Renew Your Mind Ep.2 Politics and the Bible with Ron Choong + André Ong

Renew Your Mind (RYM) is an initiative of the Academy for Christian Thought to think things through in a Theological Safe Space. Each session will feature Dr Ron Choong, a theologian of science and investigative field scholar of civilizations, as he engages in conversations with friends who share his vision of being transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). Inspired by both the scientific revelation of creation in nature and the insights of spiritual of religious writings through the ages, Ron is on a spiritual quest to expose theological and cultural cobwebs that accrue over the ages so that we may purify our faith in God. He seeks to cherish and love God simply because God is God, with no expectations of personal privileges and benefits.

This inaugural RYM conversation is based on Ron's book “World’s Oldest Bible: Science and the Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls” (2021). It features Dr André Ong of Bethel University as they grapple with the issues raised in the book. Ron and André, born in Malaysia and Singapore respectively, live in New York City and San Diego, where they invite both believers and skeptics to think things through on matters of faith, history and science. This conversation is an invitation to non-scholars of the Bible and theology to join an informal chat about things that ought to matter – including the implications of particle physics and genetics to Christian doctrines of belief.

In this segment, learn about how politics and religion have always thrived together, how 3 non-Jewish kings from Persia, Egypt and Rome were instrumental in the writing down of what we now call the Bible, and why, whatever the text, interpretation defines authority. Writing was considered a magical source of political power when it weaponizes religion. Ancient kings and emperors wanted the power of religious writing on their side. Finally, for the most important library of literature in human history, interpretation of the Bible defines its authority. Next learn why science is internal and intrinsic to the Christian faith and the Bible. 16th century Christians sought to recover Adam’s perfect knowledge to alleviate human suffering. Finally, reflect on the two faith assumptions needed to make science work and how religion enriches the scientific enterprise.

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