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Written and Read

Written and Read

by Robert C Crowder

Episode 000: Introduction

This is an introduction on the who and why of the Written and Read Podcast

Season 1

Episode 001: What Is The Bible?

This episode introduces the foundational question of what the Bible is. It explains the structure, authorship, inspiration, and unified message of the sixty-six books of Scripture while emphasizing the Bible’s role as God’s revelation to humanity.

Episode 002: How Did We Get the Bible?

In this episode of Written and Read, we answer a question many people quietly wonder: how did we get the Bible? We walk through the full journey of Scripture, from its original writing through divine inspiration, to its careful copying and preservation, and finally to its recognition as the canon of sixty-six books. Along the way, we address common concerns about lost originals, manuscript reliability, and the role of church councils. This episode helps build confidence that the Bible we hold today faithfully represents the Word God revealed.

Episode 003: Why Are There 66 Books in the Bible?

In this episode of Written and Read, we answer a question many people have asked: why does the Bible contain exactly sixty-six books? We explore how the Old Testament was already recognized as Scripture in the time of Christ and how the New Testament writings were identified and received by the early church. Along the way, we address common misconceptions about church councils and examine why certain books were included while others were not. This episode helps clarify how the canon of Scripture was recognized and why believers can trust that the Bible they hold is the Word of God.

Episode 004: Why Were Books Left Out of the Bible?

In this episode of Written and Read, we address a question many people have heard in conversations, books, and documentaries: were books left out of the Bible? We examine what people are really referring to when they mention “lost books,” including the Apocrypha and Gnostic writings, and explain why these were never recognized as Scripture. By looking at apostolic authority, doctrinal consistency, and the recognition of God’s people, we clarify how the biblical canon was identified. This episode helps remove confusion and strengthens confidence that the Bible we have today is complete and trustworthy.

BONUS - Which English Bible Translation Should I Use?

In this special bonus episode of Written and Read, McKenzie Fleming and Dr. Robert C. Crowder tackle one of the most practical questions Christians ask: “Which English Bible translation should I use?” Together they explore the major translation philosophies behind today’s most popular English Bibles, including Word-for-Word, Thought-for-Thought, and Paraphrase translations. The conversation examines the strengths and weaknesses of translations such as the KJV, NKJV, ESV, NASB, CSB, NIV, NLT, and others while offering pastoral guidance on choosing a faithful primary Bible for lifelong study, memorization, and spiritual growth. Dr. Crowder also explains why he strongly recommends reference Bibles over study Bibles and shares his personal approach to Bible translation use in preaching, teaching, and devotional life.

Episode 005 - Why Are There Multiple Translations

In this episode of Written and Read, we explore a question that often causes confusion: if the Bible is truly God’s Word, why are there so many different translations? We walk through the original languages of Scripture, the history of Bible translation, and the reasons multiple English versions exist today. Along the way, we address common concerns about whether the Bible has changed and explain how translation actually helps preserve and communicate God’s Word. This episode helps listeners understand that multiple translations are not a problem, but a blessing that allows God’s Word to be clearly understood across languages and generations.

Episode 006 - What are the Dead Sea Scrolls?

In this episode of Written and Read, we explore one of the most important archaeological discoveries related to the Bible: the Dead Sea Scrolls. Discovered in 1947 near Qumran, these ancient manuscripts include copies of Old Testament books that date back more than two thousand years. We explain what was found, why it matters, and how these scrolls provide strong evidence for the careful preservation of Scripture. This episode helps answer common claims that the Bible has changed over time and shows how the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the reliability of the Old Testament text we read today.

Episode 007-Historical Writers Who Mention Jesus

In this episode of Written and Read, we explore an important question about the historical foundation of the Christian faith: are there writers outside the Bible who mention Jesus? We examine several ancient sources, including Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger, and look at what they say about Jesus and the early Christian movement. These writers were not Christians, and in some cases were opposed to Christianity, yet they still confirm key details recorded in the New Testament. This episode helps demonstrate that the life of Jesus is not only recorded in Scripture but is also grounded in real, verifiable history.

Episode 008 - Does Archaeology Support The Bible?

This episode explores the relationship between archaeology and the Bible. It examines several discoveries that illuminate the historical setting of Scripture while emphasizing that the authority of the Bible rests on divine inspiration rather than archaeological confirmation.

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