Applying Old Testament Law Today

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson challenges pastors and leaders to rethink how they engage the Old Testament in a politically polarized world. He explains how biblical law was never meant to be a blueprint for modern legislation but a formational guide to shape a wise and just people. Johnson explores the difference between Western legal systems and the Torah’s narrative and casuistic structure, emphasizing that the law invites discernment, not domination. He calls the church to recover a posture of patient, communal reflection on Scripture, especially when facing culture war pressures to weaponize the Bible in public life.

About Dru
Dru Johnson is the Templeton senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall (University of Oxford), adjunct professor of religion at Hope College in Holland, MI (previously a professor at The King’s College in New York City), director of the Abrahamic Theistic Origins Project, director of the Center for Hebraic Thought, editor at The Biblical Mind, host of The Biblical Mind podcast, and co-host of the OnScript Podcast. Before that, he was a high-school dropout, skinhead, punk rock drummer, combat veteran, IT supervisor, and pastor—all things that he hopes none of his children ever become.

His books include Human Rites, Biblical Philosophy, and Understanding Biblical Law. Johnson speaks widely on the intersection of biblical theology, justice, and public ethics, helping church leaders engage Scripture with clarity, nuance, and theological depth.