After Class Podcast

If you've ever wondered why the "conquest" had to happen this is the episode for you. Many, like Rhett and Link, have struggled to reconcile their understanding of the God of the (seemingly violent) conquest of Canaan with the God who embodied love in the person of Jesus. The guys explain - the love embodied in Jesus only makes sense with the land of Canaan in the background.

In a follow-up episode to last week's conquest discussion, the guys focus in on the issue of war and violence. What should we do with passages that seem to portray God as violent, vengeful, or wrathful? Are there aspects of God's character (Justice/Holiness vs. Love/Mercy) that are unable to be reconciled?

The hosts dive into the biblical conquest of Canaan, challenging traditional views on whether it was a true military takeover. They explore archaeological evidence that suggests many Canaanites coexisted with Israelites. Discussions include treaties with the Gibeonites, alternative settlement theories, and the complexity of the biblical narrative against archaeological findings. Various dating debates about the conquest add intrigue, highlighting ongoing scholarly discussions about Israel's entry into Canaan.

The discussion dives into the biblical census in Exodus, questioning whether Moses led 2 or 3 million people from Egypt. It explores the archaeological implications of such figures and challenges common misconceptions. The hosts unravel the significance of the term 'elef,' hinting it could mean clans, not just thousands. They touch on how ancient communities preserved data through oral traditions. With a nod to gematria, they argue that numbers may carry symbolic rather than literal meanings, inviting listeners to embrace a humble interpretation of faith and history.

The discussion dives into the tensions between archaeology and biblical texts. Hosts explore how fundamentalism has shaped expectations of archaeological evidence. They argue that while artifacts can illuminate history, they can't fully support all biblical narratives. The nature of the Exodus event is also reexamined, suggesting it may not have been as public as commonly believed. With an emphasis on reading the text on its own terms, they highlight the importance of understanding the spiritual and historical context beyond mere archaeology.

Explore the rich history of biblical interpretation through various lenses, from the quadriga method of early church struggles to the influences of Renaissance and Reformation. Discover how fundamentalism emerged as a reaction to liberalism, shaped by Baconian and Cartesian methods. The hosts discuss the pitfalls of rigid doctrines and the implications of literalism, premillennialism, and young-earth creationism. They advocate for unity on clear doctrines while allowing openness on debatable issues, emphasizing the importance of reading Scripture on its own terms.

The hosts delve into the fascinating history of biblical interpretation, exploring how literal readings became the norm. They discuss the rich diversity of interpretive methods used by early Christians, including allegorical and moral readings. The conversation shifts to the influence of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, highlighting how rising literacy and scientific thought challenged traditional views on miracles. They also examine the emergence of liberal theology and historical criticism, illustrating the complex evolution of scriptural understanding.

This week's episode continues the interaction with Rhett and Link's publicly shared "anti"-testimonies. Here the guys discuss the importance of Adam and how his story functions in God's big picture redemption story. Is he central to the redemption story or not?

At the moment, it seems that the only thing people can talk about is the Coronavirus. While many educational institutions and businesses have shut down for the moment, what should churches do? More importantly, what does it look like for Christians to be witnesses in the midst of a pandemic?

This week finds the guys interacting with the shared testimonies of YouTube comedians and fellow podcast hosts Rhett & Link. In their podcast, Ear Biscuits, Rhett & Link discuss the challenging questions that ultimately pushed them away from the Bible and away from their faith. Listen in as the After Class guys respectfully offer some answers to the challenge of how to understand creation accounts and biblical genealogies.