Mormon Stories Podcast
1801: Mormon Bible Scholar - Dan McClellan Part 1
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Dan McClellan's conversion to the LDS Church involved a combination of intellectual and emotional experiences, highlighting the importance of both intuitive resonances and social connections.
- Dan McClellan prioritizes data over dogma in his approach to scripture and scholarly research, forging new ground in faithful Mormon scholarship.
- Dan McClellan found value in understanding the data and following it wherever it led, embracing critical scholarship and challenging traditional views of authorship and historicity.
- TikTok has provided a unique platform for Dan McClellan to engage in public discourse on biblical and religious topics, reaching a wider and diverse audience.
- Through his TikTok account, Dan McClellan has embraced accountability, acknowledging mistakes, and striving to create an inclusive and respectful environment for viewers.
- Dan McClellan's scholarship challenges traditional beliefs, offering insights on the inerrancy of scriptures, the existence of God's wife, homosexuality, the Book of Mormon's formation, and the historical Jesus and his resurrection.
Deep dives
Discovering Purpose and Direction
Dan McClellan, a convert to the LDS Church, shares how his friendship with a member and reading the Book of Mormon gave him a sense of purpose and direction in his life.
Joining a Supportive Community
After joining the LDS Church, Dan McClellan felt welcomed into a community that provided structure, direction, and a sense of belonging. He found joy and happiness in being a part of this community.
Balancing Intellectual and Emotional Experiences
Dan McClellan's conversion to the LDS Church involved a combination of intellectual and emotional experiences. While intuitive resonances and a sense of direction played a role, community and social connections also played a significant part in his conversion.
Interest in Critical Scholarship
During his undergraduate years, Dan McClellan became interested in critical scholarship. He saw value in understanding the data and following it wherever it led. He was not threatened by historical criticism or concerned about reconciling it with his faith.
New Ground in Faithful Mormon Scholarship
Dan McClellan saw himself as forging new ground in faithful Mormon scholarship. He wanted to prioritize data over dogma and approach scripture and scholarly research in a more honest and open way. He did not have specific role models for this approach, but identified with like-minded students and some professors who allowed for critical scholarship in the classroom.
Awareness of Historical Criticism
Dan McClellan became aware of historical criticism at BYU, particularly the ideas of the documentary hypothesis and source criticism. He saw the value in understanding how the biblical texts came together and challenged traditional views of authorship and historicity. While there were risks associated with critical scholarship, he did not feel personally threatened and believed that there was value in pursuing scholarship that followed the data.
Engaging the Bible on TikTok
On TikTok, the speaker noticed a lack of academically informed content about the Bible and religion. Wanting to provide accurate information and engage with contemporary scholarship, they created a TikTok account. Their videos responded to misinformation, discussed current theories in biblical studies, and presented the reality of academic research. Surprisingly, the content gained attention not only among Latter-day Saints but also among non-religious and critical audiences. While initially concerned about potential backlash, the speaker has focused on presenting accurate information, apologizing for any mistakes, and learning from feedback. Overall, this experience has allowed for a new and engaging way to participate in public discourse on biblical and religious topics.
Imposter Syndrome and Growing Audience
As the speaker's TikTok audience grew, they faced imposter syndrome and concerns about being challenged by experts in the field. However, by sticking close to academic consensus and being open to feedback, the speaker has been able to avoid significant criticism. They focus on modeling good behavior by taking accountability for mistakes and learning from them. The speaker appreciates that there is a desire for accurate and engaging discussions on biblical and religious topics. They have found TikTok to be a unique platform for public discourse, reaching a wider audience compared to traditional online forums like message boards or Twitter threads.
Engaging Public Discourse and Reflecting on Impact
Through their TikTok account, the speaker recognizes the value of engaging in public discourse and providing accurate information on biblical and religious subjects. They appreciate the opportunity to challenge misinformation and present the reality of contemporary scholarship. Along the way, the speaker has learned about the needs and interests of their audience, as well as their own growth as a content creator. They have embraced accountability, acknowledging mistakes and learning from feedback. The speaker also takes time to reflect on the impact of their content and strives to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all viewers on TikTok.
Dan McClellan's Journey and Impact
Dan McClellan shares his journey as a scholar studying biblical studies and his unique position as a believing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He discusses his experiences in academia, his engagement with social media platforms like TikTok, and the impact of his work on a wide range of audiences. Despite facing criticism from some religious groups, Dan has managed to create valuable content that helps people engage with the Bible more critically and understand its complexities and historical context.
Exploring Biblical Misconceptions
Dan McClellan addresses common misconceptions about the Bible and provides a more accurate understanding through his scholarship. He highlights key topics such as the inerrancy of scriptures, the existence of God's wife in ancient texts, the concept of homosexuality, the formation of the Book of Mormon, and the historical Jesus and his resurrection. By examining the data and evidence available, Dan offers insights that challenge traditional beliefs while encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of biblical texts.
Transitioning to Full-Time Scholarship
Dan McClellan discusses his decision to transition from his previous employment with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to focus on full-time scholarship and public outreach. He shares his experiences in teaching online courses, publishing his dissertation, and engaging with a broader audience through various platforms. Dan expresses gratitude for the positive impact his content has had on individuals seeking healing, education, and a deeper understanding of biblical studies. He also mentions his forthcoming book, which will address claims and misconceptions about the Bible.
Join me as we delve into the fascinating journey of Dan McClellan, who revolutionized biblical scholarship on TikTok. With over 600k followers, he democratized access to biblical knowledge, showcasing his deep background in Jewish and Bible studies. From his unique mission experiences in Uruguay to his thought-provoking discussions on homosexuality and creation accounts in the Bible, Dan's insights captivate.
Born agnostic, his conversion to Mormonism took a more social and emotional route than intellectual. He's an active church member, even as he navigates complex topics. Armed with degrees from BYU and Oxford, his scholarship journey encompassed questioning traditional beliefs about historical accuracy, leading him to prioritize data over dogma.
His TikTok journey balances his roles as a church employee and a respected scholar, bridging the gap between academia and the public. He explores intriguing topics like God having a wife and homosexuality in the Bible, backed by meticulous research. Don't miss Dan's upcoming book that promises to dive deeper into these compelling issues. This interview is a stimulating exploration of faith, data-driven analysis, and respectful dialogue.
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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