EPISODE 0214 | Torah Wisdom Meets Modern Science
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0214
In this eye-opening conversation, Pastor Stephen sits down with author, philanthropist, and Jewish scholar Mark Gerson to explore timeless truths from the Torah—and how they still apply to modern life. With humor, insight, and reverence for Scripture, they discuss gratitude, hunger, character development, antifragility, parenting, dating, and the power of small decisions. Drawing from his book God Was Right, Mark makes a compelling case for the Bible as the ultimate guidebook—not just for Jews or Christians, but for anyone seeking wisdom for real life.
Main Topics Covered
✔️ The difference between being born into the Word (Jewish culture) and learning the Word (Christian faith)
✔️ Why gratitude is a foundational virtue in the Torah—and what it means to thank a river
✔️ The deep meaning of hunger in the Haggadah and how to recognize spiritual hunger
✔️ Antifragility: how the Bible teaches us to get stronger through hardship
✔️ Why raising resilient children requires letting them face adversity
✔️ The secret to long, happy marriages in the story of Isaac and Rebekah
✔️ Torah insights on dating, decision-making, and love growing after commitment
✔️ Why character is more important than willpower—and how habits shape who we become
✔️ How the clothes we wear affect how we feel, act, and lead
✔️ The importance of Jewish-Christian friendship and the mission of Eagles’ Wings
Key Scriptures & References
📖 Exodus 1:12 – “The more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied and grew”
📖 Genesis 24:67 – Isaac marries Rebekah, then loves her
📖 Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Teach the commandments diligently
📖 Leviticus – Prescriptions for priestly garments
📖 Deuteronomy 29 – “This book is written for your benefit”
Key Takeaways
🔹 Gratitude transforms the giver, not just the recipient—even a river deserves thanks
🔹 Antifragility is a biblical principle—we grow stronger through adversity
🔹 Love follows commitment—not the other way around
🔹 Character is formed through daily habits, not big emotional decisions
🔹 Modern science proves biblical wisdom—social data now confirms Torah truths
🔹 Little things matter—“no small things” is a Torah and leadership principle
🔹 Clothing is spiritual—what you wear shapes your mindset and leadership
🔹 Jewish-Christian friendship is more than symbolic—it’s biblically prophetic
Quotes to Remember
“If Moses owed gratitude to a river, how much more should we owe it to the people who shaped our lives.” – Mark Gerson
“You don’t fall in love—you cultivate it.” – Mark Gerson
“Never do for your kids what they can and should do for themselves.” – Pastor Stephen
“Modern science is just now catching up to what the Bible said thousands of years ago.” – Mark Gerson
“The Bible is the best self-help book ever written—because it’s written for your benefit.” – Mark Gerson
“God doesn’t just care what’s in your heart—He cares what’s on your body. Because your body affects your spirit.” – Pastor Stephen
Action Steps
✅ Practice gratitude—even for “inanimate” things
✅ Let your kids struggle sometimes—it builds resilience
✅ Build habits for 30–66 days and watch your character change
✅ Invest in friendships with people of faith—especially across traditions
✅ Dress like a leader. Act like one. Speak like one. Live like one.
✅ Read God Was Right a few pages at a time—and apply it.
🎧 Listen now and be challenged, equipped, and inspired by the deep wisdom of the Torah—and discover how it affirms, enriches, and strengthens the Christian faith.
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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