ICYMI: The Church's Alarming Neglect of the Old Testament (Brent Strawn) Ep. 181

The Biblical Mind

This episode was originally published on April 30, 2021. We thought it was worth a reissue for our newer listeners.

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson interviews Dr. Brent Strawn to discuss his thought-provoking book, The Old Testament is Dying. Dr. Strawn argues that the Old Testament is increasingly neglected in many Christian circles, resulting in a loss of scriptural literacy and depth. Comparing the Old Testament to a language, he explains how fluency in its teachings requires immersion and consistent practice. Without this, the language of faith risks fading into irrelevance.

Dr. Strawn outlines the challenges posed by cultural and chronological distance from the biblical authors, making empathetic and accurate interpretation of scripture more difficult. He emphasizes the need for Christians to approach the Old Testament as authoritative scripture, not just as a historical or theological backdrop to the New Testament. Through engaging examples, he illustrates how neglecting the Old Testament diminishes a believer’s understanding of foundational concepts like justice, love, and God’s covenantal promises.

The conversation also offers practical solutions, including incorporating more Old Testament readings into worship, sermons, and Christian music. Dr. Strawn’s insights inspire a renewed commitment to rediscovering the Old Testament’s rich vocabulary and its vital role in shaping a vibrant and holistic faith. A must-listen for anyone passionate about scripture!

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Challenges of Biblical Interpretation
08:42 The Decline of the Old Testament in Modern Christianity
12:35 Reviving Old Testament Literacy
20:08 Integrating Old and New Testament Teachings
35:01 The Conceptual World of the Ancient Near East

Brent’s book The Old Testament is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment