Pete Enns and Jared Byas discuss the historical context of Jesus' birth, the challenges of interpreting the virgin birth, the importance of understanding cultural and historical factors, and their intention to bring new meaning to Christmas while wrestling with the complexities of the Bible.

Biblical scholar Pete Enns and theologian Jared Byas delve into the differences between biblical studies and theology, emphasizing the importance of understanding original contexts. They discuss how these fields contribute to a deeper understanding of religious texts and beliefs, exploring contrasts in methodology and focus. The episode highlights the significance of historical and literary analysis in biblical studies, while theology explores broader topics such as the nature of God and religious beliefs. They also touch on progressive fundamentalism in biblical scholarship and advocate for an integrated approach that respects the interdependence of both fields.

What do people mean when they say they take the Bible literally? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared breaks down how words in this common phrase are overworked and underpaid, how it functions as a cultural password, and how we can approach the text with intellectual honesty by reading the Bible literarily.Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Enns and Jared Byas, hosts of The Bible for Normal People, discuss the Bible's complexity, courage, curiosity, humility, and dangers of certainty. They share their experiences of questioning, interpreting, and reconciling science and faith in biblical interpretation. The conversation explores personal growth, navigating criticism, humor, and the importance of open dialogue in engaging with the Bible.

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People Podcast, Jared Byas concludes his four-part series exploring the shortcomings of evangelicalism’s ties to the modern mindset and how leaving the modern mindset behind can help us live out a more authentic faith.Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does the Bible address modern moral questions? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared dive into a discussion on the uniquely modern tension between an ancient text and modern ethics.Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jared Byas, a former local pastor and adjunct professor, dives into the emotional complexities of navigating faith beyond evangelicalism. He uses the metaphor of a house to illustrate the transition from traditional beliefs to a richer spiritual experience. The conversation explores the struggle of reconciling personal beliefs with challenging biblical narratives. Byas offers a hopeful perspective for those disillusioned with conventional teachings, advocating for a more experiential and relational approach to faith.

Pete Enns and Jared Byas discuss moving away from black-and-white thinking in faith, exploring ambiguity in transitions and the nuances of belief systems. They delve into uncertainty, the separation of God from scripture, and the benefits of embracing a more flexible faith perspective. The podcast also touches on eschatology, hope, accountability in belief systems, and even a humorous cable mishap.

Returning guest Jared Byas joins the podcast for a fun game of 20ish Q's. They discuss theology, faith deconstruction, Lord of the Rings cosplay, extraterrestrial life, and more. An insightful and entertaining conversation!

Biblical scholars Pete Enns and Jared Byas unpack the centrality of monarchy in the Hebrew Bible, exploring themes in Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. They discuss how not every biblical story should be used devotionally today, touching on the Messianic language in the New Testament and the transition from tribal leadership to monarchy in ancient Israel. The podcast also delves into King Hezekiah's defense against the Assyrian attack and theological and political aspects of kings in the Hebrew Bible.