A Teaching Ministry of
Dr. Robert C. Crowder
"Written and Read"
A Podcast
Written and Read was born out of a simple idea. McKenzie Fleming first approached Dr. Robert C. Crowder with the thought that many people in the church carry real questions about the Bible but often do not have a place to ask them. From that conversation the two began shaping what eventually became this podcast. What started as a simple idea has now taken on a life of its own.
Written and Read exists to answer real questions people have about the Bible and the Christian faith. The questions come from members of Lakeview Baptist Church and from listeners who simply want to understand Scripture more clearly.
This podcast is not designed as a debate program or an apologetics forum. While we certainly address difficult questions and sometimes interact with opposing viewpoints, the goal is not to win arguments. The goal is to help listeners open the Bible, think carefully about what it says, and apply it faithfully to their lives.
One of the convictions behind this podcast is that Scripture ultimately has one true meaning because God Himself is its author. Human readers may disagree about interpretation, but the truth of the text does not change. Much of the discussion in theology arises not from multiple meanings in the text, but from how people understand and apply what God has already revealed.
For that reason, many episodes will present different viewpoints that Christians have held through the centuries. When those perspectives are discussed, they are not presented as equal authorities with Scripture. They are simply part of the conversation. The hope is that listeners will examine the Word of God for themselves and allow their doctrine to be shaped by Scripture rather than by personalities or traditions.
Written and Read is also not a live call-in program. Questions are submitted in several ways:
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by email
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through the question box in the foyer at Lakeview Baptist Church
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through the podcast platform
Those questions are then reviewed. Not all questions will be addressed on the podcast. Some are selected and will be discussed during each episode.
The purpose of this podcast is simple: to take honest questions, open the Bible, and walk through the answers carefully. If the result is that listeners grow in their understanding of Scripture and their confidence in God’s Word, then the mission of Written and Read has been fulfilled.
Season 1, Episode 1
"What is the Bible?"
In this first episode of Written and Read, we answer a foundational question: What is the Bible?
We explore how the Bible is a collection of sixty-six books written over centuries, yet unified in one message. Looking closely at passages like Psalm 119 and 2 Timothy 3:16, we examine how Scripture describes itself, its authority, and its divine inspiration.
This episode lays the groundwork for understanding why the Bible is central to the Christian faith and why it should shape how we think, live, and believe.
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Season 1, Episode 2
"How Did We Get The Bible?"
In this episode of Written and Read, we answer a question many people quietly wonder: how did we get the Bible?
We walk through the full journey of Scripture, from its original writing through divine inspiration, to its careful copying and preservation, and finally to its recognition as the canon of sixty-six books.
Along the way, we address common concerns about lost originals, manuscript reliability, and the role of church councils. This episode helps build confidence that the Bible we hold today faithfully
represents the Word God revealed.
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Season 1, Episode 3
"Why Are There 66 Books In The Bible?"​
In this episode of Written and Read, we answer a question many people have asked: why does the Bible contain exactly sixty-six books?
We explore how the Old Testament was already recognized as Scripture in the time of Christ and how the New Testament writings were identified and received by the early church. Along the way, we address common misconceptions about church councils and examine why certain books were included while others were not.
This episode helps clarify how the canon of Scripture was recognized and why believers can trust that the Bible they hold is the Word of God.​​
Season 1, Episode 4
"Why Were Books Left Out Of The Bible?"
In this episode of Written and Read, we address a question many people have heard in conversations, books, and documentaries: were books left out of the Bible?
We examine what people are really referring to when they mention “lost books,” including the Apocrypha and Gnostic writings, and explain why these were never recognized as Scripture. By looking at apostolic authority, doctrinal consistency, and the recognition of God’s people, we clarify how the biblical canon was identified.
This episode helps remove confusion and strengthens confidence that the Bible we have today is complete and trustworthy.
Season 1, Episode 5
"If The Bible Is God's Word, Why Are There Multiple Translations?"
In this episode of Written and Read, we explore a question that often causes confusion: if the Bible is truly God’s Word, why are there so many different translations?
We walk through the original languages of Scripture, the history of Bible translation, and the reasons multiple English versions exist today. Along the way, we address common concerns about whether the Bible has changed and explain how translation actually helps preserve and communicate God’s Word.
This episode helps listeners understand that multiple translations are not a problem, but a blessing that allows God’s Word to be clearly understood across languages and generations.
Season 1, Episode 6
"What Are The Dead Sea Scrolls?"​
In this episode of Written and Read, we explore one of the most important archaeological discoveries related to the Bible: the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Discovered in 1947 near Qumran, these ancient manuscripts include copies of Old Testament books that date back more than two thousand years. We explain what was found, why it matters, and how these scrolls provide strong evidence for the careful preservation of Scripture.
This episode helps answer common claims that the Bible has changed over time and shows how the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the reliability of the Old Testament text we read today.
Season 1, Episode 7
"Are There Historical Writers Who Mention Jesus?"
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In this episode of Written and Read, we explore an important question about the historical foundation of the Christian faith: are there writers outside the Bible who mention Jesus?
We examine several ancient sources, including Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger, and look at what they say about Jesus and the early Christian movement. These writers were not Christians, and in some cases were opposed to Christianity, yet they still confirm key details recorded in the New Testament.
This episode helps demonstrate that the life of Jesus is not only recorded in Scripture but is also grounded in real, verifiable history.
Season 1, Episode 8
"Does Archaeology Support the Bible?"
In this episode of Written and Read, we explore the relationship between archaeology and the Bible.
We look at key discoveries such as the Pilate Stone, the Tel Dan Stele, and the Cyrus Cylinder, and how they connect to people, places, and events described in Scripture. These findings help illuminate the historical setting of the Bible and show that it is rooted in real history.
At the same time, we clarify an important truth: while archaeology can support and illuminate the biblical record, the authority of Scripture comes from God Himself, not from human discovery.
Season 1, Episode 9
"Why Are There Four Gospels?"​
In this episode of Written and Read, we explore a question many readers ask when they open the New Testament: why are there four Gospels instead of one?
We examine how Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each present a unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ while proclaiming one unified message. By looking at the biblical principle of multiple witnesses and the distinct emphasis of each Gospel, we see how these accounts work together to provide a fuller picture of Christ.
This episode shows that the four Gospels do not create confusion but instead strengthen confidence in the truth and reliability of Scripture.