Interpreting Tradition: Biblical and Constitutional Parallels

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This chapter explores the intricate relationship between fundamentalist interpretations of the Bible and the U.S. Constitution, particularly through the lens of originalism. The speaker discusses the complexities of adhering strictly to these foundational texts in a modern world, examining the implications for democracy and societal progress. Highlighting historical figures and the need for epistemic humility, the conversation encourages an open-minded approach to understanding evolving perspectives on constitutional interpretation.

In this episode we sit down with A.J. Jacobs, a journalist who noticed some striking similarities between Biblical fundamentalism and constitutional originalism, and since he once wrote a NYT bestselling book about titled The Year of Living Biblically in which he tried to live for a year as a fundamentalist, he tried to do something similar by living for a year following the Constitution's original meaning as if he were an originalist and then writing a book about it. He soon learned that donning a tricorne hat and marching around Manhattan with a 1700s musket, though fully within one's constitutional rights, will quickly lead to some difficult encounters and altogether strange circumstances.

The Year of Living Constitutionally

AJ Jacobs' Website

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How Minds Change

David McRaney’s Twitter