How Can We Live Out the Idea of the Mountain Now?

Episode Chapters

1. Intro
   0:00 - 3:51
2. How can we live out the biblical idea of sacred spaces in the modern world?
   3:52 - 3:57
3. "Jem from Scotland In Celtic Christianity, there’s a common idea of “thin places,” where Heaven feels closer than normal. This idea is strikingly similar to the way mountains are used in biblical imagery to represent closeness with God. How can we live out the Hebrew idea of sacred spaces in the modern world? Should we hold onto the idea of geographic concentrations of God’s presence, or let go of this idea to believe that all of creation can be the mountaintop?"
   3:58 - 12:37
4. Could the Tower of Babel be considered a man-made mountain?
   12:38 - 12:48
5. "Elizabeth from Arkansas I was really surprised during the episode about Noah and Abraham that you didn’t talk about the Tower of Babel. I think it could be considered a man-made mountain since humans built it to get closer to God on their own terms. Is there anything in the biblical text that would support this idea?"
   12:49 - 19:21
6. What do stones and bricks represent in the biblical story?
   19:22 - 19:51
7. "Cody from Oregon I’ve been studying the symbolism of stones versus bricks in the Bible and their connection to sacred spaces versus human pride. Raw, uncut stones seem to represent God’s creation and provision—like the altars in Genesis and Exodus, Solomon’s temple, Peter as the “rock,” and believers as “living stones” in 1 Peter 2. In contrast, bricks—like those used in the Tower of Babel or Pharaoh’s projects—symbolize human effort, control, and rebellion. This ties into the larger biblical theme of cosmic mountains, where natural stones often mark places where Heaven meets Earth, like Sinai or Zion. Could you explore how the contrast between stones and bricks fits into the broader biblical narrative?"
   19:52 - 28:03
8. How does Yahweh asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac fit with his gracious character?
   28:04 - 28:31
9. "Kaylee from Massachusetts I’ve heard people say that the story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah demonstrates God’s cruelty. I see the parallels to Christ in this test, but I really wrestle with the fact that Isaac was unaware he was the sacrifice. Can you offer some insight into how this folds into Yahweh’s compassionate and gracious character?"
   28:32 - 39:44
10. After Elijah’s failure on Mount Sinai, why is he still regarded as a great prophet?
    39:45 - 41:14
11. "Elijah from California I still have trouble understanding Elijah’s legacy after his failure on the mountain. I learned the mountain story as God gently restoring and recommissioning him to serve faithfully until taking him up, not replacing him for his failure. Can you explain why he’s still treated like the GOAT (greatest of all time) of prophets?"
    41:15 - 48:29
12. Can Elijah’s Mount Sinai experience help us understand contemplative prayer practices?
    48:30 - 48:46
13. "Emily from Illinois I have a question about the Elijah mountain story on Mount Sinai. Many contemplative Christians use that story to encourage silence and solitude because God didn’t show up in a dramatic way but, rather, through a still small voice. This is very different from how you presented this story as Elijah’s failure. I’m curious to know how you would respond to and engage with those who often use that story to promote silence and listening to God. Can that work with the perspective you shared, or do you think understanding this as a failure for Elijah means that interpretation isn’t valid?"
    48:47 - 57:15
14. Conclusion
    57:16 - 59:02
15. Show Credits
    59:03 - 60:05