This One Goes to 11: Rethinking Referent and Affirmation - Episode 137

Genesis Marks the Spot

Content provided by Carey Griffel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Carey Griffel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

1M ago 1:04:06

MP3•Episode home

What if the Bible talks about things it doesn’t actually affirm? That’s the question John and J. Harvey Walton explore in their referent/affirmation hermeneutic—a method that seeks to distinguish between what Scripture uses culturally and what it teaches theologically.

In this content-heavy episode, we dig deep into the Waltons' approach, explore strengths and critiques (especially in relation to canonical reading and supernatural conflict), and propose ways to integrate their work into a more theological, Christ-centered, and canonically-aware method of reading.

We’ll examine where this model helps (especially with ancient Near Eastern context), where it struggles (like with canonical coherence and spiritual conflict), and how it interacts with voices like Michael Heiser. Along the way, we’ll ask the hard questions:

Can a time-bound referent convey timeless truth?
Does later canonical development affirm what earlier authors left open?
Are we treating the Bible like a spiritual taxonomy or a wisdom text?

If you’ve wrestled with how the Bible speaks of firmaments, spirits, demons, cosmic powers—or just how to read your Bible with both eyes open—this episode is for you.

On This Rock Biblical Theology Community: https://on-this-rock.com/

Website: genesismarksthespot.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot

Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan

Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/

Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_channel=Wintergatan

182 episodes

#Religion #Christianity #Self-Improvement #Carey Griffel #Podcasting Education #Biblical Theology