Faith without religion.
Unpacking the Book of Matthew: Trust, Evidence, and Continuity
In the latest episode of “Dell and Dodge Talk Doctrine,” Dell, who has been immersed in religion his entire life but has never read the Bible, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with his father, Shawn, who humorously refers to himself as a “cult leader.” The duo, part of colt.love, a supplement for big church, aims to help listeners learn, grow, and love. They invite questions from their audience, promising personal responses.
This episode delves into the Book of Matthew, exploring its authorship and historical context. Shawn explains that while it is widely believed that the Apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, wrote the Gospel of Matthew, there are various theories and debates surrounding its authorship. The discussion touches on the evidence supporting Matthew’s authorship, including manuscript evidence and references from early church fathers. However, Shawn acknowledges the absence of original manuscripts, noting that what exists are copies of copies.
The conversation also compares the manuscript evidence of the Bible with other religious texts like the Quran and the Book of Mormon, highlighting the abundance of manuscript evidence for the Bible. Despite the lack of absolute proof, Shawn shares his perspective on trusting the Book of Matthew, emphasizing faith and the continuity of spiritual principles across biblical texts.
Dell and Shawn’s dialogue offers a candid exploration of faith, evidence, and the complexities of religious texts, inviting listeners to consider their own perspectives on these enduring questions. As they wrap up, they hint at further discussions on the Book of Matthew in future episodes, promising more engaging insights.
