The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

What happens when a life of chaos transforms into a mission to change lives? In this episode of Divine Council Worldview, Mel and Rich sit down with Jorge Gil—a producer, host, and all round workhorse behind not only this podcast, but also the podcast series, 'I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist' and 'Rara Biblia.' Jorge's story is one of dramatic transformation, from a troubled youth in Co...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis chapters 33-34, exploring themes of reconciliation, morality, and divine intervention. They review Jacob's reunion with Esau, the implications of the Dinah incident, and the theological significance of Jacob's journey back to Bethel. The conversation highlights the complexities of faith, the nature of God, and the moral dilemmas faced by biblical char...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike talk through the complexities of Jacob's story in Genesis, focusing on the themes of divine encounters, the complex nature of Jacob's relationship to his god, and the significance of the human/divine wrestling match of Genesis 32. They explore the implications of the two powers in heaven concept, as well as the theological ramifications of Jacob's name change to Isra...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the "Two Powers in Heaven" controversy that developed among Jewish rabbis in the early centuries after Christ. They begin by explaining how Judaism reacted both in favor of and also against the idea of Yahweh "sharing" his power with another being in the Old Testament. This then turns the conversation, of course, to the person of Jesus and how he was viewed b...

In this episode, Bryan's story is one of resilience, faith, and profound healing. He candidly recounts the highs and lows of his life—from the challenges of childhood, through the grip of addiction, to the heartbreaking loss of his son, Wesley. His journey highlights how faith, supported by a loving community, can lead to recovery and transformation. Inspired by Dr. Heiser's teachings, Bryan advoc...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 28 and the story of Jacob's ladder. They understand the staircase to symbolize the access that divine messengers had between heaven and earth, a "divine portal" of sorts, reminiscent of Genesis 11 and the Tower of Babel. Is it possible that certain locations on earth may serve as gateways or portals to the spiritual realm? The biblical significance of...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 27 and Isaac's mistaken blessing of Jacob over Esau. They begin by noting the cultural significance of a father blessing a favored son, and discuss possible reasons for Isaac's decision to bless Esau over Jacob. They then walk through the narrative itself, especially taking note of how Jacob's decision to say "your elohim" to his father fit the theolo...

In this episode, Rich and Mel interview Dr. Natalie Atwell, a therapist and adjunct professor, reveals how she integrates the Divine Counsel worldview into her counseling practice. She passionately discusses her work in missions and caregiver ministry, highlighting the significance of understanding spiritual warfare and the supernatural when addressing trauma and mental health. The conversation ex...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 25 & 26. They open their conversation by mentioning the "two powers in heaven" idea that will be the subject of a future episode. They note that the genealogy of Ishmael plays a significant role in the Jew-Gentile divide throughout history. They also discuss the early relationship between Jacob and Esau, preparing to question which god these men worsh...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike consider Genesis 23 & 24, where Abraham puts his final affairs in order by finding a bride for Isaac. Throughout their discussion they explore the concept of the phrase "the god of" as applied to the stories of Isaac and Ishmael, the role of divine messengers during Eliezer's search for Isaac's bride, and the significance of Yahweh's name and character for those who...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the famous "Akeda" story in Genesis 22, where Abraham obeyed the command of God to sacrifice his son Isaac. They consider the theological questions raised by this story, such as why God would ask Abraham to commit murder—and why Abraham would obey. The conversation touches on the cultural context of child sacrifice and the evolving understanding of Yahweh's c...

In this episode, Rich and Mel interview Fern and Audrey, who share their work helping survivors of trauma-based mind control, reflecting on their personal experiences and the impact of Dr. Mike Heiser's Divine Council worldview, especially through his books, *The Myth That is True*, *The Facade* and *The Portent*. They explore the complexities of dissociation, discussing how different parts of a p...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 20 and 21, examining the birth of Isaac and the relationship between Ishmael and Isaac. They work through the significance of Ishmael in the biblical narrative, as well as the meaning of the terms 'righteous' and 'election' in the OT. They agree that there is ambiguity surrounding the identity of the divine being in the story of Abraham and Ishmael, r...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 19 and the destruction of Sodom. They explore how a divine council worldview arises directly from the cultural context of the ancient Near East when working through this narrative. They conclude their discussion by thinking through the significance of the Hebrew word 'chesed' and the tragic outcome for Lot and his daughters.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore Genesis 18's story of Abraham and Sarah being told by three messengers that they would soon bear a son to fulfill the promises of God. The biggest shock of the story, of course, will be to hear one of the visitors speak as though he is Yahweh! Ronn and Mike consider the possible options for identifying this messenger, leaning into the relationship ejoyned bet...

In this episode, Rich and Mel interview Pastor Anthony Delgado of Palmdale Church, California, who dives deep into the transformative power of Dr. Michael Heiser's Divine Council worldview and its impact on his predominantly Hispanic, working-class congregation. Anthony shares how his church has woven this theology into their structure, striking a unique balance between formality and community. Fr...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 17 and the story of Ishmael. They explore the possibility that Ishamel made a covenant with a divine being other than Yahweh, even a god disloyal to Yahweh.  They discuss the theological and historical implications of this view, particularly in relation to the rise of Muslim tradition and its attachment to Ishmael. The episode concludes with a discuss...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 16 and the being known as "the Angel of the Lord." They begin by acknowledging that differences of opinion will be common when dealing with the word 'angel,' the transliteration of a Latin word appearing in the Wycliffe Bible of the 14th century. Ronn argues that 'angel' does not accurately represent the Hebrew term for 'messenger' ( mal'ak ) because...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike conclude their study of Genesis 15. Their topics of conversation include the meaning of righteousness and its connection to loyalty and promise-keeping in the story of Abraham. They also consider the significance of the land promise as the early patriarchs understood it and how it evolves throughout the biblical narrative. They conclude with an exploration of the con...

Step into a world where the supernatural intersects with everyday life. In this episode, Mel is once again joined with co-host, Rich, as they interview Pastor Jim Bergen from Flatirons Community Church, Boulder, CO, and delve into the journey of his awakening to a worldview shaped by the Divine Council and its profound impact on our reality. Imagine the transformative power when this perspective i...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the concept of Abraham's righteousness as won through his allegiance to Yahweh in the story of Genesis 15. They explore the idea of believing loyalty (Hebrew, aman ) and how it is often misunderstood in evangelical circles when defining the gospel. They highlight the importance of understanding the OT cultural context behind the concept of faith, even recomme...

In this episode Ronn and Mike discuss the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek in Genesis 14, even considering whether this kind of story supports the idea of divine portals or "heavenly gates" in the biblical narrative (Gen 12:8; 13:4; 28:11-12; 35:7). Most interesting to this story, of course, is their joint realization that they worshipped the same deity ( el-elyon , 'the high god' cp. Pss 9:2; 7...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike recommend that Genesis 12 and 13—the story of Abraham beginning to worship Yahweh while rejecting his tribal gods of Babylon—sets the framing story for the Bible as a whole. These early narratives are not concerned with sin and forgiveness, in other words, nor even the expectation of a Messiah. They instead answer the question of which deity a person needs to worship...

Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to make a difference in the world around you! In this episode, Mel delves into the transformative power of meaningful interactions and the importance of open minds and hearts when sharing Biblical insights. He emphasizes putting knowledge into action in making disciples, urging listeners to share their personal stories of divine guidance in everyd...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike recommend that the principal problem of mankind as described up through Genesis 11—the worldwide worship of other gods—begins to meet its solution in Genesis 12 as a covenant is cut between Abram and Yahweh. The promise of this agreement, requiring faithfulness from both parties, included both individual prosperity for Abram and ultimate blessing for the entire world...