Episode 2: Pastor Reflection on Did God Cuss with Rev. Dr. Bradley Johnson

Welcome to "I Didn't Learn That at Sunday School," where host Brad Spencer bridges the gap between scholarly insights and church settings. In this engaging episode, Brad sits down with his former pastor, Pastor Brad Johnson, for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the evolution of language, the role of profanity in the Bible, and the intersection of these topics with modern faith and pastoral duties.
Guest Introduction:
Pastor Brad Johnson shares his journey from a youth pastor to a senior pastor, reflecting on his upbringing in South Portland, Maine, and his educational path through Moody Bible Institute and Grace Theological Seminary. Now retired, he remains actively involved in pastoral care and community engagement.
Key Discussion Points:
Background and Pastoral Journey: Pastor Johnson recounts his experiences in ministry, from youth pastor to senior pastorship, and his current involvement in pastoral care and community activities.
Profanity in the Bible: The conversation delves into the use of language, cultural differences in what is considered profane, and the historical context of taboo words in the Bible. Pastor Johnson and Brad explore how these elements impact our understanding of scripture and faith.
Personal Anecdotes and Reflections: Pastor Johnson shares childhood experiences with language, family discussions on acceptable language, and the influence of cultural and generational perspectives on what is deemed profane.
Language Evolution and Euphemisms: They discuss how words change over time, the development of euphemisms, and their significance in maintaining polite discourse within faith communities.
Did God Cuss?: Building on a previous podcast episode, they explore the intriguing question of whether God uses strong or harsh language in the Bible, considering historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts.
Taking God's Name in Vain: The discussion introduces the recent work of Carmen Imes on the commandment against taking God's name in vain, along with the generalization of the commandment in Christian circles to include the name Jesus Christ.
Biblical Authority vs. Church Tradition: They touch upon the tension between "sola scriptura" and church traditions, highlighting the balance between biblical authority and historical practices in evangelical faith.
Historical Figures and Personal Nuances: The conversation includes insights into historical figures like Martin Luther, discussing his reputed use of foul language and its impact on contemporary perceptions of his theological contributions.
Join us for a comprehensive exploration of the complexities of language, faith, and cultural norms.
Bibliography
Timothy Jay. Cursing in America. (John Benjamins, 1992):
www.amazon.com...
Carmen Imes. Bearing YHWH’s Name at Sinai: A Reexamination of the Name Command of
Carmen Imes. Bearing YHWH’s Name at Sinai: A Reexamination of the Name Command of the Decalogue. (Eisenbrauns, 2018) (Scholarly monograph)
www.amazon.com...
Carmen Imes. Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Stil Matters (InterVarsity Press, 2019)
Carmen Imes. Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Stil Matters (InterVarsity Press, 2019)
www.amazon.com...
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