Reveal The Bible Says So…or Does It?
Dec 24, 2025
Dan McClellan, a religious scholar and TikTok sensation with nearly a million followers, delves into the fascinating intersections of biblical texts and contemporary interpretations. He highlights the disparity between academic insights and popular beliefs, particularly in the realm of empathy and wealth. McClellan also quips about his comic-book T-shirts, making scholarship more accessible. He challenges the notion that the Bible is purely a historical document, arguing for its rhetorical diversity and the way it has been used as a tool for power throughout history.
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Scholarship Versus Street-Level Bible Interpretation
- Dan McClellan highlights a wide gap between academic Bible scholarship and everyday church interpretations.
- He uses social media to bridge that gap and correct widespread misinformation about the Bible.
Texts Don't Speak Without Interpretation
- McClellan explains that the Bible has no inherent meaning and must be interpreted.
- Whoever best interprets the text can leverage it to support political power or identity claims.
Empathy Isn't A Sin — Context Matters
- There is no biblical basis for a general "sin of empathy," though some passages narrate divine calls for violence.
- McClellan differentiates helpful outward empathy from harmful parochial empathy that defends in-group privilege.