Data Over Dogma

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

Delve into the complexities of the biblical book of Jude, where authorship, historical context, and themes of dissent unravel. Explore divine identities, from God to the angel of the Lord, and challenge traditional interpretations. Tackle the pushback on monotheism and the intricacies of scripture influenced by technology and manuscript variations. Humorously navigate dogmatism while inviting listener engagement, all while making connections between ancient texts and contemporary faith debates.

Jeremy Steele, a Pastor and self-described 'deep skeptic,' shares his journey of building an online congregation for those feeling disconnected from traditional churches. He discusses the emotional challenges of reconciling skepticism with faith and the importance of community for those deconstructing their beliefs. The conversation highlights the role of data in shaping personal convictions and the evolving landscape of spirituality, shedding light on the need for authenticity and support in navigating faith and uncertainty.

Dive into a lively critique of personal finance guru Dave Ramsey's controversial views on wealth and ethics. The hosts tackle the irony of wealth distribution in housing, highlighting the struggles younger generations face. They explore the moral implications of financial practices within Christianity and dissect biblical teachings on wealth and poverty. With a dose of humor, they also discuss the complexities of redacted ancient texts and their relevance today. Get ready for some thought-provoking insights!