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March 16, 2025 85 mins
IT’S CALLED the world’s oldest temple. While only a small portion of the site has been excavated, the clues point to one solid conclusion: It was meant as a point of contact with the gods.

Our usual Iron and Myth crew is joined by special guest Dr. Aaron Judkins (aaronjudkins.com, aaronjudkins.substack.com), co-author with Dr. Judd Burton (burtonbeyond.net) of the best-selling book Decoding Göbekli Tepe: Biblical Anatolia and the Watchers (https://amzn.to/4hcbvyX).

Rounding out the discussion are Doug Van Dorn (douglasvandorn.com), author, pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Northern Colorado in Boulder and host of the Giant Steps podcast, and Brian Godawa (godawa.com), best-selling author and award-winning screenwriter, whose new novels Judah Maccabee, Part 1: Abomination of Desolation and Judah Maccabee, Part 2: Against the Gods of Greece will be the topic of next month’s Iron and Myth. 

Our conversation digs into the significance of Göbekli Tepe, exploring its classification as the world's oldest temple and the cultural implications of its construction. The discussion highlights the mysterious influences that may have contributed to the site's creation, including supernatural elements and connections to biblical narratives.

Recent discoveries at Göbekli Tepe, including evidence of habitation and the symbolism of the vulture stone, are examined, alongside the ongoing research and future excavations that may further illuminate this ancient site. Judd and Aaron explore the historical and spiritual significance of Göbekli Tepe, discussing its connections to biblical narratives, the influence of supernatural entities known as the Watchers, and the site's implications for understanding ancient burial practices and archaeoastronomy. 

Finally, they share the links between Göbekli Tepe and the first humans, Adam and Eve, emphasizing the site's role in the broader context of ancient history and its relevance to modern biblical studies.

Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible!

Derek’s new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible!

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