History in the Bible
Garry Stevens
A guide to the history presented in the Bible, for people of all faiths and backgrounds, presented by an independent podcaster, and biblical studies buff. I explore the religion of ancient Israel, the beginnings of Christianity, then finally the evolution of the heirs of Abraham to the year 200. I discuss every single book in every Bible (there are more than you think!). Lightly garnished with a dash of drollery, a soupçon of scrutiny, and not one ounce of objectivity. Not one ounce! The main narrative concluded in January 2024. But I continue to publish Afterlife shows.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 18, 2023 • 29min
3.31 Speculations II: 50-66 CE
This is the second episode in a series of speculations and alternate histories. This time: What if Christian missionaries had never preached to the pagans? Second, what may happened if Christian missionaries had ignored the Roman empire, and proselytised in Parthia, instead? Third, what would have become of Christianity if the Jewish revolts had never occurred, and the Temple stood to the end of the empire?
Dec 10, 2023 • 39min
Bonus 58: The Gadarene Swine
In this bonus, I continue my collaboration with Steve Guerra of the "History of the Papacy" show (www.atozhistorypage.com/), and Scott McCandless of the "Retelling the Bible" podcast (retellingthebible.wordpress.com/). In this bonus we revisit Scott’s show on the Gadarene swine. I also have a reminder of Gil Kindron's and my course on Isaiah, in January 2024. For more information, go to podcastofbiblicalproportions.com/courses.
Nov 19, 2023 • 28min
3.30 Speculations I: 30-65 CE
This is the first episode in a series of speculations and alternate histories. This time: what if John the Baptist was bigger than Jesus? What if Paul had split to form his own independent movement?
Nov 5, 2023 • 36min
Bonus 57: Growing Christianity, with Bernie Maopolski
In this bonus, Bernie Maopolski of Fan of History (https://shows.acast.com/history) invites me onto his "Whats New In History" segment. We discuss my ideas about how Bible scholars have it all wrong about the mathematics of the growth of Christinaity in the Roman Empire, and how I have corrected their errors. I also have some announcements about my final episodes, and about my forthcoming book of the show.
Oct 1, 2023 • 38min
Bonus 56: Abraham's Three Mysterious Visitors
In this bonus collaboration, the hosts dive into the story of Abraham and the three strangers, discussing the practicality and realism of the narrative. They explore measurement units, connections between ancient myths and Acts Chapter 14, the roles of angels in Jewish tradition, and early Christian interpretations of Abraham's visitors.
Aug 5, 2023 • 28min
3.29 The Last Heirs of Abraham III: Survivors of the Jungle
The revolt of Bar Kosiva against Rome failed, as had the Great Revolt. The Roman punishment destroyed almost all the many blooms living in the mighty jungle that was Second Temple Judaism. Only two species escaped the immolation: rabbinic Judaism, and Christianity. The imperial punishment also destroyed the Jewish wing of the church incorporate, leaving the franchise to follow its own path. With a shout-out to the great Rabbi Akiva.
Jul 16, 2023 • 20min
3.28 The Last Heirs of Abraham II: Fall of the Temple
The Temple's destruction also destroyed all the many varieties of Second Temple Judaism, save for the emerging rabbinic movement, and the nascent Christian movement.
Jul 9, 2023 • 1h 10min
Bonus 55: Peter, Paul, and Clement with Popeular History
In this bonus, Gregg Gassman of the Popeular History Podcast (www.popeularhistory.com) and and I discuss Peter, Paul, and Clement. Gregg is a Catholic, and I was brought up in the Anglican tradition. So we have some differences about Peter, as you will soon hear. We also try to work out where Clement fits in the papal succession.
Jun 18, 2023 • 27min
3.27 The Last Heirs of Abraham I: Setting the Stage
Only two of Abraham's heirs survived to the year 200 CE/AD: rabbinic Judaism, and the imperial church incorporate. My final epiodes explore how that happened.
Jun 4, 2023 • 31min
Bonus 54: Manoah, father of Samson
In this collaboration with Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy show (https://www.atozhistorypage.com/), and Scott McAndless of the Retelling the Bible podcast (https://retellingthebible.wordpress.com/2021/09/15/5-19-me-myself-and-manoah/), we discuss Scott's episode "Me, Myself, and Manoah".
