusivity Errors and contradictionsNot wanting to be narrowed into one belief systemHypocritical How can people encourage skeptics toward belief Bridge the gap between faith and scienceEncourage people to read through the Gospels.Start with Jesus identity statement, then look at the evidence for the resurrection. Belief probably won’t happen over night, it’s a process.Links:The Village ChurchMark ClarkThe Problem of GodThe Problem of JesusMost influential books for Mark on Jesus (outside of the Bible)N.T Wright, Jesus and the victory of God; John P Meier; The Marginal Jew Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
More from Unpacked with Skyler
In this episode Skyler interview Dr. Tom Wright on his newly published book Into The heart of Romans: A Deep Dive Into Paul’s Greatest Letter. Dr. Wright brings his fresh perspective from over 50 years of studying the letter of Romans in this book. He is the former Bishop of Durham and has taught at various schools such as Oxford, Cambridge, and McGill University. Currently Dr. Wright is the research professor emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at at St Mary’s college and Senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall at Oxford.
In this episode Skyler interview Dr. Sandra Glahn on her newly released book Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament. Dr. Glahn brings her Biblical expertise and person experience to shed light on a misunderstood background and interpretation to what Paul means when he says, "women will be saved through childbearing" (1 Timothy 2:15). Dr. Glahn is professor of media arts and worship at Dallas Theological Seminary where she focuses a lot of her time teaching about first-century backgrounds.
In this episode Skyler interviews Peter Gurry on the ancient Bible manuscripts, common myths, objections, and the science behind the Greek New Testament used in our English Bibles. Peter serves as the Associate Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary and the Director of the Text and Canon Institute. He holds a Ph.d from the University of Cambridge and is leading expert in the field of textual criticism. Notes:Phoenix Seminary Text and Canon Institute * Two Reasons There Are Variants in Our Copies of the Bible (article) Scribes and Scripture: The amazing story of how we got our Bible (book) Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism (book)
In this episode Skyler interviews John Marriott on the Christian deconversion. John serves on the research staff at the Center for Christian Thought at Biola University, and adjunct professor in the department of philosophy. John's dissertation focused on deconversion from Christianity to atheism making him a leading voice in the area of understanding deconversion and a helpful resource to pastors, parents, and churches in today's world. Notes:The Anatomy of Deconversion John Marriott website
In this episode Skyler interviews David L. Rowe on the Latter-Day Saints and how Christians can have better conversations with them. David served as professor and dean of spiritual life at Salt Lake Theological Seminary, before transitioning to the dean of facilitators at The Vine Institute. In this interview David shares his wealth of knowledge and heart for the Latter-Day Saints. Notes:I Love Mormons: A New Way to Share Christ with Latter-Day SaintsThe Vine Institute