Dive into the intriguing world of ancient cults and the surprising complexities of biblical history. Explore King Josiah's transformative reign, where he discovered a lost book that spurred massive reforms against idolatry. Uncover the debate over whether his actions were righteous or self-serving. Delve into archaeological insights that reveal ancient worship practices and the centralization of religion in Israel. The captivating narrative challenges views on early monotheism and emphasizes the rich tapestry of cultural influences in ancient Judah.

The hosts dive into the fascinating discrepancies between Matthew and Luke's nativity stories, highlighting how these two narratives offer contrasting tales of Jesus' birth. They explore the cultural contexts surrounding Mary and Joseph, the implications of prophecy fulfillment, and the historical significance of Bethlehem. The discussion also ventures into the roles of the Magi and Herod, critiquing biblical inconsistencies along the way. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, they unravel the complexities of a well-known story.

Get ready to challenge conventional beliefs! The hosts delve into the theory that Jesus is merely the latest in a line of saviors, dissecting the claims of his mythical parallels with figures like Horus. They uncover the historical insights of Flavius Josephus, scrutinizing his references to Jesus and debating their authenticity. Expect sharp critiques of exaggerated narratives about crucified figures and an exploration of ancient contexts. Get set for an enlightening conversation that aims to separate fact from fiction!

Logan Williams, a Kirby Lang Research Fellow in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen, delves into the complexities of biblical interpretation through language and grammar. He challenges the mainstream views on dietary laws presented in Mark 7, arguing that a deeper analysis of Greek syntax reveals unexpected insights. The conversation explores the nuances of ritual purity, dietary practices, and how grammatical structures can impact scriptural understanding, captivating both language enthusiasts and curious listeners alike.

Dive into the fascinating world of demons and their biblical interpretations. Discover how historical beliefs have morphed from superstitions to modern understandings of mental health. Explore the intriguing concept of 'Shadim' and its evolution into contemporary demonology. The discussion touches on the socioeconomic impacts of demonic possession as narratively explored in the Gospels. Additionally, learn about the consequences of labeling individuals as 'demonic' in today's discourse, highlighting the critical need for compassion over judgment.

Explore the haunting words of Psalm 22, a poignant lament that Jesus quoted in his final moments. Delve into the significance of the Garden Tomb and its historical implications alongside contrasting sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Discover the intricacies of translating the Psalm and how it shapes our understanding of prophecy and crucifixion. Enjoy stories about cultural traditions, the charm of accents, and vibrant discussions about faith and history that challenge conventional beliefs.

Rev Karla Kamstra, a social media influencer and author of "Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith," shares her journey of religious deconstruction. She discusses the emotional challenges of questioning lifelong beliefs and the liberating role of social media in connecting with others on similar paths. Karla highlights the importance of community support and the transformative process of redefining faith outside traditional frameworks. The conversation encourages deeper reflection on identity, trauma, and forming authentic connections in the quest for spiritual truth.

As origin stories go, the Bible's explanation for why humanity has multiple languages is... let's call it creative. Alas, it doesn't hold up particularly well in a modern, scientifically informed era. That said, there's more to the story of the so-called "tower of Babel" than immediately meets the eye. We'll discuss what other ancient questions this chapter of Genesis is attempting to answer, and how it all fit into the context of its time.Then the linguistic adventure continues, as we delve into a mystical realm that very few people have access to: the magic of the ancient languages! Because if you listen to certain people, you'll learn that there's a whole world of extra messaging packed into the original wordings of the original languages of the Bible. Is this the key to decoding the universe? Will this way of reading the text save humanity? Have we finally unlocked the code to proving the truth claims of the Bible? Well, no. But it's a fun discussion anyway.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_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The modern concept of God (at least in the Christian context) is of an all-knowing, all-powerful, being. One who is everywhere all at once. He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake... all that stuff. But does that view of the almighty comport with what is represented in the Bible, or are those ideas more recent innovations? Where did these ideas come from?Then, we're talking Bible quotations. Or more accurately mis-quotations. Plenty of people misquote the Bible, it happens all the time. It can be especially vexing when that someone is looking at a bad translation. But what happens when the Bible misquotes the Bible? We'll be looking at Acts 15, and a moment when the author might have found a bad translation of their own.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_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go to any comment section where someone has made a controversial claim about the Bible and you'll see it: someone gatekeeping the idea of who qualifies as a "true Christian". Real Christians believe in the trinity, or else decidedly DON'T believe in the trinity. Real Christians believe we're saved through works. Or through faith alone. Or neither. Or both...On this week's episode, Dr. David Congdon joins us to discuss his book Who is a True Christian. If you think that question is settled or remotely easy to answer... well you haven't paid attention to this show. Dr. Congdon walks us through the history, politics, and power struggles behind these questions, and gives us big insights into ways we can address this difficult quandary going forward.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_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices