The Butcher, the Book, and the Bloody Good Theology - Episode 144

In this episode of Genesis Marks the Spot, Carey sits down with Phil Bray—author of Leviticus on the Butcher’s Block and creator of the YouTube channel Leviticus is Fun—for a wide-ranging conversation on sacrifice, atonement, and the surprising beauty of Leviticus. They explore: How Leviticus reframes atonement away from wrath and toward restoration Why sacrifice isn’t about death, but about life and communion What Phil learned from being both a butcher and a Bible nerd How Leviticus helps us understand Hebrews, Jesus, and the Lord’s Supper Whether the sacrificial system was an accommodation… and if so, what kind Why blood and water both purify—and how Jesus’ life transforms both Why Passover and atonement aren't the same, and why that matters for communion The deeper frames behind the word “substitution” Carey and Phil also dive into the contagious holiness of Jesus, purification rituals, and why Christians must learn to disambiguate muddy theological terms like “atonement” and “substitution.” This episode is part of our Atonement monthly theme over at the On This Rock biblical theology community. Join us to discuss the many frames of substitution, atonement, and covenant—and be sure to check out Phil’s channel and book!   Links & Resources: Phil’s YouTube: Leviticus Is Fun Leviticus on the Butcher’s Block   On This Rock Biblical Theology Community:  https://on-this-rock.com/   Website: genesismarksthespot.com    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro & Guest Welcome(00:02:00) - From Butcher to Bible Nerd(00:04:32) - Echo Chambers & Reading the Bible for Yourself(00:08:14) - Making Leviticus Fun(00:14:09) - Was Leviticus an Accommodation?(00:18:07) - Life, Not Death, Is the Goal(00:20:53) - Fellowship Meal and...Purification??(00:25:04) - Passover and Blood on the Doorframe(00:27:45) - Was Passover a Sacrifice?(00:29:52) - The Blood is for Covenant(00:33:28) - Leviticus and Christian Communion(00:36:45) - Water & Blood: The Life Connection(00:41:21) - Contagious Holiness(00:46:12) - What If We Didn’t Have the Word Atonement?(00:50:01) - Restoring Creation, Not Just Covering Sin(00:52:46) - Phil’s Channel & Upcoming Projects(00:55:51) - Leviticus Helps Us Read Hebrews(00:57:43) - Frames of Substitution: A Project is Born(01:01:31) - Leviticus on the Butcher's Block(01:05:56) - An Immersive Experience