The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Genesis 8:22 – Seasons, Stability, and the Prosperity Gospel

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we dive deep into Genesis 8:22, a verse that, at first glance, seems straightforward but holds profound implications. Why do famines occur if God promised perpetual seasons? Did humanity experience seasons before the flood? Could this verse be the bedrock of the prosperity gospel? Or is it a source of comfort in today's fear-driven world?
Join us as we explore these questions, presenting various opinions and concluding with Lance's insights. We'll also reference historical confessions of faith, scientific perspectives, and modern theological viewpoints to unpack the true meaning of Genesis 8:22. This episode promises to enlighten and challenge your understanding of divine promises and their relevance today.
Ready to dive in? Let's learn together about the cycles of nature, God's providence, and the implications for our lives. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://theothoughts.com/2013/04/19/seedtime-and-horror-the-prosperity-philosophy-built-on-genesis-822/ 
https://www.bjnewlife.org/en/sermons/sermonsDetail.php?idx=3202&findLang=English 
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/8/Genesis-8-22.html#:~:text=God%20commits%20to%20never%20again,as%20God%20had%20designed%20them. 
https://carm.org/creeds-and-confessions/second-london-baptist-confession-1689-of-god/
https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/genesis-8-22
https://thebiblesays.com/commentary/gen/gen-8/genesis-818-22/

Genesis 8:21--Divine Promises: The Flood vs. Fire Debate

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. I'm your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into a compelling topic by examining Genesis 8:21, where God promises never to destroy all living things again, and comparing it with 2 Peter 3:10, which speaks of a future destruction by fire. Are these verses contradictory, or is there a deeper understanding?We'll explore various interpretations, including insights from the Big Book of Bible Difficulties, the Noahic Covenant, and additional scriptural references. We'll also discuss how these interpretations affect our understanding of God's promises and their implications for humanity. Join us as we unpack this fascinating discussion and draw our conclusions.

Genesis 8:1--Did God Temporarily Forget Noah?

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we tackle the intriguing question: Did God temporarily forget Noah as suggested in Genesis 8:1? We explore this verse through the lens of open theism and examine whether God had a "senior moment" and forgot about those on the ark.
Join us as we revisit the concept of anthropomorphism and delve into the deeper meaning of the Hebrew word zakar. We'll present various perspectives, including insights from the Big Book of Bible Difficulties, and discuss the theological implications of God's immutability versus the open theist viewpoint.
Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion that aims to clarify whether God ever truly forgot Noah and what "remembering" signifies in a biblical context. As always, show notes will include links to all discussed materials. Let's learn together!

Genesis 7:24: Unraveling Noah's Ark: 40 Days or 150 Days?

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we explore the intriguing discrepancies in the story of Noah's Ark, focusing on the duration of the flood waters. Did it rain for 40 days and 40 nights, or did the flood last for 150 days? We delve into various interpretations and theories to make sense of these numbers.
We also discuss the prevalence of flood narratives across different cultures and whether these stories point to a shared historical event. Additionally, we examine how different Bible translations can impact our understanding of this event, and the importance of careful selection.
Join us as we analyze the evidence, interpretations, and implications, and conclude with Lance's thoughts on the matter. 
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/c4NzLOr (The MacArthur Study Bible)
https://a.co/d/5uXgPY7 (NRSV Bible)
https://www.str.org/w/flooded-with-floods?p_l_back_url=%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dflood%2BAND%2B150%2Bdays
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/7/Genesis-7-24.html
http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/q5.htm

Genesis 6:14-15 (2): The Seaworthiness of Noah's Ark--Myth or Reality?

Today we're diving deep into the structural integrity and seaworthiness of Noah's Ark as described in Genesis 6:14-15. Can a wooden ark truly withstand the violent flood depicted in the Bible?
We'll start by examining the insights of entertainer and science communicator Bill Nye, famously known as "The Science Guy," and dissect his thoughts on the matter. Following that, we'll scrutinize the Ark's dimensions as laid out in Genesis to determine if they actually make for a seaworthy vessel.
Next, we'll delve into a fascinating study conducted by four physics students who evaluated the feasibility of building and sailing such a colossal wooden structure. What do their findings reveal? Can such a vessel as grand as described really hold up?

Genesis 6:14-15 (1): Myth or Historical Fact?

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, hosted by Lance Smith. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the depths of Genesis 6:14-15, focusing on the flood narrative. Was this flood an actual historical event, a myth like the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh, or something in between—a mytho-history?
We explore the question of whether the flood truly occurred and examine the evidence supporting it as a historical fact. How could Noah's Ark have housed all species of animals, enough food, and humans for such an extensive journey? We discuss the term "kind" versus "species" and whether it provides a different perspective that might make the story more plausible.
Join us as we present various viewpoints, including insights from Dr. William Lane Craig and others, on whether the flood narrative is mytho-history or a real event. We also address how the Ark could have held all the animals, drawing from research and expert opinions.
Don't miss this episode filled with fascinating discussions, detailed research, and compelling arguments. For a deeper dive, be sure to check out the articles linked in the episode description. Stay tuned as we continue our exploration of Genesis in the next episode, focusing on the survival of a wooden Ark in a violent flood.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/5uXgPY7 (NRSV Bible)
https://carm.org/about-the-bible/could-noahs-ark-hold-all-the-animals/ 
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/podcasts/defenders-podcast-series-3/excursus-on-creation-of-life-and-biological-diversity/excursus-on-creation-of-life-and-biological-diversity-part-27 
https://crossexamined.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/11.24-Podcast-Inside-Noahs-Ark-with-Dr.-Tim-Chaffey.pdf
https://reasons.org/explore/publications/reasons-newsletter/which-animals-rode-on-the-ark 

Genesis 6-6: God's Regret or Anthropomorphism?

Join us as host Lance Smith takes us on a riveting journey to decode Genesis 6:6, a controversial Bible verse that sparks thought-provoking discussions and interpretations. In this episode, we will explore the question, "Was God unsatisfied with what He made?" To guide our exploration, we will delve into two perspectives: 'Open Theism,' which proposes the notion of a limited God, and 'Anthropomorphism,' an engaging concept often associated with Disney animations. Are these merely different ways of interpreting God's regret over mankind's sins, or could they offer deeper insights into biblical interpretation? This episode promises a rich tapestry of theological ideas and discourse spanning centuries, from the 16th to the 21st. From the insights of 16th-century theologian John Calvin and 19th-century German theologians C.F. Keil and Franz Delitzsch, to present-day scholars like Matt Halstead and Matt Slick, we will seek answers while considering the multifaceted nature of Scripture. Did God truly regret His creation or was this an anthropomorphic projection used to describe God's relationship with sinful humanity? As we dive into the text, original Hebrew meanings, and scholarly articles, we hope to find answers that may challenge and inspire you. Are you ready to embark on this fascinating journey? Let's dive in! Note: show notes will include references for all material discussed.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
John Calvin, Genesis, Calvin’s Commentaries, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), 248-49.
C.F. Keil, F. Delitzsch, The Pentateuch, Commentary on the Old Testament, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978), 139-140
https://carm.org/about-god/does-god-repent-an-examination-of-exodus-3214-and-genesis-66/#_ftn8 
https://carm.org/open-theism/genesis-66-and-the-lord-was-sorry-he-had-made-man-on-the-earth/
https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/202001537/202001537_1.pdf
https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/6/Genesis-6-6.html
https://reasons.org/explore/publications/questions-from-social-media/does-gods-regret-that-he-made-humans-mean-he-is-indecisive
https://thatdankent.com/15-reasons-open-theism-is-true-a-reply-to-andrew-wilson/ 
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/rationalanimal/2023/03/introduction-to-open-theism/

Genesis 6-2: Exploring and Decoding the Identity of the "Sons of God"

Welcome to the 'Bible Difficulties and Answers' podcast with your host, Lance Smith. The elusive topic of the identity of the "sons of God" mentioned in Genesis 6:2 is today's intriguing subject. This verse has been a curiosity to biblical scholars for hundreds of years and continues to pique our interest. We'll consider the questions: were the "sons of God" fallen angels, also interpreted as earth dwelling demons, or were they humans derived from the line of Seth? We'll probe deeply into differing perspectives to seek answers while striving to remain open-minded, without letting uncertainty cloud our understanding of the Bible.
Join us as we present competent scholars' diverse interpretations, uncovering this biblical puzzle's possible solutions. Some scholars believe the "sons of God" were great men of renown or the godly line of Seth, while others suggest they were angels inhabiting human bodies. We'll also explore the idea of the "sons of God" representing a specific category of earthly males. 
This episode aims not only to investigate the identity of the "sons of God" closely but also to highlight that Genesis 6:2 shouldn't be seen as the exclusive guidepost for our theological framework. Whether the "sons of God" are considered fallen angels or human men, their narrative remains woven into the broader tapestry of the Bible, yielding seeds of corruption and divine interventions. Stay tuned as we continue decoding this captivating narrative over the next six episodes.
In our forthcoming podcast, we promise a deep dive into the intriguing question from Genesis 6:6; why was God dissatisfied with his creation? You may reach us at our website or via email with any queries, comments, or feedback. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and provide a five-star rating for the podcast on your preferred platform to help spread awareness about the most amazing book ever written.