The question “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” is typically used as a mocking retort to questions that are thought to be of little usefulness. It’s especially used in reference to philosopher theologians of the Middle Ages like the Scholastics or to theology in general. It’s not a question any of the Scholastics ever actually asked. But medieval philosophy did have plenty of talk about angels, and for good reason. They used angels as subjects for thought experiments to explore concepts like cognition and identity in the most generalized way possible, in the way modern philosophers talk about brains in a vat, brains separated from the body and sent to another planet, philosophical zombies, or people living in a black-and-whiteworld. Their topics are just as relevant today as we develop technologies like artificial intelligence and deepen our understanding of the brain and the mind.

Todd and Jared talk about behavioral science and decision science. We talk about Jared's interest and work in the field. We go through different approaches to decision science, including heuristics and biases, fast and frugal, and naturalistic decision making. Other topics include: what leads to behavioral change, ethics of behavioral change, "nudge" (and its limitations), expertise, intuition, and rationality.

Todd and Tyler talk about sola scriptura and related ideas. Sola scriptura is the position that Scripture is the only "inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the Church" (Matthew Barrett, God's Word Alone). Another position is that "both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church). And another position is the "open canon" of the Latter-day Saints that includes other scriptures in addition to the Bible. Related ideas discussed include inerrancy, church authority, and inspired non-canonical texts.

Todd and Tyler talk about free will. Do we have free will? One possible response is, "It depends," because free will can mean different things, from an absolute ability to have done otherwise to simply an ability to act in conformity with one's desires. We talk about Robert Sapolsky's recent book, Determined, arguing against both libertarian and compatibilist notions of free will. The thought of the late Daniel Dennett, who passed away the day before this recording, and who argued for a compatibilist sort of free will "worth wanting". Immanuel Kant's interesting defense of libertarian free will. Relevant scriptural passages from the Bible, like the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, God's choice of Jacob over Esau, God's foreknowledge of future events, and predestination. The concept of agency in the Book Mormon and Latter-day Saint understandings of Satan's plan to destroy agency. The opinions of various theologians like Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. And Jonathan Edwards in particular (revealing Todd's apparent man crush on Edwards).

Todd and Tyler talk about spiritual experiences. Scriptural accounts of rushing mighty wind and hearts burning within. Surrendering control to the Spirit. The physical aspect of spiritual experiences, particularly in the brain. What we can know from spiritual experiences? Who we can know from spiritual experiences? How to interpret them. What spiritual experiences are for. And Todd mixes up Micaiah and Elisha.

Todd and Tyler share personal reflections on Easter and Holy Week.

Todd and Tyler discuss temples. The functions of temples in different cultures and the temples of Ancient Israel in particular. The various offerings and sacrifices. The concepts of holiness and separation. Christian theologies of the way temple worship carried over into the body of Christ in the Church and the Eucharist. Margaret Barker’s provocative theories about Josiah’s reforms and Deuteronomistic influence on temple worship. And the place of secrets, mysteries, and parables in religious life.

Todd and Tyler talk about Catholicism and Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism), particularly as discussed in the writings of Stephen Webb (Catholic) and Alonzo Gaskill (LDS). Topics include authority, ecclesiology, general conference, catechism, canon, extra-canonical texts, and pseudepigrapha. We talk about Webb's special interest in the metaphysics of matter and how that features in both religions. Also the afterlife, Spirit Prison, Purgatory, the incorporeality or corporeality of the Father, and Christology.

Todd and Tyler conclude a four-part series on the Book of Revelation. Subjects discussed include eating the scroll, the woman clothed with the sun, the child, the dragon, the beasts from the sea and the earth, Babylon and its fall, the lament of the merchants of the earth, the testimony of Jesus as the spirit of prophecy, the new heaven and new earth, and making all things new. We end with a discussion about the power of the book as a testimony of Christ and how all its imagery inspires devotion, praise, and worship.

Todd and Tyler talk about the Two Powers in Heaven thesis, the idea that in Second Temple Judaism and earlier there was understood to be a secondary divine figure alongside the primary God, YHWH. We discuss the Angel of the Lord, the Word of the Lord, and the Son of Man. We go into texts from the Hebrew Bible as well as extra-Biblical texts like the Book of Enoch, Targums, and Talmudic texts. We talk about similarities between the divine beings in Israel and in Canaanite religion. One interesting implication of all this is that many features of Christianity sometimes thought to be innovations, with possible Greek influence or even corruption, were rather native to the milieu of Second Temple Judaism. These include an understanding of God as more than one person, the Messiah as a divine figure, the Logos or Word of the Lord, and the Son of Man.

Todd and Tyler continue in the Book of Revelation, with chapters 6 and 7. We cover the Seven Seals, the Four Horsemen, the 144,000 sealed of Israel, and the multitude from the great tribulation. Concluding with the opening of the seventh seal.

Todd and Tyler return to the Book of Revelation, this time moving into the visions in chapters 4 and 5. The throne, the 24 elders, the 4 living creatures, the scroll with 7 seals, the Lion of Judah who is also a Lamb, and the new song. We also begin to look at the opening of the seals in chapter 6 but mostly leave the 4 horsemen waiting in the wings until next time.

Todd and Tyler talk about the Book of Revelation. Or is it Revelations? Revelationses perhaps? We talk about the genre of apocalyptic literature and the vivid imagery taken from Exodus, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The apocalyptic and supernatural worldview. The letters of John to the Seven churches. And the value of the book for spiritual insight as an “unveiling” of Christ’s mission and identity. In this first part we get through chapters 1-3. Later chapters will be taken up in future episodes.

Todd and Rick talk about Garak, one of the most fascinating characters from Stark Trek: Deep Space Nine. At the end of the occupation of Bajor all Cardassians abandon their former station Terok Nor, now Deep Space Nine. Almost all. One Cardassian remains, a gregarious and mysterious tailor named Garak. No one really knows what he is up to. And with Garak there’s never only one story but several contradictory stories. In fact, there was so much that we decided to split our discussion into to two parts. In Part 1 we begin a deep dive into the many stories of Garak, all of them true… especially the lies!

Todd and Tyler talk about the Song of Songs. The unusual presence of love poetry in Bible. The history of allegorical interpretation with examples from Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, and Bernard of Clairvaux. How passion can be enflamed for God.

Todd and Tyler talk about the Dead. What happens to people who died without knowing Christ? Do sinners get any more opportunity to repent after they die? Christian practices and doctrines like prayer for the dead and Purgatory. Latter-day Saint practices of baptism for the dead and other vicarious ordinances. The Harrowing of Hell. And the use of money for religious purposes.

Todd and Tyler talk about the Trinity. The doctrine as taught in traditional Christianity and the Nicene Creed. Differences and similarities with the understanding of Latter-day Saints. Some history and Saint Nicholas (allegedly) slapping Arius.

Todd and Tyler talk about the Epistle to the Hebrews, a magnificent section of sacred scripture. The exalted status of Jesus Christ. His role as high priest after the order of Melchizedek. The way that doctrinal meat builds upon the foundations of doctrinal milk.

Todd and Tyler talk about some significant ancient texts: Targum Onkelos, Targum Jonathan, Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, Tosefta, Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, and other Second Temple texts.

Christian culture is not always subdued or ascetic. It is often polychromatic, extravagant, and excessive. Saints and sinners mingle in a culture of piety and transgression, a culture that believes in forgiveness because it knows how much it needs it. Seasons of Lenten fasting cycle with seasons of sumptuous and sensuous feasting in a way that generates an emotionally replete cosmology.