The podcast explores why the Bible remains popular despite predictions of its demise. From scholars to thinkers like Jordan Peterson, the Bible's influence persists. It discusses the significance of Old Testament classics, the Parable of the Prodigal Son's psychological depth, and how the Bible shapes Western culture. Exploring challenging passages and God's character in the Old Testament, it reflects on ancient wisdom in biblical stories and the resurgence of Christianity.
Despite predictions of decline, the Bible remains globally popular with over 130M copies printed in China.
The Bible's literary influence spans art, literature, and language, preserving its relevance in Western culture.
Renewed interest in the Bible, fueled by figures like Jordan Peterson, highlights its wisdom and relevance today.
Interpretations of violent passages in the Bible vary, from reflecting ancient beliefs to revealing God's nature through Christ's sacrifice.
Deep dives
The Global Popularity of the Bible's Production
In a Chinese printing warehouse, over 130 million copies of the Bible have been printed, with the Amity Printing Company celebrating its 200 millionth edition in 2019. Despite being located in an officially atheist country, the Bible remains highly popular, printed in 90 languages and operating around the clock due to demand.
The Resilience and Influence of the Bible
The Bible, despite predictions of its demise over the centuries, remains the best-selling and most published book globally. Even surpassing modern bestsellers like Harry Potter, with an estimated 5 to 7 billion copies printed in its lifetime, it continues to outlive forecasts of its decline.
The Surprising Rebirth of Interest in the Bible
In a trend of rediscovering faith, a docuseries explores shifts in atheism towards Christianity. Notably, figures like Jordan Peterson emphasize the Bible's relevance and wisdom, sparking a renewed interest in its teachings, especially among millennial and Gen Z demographics.
The Literary Influence and Artistry of the Bible
The Bible is recognized for its profound literary impact, inspiring art, literature, and language across cultures. Authors like Marilyn Robinson and Melvin Bragg highlight the Bible's significant contributions to Western culture, challenging the modern dismissal of its historical and cultural importance.
The Battle Campaigns of Israel
Israel engages in defensive battles to protect Gibeon and the Canaanites, securing victory in both the northern and southern campaigns. The conflict aims at breaking Egypt's control over Canaan by targeting city-states related to Egypt. Israel's warfare focuses on walled cities, symbolizing a power struggle against Egypt's hold.
Interpretations of Violent Passages
Different scholars interpret controversial passages regarding violence in the Old Testament. Views range from understanding these commands as a reflection of Israelite perceptions of God's character to God's accommodation to their limited understanding, leading towards the revelation of God's true nature revealed in Christ's crucifixion.
Resurgence of Interest in the Bible
A contemporary resurgence in interest towards the Bible is observed, especially among younger generations, driven partly by figures like Jordan Peterson and their interpretations of biblical stories. The intriguing coherence and depth of the Bible's stories resonates with meaning-seeking individuals, leading to a reconsideration of the Bible's relevance and impact in modern society.
The death of the Bible has been predicted many times, yet today it remains the bestselling book in the world as a new generation of meaning seekers turn back towards its ancient wisdom.
Justin examines how thinkers such as Jordan Peterson, Marilynne Robinson and Jonathan Haidt have been rehabilitating the Bible and hears from scholars such as Tim Mackie, NT Wright and Matthew Lynch on why the Bible continues to resonate, even as the New Atheists critique its violent 'conquest' passages.
