In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown turns the tables and puts Thomas on the spot, asking why Christians still uphold the sexual standards put forth in the Old Testament, but not the dietary ones? This also had the effect of prompting Thomas to start a series on the subject for his blog at thechifiles.com/laws.

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So people think you’re from Olympus? Just another day in the life of an Apostle. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about Paul and Barnabas’ first preaching journey. But the missionaries can’t stay for too long, they have to make it back to Jerusalem in time for the council for the first great debate on salvation by works vs. faith.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown speaks to whether written prayers or extemporaneous prayers are preferable

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Son of Jesus, why you no Gospel? Talk about ironic misnomers! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They have dealings with an unscrupulous magician, and get rejected by the Jews when they go “mainstream” and begin to attract gentile followers to Christ.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown talks about the intersection between the study of history and systematic approaches to the faith.

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Since when is dressing yourself so exciting? In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about the fallout following Peter’s discovery that the Gospel is also for Gentiles. Speaking of the goy, Barnabas and Paul start their missionary journey. Meanwhile back home in Jerusalem, the fires of persecution fall on the apostles.

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks a question comparing the Church to Hugh Hefner, and Pastor talks about the legacy the Church is to leave in the world.

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Even the early Church had dear-old quilting ladies. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke learn about Jesus’ continued ministry of healing, as exercised through Peter. Then, they learn that pig is back on the menu, and so is fellowship with uncircumcised gentiles!

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown talks about politics in the workplace and at school.

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What has two eyes but can’t see? In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about the Baptisms of the Ethiopian eunuch and of Saul, the latter being freshly sightless after a brilliant encounter with Christ.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown talks about why assigning spiritual blame for natural disasters is not a good move.

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In this solo one-shot, Pastor Eric Brown shares some stories from his own life as he talks about the vocation of being a student, in the context of the Greatest Commandment.

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Hey buddy—wanna buy a Pastorate? In this episode Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read of the martyrdom of St. Stephen, which kicks off the Christian diaspora as the message of the Gospel is carried to all the surrounding nations. Phillip finds himself preaching to the Samaritans, but one of them seeks to use the Gospel for personal gain.

Speaking of personal gain: in the Backwards Life segment, Pastor Brown talks about the idea of giving money to televangelists.

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The first Deacons: more Greek than rush week! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke observe as good men are chosen to take some pressure off the Apostles. Stephen, in particular, takes a LOT of pressure, and preaches a ballin’ sermon in response.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown talks about the purpose behind the seasons of the Church.

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From Ananias and Sapphira to the Sadducees, it seems that most of the folks in our text are intent on defying the Holy Spirit. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke discuss the goings on within the early Church, and see the grip of persecution tightening all the while.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown addresses a headline claiming that there has been an increase in Bible studies in the White House.

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Pastor Eric Brown does a solo one-shot on the topics of the Resurrection of the Body and Legalism. Think these topics are unrelated? You’d be surprised!

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What did the early Church look like? In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke discover how the believers conducted themselves post-Pentecost. Then they discuss the situation that arises from the healing of a lame man by Christ through Peter and John.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown discusses the matter of our neighbor’s bodily needs.

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When Peter Gospels Boldly he go hard, man, he go hard. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read the sermon the original “Rock” gave at Pentecost. The Christian Church is now ready to go into all the nations.

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor why people think that having the Holy Spirit means we can work uber miracles ourselves?

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Acts 1:1-26

Call It In The Air

Heads you’re an Apostle; Tails… tough luck bro. In this Episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke begin the book of Acts, first by discussing the Apostles’ turkey-like behavior after the ascension, and then by examining how Judas’ replacement Apostle is selected. Later in the show they distinguish between Apostles and Pastors and talk about the qualifications for both.

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to comment on government persecution of Christians.

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Judges 19:16-21:25

Son of My Left Hand

Cut his concubine into pieces, this was his last resort… In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke finish the book of Judges. And the Israelites almost finish off the tribe of Benjamin while they’re at it. Good news – they left a remnant! Bad news – now they need wives.

In the Backwards life, Thomas asks Pastor to talk about the phrase, “Let go and let God.”

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Hide Yo’ Priests, Hide Yo’ Idols
Judges 18:7-19:15
It’d be a shame if Micah were to have an… accident. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke discuss the Dan-ish mafia, and their quest for other folks’ stuff. Then, it’s on to a discussion about a concubine and her husband, who seem like very nice people. Or something.

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to talk about doubts in the faith.

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GB 050: Judges 16:15-18:6

Idols Schmidols

Don’t have ears but fail to hear this episode! In it, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read the account of Samson’s demise – an event that gave him one of the greatest K/D ratios of all time! Then they begin the story of shady Micah and his sketch Levite.

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to explain: what exactly is an idol?

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GB 049: Judges 14:1-16:14

How The West Was Nuts

The Judge went down to Timnah, he was lookin’ for a girl to steal; he drug his parents along ‘cause he was too headstrong and he was willin’ to make a deal. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke venture through the show “Judges Gone Wild,” er, the life of Samson. It’s got everything: bad riddles, post-mortem donkey mandible wielding contests, foxes… on FIRE! And more besides.

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor why we can have wine when Sampson can’t (even if he constantly behaves as if he’s had too much).

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GB 048: Judges 12:1-13:25

No Grapes for You!

Study your vocabulary words – pronunciation can cost you your life! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke see how covetousness caused infighting and grudges amongst the people of God. Then, a woman is approached by the Preincarnate Christ to talk about what food not to eat (sound familiar?). 

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to riff on the concept of aliens!

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Judges 10:6-11:40
This show is much akin to the life of Jephthah’s daughter: cut short. In this 2/3 length episode Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke learn that God is jealous, but merciful. When Israel is afflicted by the Ammonites, who does God send to set things right? Why, the man who eats with sinners, of course! Also, Thomas learns what “schadenfreude” means!

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When storming the tower: don’t forget to look up. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about a thorny problem called Abimelech, the son of Gideon. Displeased with his station, he pulls an Order 66 on his brothers and takes over as ruler of the land, before he experiences a “crushing” defeat at the hands of a woman. 

In the Backwards Life segment, Pastor Brown talks about what it means to be “filled with the spirit”.

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Judges 5:1-6:27

Sometimes you just need a musical interlude! In this episode Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read the song of Deborah, offering notes on the text, and observations on the place of victory tunes in times past. Then they begin the account of the next Judge in the queue, a mighty warrior in hiding, and his amusing encounter with the preincarnate Christ.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor discusses Christian music, and Thomas confuses Billy Joel and Elton John.

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Excursus on Baptism

Hello, my name is… Baptized Child of God. Pastor Brown takes the mic alone in this solo episode dealing with Baptism. He explains what happens in the sacrament (there’s certainly a lot going on beneath the surface!), and how the Word spoken over us at the font shapes our identity. It’s the culmination of the great rescue mission to pull you out of Satan’s kingdom, a work of Christ and not of yourself, and a great comfort that should give you confidence in your salvation.

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Was it Ehud, in the Roof Chamber, with a Sword? How about Shamgar, in the Promised Land, with an Oxgoad? Or Jael, in the Tent, with a Tent Peg? In this episode of Gospeled Boldly, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke start to get the clue that Judges is not a book for the faint of heart! They finish the story of Ehud, then learn what happens when a prophetess promises the glory of victory will go to a woman, rather than the war leader.

In the Backwards Life segment, Thomas asks for Pastor Brown’s thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions (and should we “claim this year for blessings” in the name of Christ?).

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Judges 1:27-3:23

Mommy, where do Judges come from? In this episode Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke continue through the text, which addresses how and why God placed the Judges in Israel’s midst. We also get our first two judges – Othniel and Ehud, ancient action heroes par excellence.

In the Backwards Life segment, Pastor gives his thoughts as to whether it’s “pagan” to celebrate birthdays (even Christmas?!) as some evangelicals have been known to claim.

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Judges 1:1-33

All Sheol breaks loose for the Canaanites as Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke start their next book – Judges! In this episode they intro the book, then dive in for what promises to be one wild ride. Also, they address the inevitable question about the conquest of Canaan: was it “mean” to kick those other people out?

In the Backwards Life segment, Pastor answers a question on witchcraft.

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John 21:1-25

The apostles are a bit adrift after the Resurrection … literally. Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke talk about their post-resurrection fishing trip, and reaction to seeing the Lord again, in this episode. Far from being “cast out”, Peter is restored as a fisher of men, and Jesus tells him that he will follow him for the rest of his life – unto death. As for John, well, what is that to you?

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to expound on the scriptural command that fathers not exasperate their children.

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John 20:19-31

Is John cantankerous? That’s one of several theories put forth by Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke as they discuss Jesus’ appearances before the disciples, Thomas the apostle’s skeptical challenge, and the “ending” to John’s gospel (…or is it?). They also engage in some pious speculation on the state of resurrected bodies overall.

In the Backwards Life, they discuss the 8th Commandment.

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John 19:43-20:18

The Firstfruits from among the dead lives again. Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke go deep on the Resurrection, discussing Jesus’ feat and its ramifications for all of mankind.

In the Backwards Life the Trinity is in focus. Also, Pastor and Thomas got a mystery package???

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The strange feeling of being excited about the Crucifixion afflicts Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas in this episode. In it, they deal with passages in which Jesus is condemned and killed, and discuss whether it’s proper (and why) for us Christians to adorn our spaces with the symbol of the crucifix. Also, they host the first ever Gospeled Boldly Fashion show!

In the Backwards Life, they delve into the peculiar case of one Florida man displaying some… odd symptoms of, well, something.

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Jesus and Pilate square off and the banter is worthy of Hollywood writing. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke marvel at the back-and-forth between these two, and the level of respect (and even courtesy) they show – starkly contrasted with the cries of “crucify him” coming from the Jews.

In the Backwards Life, things get political!

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Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke finish off the High Priestly Prayer, and jump into the account of Jesus’ arrest. Name calling and incompetent violence ensues.

In the backwards life segment, they address the subject of Christians boycotting businesses.

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Pastor Brown does a deep-dive on the theology of the cross. What is it? How can it help us when we’re down? What does Jesus’ death and resurrection teach us about our own impending demise and renewal?

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In this episode Jeff Goldblum, er, I mean, Pastor Eric Brown, lays out how scriptural interpretation is rightly done.

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In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown goes on a solo tour to tackle the book of Philemon. He addresses the reasons it is such an overwhelmingly encouraging book, and recounts why it holds a special place in his heart.

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In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke discuss Jesus’ upcoming departure, and what is means that the Holy Spirit is coming. Deep wells here, to be sure; much deeper than the sleep you get when you fall asleep in church… like Pastor and Thomas did.

In the Backwards Life segment, Pastor and Thomas approach the historically controversial idea of Christians dancing.

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In this episode Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke discuss the conversation between the disciples and Jesus on the way to the garden. It is becoming evident through Jesus’ words that a Christian life is not, well, a walk in the garden. Also, Pastor has a new mic! …And Thomas’ mic cord apparently has a short in it. Improvement? You decide!

In the Backwards Life segment, Thomas asks Pastor to exposit on Christian organizations that are into home-building.

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In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke go deep on the Holy Spirit. Then, they examine Jesus’ next “I AM” statement—where he compares himself to a vine, and the disciples to branches who bear fruit. Speaking of, tune in to find out why Pastor says blackberries are the official Lutheran fruit, and how it relates to how we show love to our neighbors.

In the Backwards Life segment, the guys bring a backwards of approach of the vocation of “student”.

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In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke discuss Jesus’ ongoing pre-cruxifiction briefing of the disciples, with the aim that they remember that peace and joy are going to be the ultimate outcome (an important lesson even for us as we age, to be sure). Then they jump into the high priestly prayer, where Jesus goes to the Father on behalf of his friends.

In the Backwards Life segment, Pastor and Thomas tackle the subject of giving to the poor.

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In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke launch into John chapter 14. They begin by discussing where Jesus is going, and the nature of his relationship with the Father, all while taking on the next I AM statement: “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”. Then they tackle the gift that is forgiveness, and the matter of why “I want a pony in Jesus’ name” is not a prayer that God can have his arm twisted to grant in light of verses 13 & 14. Lastly, the Holy Spirit makes an appearance in the text.

In the Backwards Life segment, the subject of alcohol and drunkenness is on the table.

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In this episode Pastor Brown and Thomas look at the set-up to Judas’ betrayal, and it turns out that there’s more there than meets the eye. The following verses have them asking, “what is love?” Next, they examine Jesus’ promise that the disciples can not come with him, and whether there is or is not a rooster involved in the crowing Jesus promises will follow Peter’s denial. Lastly, they take up Jesus’ claim to be the “way, the truth, and the life.”

In the “Backwards Life” segment, Thomas asks Pastor to approach the subject of not being greedy, rather content with what you have.

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In this episode Pastor Brown and Thomas dive into the end-cap of Jesus’ public ministry – a discourse on belief, unbelief, why Jesus and come, and who sent him. Then they get into Jesus’ use of object lessons with the disciples, and what washing feet and changing diapers have in common. Lastly: what is Judas up to?

In the “Backwards Life” segment, the subject of discussion is taking things away from your neighbor such that his life is lessened. Or, more briefly: stealing.

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Pastor Brown and Thomas embark on a discussion of the triumphal entry, and what the Jewish throngs in attendance might have been expecting. Then they discover how Jesus handles questions from the Greeks who have come to figure Jesus out. Last, they talk about the concept of glory, and how John’s idea of glory differs from that of most, and the unbelief of the people who prefer a different sort of glory.

In lieu of the Inquisition, a new segment “The Backwards Life” has its debut.

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Coming back from what amounts to an unannounced hiatus, Thomas and Pastor Brown (who recorded this episode just prior to Lent) jump into Jesus’ road to his passion and death. He gets back to Bethany (a town coming under increased scrutiny now that Lazarus has been raised), gets some pre-embalming (much to Judas’ ire), and then pulls a Solomon on his way into Jerusalem.

For the Inquisition, Thomas asks Pastor 2 questions: A) Are there really levels to heaven? And B) How do we understand the doctrine of Inspiration, and how should we use it in the context of apologetics?

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In this episode, Pastor Brown and Thomas get into the resurrection of Lazarus, and our own resurrections, also accomplished through Christ.

In place of the Inquisition, Pastor and Thomas talk about movies and stories with Christian themes.

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In this episode, Pastor Brown and Thomas examine the fallout from Jesus’ claim of one-ness with the Father. Is it bragging (or blasphemy) if it’s true? Then, they begin to move through the story of the death of Lazarus, ending with a bit of a cliffhanger.

In the Inquisition, Pastor asks Thomas to expound on the idea of self-esteem, and Thomas asks Pastor to parse the questions that come up when choosing what to do for a career.

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In this episode, Pastor Brown and Thomas continue to talk all manner of things Shepherd. The Jews themselves are still hard to impress, even as Jesus drops another claim to outright Deity.

In the Inquisition, Thomas asks Pastor how we go about building up treasure in heaven, and Pastor asks Thomas how to respond to the charge that Christianity holds women down.

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In this Christmas episode, Pastor Brown and Thomas turned to Luke’s account of the nativity of our Lord and discussed the other birth narratives as well. During the Inquisition Thomas asked Pastor to talk about the Incarnation, then the two discussed possibilities for the actual time of year of Christ’s birth.

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In this episode, Pastor and Thomas finish the story of the formerly blind man and his groan-worthy treatment at the hands of the Pharisees. He stood his ground though, and we still sing “I was blind, but now I see” in like manner in Churches across the world. Then we got into Jesus’ next I AM statement, where he says he is the door for the sheep.

In the Inquisition, Thomas asks Pastor what’s up with the Shepherd imagery in Scripture, and Pastor asks Thomas how a Christian should navigate the season of consumerism.

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In this episode, Pastor and Thomas continue with Jesus’ epic discourse, and look into what Jesus means in saying that the Jews’ father is the devil. The irony steps up a notch when they brush aside Jesus’ words and accuse him of having a demon and being in cahoots with the Samaritans. Jesus tops of the discourse with an unambiguous claim to deity, then escapes the mob that gathers to stone him for blasphemy. Then we turn to the healing of a man born blind, which has all sorts of ramifications to unpack.

In the Inquisition, Pastor asks Thomas about the so-called “war on Christmas” and other such issues. Then Thomas asks Pastor about the Christian approach to money and its uses.

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In this episode, Pastor and Thomas embark on one of the coolest discourses of Jesus in Scripture. Jesus lets fly with another I AM statement, namely “I AM the Light of the World”, and we find out that unless we believe that “I AM” we will die in our sins. Then we talk about what has to be the most inane statement by the Jews in John’s Gospel, when they claim that they have never been slaves – weird talk for folks who cite that Moses guy at every turn.

In the Inquisition, Thomas asks Pastor what makes Paul’s revelation different from that of Mohammed or Joseph Smith (which Pastor knocks out of the park), and Pastor asks what to do with the anti-religious sentiment that is arising in light of the recent Islamic attacks and killings.

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In this episode, Pastor Brown takes a sick day, so Thomas plays a Reformation Special episode from 2013. In it, you’ll find out when Pastor thinks Reformation Day should actually be celebrated (hint, it’s not October 31st), that Martin Luther was a campus pastor, the 95 Theses were essentially one of the first posts to “go viral”, and more! Pastor Brown is a skilled historian, and this episode is certainly an excellent primer for those unfamiliar with Reformation history, and an entertaining refresher for those who have walked these paths before.

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In this episode, Pastor Brown and Thomas discuss Jesus’ appearance at the Feast of Booths. He’s no less a divisive figure during the holidays, to be sure! On the one hand, the Pharisees are more determined than ever to kill him (though they deny it in public), and on the other, those who believe in him wonder just what exactly the Messiah is supposed to look like, if not like this. Then we get into the pericope adulterae – the text dealing with the woman caught in adultery.

In the Inquisition, Thomas is asked how to respond to surveys stating belief in God is on the decline, and Pastor answers a question on the textual veracity of the New Testament.

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In this episode Pastor Brown and Thomas discuss Jesus’ claims to deity, the import of his words on “eating his flesh” and “drinking his blood”, and the response of the Jews, and even his own brothers, to his message.

In the Inquisition, Pastor asks Thomas about those who try to recruit Jesus to their political cause, and Thomas asks Pastor a question about zombies, vampires, and the Lord’s Supper.

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