Holy Heretics: Losing Religion and Finding Jesus

Ep 83: Finding God in an Errant Bible w/Liz Charlotte Grant

Dec 9, 2024

Liz Charlotte Grant, an award-winning writer and author of "Knock at the Sky," dives into the complexities of interpreting the Bible, particularly Genesis. She challenges the literalist views that many hold, advocating for a more metaphorical approach. The discussion addresses the historical issues in biblical texts, including the depiction of God and the portrayal of women. Liz also sheds light on the story of Hagar, emphasizing the resilience found in personal interpretations. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to seek deeper understanding and connection.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Urban Hobby Farming: The Joy of Raising Chickens

03:29 • 2min

The Pursuit of Connection and Understanding Our Needs

05:28 • 5min

Reinterpreting Genesis: A Journey Beyond Literalism

10:11 • 30min

Hagar: A Story of Resilience and Reinterpretation

40:22 • 12min

Reflecting on Insights and Community Engagement

51:54 • 2min

Jesus and the disinherited

Howard Thurman

In this book, Howard Thurman interprets the teachings of Jesus in the context of the oppressed, particularly focusing on the experiences of African Americans in the pre-civil rights era. Thurman argues that Jesus' teachings offer practical solutions to overcoming the 'three hounds of Hell': fear, deception, and hate. He emphasizes Jesus' roots in the Jewish community and his mission to teach his Jewish brethren how to deal with Roman oppression without losing themselves. The book explores how Jesus' teachings can be applied to contemporary social issues, advocating for a religion of the poor and the dispossessed rather than one that justifies the powerful. It is based on a series of lectures Thurman delivered at Samuel Huston College in 1948 and has been influential in the civil rights movement[1][4][5].

The Heart of Christ

None

Thomas Goodwin

Thomas Goodwin's "The Heart of Christ" delves into the compassionate nature of Jesus, exploring his love, mercy, and grace. It emphasizes the profound empathy Christ has for humanity's struggles and his willingness to sacrifice for their salvation. The book offers a rich tapestry of scriptural insights, highlighting Christ's actions and words to reveal the depths of his love. It serves as a powerful devotional resource, encouraging readers to reflect on Christ's character and emulate his compassion in their own lives. Goodwin's work remains a timeless classic, inspiring generations of Christians to live lives of selfless service and love.

The Beginning of Desire, Readings on Genesis

Readings on Genesis

Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg

Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg's "The Beginning of Desire" offers a profound and insightful exploration of the Book of Genesis. Zornberg employs a unique approach to Midrash, combining literary analysis with philosophical reflection to uncover the rich layers of meaning within the text. Her interpretations are both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching, challenging traditional readings and opening up new avenues for understanding. The book's strength lies in its ability to make the ancient text relevant to contemporary readers, prompting reflection on fundamental questions of human existence. Zornberg's work is a testament to the enduring power and complexity of Genesis.

Sisters in the Wilderness

Delores Williams

Delores Williams' "Sisters in the Wilderness" offers a powerful and insightful exploration of the experiences of African American women within the context of Christian faith. Williams draws on womanist theology to analyze biblical texts and narratives, highlighting the voices and perspectives of women who have been marginalized and silenced. The book challenges traditional interpretations of scripture and advocates for a more inclusive and liberating theology. Williams' work is a significant contribution to feminist and womanist scholarship, offering a critical analysis of power dynamics and the search for spiritual liberation. The book's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of themes of race, gender, and faith.

Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible

Liz Charlotte Grant

Episode Summary:

If I had a guess, I’m betting one of the main reasons why you deconstructed evangelicalism is because of the Bible. Growing up evangelical, the Bible was the center of faith. It was the key to unlocking the Divine. This big black book held all the secrets to a good life. Just open it up, ask it a question, and out popped God’s answer. Easy-peasy.

But as you matured from naivety into adulthood, things got messy. A thoughtful reading of the biblical texts suddenly revealed all kinds of problems. The God of the Old Testament is often depicted as tyrannical, petty, vindictive, jealous, genocidal, and malevolently capricious. Women are by and large treated as property and playthings. Violence is often encouraged and slavery is seen as a necessary evil. As theologian Marcus Borg famously quipped, “People are leaving faith these days not because of what they don’t know about the Bible. It’s because of what they do know.” I agree.

But, is all this the Bible’s fault? Have we made the Bible into something it was never intended to be? The pressure we modern Christians have placed on the Bible to be perfect, offer total representation of God, and be universally applicable on all matters for all time is just unfair. The Bible isn’t an encyclopedia or a rulebook, nor is it inerrant and written by God. Best understood, the Bible isn’t even meant to be read literally or historically, but rather spiritually and metaphorically. Instead of passively accepting all the Bible has to say, you are invited into a conversation with the text. Wrestle with it, challenge it, question it, and yes, even disagree with it. According to today’s guest on Holy Heretics, “You have permission to question the sacred without fearing unbelief.”

I’m joined today by Liz Charlotte Grant to have a conversation about reframing our relationship to this ancient, complex set of documents we call the Holy Bible. “What does Bible study look like after inerrancy? Do you have to give up studying Scripture when you no longer believe in its literal interpretation?” Liz addresses these questions and more in this funny, candid, and informative episode. Oh, and we also talk about her chickens! :)

Bio:

Liz Charlotte Grant is an award-winning writer whose work has been published in The Revealer, Sojourners, Brevity, Christian Century, Christianity Today, Hippocampus, Religion News Service, US Catholic, Huffington Post, and elsewhere. Her essays have twice won a Jacques Maritain Nonfiction Prize. She also writes The Empathy List, a popular newsletter that has been nominated for a Webby two years running and garnered an honorable mention from the Associated Church Press Awards in 2023. Knock at the Sky:Seeking God in Genesis after Losing Faith in the Bible is her first book.

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Show notes:

http://www.sophiasociety.org/reading-the-bible-again-for-the-first-time

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This episode was produced by The Sophia Society and written by Gary Alan Taylor. Music is by Faith in Foxholes.