How Did Monotheism Really Begin?
Gavin Ortlund
36.50
29 December 2025
7 January 2026
Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth.
Videos Mentioned:
A Christian Approach to Justice: Gregory of Nyssa on Slavery: https://youtu.be/jytXSTLLYEk?si=YcR5dG00L_Kha4yY
Slavery in the Bible: Answering Atheist Critiques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZImmDmr8pxk
Slavery in the Bible: Atheist-Christian Dialogue (Trent Horn, Gavin Ortlund, Josh Bowen, Kipp Davis): https://www.youtube.com/live/NpnN2_c1Cq8?si=V7ycMbZfsknDGHX0
Stop Abandoning the Moral Argument (Do This Instead): https://youtu.be/X8IaA_tCs1s?si=-NizmnY4HXLQI2PU
The Moral Argument Still Works: Response to Recent Critiques: https://youtu.be/TbFXWmadid0?si=ZBr9B6DN9j_AU5v9
Gavin Ortlund explores how biblical monotheism arose, particularly in ancient Israel, engaging some of Dan McClellan's claims.
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.
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00:00 - Introduction
3:53 - 1) Monotheism and Scholarship
12:53 - 2) Monotheism and Biblical Rhetoric
21:00 - 3) Unfolding Monotheism
23:52 - Defining Our Terms
30:18 - Progressive Revelation
