Stunned by Scripture

Why is it that the more some scientists study creation, the more they begin to find evidence for God? In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma and biochemist Dr. Michael Behe explore how the incredible complexity of life points us toward a Creator. In their conversation, you’ll discover why scientists initially resisted the Big Bang theory, why some scientific institutions refuse...

Many Christians are taught that the Bible alone is sufficient and that each Christian can interpret it for themselves. But what happens when Christians don't agree on an interpretation of Scripture? In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma unpacks the truth of Jesus’ words to Peter in Matthew 16. In this breakdown, you'll learn about the importance and necessity of apostolic succe...

The Torah—the first five books of the Old Testament—completely revolutionized the ancient world. In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma is joined by Dr. Joshua Berman to explore the Torah’s impact on mankind. Dr. Berman is a renowned biblical scholar, bestselling author, and a leading voice bridging faith and academic scholarship. In their discussion, you will learn why the Tora...

Dr. Bergsma sits down with Dominican friar and former student, Fr. Gregory Pine, to discuss his faith journey and the rIs the Summa Theologiae all that Catholics need to know their Faith? In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, John Bergsma is joined by Fr. Gregory Pine, popular speaker, podcaster, and author of the bestselling book, Training the Tongue. To get your copy of Fr. Pine's new book, v...

Is the Bible alone sufficient as the sole source of doctrinal authority? In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma introduces us to the teaching of sola Scriptura, what it means, and how to refute it. Join John as he breaks down why sola Scriptura is itself an ironic teaching, how to use 2 Tim 3:16 and other verses to refute sola Scriptura, and the other two sources of authority ex...

Why should we introduce children to Scripture as early as possible? In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma is joined by Emily Stimpson Chapman, author of numerous Catholic children’s books, including the new story Bible: The Story of All Stories. Together, John and Emily discuss the importance of teaching kids the Scriptures and equipping future generations with the appropriate tools...

Is the “multiverse” science's answer to intelligent design? In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma dismantles the “many worlds theory” (multiverse), demonstrating how it is rooted not in science and sound philosophy but in atheistic ideology. Join John as he unpacks the science, logic (or illogic), and fallacies behind the multiverse theory. Tune in to discover a truly Catholic...

In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Fr. Louis Merosne joins Dr. Bergsma to discuss the role of Scripture in combating the demonic. Fr. Merosne offers practical guidance on how Catholics can use Scripture to resist temptation and live in the victory Christ has won. He also highlights the importance of memorizing Scripture for spiritual warfare. When the devil tempted Jesus in the desert, the L...

If Scripture alone is the ultimate authority, how do we know which books belong in Scripture? For many Protestants, this question raises a deeper issue: the canon of Scripture. In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma sits down with Dr. Logan Gage, Professor of Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Dr. Gage shares his intellectual journey from evangelical Christiani...

Is Hebrew the definitive language of Scripture? Not according to Jesus and other first-century Jews. In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma uncovers the story of the Septuagint. Translated by Jewish scholars in the third century B.C., the Septuagint is the ancient Greek version of the Hebrew Old Testament. It is also the version of Scripture quoted by Jesus throughout the New Te...

In this new episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma is joined by fellow theologian Dr. Mary Healy. Dr. Healy shares her spiritual journey and profound encounter with the Holy Spirit that led her into an extensive study of Sacred Scripture. She reflects on her academic pursuits and how her studies deepened her relationship with the Lord, ultimately guiding her into ecclesial commission, c...

In this new episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma is joined by Dr. Gary Rendsburg. Dr. Rendsburg is the Professor of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University—renowned in Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish circles for his work in Old Testament linguistics and literary studies. In their conversation, you’ll discover: -The value of studying the Bible today, even if you’re not a believer -Why Ju...

Dr. Bergsma discusses the origins of life, aliens, and proof of God.  To watch Drew Berry's full video, click here: https://www.ted.com/talks/drew_berry_animations_of_unseeable_biology

Dr. Bergsma sits down with Fr. Pablo Gadenz to discuss who St. Luke really was, and how Fr. Gadenz shaped Dr. Bergsma's view on the matter. 

The so-called “deuterocanonical” books of the Catholic Old Testament include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees. But what makes a book deuterocanonical? How did these books become part of the Scriptural canon in the first place? In this short-form episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma addresses three common misconceptions about the Deuterocanonical book...

In this new episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma sits down with friend, confirmation sponsor, and fellow theologian Dr. Michael Dauphinais. From a range of emotions to serious and sincere conversation, the two discuss the pursuit of truth as it relates to both Thomas Aquinas and Sacred Scripture. Dauphinais shares the powerful story of his journey home to the Catholic Church and what...

Many people today speak of the "Big Bang Theory" as being opposed to belief in God. However, they this is an uninformed thing to say. Ironically, the theory was opposed for decades by scientists because of its theistic implications. If the universe had a beginning, this implies that the universe has a creator. In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma examines the origin of the “big ban...

In this episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma is joined by his good friend Joan Watson to talk about pilgrimages, prayer, and the impact of women in the Bible. Joan talks about her new book, Making a Pilgrimage, exploring the biblical roots of pilgrimages, what makes a pilgrimage, and why it matters to go on one—especially during this year of Jubilee. Get your copy at the link below: https:...

The terms “deuterocanonical,” “apocryphal,” and “pseudepigraphal” get thrown around frequently in theological debates—especially amongst Catholics and Protestants. So what do they actually mean? In this seventh episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma unpacks the significance of these terms and lays out the key distinctions between them. Dive deeper into your knowledge of the Bible with J...

In this sixth episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma sits down with fellow colleague at Franciscan University, Dr. Michael Sirilla. Dr. Sirilla shares his story of his reversion and rediscovery of Jesus Christ. From leaving the faith to his journey through the New Age Movement and Eastern religions, Dr. Sirilla shares how life events, spiritual encounters, and the pursuit for meaning and tru...

Leaders in the New Atheist movement have always made the claim that God doesn’t that science explains everything. However, as we progress in our knowledge of the natural world, the evidence for an intelligent, all-powerful creator also becomes greater. In this new installment of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. Bergsma takes on this atheist belief by examining the science. In this episode Dr. Bergsma unp...

In this fourth episode of Stunned by Scripture, John Bergsma interviews fellow biblical scholar Dr. Shane Owens about his personal faith journey. Shane shares how he kept his faith amidst a secular college culture—holding fast to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Drs. Bergsma and Owens unpack a wide range of topics, including American Catholic education, secular college culture, the histo...

Did Catholics add books to the Bible or did Protestants remove books? Who determines the Canon of Scripture? In this third episode of Stunned by Scripture, John Bergsma tackles this question head-on, explaining the origins of the Biblical canon, its development throughout Salvation History from the time of Moses, and how the Catholic Church agreed upon an official list of inspired books in 382 A.D...

In this second episode of Stunned by Scripture, John Bergsma sits down with fellow Bible scholar Dr. Jeff Morrow to discuss his own conversion story as well as the history and validity behind Indulgences. Growing up in a culturally Jewish but agnostic household, Jeff Morrow shares how his skepticism and academic studies led him to ultimately converting to Catholicism. Furthermore, they discuss Eva...

In this first episode of his new podcast, Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma invites us into his journey from Protestantism to Catholicism. Having grown up in a Dutch Calvinist home, Bergsma began his career as a pastor only to come face-to-face with the weaknesses of the various Protestant theologies. Today he shares how his struggles with sola Scriptura and sola fide challenged his core beli...