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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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  • 23 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 22 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • August 13 · 21 min

    229 Bible — Holy War or the Cosmic Jubilee?

    An episode examining competing frames for Israel’s conquest narratives: the rhetoric of holy war versus the theological vision of a cosmic jubilee (restoration, land redistribution, and covenant renewal). We compare biblical texts, ancient Near Eastern parallels, and theological interpretations to ask whether these texts promote punitive conquest, restorative justice, or a mixture of both—and what that means for reading Scripture ethically and theologically today. Ideal for listeners interested in biblical ethics, theology, and history.

  • August 10 · 20 min

    228 Bible — Who Incited King David’s Census?

    A concise episode exploring the biblical accounts and ancient context behind David’s census, evaluating who instigated it (Joab, Satan, or divine initiative) and why. We survey 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, examine theological and literary differences between the accounts, and consider how ancient Near Eastern practice, political motives, and theological interpretation shape readings of responsibility, guilt, and divine judgment. Ideal for listeners interested in biblical narrative, textual comparison, and theological nuance.

  • August 6 · 20 min

    227 Bible — Penal Substitutionary Atonement vs. Christus Victor: Lament, Wrath, and Cosmic Victory

    A focused episode comparing the framework of penal substitutionary atonement with the Christus Victor motif. We examine how psalmic lament and divine wrath inform penal readings of atonement, and contrast that with New Testament portrayals of Christ’s triumph over cosmic powers. Episodes considers theological implications for soteriology, worship, and theodicy, and how these models shape Christian responses to suffering and justice.

  • July 27 · 14 min

    224 Bible — The Sabbath as God’s Cosmic Throne

    In this special episodeof Five-Minute Debate, we tackle a question that goes deeper than “ShouldChristians keep the Sabbath?”—What did Sabbath actually mean in the Bible’soriginal setting?

  • 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 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.

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes