In the book of Exodus, why do there seem to be two versions of the Ten Commandments at 20 and then at 34? The first being more legalistic, the second is more ritualistic. It's in the creation of texts that we call today the Bible. There often seem to betwo versions of stories stitched together. They're essentially telling the same stories and duplicating each other.
Historian Tom Holland joined Tyler to discuss in what ways his Christianity is influenced by Lord Byron, how the Book of Revelation precipitated a revolutionary tradition, which book of the Bible is most foundational for Western liberalism, the political differences between Paul and Jesus, why America is more pro-technology than Europe, why Herodotus is his favorite writer, why the Greeks and Persians didn’t industrialize despite having advanced technology, how he feels about devolution in the United Kingdom and the potential of Irish unification, what existential problem the Church of England faces, how the music of Ennio Morricone helps him write for a popular audience, why Jurassic Park is his favorite movie, and more.
Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.
Recorded February 1st, 2023
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Photo credit: Sadie Holland