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Mormon Stories Podcast
1802: 10 Things You Should Know About the Bible - Dan McClellan Part 2
Aug 23, 2023
Dan McClellan, an expert in common views of the Bible, challenges literal interpretations and dives into the intricate topic of authorship, suggesting that Latter-day Saints should be open to the Bible's potential inaccuracies. He explores gender roles, slavery, and polygamy in biblical contexts, examines end-time prophecies and the concept of Hell, and advocates for a nuanced approach to the Bible.
05:10:31
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Quick takeaways
- The Bible was written by hundreds of authors and editors over almost a thousand years, challenging the misconception that only a select few individuals wrote it.
- The historical existence of biblical figures like Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the 12 tribes of Israel is not supported by available data, suggesting they may be more legendary or mythical.
- The Bible incorporates myths and stories from other cultures and civilizations, highlighting the cultural and literary interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.
- Understanding the genre of biblical texts is crucial for accurate interpretation and gaining insights into their intended meaning and themes.
- Accounts of genocide in the Old Testament are not historical events but were written as propagandistic fantasies to justify the beliefs and actions of the Israelites.
- Biblical texts aim to structure power, legitimize authority, and reinforce social hierarchies, providing a comprehensive perspective on their intended messages and themes.
Deep dives
Multiple authors and editors contributed to the Bible over a long period of time
The Bible was not written by a select few individuals, but rather by hundreds of authors and editors over the course of almost a thousand years. The idea that only around 45 people wrote the Bible is a misconception. The Pentateuch, for example, was likely composed by multiple authors and editors, with several layers of textual and redactional work. The compilation of the Pentateuch and other texts took place over time, with different sources and traditions being incorporated.
Literal historicity of biblical figures is questionable
The literal historical existence of biblical figures like Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the 12 tribes of Israel is not supported by available data. These figures are more likely to be seen as legendary or mythical characters rather than historical individuals. Evidence from archaeology, comparative mythology, and ancient texts suggest that elements of these stories may have been borrowed or adapted from earlier traditions or myths. The understanding of these figures as literal and historical is often influenced by theological beliefs and interpretations.
Incorporation of myths and stories from other cultures into the Bible
The Bible incorporates myths and stories from other cultures and civilizations. Examples of this include the story of the flood, which has parallels in earlier Mesopotamian accounts like the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the tower of Babel, which may have been influenced by earlier Mesopotamian and Semitic traditions. These narratives were likely adapted and reinterpreted to serve the purposes and beliefs of the Israelite authorities and to provide explanations for certain aspects of their own history and identity. The presence of these borrowed elements highlights the cultural and literary interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.
The Importance of Understanding the Genre of Biblical Texts
Understanding the genre of biblical texts is crucial for interpreting them accurately. Different genres, such as poetry, mythology, and prophecy, serve different purposes and convey different messages. By recognizing the genre of a text, readers can gain insights into the intended meaning and themes. For example, the Book of Jonah employs the genre of satire and parody to convey its message on forgiveness and humility. Likewise, recognizing the genre of biblical texts helps readers avoid misinterpretations and appreciate the richness and depth of the text.
The Fictional Nature of Genocide in the Old Testament
Contrary to popular belief, the accounts of genocide in the Old Testament, such as the command to kill every man, woman, child, and animal, are not historical events. These narratives were written centuries later as propagandistic fantasies to glorify the Israelites and justify their own actions and beliefs. They serve as a reflection of the psychology and desires of the authors rather than actual historical occurrences. Recognizing this fictional nature of biblical accounts allows readers to engage with the text in a more nuanced and responsible manner.
The Rhetorical Function of Biblical Texts
Many biblical texts are driven by a desire to structure power and justify authority. These texts aim to authorize certain groups or classes, such as Levitical priests, and secure their position of power. The rhetorical function of biblical texts is to shape values, legitimize the exercise of power, and reinforce social hierarchies. Understanding the underlying power dynamics and motivations behind biblical writings provides a more comprehensive perspective on their intended messages and themes.
Misconception 1: The Bible specifically addresses homosexuality
The Bible does not explicitly address homosexuality as we understand it today, as the concept of sexual orientation is a modern idea. The Bible does address acts of same-sex intercourse, but those references need to be properly contextualized. Ancient societies had different understandings of sex and gender roles, and the Bible's condemnation of certain sexual acts was based on those societal norms and hierarchies.
Misconception 2: The Bible uniformly condemns homosexuality
The Bible's references to same-sex intercourse are limited and often motivated by outdated rationales related to social hierarchies and power dynamics. The focus is primarily on acts of same-sex intercourse, specifically from the perspective of a man taking a submissive/receptive role. The ancient understanding did not contemplate the concept of a loving, consensual same-sex relationship as we understand it today.
Misconception 3: Women in the Bible are equally condemned
The biblical references to same-sex intercourse largely ignore female same-sex relationships. The focus is primarily on male same-sex intercourse, reflecting the ancient understanding of sex and gender roles. The Bible's cultural context prioritized male sexual agency and dominance, thus emphasizing prohibitions on male same-sex intercourse from that perspective.
Misconception 4: The Bible's stance on homosexuality is relevant today
The biblical passages addressing same-sex intercourse need to be understood within their ancient cultural context and societal norms. Applying these passages to contemporary understandings of sexual orientation and consensual same-sex relationships is anachronistic and not consistent with the Bible's intent. It's important to approach the topic with sensitivity, recognizing the need for inclusive and respectful interpretations that value love and acceptance for all individuals.
Development of Beliefs about Hell
The concept of hell in its current form, with imagery of fire and eternal torment, developed after the completion of the Bible. In the Hebrew Bible, there is the concept of Sheol, the abode of the dead, where the righteous and unrighteous alike reside. Ideas about divine punishment in the afterlife started to emerge in the Persian and Greco-Roman periods, influenced by the oppression of empires and the desire for justice. In later Jewish and Christian literature, we see the development of different perspectives on post-mortem divine punishment, including annihilationism, temporary torment followed by annihilation, and eternal conscious torment. The idea of eternal conscious torment is represented in some passages of the New Testament, but there are also passages suggesting annihilationism or a limited duration of punishment. The concept of hell as a place of eternal conscious torment became more formalized in medieval Christianity. So while there is a developmental trajectory towards the idea of hell as we know it today, it does have roots in the biblical text, particularly in some New Testament passages, but it is not consistently or uniformly represented.
Gender Dynamics in the Bible
The Bible reflects the social dynamics of the time regarding gender, with women often occupying a lower status between personhood and property. Marriage was transactional, and women were frequently treated as possessions. However, there are exceptions to this pattern, with women like Deborah, Rahab, and Tamar depicted as defying societal norms and manipulating the system to their advantage. While the Bible does not explicitly reject or challenge these social frameworks, it does demonstrate shades of gray in the role of women and highlights instances of women exploiting those systems. Overall, the Bible's treatment of women is contingent upon the social and historical circumstances of the time.
Polygamy and Divine Endorsement
Polygamy is depicted in the Bible, particularly in the Hebrew Bible, but there is no clear divine mandate for polygamy. The biblical text reflects the prevailing social norms of the time, and polygamy was a common practice among those who could afford it. There are instances of biblical figures being involved in polygamous relationships, but there is no evidence of God explicitly endorsing or requiring polygamy. The idea that polygamy needed to be restored as part of God's plan is not supported by the biblical text.
Development of Views on the Afterlife
The concept of the afterlife in the Bible evolves over time and varies across different texts. In the Hebrew Bible, there is an understanding of Sheol as the place of the dead, where people continue to exist, albeit with murky details. The development of ideas about the afterlife emerged later in Jewish and Christian literature, influenced by the desire for justice and the existence of the righteous and wicked. Different perspectives on the afterlife are seen, including the concept of annihilationism (ceasing to exist after death) , temporary punishment followed by annihilation, and eternal reward or punishment. The New Testament represents a range of perspectives, including references to eternal conscious torment. However, the precise nature of the afterlife and concepts like heaven are not uniform across the biblical text.
Different Perspectives on the Kingdom of God
The New Testament presents different ideas about the nature of God's kingdom. Some authors suggest that the kingdom is established on earth, while others argue for a spiritual ascent to a heavenly realm. These perspectives have been harmonized over time, resulting in the concept widely held by Christians today. The various interpretations reflect the diversity and complexity of the biblical writings.
Interpreting Prophecies and the Book of Revelation
Attempts to interpret prophecies, particularly in the book of Revelation, have led to varying perspectives throughout history. Revelation was written to encourage first-century Christians facing persecution to remain faithful. The book's apocalyptic imagery allows for multiple interpretations, which have evolved over time. End-time predictions have often been revised or reinterpreted, causing anxiety and confusion. Critically examining and understanding the symbolism and historical context of these prophecies is crucial in preventing misunderstandings and harmful beliefs.
17.
Acknowledging Harm and Wrongness: The Need for Critical Examination of Tradition
15min
18.
Interpretations of a Story from Second Maccabees and Women's Leadership in the Christian Church
3min
32.
Discussion of Previous Topics and Support for Dan McClellan and Mormon Stories
2min
Dan McClellan is back to offer insights into common views of the Bible, including Evangelical and Latter-day Saint perspectives. He suggests that Latter-day Saints should be open to the Bible's potential inaccuracies and dives into the intricate topic of authorship, revealing that many individuals contributed to the texts over a thousand years.
McClellan challenges literal interpretations of biblical figures like Moses and Adam based on available data, but doesn’t stop there! He also explores gender roles, slavery, and polygamy in biblical contexts, revealing how ancient societies influenced these aspects. End-time prophecies, the concept of Hell, and their development are also examined.
McClellan advocates for a nuanced approach to the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding its genre and historical context. The interview encourages critical engagement with this ancient and complex text.
Dan McClellan
- Data Over Dogma - Podcast
- Dan McClellan - website for classes
- Dan McClellan - TikTok
- Dan McClellan - Instagram
- Dan McClellan - Twitter
- Dan McClellan - Facebook
- Dan McClellan - YouTube
- Dan McClellan - LinkTree
- Dan’s Online Courses - Didaskaloi
- Publications by Dan McClellan
- Biography of Dan McClellan
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