Almost Heretical

What if the stories at the end of Genesis weren’t just family drama—but political storytelling? In this episode, Nate and Shelby revisit six key moments from Genesis 27 to 50—including Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing, Dinah and Shechem, Judah and Tamar, and Joseph’s rise in Egypt—to explore how these stories may have been written to explain Israel’s political identity, tribal dynamics, and national origin. We talk about: Why Jacob and Esau’s rivalry reflects Israel vs. Edom What Jacob’s wrestling match really says about the name "Israel" How the story of Dinah might not be about justice at all The subversive role of Tamar and why she’s called righteous Why Joseph marrying an Egyptian priest’s daughter created tension later And how Genesis closes by blessing tribes that already existed These aren’t just ancient stories—they’re layered political texts that reveal how Israel saw itself and its neighbors. Join us as we read Genesis a little more historically, and a little more honestly. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the FULL episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128901088 Listeners sent us 49 pages of questions and comments—and in this bonus episode, we tackle some of the best. We explore whether Paul’s theology rewrote the faith, how James and Paul define “salvation” differently, and why First Timothy might not even be Pauline. We also dive into whether Jesus really talked about hell more than heaven, what “saved through childbearing” could mean, and why Acts and Galatians paint two conflicting timelines of Paul’s journey. Other highlights include: Did Paul influence the Gospels? Why doesn’t Paul quote Jesus? Is Acts trying to legitimize Paul? What even is Gehenna, and should we rethink hell? Where do Nate and Shelby land with their own faith? Plus, an honest conversation about community, politics, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how to live together with deep differences. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

→ Download the Practice Christianity Without Paul reflection booklet here (https://www.patreon.com/posts/jesus-faith-and-128319083) → Access the Paul-Free Church Statement of Faith (https://www.patreon.com/posts/church-statement-128321301) What does it mean to be a Christian without Paul? In this series finale, we walk through five alternate paths the Jesus movement could have taken—and still can—without relying on Paul’s theology. From mystical wisdom to Jewish observance to political resistance, we explore practical ways to follow Jesus that aren’t rooted in Pauline doctrine. Nate and Shelby also unveil a brand new “Paul-Free” Statement of Faith and share a reflection booklet for premium members. Paul Series:Part 1 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/123045409)Part 2 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/124165907)Part 3 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/125186503)Part 4 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/126248455)Part 5 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/128318250) Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Existence of Paul and His Influence 12:06 Imagining Christianity Without Paul 22:28 The Ebionites and Early Christian Movements 23:26 Exploring Early Christian Beliefs 28:35 Potential Paths of Early Christianity 30:05 Modern Reflections on Following Jesus 37:36 Paths of Justice and Action 41:31 Reimagining Faith Without Paul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (37 minutes long), click here.How did Paul’s teachings overshadow James’s vision for Christianity? Could a Paul-free faith have survived as a Jewish sect? Does the Didache reveal a Christianity untouched by Paul? Why do Paul’s words sometimes feel at odds with Jesus’? We also explore faith, works, and navigating today’s political divides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating world of early Christianity as the discussion unpacks Paul’s overwhelming influence on the New Testament. Discover how some epistles might not actually be by Paul and what it means for understanding church history. The complex relationship between Paul’s teachings and those from the Jerusalem movement is critically examined. There's also an exploration of the Gospels and how contextual factors shape interpretations. Finally, consider the implications of studying Jesus without the lens of Pauline theology.

Dive into the tension between faith and works as Nate and Shelby explore Paul’s radical vision versus James’ traditional views. What if the Jesus movement had thrived without Paul's influence? Join their thought-provoking discussions that challenge established beliefs, reexamine core doctrines, and question the Nicene Creed’s portrayal of Christ. With intriguing listener debates, this episode invites you to rethink the foundations of Christianity and explore the dynamics of belief and action.

Discover how Paul’s radical vision reshaped early Christianity, overshadowing the original Jesus movement led by James. Explore the tensions between them, focusing on Gentile inclusion and differing interpretations of faith. Delve into Paul's mystical revelations and the strategic ways he spread his teachings across major Roman cities. The discussion raises intriguing questions about the trajectory of Christianity—what if the Jerusalem community had prevailed? Rethink the origins and evolution of a faith that continues to impact billions.

(Part 1 here) Who should guide your faith—James, Jesus’ brother, or Paul, the visionary apostle? We dive into early Christianity history to explore a battle of beliefs. James rooted his leadership in the Jewish roots of Christianity, blending faith with works. Paul preached faith alone, shaping a global faith. We uncover their clash—faith and works: Paul vs James—through the Didache and the Ebionites’ rejection of Paul. Tune in to decide whose voice speaks to you today.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion highlights the striking contrast between Paul and Jesus, questioning how Paul's letters often overshadow Jesus' teachings. They explore Paul's pivotal role in shaping Christianity and the discomfort it brings. Tensions around gender roles in church leadership are examined, challenging traditional interpretations of scripture. Additionally, the podcast delves into Paul's influence on modern Christian beliefs, raising questions about authenticity and church dynamics, all while inviting listeners to engage in rethinking their faith.

Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the Bible’s most infamous stories, but was its destruction really about homosexuality? What does the Bible actually say about the sin of Sodom? And why did Abraham nearly sacrifice Isaac—was child sacrifice common in his time? Plus, what’s the real meaning behind Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt? We unpack these troubling Genesis stories, explore their ancient context, and reveal how Jewish interpreters wrestled with them for centuries.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.comBecome a premium member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)Become a premium member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices