#093 Under Construction: The Human Problem

Aaron McManus opens this episode of the Mind Shift Podcast by introducing its theme, “Under Construction,” referencing both their house renovation due to mold and the idea of lives under construction through scripture. He and his father, Erwin Raphael McManus, record amidst the noise of ongoing repairs, using it as a metaphor for spiritual growth. Erwin humorously admits his tendency to get granular with the Bible, spending weeks on a single chapter, while Aaron explains that this episode marks a shift into deeper conversations around scripture – a new focus for the podcast.

They dive into the often snarky comments on social media. Erwin encourages listeners to engage with kindness rather than negativity, aiming to create a positive and inclusive space. Aaron shares how people frequently attempt to educate Erwin on theology despite his background, prompting a discussion about humility in spiritual conversations and the importance of listening over lecturing when it comes to scripture.

The conversation turns deeply personal as Erwin shares his journey with the Bible, starting with the Gospel of John, which emotionally transformed his understanding of Jesus, and moving into Acts, which gave him a sense of being part of an ongoing movement. Aaron recalls a dinner conversation about the visible changes Jesus brought to his life, reflecting on how scripture reshapes identity and purpose. They emphasize that engaging with the Bible is not just academic but transformative when approached relationally and reflectively.

Erwin recounts his surprising experience accidentally enrolling in a PhD Hebrew course at UNC Chapel Hill and how his classmates supported him through it. He explains the literary and cultural distinctions between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how the Old Testament’s stories build a worldview and the New Testament calls for interpretation and application. Aaron and Erwin suggest reading different Gospels based on personality type to cultivate a personal connection to Jesus' life and teachings.

They conclude by discussing the need for action and community in Bible study. Erwin shares his preparation method for talks: finding truth, experiencing it, and acting on it, while Aaron describes his use of the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) for daily integration. They reflect on theological debates that miss the heart of scripture and stress that understanding the Bible is incomplete without practical obedience and community engagement. The episode ends with an encouragement to listeners: build your life on the living truths of scripture, stay rooted in community, and let action transform knowledge into a life aligned with God’s heart.