Five-Minute Debate

RM Smith

Five-Minute Debate, hosted by RM Smith, features mock debates between fictitious scholars on the intersection of Biblical scholarship, theology, and politics. Grounded in real research, each episode tackles key issues facing the church and society today in concise, thought-provoking discussions. Quick, insightful, and perfect for listeners on the go.

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34 episodes
Avg 22 min
English

Episodes 34

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July 20 · 23 min
223 Bible - Divine Council Polemic vs. Spiritual Reality
In this episode, weexplore the provocative question: Does the biblical “divine council” reflect areal heavenly assembly, or is it simply a literary polemic against paganism?
July 16 · 26 min
222. Part 2 - Bible - Who are the “gods” in Psalm 82?
Today on Five-MinuteDebate, we wrestle with one of the most controversial texts in biblicaltheology: Who are the “gods” in Psalm 82? Some argue these are Israeliteelders—human judges condemned for injustice. Others contend the passage refersto divine beings, members of God’s heavenly council.
July 13 · 18 min
222. Bible - Divine Council - Elder view
Today on Five-MinuteDebate, we wrestle with one of the most controversial texts in biblicaltheology: Who are the “gods” in Psalm 82? Some argue these are Israeliteelders—human judges condemned for injustice. Others contend the passage refersto divine beings, members of God’s heavenly council.
July 9 · 19 min
221. What Does It Really Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?
Most people think“taking God’s name in vain” just means saying “Oh my God” — but biblicalscholars argue the commandment is far deeper than profanity. Drawing from the work of MichaelHeiser, John Walton, and Tremper Longman III, the scholarsdiscuss whether the third commandment forbids casual speech about God —or misrepresenting God’s authority and character.
July 6 · 20 min
220. Is Modern Technology the New “Mark of the Beast”?
Is your smartphone asign of the end times—or just another tool of human progress? Drawing on thinkers like Michael Heiser,N.T. Wright, and Craig Keener, the debate explores how symbolism, empire, andtechnology collide in the modern reading of Revelation 13.
July 2 · 18 min
219. Is Cryptocurrency the Mark of the Beast—or the Financial System Predicted in Revelation?
From Bitcoin to centralbank digital currencies, money is going digital—and some are calling itprophetic. Drawing on scholars like Michael Heiser,Craig Keener, and John Walvoord, this debate digs into whether technologyfulfills prophecy—or simply repeats history. Drawing on scholars like Michael Heiser,Craig Keener, and John Walvoord, this debate digs into whether technologyfulfills prophecy—or simply repeats history. Drawing on scholars like Michael Heiser,Craig Keener, and John Walvoord, this debate digs into whether technologyfulfills prophecy—or simply repeats history.
June 29 · 21 min
218. The Significance of Cosmic Geography in Biblical Theology
What is the significanceof cosmic geography in biblical theology? Is this concept critical forunderstanding Scripture, or is it simply an ancient worldview?
June 25 · 19 min
217. Biblical Numbers – Symbolic or Literal?
Today’s topic: the agesand reign lengths of Israel’s kings in the Bible. Are these numbers symbolic orliteral?
June 22 · 23 min
216. Do Tariffs Cause Wars? Will the Latest U.S. Tariffs Trigger One?
Do Tariffs Cause Wars? Will the LatestU.S. Tariffs Trigger One? Throughout history, tariffs have beenmore than just economic policies—they’ve shaped international trust, alliances,and sometimes even fueled wars. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 is often citedby scholars like Douglas Irwin as deepening the Great Depression andaggravating global instability before World War II. Others, like Nobel laureatePaul Krugman, argue that tariffs, while disruptive, are simply tools ofnegotiation rather than triggers for conflict.
June 8 · 20 min
215. Bible – Should Pastors Teach the Tithe as a Moral Obligation?
Should pastors present the tithe as a binding moral obligation for Christians—or as an outdated covenant practice fulfilled in Christ?
June 1 · 23 min
214. Theology - Are Angels and Demons Active Agents Today?
Are angels and demons real, personal beings actively involved in God’s ongoing purposes—or are they primarily symbolic expressions of ancient spiritual language?
May 18 · 23 min
213. Bible - Are Biblical Covenants Modeled on Ancient Treaties?
Did the biblical covenants simply adopt the structure of Ancient Near Eastern treaties, or do they represent something theologically unprecedented?
May 13 · 11 min
212. Bible - Should Genesis Be Read Through an Ancient Near Eastern Lens?
How should we interpret Genesis 1–3—strict historical narrative or ancient theological literature shaped by its cultural world? In this episode, Old Testament scholar Dr. Arvind Menon argues that Genesis presents a unique, historically grounded account, while biblical theologian Dr. Caleb Whitfield contends that Genesis must be read through its Ancient Near Eastern framework to grasp its theological intent. Engaging the work of scholars like John Walton and N. T. Wright, this debate explores what’s truly at stake in how we read the Bible’s opening chapters.
April 20 · 8 min
211. Bible - Genesis and Ancient Creation Myths
How do the Genesis creation accounts relate to Ancient Near Eastern creation myths like the Enuma Elish? Dr. Arvind Subramanian, an Old Testament scholar, argues that Genesis functions primarily as a theological polemic against surrounding mythologies. Dr. Caleb Whitfield, a biblical theologian, contends that Genesis both reflects shared cultural concepts and transforms them, placing Israel’s Scripture in meaningful dialogue with its ancient world.

Showing 21–34 of 34 episodes