Data Over Dogma

The Holy Dunk

30 snips
Jan 12, 2026
This discussion dives deep into the significance of Jesus' baptism, exploring its narrative discrepancies across the Gospels. The hosts unpack baptism's origins, connecting it to Jewish ritual and the themes of forgiveness and rebirth. They also reveal fascinating links between Deuteronomy and Assyrian vassal treaties, challenging listeners to rethink biblical laws and their historical contexts. Additionally, they highlight peculiar injunctions around warfare and preservation in Deuteronomy, making for a thought-provoking exploration of ancient texts.
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ANECDOTE

Mattress Story Before The Episode

  • Dan McClellan recounts buying a Brooklyn Bedding mattress and sleeping on it while sick.
  • He praises its cooling features and 120-night trial as life-changing for his back.
INSIGHT

Baptism's Origins And Historical Plausibility

  • Baptism likely evolved from Jewish mikvah into a ritual signaling forgiveness and rebirth rather than mere purity.
  • Dan McClellan argues Jesus' baptism is probably historical because its awkwardness would be embarrassing to invent.
INSIGHT

Mark Presents A Coronation Moment

  • Mark's brief baptism scene emphasizes Jesus' anointing, not the reasons for baptism.
  • The voice and Spirit combine Psalm 2 and Isaiah motifs to coronate Jesus as Messiah.
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