

Data Over Dogma
Daniel McClellan and Daniel Beecher
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h
Jezebel!
Ooooh MAMA! For a story that's thousands of years old, we sure do hear a lot about Jezebel. Or do we? Pastors and Christian influencers like Mark Driscoll and Charlie Kirk love to invoke the idea of "Jezebel spirit" whenever they don't like what a woman is doing. But is their portrait of the character of Jezebel honest, or are they just looking for a bludgeon to beat up women?
Then, we're looking at two groups that get mentioned a lot in the New Testament. Who are the Pharisees and Sadducees? Were they good guys? Bad guys? Just guys? What was their role in Jewish society at the time of Jesus, and is the Biblical account of them fair?
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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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Have you ordered Dan McClellan's New York Times bestselling book The Bible Says So yet??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 14min
At-One-Ment
Dive into the fascinating evolution of atonement in Christianity, exploring its diverse interpretations throughout history. Unpack the complexities of Bible translation, where every decision can shift meanings significantly. Join the playful banter as contemporary culture meets ancient narratives and theological debates on Christ's sacrifice reveal modern dilemmas. With humor and depth, navigate the intricate relationships between sin, redemption, and the challenges faced by translators in conveying sacred texts.

Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
Sister Wives
Dive into the quirky side of biblical narratives! Discover a peculiar falsehood told by notable figures, including Abraham himself. Learn about teraphim, the mysterious humanoid icons from ancient homes—were they decorative or something more? The hosts hilariously examine deception among biblical characters while unraveling the moral dilemmas they faced. Each topic blends humor with scholarly insight, all while reflecting on how these ancient stories shape our understanding of faith today.

18 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Save Me!
Delve into the intriguing concept of salvation in Christianity, where interpretations vary widely even among believers. Explore the complexities of the Genesis creation narrative and how the notion of original sin has evolved over time. Discover the tension between faith and good works, questioning what it truly means to be 'saved.' Unpack Isaiah's surreal vision with six-winged seraphim and its rich symbolism, while reflecting on the prophet's divine encounters and the challenges of prophetic duty. It's a thought-provoking journey filled with humor and insight!

17 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 59min
Problematic Prophecy
The discussion dives into the intriguing concept of preterism, suggesting many biblical prophecies were actually fulfilled in the past. It sheds light on the complexities of the Book of Revelation and its controversial inclusion in the Christian canon. The hosts explore the fears and anxieties generated by apocalyptic teachings, especially regarding childhood development. Humorously, they juxtapose traditional asceticism with modern materialism, enriching the theological debates within Christianity.

13 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 56min
Tucker Vs Ted: The Israel Throwdown
Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz engage in a fiery debate over the biblical mandate for supporting Israel, questioning interpretations of Genesis and the complexities of Christian Zionism. The discussion delves into anti-Zionism versus anti-Semitism, advocating for a nuanced understanding of these terms. Psalm 137 is also explored, stirring debate on its darker themes and historical context. The episode emphasizes the need for critical reassessment of scripture in light of modern issues, all while navigating the intricate ties between faith and politics.

9 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
Is Allie Beth Stuckey a Sheep or a Goat?
This week features a fiery debate between Dan McClellan and Allie Beth Stuckey over the parable of the sheep and the goats, questioning compassion and the meaning of 'brothers and sisters' in a modern context. The conversation delves into ancient papyri from Elephantine Island, revealing surprising insights about early Judaism. The hosts further explore the nuances of immigration law and the ethical treatment of asylum seekers, mixing humor with serious discussions about empathy, social responsibility, and the intersection of faith and current affairs.

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ethnicity and the Bible
Join Bible expert Dr. Aaron Higashi, author of '1 and 2 Samuel for Normal People', as he unpacks the intriguing connections between the Israelites and Canaanites. Discover how ethnic identity shapes biblical narratives and the modern implications of these relationships. Higashi also tackles the complexities of Biblical law, comparing food and sexual regulations while exploring the evolution of Israelite identity. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on how ethnicity influences scriptural interpretation and contemporary faith communities.

Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
Did the Bible Steal its Stories?
The discussion dives into the intriguing idea that many biblical stories may stem from ancient myths of Southwest Asia and Northern Africa. Scholars explore the shared roots of these narratives, questioning who truly originated them. The conversation shifts to Haggai, revealing unexpected depth in its two short chapters, and connects historical themes with modern spiritual challenges. The hosts also reflect on cultural exchanges that influenced storytelling, suggesting that biblical motifs have evolved through time and across various cultures.

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
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
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