Rolf Jacobson: The Five Most Offensive Things... you learn in Seminary
Nov 2, 2021
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Rolf Jacobson, a Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, shares his humorous and insightful take on seminary life. He reveals the 'five most offensive things' learned in theological studies, challenging conventional narratives. The podcast dives deep into the significance of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the liberating power of the Sabbath. Jacobson also reflects on the complexities of biblical texts, engaging listeners with anecdotes that blend humor with serious theological themes.
The podcast emphasizes that navigating feelings of confusion in faith can lead to important personal and spiritual discoveries.
Dr. Jacobson highlights the gap between academic biblical insights and church teachings, advocating for deeper understanding among congregants.
The reinterpretation of the Ten Commandments teaches that they are guidelines for living freely instead of mere prohibitions.
Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the Psalms' richness by understanding their context and resisting superficial interpretations.
The discussion illustrates how cultural contexts shape faith practices, particularly for youth balancing tradition with personal beliefs.
Deep dives
Exploring Identity and Faith Challenges
The discussion opens with the speaker addressing common struggles individuals face in their faith journey, particularly in the context of modern Christianity. They highlight feelings of confusion related to personal identity, navigating church environments, and dealing with societal pressures surrounding success. This context sets the stage for deeper exploration of these themes through a proposed course centered on the ideas of Søren Kierkegaard, a philosopher known for his existential inquiries. The class aims to guide participants in understanding that feeling lost can lead to meaningful discoveries about themselves and their faith.
Course Focus on Kierkegaard's Philosophy
The course titled 'Getting Lost and Finding Faith Walking with Kierkegaard' emphasizes the philosophical insights of Kierkegaard regarding identity and faith. The speaker explains that getting 'lost' can often lead to essential personal growth and a renewed understanding of one's purpose in life. Throughout the course, key topics will include the struggle of becoming one's true self and the importance of loving God in an often confusing world. Participants are encouraged to engage deeply with Kierkegaard’s melancholy yet profound thoughts that connect personal experience with broader existential questions.
Biblical Studies and Theological Insights
The podcast introduces a professor of Old Testament studies and leverages this background to explore how common knowledge from biblical studies sometimes does not reach those outside academic contexts. The conversation delves into the disconnect between theological education and the understanding of scripture in church settings, revealing how academic insights can enrich faith practices. Specific examples are shared that highlight essential knowledge often overlooked in general church teachings, emphasizing the complexity and richness of biblical narratives. This exploration seeks to bridge the gap between scholarly insights and lay understanding for more meaningful engagement with scripture.
Challenging Traditional Interpretations
The speakers discuss how traditional interpretations of biblical passages often miss deeper meanings and contexts, such as the Ten Commandments representing laws for free people rather than a list of prohibitions. The insights suggest that commandments can be viewed as guidance for living a liberated life rather than restricting freedom. This fresh interpretation opens discussions about the nature of divine laws and their implications for modern believers. By rethinking these narratives, the audience is encouraged to see biblical teachings in a new light, promoting a more profound relationship with scripture.
Engagement with the Psalms
An engaging conversation unfolds about the Psalms, with an emphasis on understanding their context and application in contemporary worship. The speakers assert that many familiar verses have been misinterpreted or taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings of their original messages. By closely examining the nuances within these texts, listeners are invited to appreciate the depth and richness of the Psalms that speak to various human experiences. This approach encourages a more profound engagement with these scriptures, moving beyond superficial receipt of faith traditions.
Personal Relationships with Theological Studies
Personal anecdotes about transformative educational experiences highlight the profound impact of mentorship and personal relationships in theological studies. Speakers reflect on how influential professors shaped their understanding of scripture and theology, fostering a love for learning and inquiry. Such relationships are recognized as vital for cultivating a deep faith and encouraging critical thinking about theological concepts. This dynamic interplay between student and teacher exemplifies how relationships can enhance spiritual growth and commitment to faith.
Navigating Cultural and Spiritual Landscapes
The discussion covers how cultural contexts impact spiritual practices and understanding of faith, especially in contemporary settings. One relevant example emerges from contrasting youth culture with traditional church expectations, with references to the experiences of young people navigating their identities. This variation in cultural context shapes how individuals engage with spirituality, often leading to conflicting feelings about loyalty to tradition versus the authenticity of personal belief. The insights shared highlight the complexity of living a faith that resonates with both personal and collective narratives.
Humor and Theology in Preaching
Exploring the intersection of humor and spirituality, the podcast delves into the importance of integrating humor into preaching and theological discussions. The speakers acknowledge that using humor can facilitate more accessible engagement with faith, breaking down barriers that may exist in traditional religious settings. Moreover, humor is portrayed as a valuable tool for illustrating complex theological ideas, making them more relatable to congregations. This approach underscores how laughter and joy can coexist with religious contemplation, enriching the overall experience of faith.
Transformative Power of Grace
The conversation culminates with reflections on grace's transformative power within the human experience, particularly in the context of sin and redemption. The idea is presented that understanding one's flawed humanity can deepen the appreciation for divine grace and unconditional love. The speakers draw connections between personal struggles with sin and the bliss found in receiving God's grace, promoting optimism and hope in faith journeys. This thematic conclusion resonates with the overarching narrative of personal growth through acknowledging one's imperfections and the grace that accompanies them.
Dr. Rolf A. Jacobson is the Professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary.
Known for his humor and faithful biblical interpretation, Jacobson is an in-demand preacher and teacher. With Craig Koester, he developed and supports the Narrative Lectionary. He enjoys collaborating with other teachers and pastors. His collaborative projects include The Book of Psalms (NICOT; with Beth Tanner and Nancy deClaissé-Walford), Invitation to the Psalms (with Karl Jacobson), Crazy Talk: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Theological Terms (with five fellow Luther Seminary graduates), and Crazy Book: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Biblical Terms(with Hans Wiersma and Karl Jacobon). He is also the author of The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the Old Testament: Israel’s In-Your-Face, Holy God. His scholarly interests include the Psalms, prophets, biblical theology, biblical narrative, and preaching the Old Testament.
His voice can be heard on two weekly preaching podcasts, “Sermon Brainwave” and “The Narrative Lectionary,” as well as singing the high lonesome with a Lutheran bluegrass band, “The Fleshpots of Egypt.”
A survivor of childhood cancer, he is a double, above-the-knee amputee, who generally wears a bicycle and a smile. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his beloved wife Amy, their children Ingrid and Gunnar, and a cat who thinks he is a dog. He is a loyal friend, lifelong sufferer of Minnesota sports, and committed board-game geek.
The Five Most Offensive Things... you learn in Seminary
Nobody wrote anything (in the Bible)
There are two—no, make that three, four, five, six,—seven creation stories in the Old Testament
There are no “Jews” in the Old Testament
Nobody agrees on how many books are in the Old Testament
The metaphor that God is a husband and the people of God are God’s wife is really offensive and yucky
Other things we discuss in the conversation:
a hot take on the 10 Commandments
the task of teaching the Old Testament to future ministers
the deep joy of ruining everyone's favorite Bible verses...'i knew the plans I have for you' - 'this is the day the Lord has made'
the Lutheran & Process connection
Biblical authorship and source criticism
Bluegrass Hymn Sing with Richard Rohr
the Biblical Creation stories and the divine hermeneutic Leviathan love
the holy ghost resurrection NFT
where the canon comes from
how wild Ezekiel gets and the day Tripp wore an Ezekiel shirt
how Biblical translations hide the Bible's rough side
election as synchronicity not selectivity
way too many Tripp stories...the last one is about Demons
