Podcast Summary: "Why Can We Trust the Bible?"
The Deep Dish hosted by Melissa Krueger and Courtney Docter, featuring guest Vanessa K. Hawkins, delves into the profound question of the Bible's reliability. Released on June 26, 2025, this episode navigates through common doubts, historical evidence, and practical approaches to understanding and trusting Scripture.
1. Introduction to Biblical Reliability
Melissa Krueger opens the discussion by framing the episode's central theme: the reliability of the Bible. She acknowledges the depth of the topic and sets the stage for a meaningful conversation about faith and Scripture.
Melissa Krueger [01:35]: "We are here to talk about the reliability of Scripture. It's not a light, fluffy afternoon conversation, but we hope it will be beneficial."
2. Common Doubts and Questions
Vanessa K. Hawkins shares insights from her ministry in New York City, highlighting the multifaceted doubts people have about the Bible. These doubts range from questioning the moral nature of God depicted in Scripture to the feasibility of biblical miracles in the light of modern science.
Vanessa K. Hawkins [03:03]: "Can there really be a God who's that good? Because what I see in the Bible is this bloodthirsty God who is killing people."
She further elaborates on how cultural relevance and perceived outdatedness contribute to people's skepticism.
Vanessa K. Hawkins [04:23]: "Can I trust it? Because it wasn't written in our time. Does it still ring true?"
Melissa synthesizes these points, identifying major areas of doubt: the truth of biblical narratives, the character of God, and the authoritative demands of Scripture on personal life.
3. The Nature of Doubt in Faith
Courtney Docter adds another dimension by explaining how doubts often stem from the implications of accepting Scripture as authoritative, which may require significant personal changes.
Courtney Docter [05:15]: "What it means is I have to do something with my life or stop doing something with my life that I don't really want to do."
This highlights that doubts are not only intellectual but also practical, affecting how individuals live out their faith.
4. Historical Evidence Supporting the Bible
The conversation shifts to the historical credibility of the Bible. Vanessa emphasizes the New Testament's unparalleled manuscript evidence compared to other ancient texts.
Vanessa K. Hawkins [13:37]: "The New Testament is the best attested text of classical antiquity."
Melissa adds that the discovery of manuscripts, such as those in Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, continues to reinforce the Bible's authenticity.
Melissa Krueger [14:37]: "Historians are still finding manuscripts. There's a huge dumpster pit in Oxyrhynchus, Egypt."
They discuss the early and public nature of the Bible's transmission, contrasting it with other religions that rely on secret revelations.
Courtney Docter [12:05]: "Christianity and Judaism are given over the course of thousand years. They are given, all of the key moments are very public. They're all eyewitness accounts."
5. Consistency and Prophecy Across the Testaments
Vanessa highlights the coherence between the Old and New Testaments, pointing out prophetic fulfillments that underscore the Bible's unified narrative.
Vanessa K. Hawkins [25:00]: "Isaiah predicts the birth of Christ... beyond human recognition, he's describing his crucifixion as a suffering servant."
Melissa and Courtney further discuss how the detailed and specific nature of these prophecies demonstrates divine orchestration rather than human fabrication.
Melissa Krueger [22:02]: "Nobody can call their shot 400 years down the line except the one who transcends time."
6. Addressing Doubts and Encouraging Engagement
The hosts provide practical advice on how to approach doubts. They emphasize the importance of reading Scripture thoughtfully, engaging with others, and seeking resources that aid in understanding the Bible's historical and theological foundations.
Melissa Krueger [30:10]: "Read it with someone so you can ask those questions."
Vanessa recommends Reading the Bible for All It's Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart as a valuable resource for understanding biblical genres and contexts.
Vanessa K. Hawkins [39:26]: "Reading the Bible for All It's Worth has been a great resource."
Courtney adds her recommendations, mentioning works by Nancy Guthrie and Elizabeth Woodson that explore biblical theology and the formation of the canon.
Courtney Docter [38:50]: "Nancy Guthrie has done great work in biblical theology. I've written a book called From Garden to Glory."
7. The Relational Nature of Scripture
Melissa underscores the relational aspect of the Bible, contrasting it with non-living historical texts. She emphasizes that Scripture is "living and active," inviting readers into a personal relationship with God.
Melissa Krueger [33:08]: "It's beautiful, harmony, and power. It's beautiful because it explains the way the world works... it is living and active."
Courtney reinforces this by highlighting how Scripture reveals God to individuals, fostering a dynamic relationship rather than serving as mere historical documentation.
Courtney Docter [37:05]: "He has said, here, I'm going to give you my word so that you can know me."
8. Encouragement for Those Struggling with Doubt
The hosts offer words of encouragement, reminding listeners that doubt does not equate to unbelief. They cite biblical examples, such as Jesus' interaction with Thomas, to illustrate that questioning is a natural part of faith.
Courtney Docter [31:33]: "Your doubt does not mean you're an unbeliever."
Vanessa adds that approaching doubts with an open heart and a willingness to explore Scripture can lead to a deeper and more robust faith.
Vanessa K. Hawkins [41:07]: "If you could try to cooperatively read with the reader, with the writer... would you show me?"
9. Concluding Reflections and Recommendations
As the conversation wraps up, Vanessa shares impactful non-spiritual advice from Howard Thurman, underscoring the importance of passion and authenticity in serving the world.
Vanessa K. Hawkins [42:59]: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Melissa and Courtney conclude by reiterating the transformative power of Scripture and inviting listeners to engage deeply with the Word.
Melissa Krueger [35:51]: "The Word is living and active. We're actually getting to meet with God in this book."
10. Resources and Final Invitation
The hosts recommend several books for further exploration:
- Surviving Religion 101 by Mike Krueger
- Reading the Bible for All It's Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
- From Garden to Glory by Nancy Guthrie
- Bible Says by Elizabeth Woodson
They invite listeners to join their community through newsletters and encourage ongoing dialogue and engagement with the podcast.
Melissa Krueger [39:40]: "If you're looking for books that might help you understand the formation of the canon... Surviving Religion 101."
Notable Quotes:
- Vanessa K. Hawkins [25:00]: "Isaiah predicts the birth of Christ... beyond human recognition, he's describing his crucifixion as a suffering servant."
- Courtney Docter [31:33]: "Your doubt does not mean you're an unbeliever."
- Vanessa K. Hawkins [41:07]: "If you could try to cooperatively read with the reader, with the writer... would you show me?"
Conclusion
In this episode of The Deep Dish, Melissa Krueger, Courtney Docter, and Vanessa K. Hawkins provide a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of why the Bible can be trusted. They address common doubts, present historical and theological evidence, and offer practical advice for engaging with Scripture. The conversation emphasizes the Bible's reliability, its living and active nature, and the importance of community and thoughtful study in overcoming skepticism.