In this engaging discussion, Alex Goodwin, a former marketer turned Bible publisher and author of "The Bible Reset," shares how modern formatting disrupts our connection to Scripture. He explores the impact of chapter breaks and verse numbers on reading flow, arguing for a return to immersive biblical experiences. Alex contrasts Bible literacy with fluency, highlighting the necessity of community interaction for deeper understanding. His insights challenge listeners to rethink their approach to engaging with the Bible authentically.
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From Marketing to Ministry
Alex Goodwin transitioned from a marketing degree to Bible publishing.
This shift was sparked by a desire for more meaningful work and an encounter with a uniquely formatted Bible.
insights INSIGHT
Impact of Formatting
Modern Bible formatting, while intended for study, can hinder engagement with Scripture.
Removing these "additives" can improve reading comprehension.
insights INSIGHT
Sales vs. Literacy
Bible sales have increased while biblical literacy has decreased.
This inverse relationship prompts questions about effective engagement with Scripture.
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Why Biblicism Is Not a Truly Evangelical Reading of Scripture
Christian Smith
Surprised by Hope
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (Great Britain) Staff
N.T. Wright
In *Surprised by Hope*, N.T. Wright addresses the biblical question of what happens after we die, arguing that most Christians misunderstand the concept of heaven. Wright posits that instead of going to heaven, Christians will be resurrected, and heaven will come down to earth. He defends the bodily resurrection of Jesus and explains how this event is the prototype for the final resurrection. The book emphasizes the importance of this hope in informing current social action, evangelism, and spirituality, and it challenges a Platonized view of Christianity that undercuts the church's present mission. Wright argues that the church's mission is to build for the kingdom, living out the implications of Jesus’s resurrection in the present world[1][4][5].
What if the way we format and structure the Bible is actually making it harder to read? In this episode, Alex Goodwin joins The Biblical Mind Podcast to discuss how chapter breaks, verse numbers, and footnotes—while useful for study—can actually disrupt the natural flow of Scripture.
Alex shares his journey from marketing to Bible publishing, how his first exposure to serious theology transformed his faith, and why modern Bible formatting has fundamentally changed how people engage with Scripture. He and Dru explore how early Christians and Jews experienced the Bible (hint: it wasn’t through personal quiet times with a study Bible), why reading big sections matters, and how removing unnecessary “additives” can help us better understand the biblical story.
This episode also tackles the difference between Bible literacy and Bible fluency, the power of listening to Scripture, and why engaging the Bible in community leads to richer understanding. If you’ve ever struggled with Bible reading, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to rethink how you interact with Scripture.
00:00 From Marketing to Ministry: A Journey of Faith
04:47 The Impact of Formatting on Bible Reading
09:10 Bible Sales vs Bible Literacy
13:21 The Bible Reset
17:34 Listening vs. Reading: Engaging with Scripture in New Ways
20:41 Pursuing Biblical Fluency
27:08 The Concept of a Bible Reset
31:25 Reevaluating Church Practices
36:52 Engaging with Scripture in Community
40:55 The Role of the Congregation in Biblical Literacy
The Biblical Mind 
