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The Universe Next Door

Science Podcasts

The Universe Next Door seeks to answer your questions on the meaning of life, worldview, and the existence of God.

Location:

Freehold, NJ

Description:

The Universe Next Door seeks to answer your questions on the meaning of life, worldview, and the existence of God.

Language:

English

Contact:

Dr. Tom Woodward and Kevin Wirth 1957 Sourwood Blvd. Dunedin, Fl 34698 6177178102


Episodes
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Abraham's Promise: 'As' the Stars in Heaven? [Series Pt. 2]

4/9/2024
In the second part of the "Are you sure you know whats that verse means?" series, Nick Shalna presents a prominent ancient Jewish view of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15. What does it mean to be made "as" the stars in heaven? Is this simply quantitative and a reference to numerical value, or is there something more? How should we understand being made "heirs of the cosmos"? Most recent episode on Babel: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14774037-what-definitely-didn-t-happen-at-babel-response-to-kristi-burke-series-pt-1 How Were Stars Viewed in the Bible? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14595788-were-stars-viewed-as-angels-in-the-bible This episode is based on a series which is based on a series of Michael Heiser by David Burnett: https://drmsh.com/category/biblical-theology-doctrine/theosis-1/ Support the show

Duration:00:52:00

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Trans Visibility Day vs Easter: Which Resurrection will you Recognize?

4/2/2024
If you are under the impression that Trans Visibility Day took place on Easter Sunday this year as a coincidence, we hope your mind is changed by the end of this episode. What does this day represent? How should Christians react and not react? Responding to the Trans Movement: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14408633-thinking-and-responding-to-the-growing-trans-movement-alycia-wood The Marxification of Education: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13790276-refusing-to-stay-asleep-in-a-woke-culture-defeating-defeatism-series The "He gets us" Campaign: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14541410-i-dug-further-into-the-he-gets-us-campaign Support the show

Duration:00:42:59

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What definitely DIDN'T Happen at Babel (Response to Kristi Burke) [Series Pt.1]

3/26/2024
In the first episode of the "Are you sure you know what that verse means" series, Nick Shalna responds to a video from a popular Youtuber on the story of the Tower of Babel. What really happened in Genesis 11? Why does God say let "us" go down? Is this story just a myth? Why is context so important when interpreting the Bible? Send any questions you have to information@apologetics.org for our Good Friday Q&A! Kristi Burke's Video on Babel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w56ZgxQg2A Who is the Divine Council? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12196148-the-view-that-changed-the-way-i-read-my-bible-divine-council-worldview Why Does Jesus Say "you are gods" (Reaction to James White and John Piper): https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14635232-why-does-jesus-say-you-are-gods-james-white-and-john-piper-response Support the show

Duration:00:51:16

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Are You Sure You Know What That Verse Means?

3/19/2024
Join us next week for a brand new series on rethinking some popular interpretations that may not capture the full meaning of what the original author and God intended for a passage! What does it mean to be "As the stars in heaven"? Did Joshua really make the sun stand still in the sky? Is David and Goliath more than simply a heroic story? Send your questions to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A on the last Friday of the month! Did the Israelites view the Stars as Angels? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14595788-were-stars-viewed-as-angels-in-the-bible Apple Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-stars-viewed-as-angels-in-the-bible/id1464590061?i=1000647440678 Support the show

Duration:00:03:56

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Former-Psychic: Communicating with Spirits, Tarot Cards, Ouija Boards, Demons | Jenn Nizza

3/12/2024
Have you ever wondered what psychics actually do or where they get their information? Are Ouija Boards and Tarot Cards real? Is it possible to communicate with the dead or with demonic forces? What is Automatic Writing? What does the Bible have to say about these issues? Nick Shalna has a conversation with Jenn Nizza, a former psychic who is now a Christian believer, on how spiritual warfare plays out in the life of a psychic versus the life of a Christian. Send your questions to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A on the last Friday of the month! Jenn's Website Podcast: https://www.expsychicsaved.com/ Jenn's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Expsychicsaved Similar Episodes on TUND Former Scientologist and Demonic Influence: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11097287-former-scientologist-thetans-john-travolta-demonic-influences-athena-dean-holtz Support the show

Duration:00:42:32

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Why Does Jesus Say 'You are gods'? (James White and John Piper Response)

3/5/2024
What is going on in Psalm 82 when "Elohim" judges the "Elohim"? Is the intended meaning that God is judging a group of human leaders, or is there something much more significant in this chapter? Why does Jesus quote this passage to the Jews who are charging Him with blasphemy in John 10:35 before they try to kill Him? How do respected reformed scholars James White and John Piper interpret this passage and where does Nick Shalna disagree with them? Send your questions to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A on the last Friday of the month! The Divine Council and the Significance of 70: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14285820-the-divine-council-and-the-significance-of-70 Understanding the Divine Council Worldview: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12196148-the-view-that-changed-the-way-i-read-my-bible-divine-council-worldview Understanding the Names of God: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11648324-why-do-the-names-of-god-matter-elohim-yahweh-son-of-man Support the show

Duration:00:38:10

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Were Stars Viewed as Angels in the Bible?

2/28/2024
It's common for us to read our modern scientific findings into the text of the Bible, but what did the ancient Israelites actually believe about cosmology and the formation of the earth? Did they believe the stars were fiery gas balls millions of miles away, or did they believe they were divine beings? How would a view of a smaller and more compact universe affect the way they looked at culture and meaning? If they had something wrong about science, does that diminish the view of inspiration and inerrancy? Thursday night event details at Mosaic church NPR: https://mosaicnpr.org/ Send your questions now to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A on the last Friday of March! John Walton's book referenced: https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Near-Eastern-Thought-Testament/dp/1540960218/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FZT9D45OTYOD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OVLl2mCXEzVtStapEKBHmdMpQJXV8CscqjC7CyTyc_9va8b1-wMRm13afT8aG6NQCl7EwOaTnBvnnNi-yUPojz7hdhQJ_WiS-S9NrymNla6hLDc1QyJllrwSp0M-RPGErMeuPwz-cGJplbDakF5bfycfXZNyc6jDf7BWx0gLjZFydU0TaxXq6oGmkJRgkBDtM59SykWSa83yeVwkeSjDR1g9c4nWOzJ0MAZrHohhPvg.UBxgLEuUAtIzlEd9GuOD70gYmTPh9vDLLGl0sQGR7S4&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+walton+ancient+near+eastern+thought&qid=1709149795&sprefix=john+w%2Caps%2C2286&sr=8-1 The Divine Council Worldview: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14285820-the-divine-council-and-the-significance-of-70 Support the show

Duration:00:37:59

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Former-Psychic Interview Coming Tomorrow

2/27/2024
The interview with Jenn Nizza, a former psychic now a Christian believer, will be released tomorrow afternoon! Are Tarot card readings real? Do psychics get their knowledge from demonic forces or are they experts at deception? What about crystals and Oijuia boards? Does demonic possession still exist and are witchcraft spells real? In the meantime, check out our most recent episode: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14562976-q-a-original-sin-slavery-trump-morality-war-in-heaven Support the show

Duration:00:01:44

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Q&A: Original Sin, Slavery, Trump, Morality, War in Heaven

2/23/2024
Check out this month's Q&A and send in your question for next month to information@apologetics.org Episodes Referenced: Child Damnation: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14452724-the-age-old-debate-of-child-damnation-needs-to-end How Original is Original Sin? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13921635-how-original-is-original-sin-and-is-mary-divine Why Romans 9 is so Highly Debated: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12809463-why-romans-9-is-so-highly-debated-romans-9-11-series Is Jesus the Visible God in the Old Testament? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11524197-is-jesus-the-visible-god-in-the-old-testament-colossians-1-15 Support the show

Duration:00:41:27

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I Dug Further Into the 'He Gets Us' Campaign

2/20/2024
At this point, nearly everyone has seen the famous "He Gets Us" Superbowl ad. In fact, it was probably viewed by over 130 million people. But why has there been so much backlash? Upon further research of the organization, are there some clues that lead to concern? Join Nick Shalna as he digs further into the beliefs and statements of the "He Gets Us" organization and you may be left with less guessing. Send your Questions now to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A that'll be released this Friday at 5 pm! Sources: https://hegetsus.com/en Make sure to check out Translations of the Wokish: https://newdiscourses.com/tftw-inclusion/ Do Christians Indoctrinate Their Children? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14498126-do-christians-indoctrinate-their-children-and-is-it-abuse Support the show

Duration:00:33:29

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More Inconsistencies with Original Sin and Infant Damnation

2/16/2024
Check out this follow-up to the recent episode on infant damnation and original guilt. If Jesus is truly human, how can we say He isn't born with original sin? Does "all mean all" when it comes to people sinning? Are we responsible for our own condemnation or are we guilty of the sin of Adam? Send your questions or disagreements to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A that will be released on Friday, February 23! The Age-Old Debate of Child Damnation Needs to End: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14452724-the-age-old-debate-of-child-damnation-needs-to-end How Original is Original Sin? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13921635-how-original-is-original-sin-and-is-mary-divine Support the show

Duration:00:17:34

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Do Christians Indoctrinate Their Children? (And is it Abuse?)

2/13/2024
What does it actually mean to indoctrinate? Does the Bible encourage abuse of children and shame those who ask questions? Are those who are raised in Christianity taught to avoid critical thinking? Is there any connection between mental health and church attendance? What should you do if you're struggling with your faith, or with anxiety and depression? Send your questions now to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A on Friday, Feb 23! Video Nick responded to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HwSGXPKzw8&t=239s Articles Referenced: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32793951/ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/religious-upbringing-adult-health/#:~:text=Those%20who%20prayed%20or%20meditated,who%20never%20prayed%20or%20meditated TUND Episode with Former Scientologist: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11097287-former-scientologist-thetans-john-travolta-demonic-influences-athena-dean-holtz Support the show

Duration:00:45:33

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The Age-Old Debate of Child Damnation Needs to End

2/6/2024
Why do so many believe that infants and children don't go to be with the Lord if they haven't acknowledged Christ? How does the commonly held view of original guilt play into this dilemma? Are there popular theological views that would be contradicted if it's suggested that children go to heaven? What do well-known historical church figures have to say about this topic? Join us to find truth and comfort on this crucial topic that is often (wrongly) confusing and disheartening for many Send your questions to information@apologetics.org now for our Q&A that'll be released on Friday, Feb 23! References: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/let-the-children-come-to-me https://catholiccourier.com/articles/purgatory-limbo-explained/ https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/baptism-10346 https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM TUND Episodes Related to this Topic: How Original is Original Sin? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13921635-how-original-is-original-sin-and-is-mary-divine The Reformation and the Catholic Church: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13883319-the-reformation-catholic-catechism-and-indulgences Support the show

Duration:00:47:10

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Thinking and Responding to the Growing Trans Movement | Alycia Wood

1/30/2024
Nick Shalna interviews Alycia Wood (Speaker at Apologetics Inc) on the topic of the trans movement and how to deal with it as Christians. Most of us wouldn't have a problem agreeing that a girl can't become a boy, but what about all of the minute details that come along with the issue? How do we respond to kids and adults identifying as another gender? What effects do puberty blockers and hormones have on people from a young age when used incorrectly? Why does there seem to be a large growing number of girls following this movement and wanting to change their gender? Send your questions to information@apologetics.org before our next Q&A on the last Friday of February! Alycia's Article on Intersex: https://apologetics.org/what-is-intersex-and-what-does-it-mean-for-the-transgender-conversation/ I Think Therefore I'm Trans (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l94pcj2yBeE&t=333s Irreversible Damage (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Irreversible-Damage-Transgender-Seducing-Daughters/dp/168451228X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ILL4XRXMHX01&keywords=irreversible+damage&qid=1706653194&sprefix=irrever%2Caps%2C2078&sr=8-1 Fighting Child Grooming with Billboard Chris: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13700312-what-it-looks-like-to-fight-child-grooming-billboard-chris-defeating-defeatism-doom-and-groom Support the show

Duration:01:04:48

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Q&A: Flat Earth, Canaanite Genocide, One-World Government, Baal

1/26/2024
Nick Shalna responds to questions from listeners ranging from topics such as flat earth to spiritual demonic influences. Send your questions to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A on the last Friday of February! Episodes Mentioned: How Original is Original Sin? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13921635-how-original-is-original-sin-and-is-mary-divine Who Were the Nephilim? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13026899-who-were-the-nephilim-the-beginning-of-sexual-transgression Is Jesus the Visible God in the Old Testament? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11524197-is-jesus-the-visible-god-in-the-old-testament-colossians-1-15 Support the show

Duration:00:55:32

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The Divine Council is More Practical than you Thought

1/23/2024
Are you able to look at the Bible objectively or do you feel the need to skip over intimidating or weird concepts? What do we do with passages suggesting that angels and spiritual beings have authority if only God has authority? Why would Israel worship stone and wooden idols rather than worship God? Join us as we talk about the top 5 practical applications of the Divine Council worldview regarding the Bible and our lives. Send your questions now to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A that will be released this Friday night at 5 pm! Other Divine Council Episodes: The Divine Council and Significance of 70: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14285820-the-divine-council-and-the-significance-of-70 The View that Changed the way I Read the Bible: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12196148-the-view-that-changed-the-way-i-read-my-bible-divine-council-worldview Who Were the Nephilim? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13026899-who-were-the-nephilim-the-beginning-of-sexual-transgression Support the show

Duration:00:41:28

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Who are the Angels of the Seven Churches in Revelation?

1/19/2024
What is different about Revelation compared to other books in the Bible? Have we taken too much of a dry and modern approach to understanding apocalyptic literature? Is there a link between the Seven Spirits of God and the Seven Stars who play a crucial role in the book? How do Second Temple Period writings such as Enoch influence the New Testament authors and their writings? Send your questions now to information@apologetics.org Angels, Cherubim, and Seraphim: (prior episode) https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/14321665-angels-cherubim-seraphim-and-the-spiritual-realm-who-are-they Who is Satan? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11692097-the-serpent-and-the-guardian-cherub-who-is-satan-part-1 Support the show

Duration:00:30:04

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Angels, Cherubim, Seraphim and The Spiritual Realm (Who are They?)

1/16/2024
We often hear angels described as female creatures with wings. It's common to view demons as those who rebelled alongside Satan at the fall or perhaps even creatures who lost a battle against God's angels. But is these ideas found in Scripture? Join us as we dive into the topics of angels and demons, seraphim and cherubim, and why it's so important to do our best to study topics through the lens of biblical authors rather than our own biases and preferences. Send your questions now to information@apologetics.org for our Q&A on the last Friday of the month! Who were the Nephilim? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13026899-who-were-the-nephilim-the-beginning-of-sexual-transgression Where are the Angels Who Sinned? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13069107-is-hell-eternal-and-where-are-the-angels-who-sinned Support the show

Duration:00:40:06

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The Divine Council and the Significance of 70

1/10/2024
Why does the number 70 seem to pop up in crucial situations throughout the Bible? Did God give authority to other 'gods' whom He later judged for accepting worship? What did God intend to do with the nations who abandoned Him at the tower of Babel? How do the Babel story and the number 70 tie in with what Christ came to redeem us from? Send your questions to information@apologetics.org NOW for the Q&A that will be released on Friday, January 26! Divine Council Introduction: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12196148-the-view-that-changed-the-way-i-read-my-bible-divine-council-worldview The Corrupted Sons of God: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12290812-the-terrifying-truth-behind-worshiping-idols Who Were the Nephilim? https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/13026899-who-were-the-nephilim-the-beginning-of-sexual-transgression Unseen Realm Book: https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Realm-Recovering-Supernatural-Worldview/dp/1683592719/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704902968&sr=8-1 Support the show

Duration:00:40:10

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The Return of the Divine Council (Promo)

1/9/2024
What significance does the number 70 have in the Bible? Why does this number seem to pop up during some of the most significant events throughout Scripture and how will Jesus redeem His people from the corrupted sons of God? Join us tomorrow morning to find out! The Meaning of Elohim: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/11648324-why-do-the-names-of-god-matter-elohim-yahweh-son-of-man The Divine Council Worldview: https://theuniversenextdoor.buzzsprout.com/235413/12196148-the-view-that-changed-the-way-i-read-my-bible-divine-council-worldview Support the show

Duration:00:01:05