Season 1: Torah, History, and Wisdom
The Lord Roars
The Lord Roars Bible Study
Join one of this generation's foremost Old Testament scholars, Dr. Daniel Carroll Rodas, in developing a deep understanding of biblical justice and mercy. In the following video series, Rodas unpacks the question of biblical ethics with a specific emphasis on two questions:
How are the people of God to engage society?
How does theology interact with social structures from a biblical perspective?
These videos can be used for personal Bible study or within a group setting for Sunday schools or parish small groups.
Dr. Carroll’s book, The Lord Roars, compliments the materials covered in this study. Learn more here.
Dr. Daniel Carroll Rodas
Daniel Carroll Rodas is the son of a Guatemalan mother and an American father, who himself was the son of Irish immigrants. Dr. Carroll was raised bilingual and bicultural in Houston, Texas, and he spent many summers of his youth in Guatemala. Before returning to the U.S. in the summer of 1996, he was an Old Testament professor for 13 years at an interdenominational seminary in Guatemala City. His primary research interests are in the prophetic literature and Old Testament social ethics, areas in which he has many publications.
Dr. Carroll has a B.A. in English Literature from Rice University, a Th.M. in Old Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Old Testament from the University of Sheffield in England. He is Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy in the Graduate School of Wheaton College.
Beginning at the Beginning
In this introductory episode, Dr. Carroll presents the goal and format of the study, the assumptions made about scripture, what he is not addressing, and explores various Bible translations, followed by an initial exploration of Genesis.
Image of God: Examining its democratic, royal, and priestly dimensions, unique against cultural expectations
Democracy, Royalty, Priesthood: how the image of God in Genesis is a radical and powerful lens for all humans, no matter what
The Coming of Death: A pivotal point is the anticipation of “death," leading to an exploration of chapters 3–8 to understand its implications.
Relationship Across Boundaries
The core mission outlined in Genesis centers on God's people being an active blessing to all peoples, as elucidated in the call of Abram in Genesis 12:1–3.
Exploration of Abram's geographical movement and the significance and particularity of his choice.
Emphasis on the mission of God's people as relentless instruments of blessing, that has physical and spiritual dimensions.
Focus on the significance of words, where God creates a nation rather than choosing one. Mission is the very reason for the existence of God's people.
Highlighting the pilgrim–migrant identity of all of God’s people, ours as well.
Us vs. Them
Dr. Carroll discusses the real-life mission of navigating identity relationships between "us and them" and delves into themes such as hunger, thirst, self-preservation, finding a home, war, rivalries, death, and injustice.
God's role in the world: Seeing and hearing really matters, faithfulness to individuals and promises, engagement with humanity, exercising judgment
What makes God’s people God’s people?
Key emphasis on God and hope: what to do in a very dark world?
The Relevance of the Law
In this Bible study, Dr. Carroll explores the relevance of Old Testament law, considering it as a cultural and sociological reality both in general and specifically in the context of Exodus.
Emphasis on the double nature of the law as both contextual and enduring
What are the foundational passages that uncover the cultural and societal significance of Old Testament law?
The law, yes, the law reveals God’s character of unabated and pursuing love, mending the world.
The old ways are erased in the wilderness, and then God gives his people a fresh blueprint for what a society should look like. It is different than anything previously seen or since.
Governance in the Old Testament
In this Bible study, an introduction to governance is presented with a consideration of its variations across different historical periods, including nomadic families, tribes, independent monarchies, subjugated monarchies, and foreign rule.
Parameters for good governance: Character and anti-ideology
Exploration of the rise of the monarchy, its perceived need, and primary roles in the ancient Near East
Discussion on the cooptation of religion by national ideology
Lessons for contemporary governance from the Old Testament examples
The Significance of the Law
In this Bible study, an introduction to the Law is provided with a focus on understanding the narrative context of its giving.
The identity of God’s people is that they are ones who “cried out” and “God listened” and “while you were slaves, oppressed, outsiders, and poor, I rescued you, so don’t forget”.
The Quadrilateral of the Vulnerable: the poor, widows and orphans, and foreigners
Exploration of the cultural context, considering both the broader setting's similarities and differences and Israel's unique cultural aspects.
Ethics in Wisdom Literature
In this discussion, Dr. Carroll emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible beyond seeking one-liners on ethics, justice, and oppression. He argues that true understanding comes from becoming the right kind of people and learning how to read the scriptures.
The book of Job highlights Job's commitment to justice and righteousness
In the Psalms, prayer is an expression of commitment to living a just life
Proverbs is discussed as a guide for character formation, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and discernment in making ethical choices, such as the responsibility to care for the poor and needy
Ecclesiastes claims that life is inexplicable in many ways, yet under God’s sovereign hand
Models of Government
Dr. Carroll provides an overview of various historical Christian political models. Same Bible, different interpretations by faithful Christians.
Contrasting human monarchy models with God's ideal for governance
Challenges of reconciling biblical mandates with modern government structures
Exploration of the Anabaptist perspective, emphasizing imitation of Jesus' daily life and the creation of a distinct virtuous community
Lutheran model viewing government as an emergency order to control human violence, encouraging individual Christian vocation
Reformed tradition based on the cultural mandate
Contributions of black theology and liberation theology to political theology