This episode, Part 2 in our series with Orthodox Christian scholar Frederica Mathewes-Green, discusses Augustine's concept of a 'god-shaped hole' in our hearts and explores the idea of 'energy' (energeia) in the New Testament.

Our conversation delves into the challenges of translating biblical texts from Greek to Latin and Hebrew, the historical context of these translations, and how different translations can impact theological understanding.

It also touches on the use of hyperbole and imagery in ancient Hebrew scripture and discusses why seminary students are required to learn Hebrew and Greek to gain a deeper understanding of the biblical worldview.

Episode highlights:

00:15  The God-Shaped Hole: Exploring Our Innate Desire for Worship

00:45  The Concept of 'Energia' in the New Testament

01:50  Translation Challenges: From Greek to Latin and Beyond

04:15  The Impact of Language on Biblical Interpretation

05:30  The Septuagint and the Evolution of the Hebrew Bible

07:50  Controversies in Biblical Translations

12:10  The Importance of Learning Biblical Languages

Resources mentioned:

Two Views of the Cross: Orthodoxy and the West by Frederica Mathewes-Green

Men and Marriage by George Gilder

About the guest:

Frederica's website

"I write and speak on a wide range of topics. In recent years I’ve concentrated on ancient Christian spirituality and the Eastern Orthodox faith, but the hundreds of Posts and Essays on this site include movie reviews, humor, marriage and family, cultural issues, and more. Essays can be browsed by date or category, or you can use the search box at the right.

The most recent posts are below. Here’s where you’ll find my published Books.

I travel to Speaking Engagements all year round; you can contact Cynthia Damaskos of the Orthodox Speakers Bureau if you’d like to bring me to an event. This Calendar will let you know when I’m in your neighborhood.

Audio: Here’s where you’ll find many of my commentaries for National Public Radio (NPR), though others have been filed away under many different creative misspellings of my name. I have recorded a podcast for Ancient Faith Radio since 2007.

Video: For Beliefnet.com, I recorded brief videos on my conversion to Christ, the Christ of Sinai icon, the spiritual discipline of fasting,...

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