The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Sunday Series-Episode 14: Why Our Conscience Points to God: The Case for Objective Morality

Episode 14 examines pages 79–84 of J. Steve Miller's Faith That's Not Blind, arguing that our strong sense of objective right and wrong—illustrated by Kant, Romans 2, and modern thinkers—best fits a theistic lawgiver rather than naturalistic evolution. Lance Smith walks through Miller's use of intuition, Alvin Plantinga-style inference, and William Lane Craig's moral argument.
The episode contrasts naturalism's inability to ground objective morals with theism's explanation rooted in God's unchanging nature, referencing examples from history and scripture (Psalm 19) to explain why our moral experience points beyond mere survival instincts.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Geoffrey Bles.
Rosenberg, A. (2011). The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life without Illusions. W. W. Norton & Company.
Moral Arguments for the Existence of God. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Available at: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-arguments-god/ 
Reasonable Faith Animated Video on the Moral Argument. Available at: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/moral 

Exodus 24:4 – Did Moses Write the Torah? Exodus 24 vs. the JEPD Theory

Host Lance Smith examines Exodus 24 and the modern JEPD/documentary hypothesis, weighing scholarly claims of multiple authors against evidence for Mosaic authorship.
The episode reviews historical, linguistic, and biblical arguments and explains why the host leans toward Moses as the primary author while encouraging listeners to investigate with curiosity.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  
Heiser, Michael. “Mosaic Authorship of the Torah: Problems with the Documentary Hypothesis (JEPD), Part 3.” https://drmsh.com/mosaic-authorship-torah-problems-documentary-hypothesis-jedp-part-3/ 
“The JEPD Theory.” Saint Mary’s Press. https://www.smp.org/dynamicmedia/files/9f86f9ff327c4e2eb3a9f985b135a6ff/TX001002_1-content-The_JEPD_Theory.pdf 
“Exodus.” Society for Old Testament Study. https://www.sots.ac.uk/wiki/exodus/ 
“Authorship of the Pentateuch.” Evidence Unseen. https://evidenceunseen.com/authorship-of-the-pentateuch 
“Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah.” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/ 
Ehrman, Bart. “Exodus: How Archaeology Challenges the Biblical Account.” https://www.bartehrman.com/exodus/ 
Ehrman, Bart. “How to Study the Bible.” https://www.bartehrman.com/how-to-study-the-bible/ 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 9:2 – Unraveling the Divine Mystery: Is Jesus Truly God?

Join host Lance Smith in this engaging episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as he navigates through the complex question: Is Jesus God? Exploring Matthew 9 and various biblical passages, Lance addresses skeptical claims that highlight the paradox of Jesus being both divine and human. With insights from scholarly works and theological perspectives, discover how the Trinity and hypostatic union reconcile these contradictions, unveiling a comprehensive understanding of Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us.
Dive deep into scripture, drawing on expert analyses and thought-provoking arguments to grasp the essence of the dual nature of Christ. Whether you're a believer seeking clarity or a skeptic in search of answers, this episode offers a balanced exploration of one of Christianity's foundational beliefs. Get ready to question, learn, and be inspired to delve further into the Word.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html 
Carpenter, Cody J. E. Matthew’s Jesus: The Divine Exposed. Master’s thesis, Mercer University, James & Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, Atlanta, GA, 2018.
GotQuestions.org. “Is Jesus God?” https://www.gotquestions.org/is-Jesus-God.html
BiblicalUnitarian.com. “One God, One Lord: Reconsidering the Cornerstone of the Christian Faith.” https://www.biblicalunitarian.com/articles/jesus-christ/one-god-one-lord-reconsidering-the-cornerstone-of-the-christian-faith
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “Trinity.” https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/trinity/
ReasonableFaith.org. “Was Christ a Divine-Human Person?” https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/was-christ-a-divine-human-person
CARM.org. “Is Jesus God?” https://carm.org/about-jesus/is-jesus-god/
Mercer University Embedded Certificates: https://theology.mercer.edu/academics/degree-programs/master-of-divinity/embedded-certificates/ 

Sunday Series-Episode 13: Unveiling the Soul--Consciousness Beyond Materialism

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers" with your host, Lance Smith. This week, we delve into the profound discussion about consciousness and free will, pondering whether they hint at a soul beyond our physical brain. Exploring pages 76 to 78 of J. Steve Miller’s Faith is Not Blind, we challenge the materialistic view that portrays consciousness and free will as mere illusions.
Dive into the paradox of self-awareness and explore near-death experiences, as we seek clues pointing to the existence of a non-material soul. Join the conversation with insights from thinkers like Susan Blackmore and Alvin Plantinga, and discover how free will and rationality might align more closely with a supernatural worldview.
Whether a skeptic or a believer, this episode urges you to consider where you stand on the spectrum of belief in the soul. Don’t forget to check the show notes for in-depth resources and share your reflections with us on our social media pages. Tune in for another exciting exploration next week!
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
Blackmore, S. (1993). Dying to Live: Near-Death Experiences. Prometheus Books.
Rosenberg, A. (2011). The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life without Illusions. W. W. Norton & Company.
Nagel, T. (1993). Review of The Rediscovery of the Mind by John Searle. New York Review of Books. Available at: http://www.nybooks.com/articles/1993/03/04/the-mind-wins/ 
Plantinga, A. (2011). Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, and Naturalism. Oxford University Press. 

Exodus 23:19–Cracking the Culinary Code: Unveiling the Mystery of 'Don't Boil a Kid in Its Mother's Milk'

Join host Lance Smith in episode 156 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast as we unravel the intriguing command from Exodus 23:19, "You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk." This episode delves into the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of this ancient law that appears three times in the Torah.
Explore the possible reasons behind this divine directive, from promoting compassion and ethical treatment of animals to avoiding pagan rituals. Discover how this law shapes kosher practices and reflects deeper spiritual themes, inviting listeners to live with intention and respect for life's boundaries.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  
Seeking Scripture. “Do Not Boil a Young Goat in Its Mother’s Milk: Another Possibility.” https://seekingscripture.com/do-not-boil-a-young-goat-in-its-mothers-milk-another-possibility/ 
GotQuestions.org. “Why Does the Bible Forbid Boiling a Young Goat in Its Mother’s Milk?” https://www.gotquestions.org/not-boil-young-goat-mother-milk.html
GotQuestions.org. “Why Can’t Jews Eat Dairy with Meat?” https://www.gotquestions.org/Jews-kosher-dairy-meat.html
Living Faith Blog. “Cooking a Young Goat in Its Mother’s Milk.” 24 May 2018, https://livingfaith.blog/2018/05/24/cooking-a-young-goat-in-its-mothers-milk/
Klein, Yossi. “Metaphors in the Torah: Cooking a Young Goat in Its Mother’s Milk.” The Jerusalem Post, 26 Apr 2016, https://www.jpost.com/blogs/torah-commentaries/metaphors-in-the-torah-cooking-a-young-goat-in-its-mothers-milk-450264
Aish. “Kid in Mother’s Milk: Not Taken Literally?” https://aish.com/kid-in-mothers-milk-not-taken-literally/
TheTorah.com. “Do Not Cook a Kid Still Suckling Its Mother’s Milk.” https://www.thetorah.com/article/do-not-cook-a-kid-still-suckling-its-mothers-milk
Armstrong Institute. “Thou Shalt Not Seethe a Kid in Its Mother’s Milk: Peculiar Scripture Illuminated by Archaeology.” https://armstronginstitute.org/740-thou-shalt-not-seethe-a-kid-in-its-mothers-milk-peculiar-scripture-illuminated-by-archaeology 

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:28–Decoding Gospel Contradictions: The Demon-Possessed Men Mystery

Welcome to Episode 155 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! Join host Lance Smith as he delves into a puzzling gospel narrative that leaves skeptics questioning: how many men were possessed by demons in Matthew 8:28? Matthew's account mentions two demon-possessed men, while Mark and Luke each report only one. Is this a contradiction or just different perspectives on the same event? Lance explores this intriguing topic, examining why these differences exist and what they signify.
Through the eerie setting of the Gadarenes and the dramatic scene involving a herd of pigs, this episode provides insights into the different ways the Gospels convey the story of Jesus's encounter with the demoniacs. Discover how cultural contexts and audience expectations shaped these accounts. Whether you're a scripture enthusiast or a curious skeptic, this episode promises a captivating exploration of biblical narratives.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html 
Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary: https://a.co/d/aEyRa7R 
“Demons and Pigs (Matthew 8:28-34).” Bible.org. https://bible.org/seriespage/11-demons-and-pigs-matthew-828-34 
“Why does Matthew mention two demoniacs when Mark and Luke mention one?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/one-two-demoniacs.html 
“Were There One or Two Men Healed?” Patterns of Truth. https://patternsoftruth.org/were-there-one-or-two-men-healed/ 
Davenport, Gary. “How Many Demoniacs Were There?” GaryDavenport.org, September 14, 2023. https://garydavenport.org/2023/09/14/12439/ 
“Why Matthew Said Two Men Were Possessed with Demons at the Country of the Gadarenes.” Veritas Domain, April 21, 2020. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/04/21/why-matthew-said-two-men-were-possessed-with-demons-at-the-country-of-the-gadarenes/ 
“Who Got It Wrong? Was There One or Two Demoniacs Delivered?” The Gospel Coalition Canada. https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/who-got-it-wrong-was-there-one-or-two-demoniacs-delivered/ 

Sunday Series-Episode 12: Gestalt Moments-Transforming Worldviews with New Perspectives

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with Lance Smith, as we journey into week 12 of our enlightening series through J. Steve Miller's book, "Faith is Not Blind." In this episode, we explore the concept of a paradigm shift, or gestalt experience, and how it can dramatically alter one's perception of reality, akin to swapping blurred glasses for a 4K VR headset.
Dive into Thomas Kuhn's insights from "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" on how paradigm shifts occur not by accumulating evidence, but through sudden, transformative insights. Follow the story of Peter Hitchens and his transformative encounter with religious art that reignited his belief, reshaping his atheistic views.
Engage with thought-provoking experiments, as Lance Smith encourages listeners to look beyond logic to embrace those moments of profound insight—gestalt moments—that offer a new understanding of the universe and the divine.
Join the conversation, share your thoughts at BibleDifficultiesAndAnswers@Gmail.com, and stay tuned for our next deep dive into existential fit. Don't miss this episode, where a simple shift in perspective can illuminate new dimensions of faith.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
Hitchens, P. (2010). The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me to Faith. Zondervan.
Kuhn, T. S. (1962). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press.
Rice, A. (2008). Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession. Knopf.

Exodus 21:29-30 Unraveled: The Mystery of the Killer Ox

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith explores a complex and intriguing question from the Book of Exodus. What happens when negligence leads to death in ancient Israelite law? Dive into the case of a notorious ox with a deadly history, and how a community grapples with issues of justice, responsibility, and mercy.
Smith breaks down the biblical contradictions between Exodus and Numbers, and ponders the deeper principles at play. Why would a seemingly straightforward death penalty law allow for a ransom in certain cases? Is there a divine nuance that balances justice with mercy?
This episode unpacks these questions and more, offering insights into God's character and how these ancient laws might still speak to modern challenges.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
New Revised Standard Version:https://a.co/d/4aZk9Wn 
Karaite Insights. “Eye for an Eye.” https://karaiteinsights.com/article/eye-for-an-eye
Pastor Rodney. “Exodus 21:12-32.” https://pastorrodney.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/exodus21_12-32/
Got Questions. “What does the Bible say about the death penalty?” https://www.gotquestions.org/death-penalty.html
Apologetics Press. “God and Capital Punishment.” https://apologeticspress.org/god-and-capital-punishment-5415/
Sefaria. “Expiation Payment.” https://www.sefaria.org/topics/expiation-payment?sort=Relevance&tab=notable-sources
Johnson, Richard A. “Lex Talionis in Exodus 21:22-25.” https://scholarship.stu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1372&context=stlr
Superior Word. “Exodus 21:28-36 (The Price of a Life).” https://superiorword.org/exodus-21-28-36-the-price-of-a-life/
Truly Random Verse. “Exodus 21:30.” https://trulyrandomverse.com/exodus/21-30
The Nexus. “Digging in Deeper: Exodus 21:28-32, 35-36.” https://the-nexus.blog/2024/03/19/digging-in-deeper-exodus-2128-32-35-36/