Podcast Summary: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey — Ep 1178 | "Christianity Today Tried to Disprove the Gospels … and Failed" featuring Bill O'Reilly
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1178 of "Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey," hosted by the Blaze Podcast Network, Allie Beth Stuckey delves into a controversial article published by Christianity Today that questions the traditional accounts of Jesus’s crucifixion. The episode features a candid conversation with veteran broadcaster Bill O'Reilly, who shares his insights on the matter, the JFK assassination files, and evaluates the Trump administration's performance.
Section 1: Christianity Today's Challenge to the Gospels
Allie Beth begins by addressing a provocative article from Christianity Today titled "Was Jesus Crucified with Nails?" The article, authored by Daniel Salomon, suggests that there is scholarly debate about whether Jesus was nailed to the cross or merely tied with ropes—a claim that Allie finds deeply troubling, especially given its publication over Easter weekend.
Key Points:
- The article references Jeffrey P. Arroyo Garcia, an evangelical Bible scholar from Gordon College, who argues that the Greek word for crucifixion used in the Gospels does not explicitly mention nails.
- Christianity Today also cites Psalm 22:16 and John 20:25-27 to support the traditional view of nails being used in Jesus’s crucifixion.
- The absence of detailed Roman crucifixion methods in the Gospels fuels the debate, which Allie contends undermines the reliability of Scripture.
Notable Quotes:
- Allie Beth Stuckey (02:15): “This isn't just like a tertiary squabble; this is a really big deal when it comes to the reliability of scripture.”
- Allie Beth Stuckey (14:45): “When Christianity Today is questioning this on Easter weekend of all weekends, it's not just an interesting thought experiment. They are poking holes in the reliability of Scripture.”
Section 2: Community and Editorial Response
The episode explores the backlash from the Christian community on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), highlighting responses from figures such as Beth Moore and Megan Basham. Allie criticizes Christianity Today for its editorial choices, suggesting that the publication of such an article reflects a broader trend of compromising Christian beliefs.
Key Points:
- The original article faced significant backlash, leading to a clarification and apology from Christianity Today.
- Daniel Silliman, the author, publicly apologized on X, acknowledging his oversight in not considering contradictory scriptural references.
- Allie questions the editorial integrity of Christianity Today, pointing out that higher-level editors, including Editor-in-Chief Russell Moore, have not adequately addressed the issue.
Notable Quotes:
- Beth Moore (19:50): “You could throw yourself into a sizzling skillet and it wouldn't be enough.”
- Megan Basham (21:15): “Dr. Moore should absolutely be the one speaking to how and why this article got published.”
Section 3: Interview with Bill O'Reilly
The latter half of the episode features an in-depth interview with Bill O'Reilly, where he discusses various topics, including the JFK assassination files and critiques of the Trump administration.
Subsection 3.1: JFK Assassination Files
O'Reilly shares his perspective on the recently declassified JFK files, asserting that they do not reveal any startling new information and reiterating his stance that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination.
Key Points:
- O'Reilly dismisses conspiracy theories linking Israel or other foreign entities to JFK's assassination as baseless.
- He emphasizes the importance of primary sources, referencing his book "Killing Kennedy," which relied on FBI notes and other direct evidence.
Notable Quotes:
- Bill O'Reilly (25:31): “There is an industry that does that and they make money.”
- Bill O'Reilly (27:54): “We did some pretty heavy duty research on killing Kennedy.”
Subsection 3.2: Immigration and Deportation Controversies
The discussion shifts to the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, where O'Reilly argues that despite errors in the process, the decision to deport was justified based on Garcia’s alleged ties to MS-13 and criminal activities.
Key Points:
- O'Reilly criticizes the Trump administration’s handling of Garcia’s deportation, highlighting procedural mistakes but reaffirming the decision based on national security concerns.
- He underscores the importance of due process and constitutional adherence in deportation cases.
Notable Quotes:
- Bill O'Reilly (38:08): “I don't think this guy is going to turn out to be a good guy. I think he's going to turn out to be a bad guy.”
- Bill O'Reilly (40:13): “If you're in a van, you're in Tennessee with other undocumented, there's a reason you're there.”
Subsection 3.3: The Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy and Legacy
O'Reilly evaluates President Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his actions against terrorism and his approach to international relations, suggesting that Trump's assertiveness has had a positive impact.
Key Points:
- He praises Trump's decisive actions, such as the elimination of ISIS and targeting key terrorist figures like Soleimani.
- O'Reilly expresses hope that Trump's policies will lead to peace in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza.
Notable Quotes:
- Bill O'Reilly (34:45): “Trump is much more assertive now, much more confident, and he's on a few different missions.”
- Bill O'Reilly (41:54): “Trump is a tough guy on a terror front.”
Subsection 3.4: Reflections on Presidential Legacies
O'Reilly discusses which U.S. presidents he believes are misunderstood, highlighting Harry Truman as a potentially undervalued leader due to unfavorable public perceptions during his time.
Key Points:
- He contends that Truman made significant, albeit unpopular, decisions that were ultimately beneficial for the country.
- O'Reilly emphasizes the complexity of presidential legacies, advocating for individualized assessments of each leader's impact.
Notable Quotes:
- Bill O'Reilly (32:45): “Maybe Harry Truman got the short end of it and was misunderstood.”
- Bill O'Reilly (34:37): “My job is to study their lives, study their policies, find out if they had a good or bad effect on the country.”
Subsection 3.5: Career Advice and Personal Reflections
Towards the end of the interview, O'Reilly offers career and life advice, emphasizing passion, hard work, honesty, and personal well-being as keys to a fulfilling life.
Key Points:
- He advises listeners to pursue careers that align with their passions and to remain diligent and ethical in their professional endeavors.
- O'Reilly reflects on his long career, acknowledging his mistakes and learning experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Bill O'Reilly (42:16): “The most important thing in your life is to get paid for what you like to do.”
- Bill O'Reilly (42:45): “You got to work your butt off. You have to be honest.”
Conclusion
In this episode, Allie Beth Stuckey navigates through a theological controversy stirred by Christianity Today and engages with Bill O'Reilly on a range of topics from historical events to current political discourse. The conversation underscores the tension between traditional Christian beliefs and modern theological debates, while also providing listeners with O'Reilly's seasoned perspectives on political and historical matters.
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a robust exploration of contemporary issues within Christian communities and American politics. Allie Beth Stuckey effectively highlights the concerns surrounding the integrity of biblical accounts, while Bill O'Reilly offers his experienced viewpoints on significant national topics. For listeners seeking an in-depth analysis from a Christian conservative lens, Episode 1178 delivers both thoughtful critique and engaging dialogue.