Switching Lenses Podcast

In this episode we continue the conversation from the previous episode on asking "How did we get our Bible?" except we will look at how we got the New Testament we have today. We will look at 3 tests that are given to determine the whether or not ancient writings would be included in the New Testament. We also look at how the documents came together from divine inspiration to the writing process. Lastly, we will respond to the critique that the final version of the Bible was a result of a few select men from a church council deciding what would be in the Bible and what would be left out.    Music by Brian Buchanan

A popular question that has surfaced within our Western culture is the question “What is Truth?” In Season 1 we are going to begin to address this question and what better place to start that with the Bible. During this season we are going to address several questions non-Christians and Christians alike have about the Bible. In this first episode we will address the question “Where did the Old Testament come from?” We get into the types of materials that were used to write on, how oral transmission worked, and common misunderstandings about the formation of the Bible.   EPISODE NOTES INTRO- WE”RE BACK!!! (00:35)Welcome to Season 1Introduce the new format Introduce Season 1- “What Is Truth” Give a teaser or brief summary of this episode COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT THE HOW THE BIBLE CAME TO BE (02:53)First, you have to establish a standard by which to judge whether or not something came from God or not. Most people who judge the legitimacy of the Bible have no such standard. (02:53) Personal past experience of how we thought the Bible came to be (06:20) Golden tablets from the sky (9:11) Biblical writers in a trance HOW WAS THE OLD TESTAMENT COLLECTED? (11:07)Parts were written in stone, others on clay potsWe have several mentions of Moses being commanded to write down commands from GodExodus 34:27 “27 And the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” (13:04) Exodus 24:3-4 3 Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the rules.[a] And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.” 4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. He rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Supposed Jewish Council- Was there a council that canonized the Hebrew Bible?Definition of “canon” (15:19) Was there a Jewish council? (16:03) Oral transmission was critical (19:23) Talk about how this worked Address the accusation of the oral transmission being similar to a game of Telephone. At some point you have to ask, “Are these writings historical accounts of actual events and actual encounters people had with God?” (22:59)Some think the authors of these books in the Bible are biased in some way but they are writings just like we have of other historical events and people throughout history. We just need to ask the question “Are they reliable?” Jesus recognized books of the Hebrew Bible by often referring to “The Scripture” and “As it is written.Shane comment about Psalms (25:35) OutroWebsite www.switchinglensespodcast.com Social media Twitter @lensesswitching Find us on Facebook and Instagram Email the show at feedback@switchinglensespodcast.com   Music by Brian Buchanan and Trap Lofi Guitar Beat [ FREE NO COPYRIGHT ] lost found - soloftt x lowly in heart x middle child  

We finally finish our discussion on the topic of abortion in this third and final episode. We begin by responding to some popular criticisms of those who are anti-abortionists. Criticisms such as: 1. "What do we do when a woman is pregnant as a result of rape?" 2. A fetus is "just a clump of cells" Next we look at what it looks like to fully walk out the title of "pro-life." What should we be doing to support ALL life as a community and as individuals? Finally we end this whole discussion with a message of hope and forgiveness for anyone who has had an abortion. A hope that can only come from Jesus Christ.  All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Bardo Luna from Pexels

In the episode we continue the conversation from the previous episode addressing the topic of abortion and look specifically at pro-abortion reasoning. We respond to the following arguments: - Personal autonomy- "My body, my rules" - The underlying assumption of "the right to be as sexually active as desired" - "The baby doesn't feel pain during the abortion" We end the episode beginning a defense of some of the claims made against those who oppose abortion. We tackle the questions made about mothers in tough economic situations and then perhaps the most widely-used argument of pregnancy from rape.   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Thirdman from Pexels

Is the anti-abortion, defense of human life actually defensible? In this first segment of our discussion we first look to see what the Bible says about human value and when "being" or "existence" is recognized. Does the Bible recognize "being" after the womb, during, or perhaps before? Next we begin to address some of the common reasoning given by supporters of abortion. Personal autonomy is a growingly popular reason being given. Is personal autonomy a reasonable stance? Does anyone actually want personal autonomy when it is fully "walked out." All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Janko Ferlic from Pexels

We continue our series discussing the hopelessness many people find themselves drowning in due to many factors. In this episode we direct our focus on the issue of climate change. Many feel that humanity is doomed on some level. Some are foregoing the decision to bring children into the world while others feel like they will have far less opportunities than previous generations. Regardless of your views on climate change, we want to bring a message of hope.   1:32 -"Eco-anxiety" 4:21 -Is this the first time we have faced impending doom? 7:51 -The importance of worldview when discussing climate concerns and potential effects 10:31 -If I'm a Christian, how should I view this issue?   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels

It seems more than ever that people have a sense of hopelessness when it comes to their own future and the future of humanity. This is largely due to fears associated with climate change and the COVID pandemic. Some question whether or not any hope exists. In this episode we get into the word "hope". What does it mean and is it something people just dream up to make themselves feel better or does the Christian faith offer legitimate reason for hope?   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Lukas from Pexels

In the final episode of our series on gender identity, we look at some of the claims of the transgender community and we apply what we covered in the first two episodes of the series. We then ask the questions “How does God view or will humans in terms of their make-up, strengths, and deficiencies?” Do we focus on what we don't have and how we are lacking or have we been gifted with a unique makeup of strengths that can benefit the greater community and bring glory to God. Lastly we will look at the condition of gender dysphoria with compassion for what others go through and the inner struggle that plagues those who suffer with it.   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Vovan Gord from Pexels

We often hear the phrases like "find your own truth", "follow your heart", and "your feelings matter most." More and more we are seeing the "self" being elevated to a level that is to never be questioned. Do we have a culture that values the “self” above all? What degree of importance do we place on someone's feelings or emotions? In this episode we will discuss the existence of self-deification, how our feelings can deceive, and the need to die to ourselves. All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan

The divide within the "gender" debate is well established and remains a controversial subject to say the least. There are some who are struggling with their own confusion about their gender and others who just aren't sure what to think about the issue. During this series we are going to break this subject down to its core. We are going to build a case to show the what lies behind the mindset of "self-identity" by first, in this first episode, evaluating the human condition. We like to describe people(and ourselves) as "good" people but what does that mean? What kind of evil lies in all of us? What does the Bible say about the condition of humanity? All of this will set up the next episode as we build our case for exposing the silent identity of gender.

We conclude our series on forgiveness by looking at our desperate need for forgiveness in these times of tension we find ourselves in. What is the inevitable outcome of the cancel culture? Why do you think so many people today generate so much hostility towards people who think differently? We close out the episode talking about radical forgiveness and the impact it can have on the wrongdoer.    All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

We continue our discussion on how the Bible lays out forgiveness and what it asks of us. We begin my addressing some of the misconceptions of forgiveness. Should we be a "doormat" and let people walk all over us? What about the saying, "Forgive and forget"? Is reconciliation required for forgiveness to take place? We respond to all of these questions and more as we unpack what true, life-bringing forgiveness looks like.   All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Mental Health America (MHA) from Pexels

Forgiveness doesn’t seem to come naturally to us. It can often seem like a challenge. Much like us, in the Bible Simon Peter thought of himself has a very forgiving person but Jesus was soon to correct him. Jesus proceeded to tell a parable that showed how humans can have a very illogical bitterness when wronged and then showed what true forgiveness looked like. He showed this level of forgiveness with a subtle reference to a little known passage in the Hebrew Bible. But what about "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth"? Why did Moses command this if we are to forgive? In this episode we discuss how Jesus taught us to forgive people, what that would look like, and the challenges associated it with it.     All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels     Episode Outline Matthew 18:21-35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+18&version=esvPeter seems to be coming off as “extremely forgiving” by asking if he should forgive 7 times. In typical Jesus fashion he challenges our assumptions by saying “not 7 times but 77 times.”The 77 times only appears in one other place in the Bible and that is during a poem from Lamech back in Genesis 4:23Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold,then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.” Jesus tells the story about a king and his servant After the servant goes after his fellow servant he throws him in jail until he can pay back the debtHow is he going to pay back the debt in jail? Therefore, what is the purpose of putting him in jail? Does this reflect the kind of response we see today when people are wronged? (music break) How should we handle situations where people wrong us?Some would say “What about an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? Jesus shows us in the passage right above this one in verse 15

Many have been stunned by the findings of the investigation into the sexual assault claims made against Ravi Zacharias. We are left asking so many questions. In this episode we address some of the tough questions people are asking like "Should we read his books or listen to his old sermons?" Can we compare Ravi to David in the Bible and simply view him as just a fallen human? What level of trust can we place on evangelists, pastors, and other ministry leaders?   Find all episodes at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Alex Green from Pexels

We begin a new series called "The Profundity of Forgiveness" that flows from our previous series on justice. In this first episode we start by looking at unforgiveness. It might seem natural since forgiveness can seem illogical or irrational if self-preservation is the ultimate ethic. But does living in unforgiveness resolve or restore what was lost? What are the effects of unforgiveness on a person and on a society?  All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Evelyn Chong from Pexels

In part 4 of our series of "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society," we continue discussing the applications and conclusions of Biblical justice within the our current circumstances. What role must mercy and forgiveness play in order to justice that is righteous. What should be our attitude towards the marginalized and how do we identify them? All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Maurício Mascaro from Pexels

In part 3 of our series of "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society," we begin to describe and analyze the problems related to recent events involving claims of injustice. How do we recognize when injustices are taking place and how should we react when they do? How do we approach the system of law of enforcement we have in the US and objectively critique it devoid of any bias.  All episodes can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Kelly Lacy from Pexels

In the previous episode we established that the natural world is devoid of any justice and if we are looking for justice we are forced to look beyond the natural world and humanity. In this episode we take a look at what the Bible says about justice. The Hebrew word "mishpat" is translated as "justice" in English but it seems to go much further than our English understanding. It demands much more of us.  All episodes can be found at switchinglensespodcast.com Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Sarwer e Kainat Welfare from Pexels

We are starting a brand new series called "Defining Justice in a Fragile Society." It not difficult to look out into the cultural and political landscape and see people making claims of injustice left and right. In this series we want to peel back the surface of these tensions and get to the heart of the matter and define the word "justice." In this first episode we want to take the natural world outside of humanity and see if there are any clues or any guidance that would lead us to defining what justice looks like and how to apply it.   All episodes found at switchinglensespodcast.com Music produced by Brian Buchanan Episode Image by Pixabay

In the final episode of the "Avoiding the Significant" series we hold culture under the microscope to observe its part in avoiding conversations and ideas of utmost importance. What kind of movements are we seeing that keep people at a distance from the God who desires them? How can we navigate through life with these kinds of ideas and influences right at our doorstep? You can find all episodes at www.switchinglensespodcast.com   Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Kat Jayne from Pexels

We continue our series on the curious question of "Why do we tend to avoid conversations of ultimate importance and divert our attention from these significant questions and ideas?" In this episode we want to look at the role that distraction plays in all of this. We are all guilty to some degree of being distracted but how much of our day do we fill with distractions that keep our attention away from what or who is of utmost importance? Timestamps 1:57 Recap of part 1 and intro of part 2 2:54 Types of distractions: Phones 4:47 Types of distractions: Television & Movies 6:40 Types of distractions: Busyness and Careers 8:40 Types of distractions: Pleasures 9:36 Blaise Pascal Quote about about our inability to sit alone quietly 14:02 Breakdown of Luke 14 and how the parable of the host of the great banquet applies to our distracted everyday lives. 21:49 Practical encouragement and advice   Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas from Pexels

In part one of this three part series we take a look at a seemingly common mentality of avoiding conversations of ultimate significance. Why is this? We start in this first episode of simply establishing what IS significant or what is of ultimate significance. We finish the episode by helping to personally identify what we value and how much we value it.  All episodes and blog material can be found at www.switchinglensespodcast.com   Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

In this episode we honor the life of Ravi Zacharias and talk about the impact he had in our lives. We tell stories and highlight what made Ravi such a powerful evangelist and wonderful man of God. #ThankyouRavi

In the final episode of our Coronavirus series we question "How should we react in a troubled time such as this?" Is bunkering down and obtaining supplies using wisdom or is it reacting in fear? Is this really a very unique time with a very unique opportunity?  Music by Brian Buchanan All episodes found at switchinglensespodcast.com

We continue our three-part series on taking a look at our reaction to the coronavirus. We are seeing many different reactions to this virus and the potential threat it poses to some people's lives. So it prompts the question:"How do we value...life?" If I don't believe in God, or any life after this, how might I react when my life might be threatened? What if I do believe that this life isn't all there is? How might I react? We discuss all of this to provide some proper perspective on how we should react in these times. Email the show at feedback@switchinglensespodcast.com  Visit switchinglensespodcast.com for all podcast episodes, videos, and blog articles. Music by Brian Buchanan Photo by Abhiram Prakash from Pexels

In this episode we ask "What is the expected reaction from the coronavirus?" Is this a grave injustice to humanity or is this just part of living in a broken world? We also look at how the advancement of technology has really shaped our expectation of how our lives should look and the associated disappointment when things go wrong. Email the show at feedback@switchinglensespodcast.com  Visit switchinglensespodcast.com for all podcast episodes, videos, and blog articles. Music by Brian Buchanan

On this episode we shake things up a bit. Josh and Shane have prepared difficult questions to ask each other without previously discussing them. These questions come from common questions and issues many people have about Christianity and the Bible. All questions are time-stamped below:   (6:43) Question 1- If I’m a good person who does more good things than bad and live a happy life, why would I need God? (13:38) Question 2- How do approach sharing your faith with someone from a Muslim background or faith? (20:05) Question 3- If God is all knowing and all-loving, why did He even put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden? (28:18) Question 4- How do you explain the silence of God to a believer and non-believers? (37:00) Question 5- If there was no death before the fall, why do so many animals have predatory features? (42:47) Question 6- Most Christians believe that if a baby dies, they go to heaven. Is it possible that if that baby would have lived that they would have chosen a life apart from God? 

Don't judge me! This is a common response to moral correction or disapproval but does it have any merit? Are we ever allowed to point out mistakes or flaws in other people? Many will point to the Bible and say that it says "Don't judge others lest you be judged."  This topic can be a bit tricky but we will break this idea down in this episode. We will look at the intent of this phrase and other similar phrases dealing with "being judgmental." Then we will look at the natural outworking of a society that completely avoids "judging" others. Lastly we will hold it under the lens of the Bible and see what it says about judging others within the proper context.  Follow us on Twitter @lensesswitching and email us at switchinglensespodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we approach the notion that the book of Genesis is incompatible with science and therefore is often viewed as myth. This view is becoming more and more popular due to a rising belief in scientism. But does the modern scientific view actually validate some of the Genesis creation narrative? Josh and Shane take a look at three claims:  - The consensus of recorded human history - The common descent of man - Life from non-life Is there a congruency between the two? Follow the show on twitter @lensesswitching and you can email the show at switchinglensespodcast@gmail 

We welcome author, writer, and host of the "Truce Podcast" Chris Staron to the show. We spend some time getting to know Chris and talk with him about his release of season 3 of the Truce Podcast. We also dive into the topic of evangelism in light of our previous episode "Is Evangelism Offensive" and provide our experiences and strategies of sharing the Gospel message with unbelievers.    You can info for the Truce Podcast at https://trucepodcast.com/

On the latest episode of Switching Lenses we address the question “Is evangelism offensive?” According to a Barna Group survey there are many who share this sentiment that it is wrong to share your faith with someone in hopes that they will one day share the same faith. So, are personal beliefs so sacred that they are above any kind of dissenting views or objections? Have we reached a point where we are unable to disagree? And what happens if we hold up a particular belief and question its truthfulness? Join Shane and I as we dive into all of these questions and more in the episode entitled “Is Evangelism Offensive?” 

In this episode we address some quotes from democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg. He has called out those across the political aisle, namely those professing a Christian worldview, and accusing them of disregarding what the Bible says in the name of partisan politics. Does Mr. Buttigieg have a case? Is there a legitimate claim of hypocrisy or are the claims unfounded? We will dive into 3 particular quotes on the topics of human sexuality, addressing poverty, and biblical interpretation. Topic Intro/Disclaimer- 1:44 Quote 1- 7:36 Quote 2- 17:06 Quote 3- 30:33 Email the show at switchinglensespodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we address the claims of Hillsong's Marty Sampson. He states that he's "losing his faith" for a variety of reasons and we address these very reasons. Claims of biblical contradictions, problems of a loving God sending people to hell, and a few others. He claims that "nobody talks about (them)" so we will remedy that and discuss them in this episode. 3:31 Claim #1- Many preachers fall but nobody talks about it. 10:08 Claim #2- Not many miracles happen and nobody talks about it. 15:28 Claim #3- Why is the Bible full of contradictions and nobody talks about it? 23:20 Claim #4- How can a God be love and send 4 billion people to a place just because they don't believe, and nobody talks about it. 31:40 Claim #5- Science keeps piercing the truth of every religion. Lots of things help people change their lives, not just one version of God.   Email the show at switchinglensespodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions.

In this episode we try something a little bit different in something we like to call "Quick Takes." We first talk about the recent mass shootings. We discuss the common thread of loneliness and meaninglessness characterized by many mass shooters. Secondly we discuss Hillsong's Mary Sampson and his recent confession of losing his faith. We address not only the importance of asking good questions about our faith and the Bible but also the importance of someone providing a response.

In our highly polarized society we often hear talk about rights and how they are under attack or completely hijacked. But do we ever ask ourselves if we are actually entitled to that right and if so how? In this episode we take a look at the idea of claiming a right as a human right as opposed to simply a right granted by a body of government. We tackle the assumption of self-proclaimed rights and discuss how we use can hold those rights up to a biblical lens and see what is uncovered. You can always contact the show via email at switchinglensespodcast@gmail.com or on twitter @lensesswitching

In this episode we discuss the idea of individualism versus a community of people and what it means. Does our society encourage or enable a sense of individualism? What role does technology, social networking, and politics play in this idea? We get into the idea of a community of people functioning together and put it under the microscope. How does a community function and what does the Bible say about community. Are we simply complete individuals functioning independently of others or is there a strength and stability within the union of other individuals? Email the show with your comments and questions at switchinglensespodcast@gmail.com You can also reach us on Facebook @switchinglenses  

In this concluding episode of our Answering The Atheist series, we finish our discussion on the claim of two different Gods in the Old and New Testament. We tackle a couple of related questions like "Can grace and judgement coexist?" and "Can anger and love coexist?"  Lastly we address our final claim that the Bible is an outdated book that is no longer relevant in our progressive society. We examine the concept of truth and breakdown the term "progressive" and its implications. 

We have reached the conclusion of our Answering The Atheist series with this two part episode. In this first episode we discuss this claim that the God of the Bible is inconsistent throughout history. In the Old Testament God is always angry and vengeful with his enemies and even Israel. Meanwhile, in the New Testament, God as the person of Jesus Christ is loving and merciful to all, even to the destitute and rejected. This is a common claim but is this accurate? Join us as we expose the assumptions people tend to impose  and show that the God of the Bible is consistent throughout the Bible.

In our 4th episode of the "Answering The Atheist" series we dive into the topic of slavery in the Bible. This can be problematic for many Christians and point of contention for skeptics. We explore the Hebrew word "ebed" that gets translated at times as "slave" and provide the context of what "slavery" looked like in ancient Israel. We also address our modern conceptions of slavery and how we impose those on the Bible. Our second topic we address is on the topic of adultery and the harsh penalty the Mosaic Law pronounced on the act. What do we with that in our modern times?  Remember you can always reach us on twitter @lensesswitching

We resume our discussion on the Mosaic Law in this episode as a continuation from the previous episode. We answer questions like "What was the ultimate purpose of the Law?" and "What do we do with the law today?" We address these issues for the purpose of understanding the character of God in order to see His love, mercy, and justice interwoven through the tapestry of the Law. Only then can we avoid distortions of the the truth and properly view the Law for what it is and was.   Music provided by Brian Buchanan

We continue our series "Answering The Atheist" and frankly jump to a topic that we probably should have started with. Many accusations against the Bible stem from the Mosaic Law. The law is often viewed as too harsh or sometimes unjust from a modern mindset. In this Episode we will provide some context from the Biblical narrative that lead up to the Mosaic Law to help better understand it.  We went a little too long when recording this episode so we decided to cut it. We will continue our discussion in the following episode. 

This episode is the first of a series we are starting called "Answering The Atheist." In this episode we respond to two claims made against Christianity and the Bible. The first claim deals with the Mosaic law of stoning children who have demonstrated some level of disobedience or rebellion. The second claim concerns the fact that Jesus made mention of hell on quite a number of occasions within the Bible. How could a loving God ever send anyone to hell? We will tackle both of these claims and offer up our responses to them. You can reach us on twitter @lensesswitching with any comments or questions and also information on new episodes.   Claim 1- 2:40      - The Scripture in question and clarification 3:29      - Societal implications 9:08      - The conflict with objective morality 13:49 Claim 2- 18:42      - Circular reasoning of moral judgements of objective morality 19:12      - Hell within the concept of time(or outside of time) 20:52      - Our desires on earth transcending into eternity 26:52      - Why isn't there an option "C" in eternity 31:58

In this episode we will take a look at our acts of wrongdoing. Why do we react the way we do when we mess up? How do others react? This dynamic creates a sense of shame. Why is that and what are the implications of it? We will explore this today on this episode of Switching Lenses.

In our first episode, we will discuss the questionable standard we seem to hold public figures to at times. Do we hold people to an impossible standard? If not, where is the "line" and how do we determine it? Where does forgiveness work it's way into these moral and character evaluations?    Contact us on twitter @LensesSwitching(this is the correct twitter handle contrary to what was said on the podcast) with your comments and criticism of anything we said.  Intro music provided by Brian Buchanan.