
Data Over Dogma
This ain't your pastor's Bible podcast. This is a deep interrogation of the book, and we're bringing receipts. Bible scholar Dr. Dan McClellan and atheist podcaster Dan Beecher team up to discover what the Bible actually says, what it decidedly doesn't say (even if everyone thinks it does), and explore the history of the most popular book of all time.
Latest episodes

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
Pride Month vs. the Bible!
Welp it's June, and that means LGBTQIA+ Pride month! At least that's what it means for many. For a minority of people, June is national grumpy homophobe month.
One thing about the grumpy set is that they really love to use the Bible to shore up their dogmatic belief that gay folks (and trans and bi and all the other acronym-represented people) are going against God. So let's talk about it.
Our first segment is about pride itself. The word, that is. Is the rainbow community committing the worst of the 7 deadly sins every June? Pastor Mark Driscoll sure seems to think so.
Then we'll dive into some of the passages of the Bible folks use to justify their anti-LGBTQIA+ stance. Do those passages mean what those people say they mean? And even if they do, are modern believers required to follow them?
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For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at:
https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma
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https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod
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Have you ordered Dan McClellan's hit book The Bible Says So yet??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
Bibliomancy! The Biblical Dance with the Devil?
For episode 116, we're venturing into the spooky world of divination! Many a Christian pastor has railed against this practice, but what if the medium used for divining isn't a rod or a stick, but THE BIBLE ITSELF!? Does that take the curse off it? Make it worse? Will it work to provide other-worldly guidance in your life? Is it forbidden? We... well, we might answer some of these questions...
But first, we take issue with one Mr Charlie Kirk. Ol' Chuck was pretty pleased with himself when he steamrolled over a college kid's question about whether Christians should be making a grab for the levers of political power. Brother Kirk's defense of Christian Nationalism was Biblical, in that it used scripture from the Bible as support, but was it correct? We'll see!
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For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at:
https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma
Follow us on the various social media places:
https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod
https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma
Have you ordered Dan McClellan's hit book The Bible Says So yet??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 2025 • 54min
Episode 112: Wash Your Own Feet!
Dive into the gripping tale of a family's tragic stand against tyranny in 2 Maccabees, where courage meets brutal fate. Shift gears to explore the curious symbolism of feet in biblical narratives, particularly when Jesus washes his disciples' feet. Unpack themes of humility, servitude, and leadership, revealing the layers of meaning behind these ancient stories. Enjoy lively discussions on ancient texts and modern interpretations, blending historical context with poignant reflections on humanity.

7 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 4min
Episode 111: Just the Tip?
This week dives into the controversial practice of circumcision, exploring its origins and the ethical debates surrounding it. The intriguing story of Jephthah is also unpacked, highlighting his tragic vow to God and the moral complexities of his choices. Listeners will ponder tough questions about faith and divine influence, making it a fascinating journey through biblical narratives and societal expectations. Expect humor, cultural reflections, and a fresh perspective on ancient traditions.

7 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Episode 110: God's Swear Jar
Dive into the surprising world of biblical profanity and uncover how certain words made it into scripture. The discussion navigates the Didache, exploring its intriguing role in early Christian practices and its disputed authorship. Discover how language shapes emotional impact, with a focus on the rawness often sanitized in modern translations. Plus, find out why embracing humor is essential, even when tackling serious topics like faith. It's a lively exploration of culture, authority, and the colorful language in sacred texts.

14 snips
May 5, 2025 • 57min
Episode 109: The Heart of Pharaoh
Ever wondered why Easter hops around on the calendar? The hosts dive into the historical quirks behind its dating and the comedic chaos of two churches celebrating on different days. They then transition to the enigmatic story of Moses confronting Pharaoh, tackling why God hardened Pharaoh's heart. This sparks a lively discussion on divine agency and moral responsibility. Along the way, they sprinkle in humor and personal anecdotes, making complex theological concepts accessible and entertaining!

14 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
Episode 108: "Biblical" Marriage
The podcast dives into the complexities of 'biblical marriage,' questioning traditional interpretations and societal norms. It critiques the patriarchal roots of marriage, emphasizing women's autonomy and the need for reevaluation. Historical contexts of marriage and divorce are explored, highlighting inconsistencies in accountability based on gender. The hosts discuss the trauma of divorce, advocating for a nuanced approach that honors individual experiences. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to rethink marriage's definition in a modern context.

Apr 21, 2025 • 57min
Episode 107: Immigrant Apocalypse with Yii-Jan Lin
The way many people talk about immigration in the United States, you'd assume that it was an apocalyptic event. And actually, many of the most extreme voices in our society are literally saying as much. But this is not the first time American immigration has been linked to Biblical apocalypse. This week, we're bringing in Dr. Yii-Jan Lin, whose new book Immigration and Apocalypse: How the Book of Revelation Shaped American Immigration chronicles the many twists and turns of the eschatological mindset from Columbus straight through to the present.Did the first immigrants (the Europeans) think of their own journey as hastening the end times? How did that story change as time passed and they started to think of themselves as the "natives" of the land? What happened when other, non-European, non-Christians started landing on American shores?Find Dr Lin's book here:https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300253184/immigration-and-apocalypse/----HEY! TICKETS FOR THE FIRST *AND SECOND* LEG OF THE DATA OVER DOGMA TOUR ARE ON SALE! To get yours, go here:First leg (Chicago, Seattle, Portland, LA):https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-grand-data-over-dogma-book-launch-tour/Second leg (Dallas, Atlanta, Philly, DC):https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-grand-data-over-dogma-book-launch-part-2/For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at:https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Follow us on the various social media places:https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPodhttps://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogmaHave you pre-ordered Dan McClellan's upcoming book The Bible Says So yet???https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/bible-says-so-9781250347466/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGLTkpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQY4Ahs0Hi289IcnsQMh_0OAVf3oGefyUsWkLjhfB8OF8nio1fmroJbXxA_aem_v_4sISp8Zt43zsKfDjx1aA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 106: Usurer Error
Dive into a fascinating discussion about usury and its surprising acceptance in today's society, once deemed a sin by law. Unpack the complexities of biblical lending practices and their societal impacts. Transition to the misunderstood parable of the talents, exploring themes of risk, morality, and wealth management. Discover a fresh interpretation that views the third slave as a hero against exploitative practices. The hosts blend humor with insight, intertwining moral lessons with modern economic realities.

4 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 6min
Episode 105: Wandering in the Wilderness with Angela Roskop Erisman
Join Angela Roskop Erisman, an independent scholar and author of *The Wilderness Narratives*, as she navigates the depths of the Exodus story. She challenges traditional interpretations, suggesting the narrative may serve political ends rather than literal truths. Angela discusses the fascinating interplay of fear and authority in biblical tales, historical allegories, and how these narratives reflect socio-political dynamics of their time. With a blend of academic insight and engaging anecdotes, the conversation sheds new light on ancient scriptures.