Data Over Dogma

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!

Christians have had a missionary zeal since the beginning. From the dawn of Christianity, the mandate to share the "good news" has been a central theme of Christian life. But what is a Christian to do when it is clear that the audience they want to share the gospel with would react poorly to much of what's in the Bible? Well, at least in one case, the solution was just redact the heck out of it.On this week's show, we're talking about "The Slave Bible," a heavily truncated version of the good book, created for white enslavers to share with the black people they had enslaved. Why did they cut most of the book out? What parts did they see fit to leave in? And why did they want to preach Jesus' message to people whose humanity they clearly didn't honor or even acknowledge?Then, inspired by a preacher who recently had a lot to say on the subject, we're diving into the question of wealth. Much is said in the Bible about money, and the having of it. Specifically the having of a lot of it. There are famous passages about camels going through the eyes of needles, for example. But maybe that part felt a little ambiguous... Did Jesus really say "blessed are the poor" or did he say "blessed are the poor in spirit"? Is that difference that even makes sense?----HEY! TICKETS FOR THE FIRST LEG OF THE DATA OVER DOGMA TOUR ARE NOW ON SALE! To get yours, go here:https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-grand-data-over-dogma-book-launch-tour/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_4sISp8Zt43zsKfDjx1aAThis episode was sponsored by BetterHelp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a celebratory twist for their milestone, the hosts dive into Paul's intriguing letter to Philemon, shedding light on his relationship with the runaway slave Onesimus and offering a fresh perspective on slavery. They also explore the Septuagint, the Greek translation of Hebrew scripture, discussing its origins and impact on early Christianity. The episode highlights the complexities of mentorship, redemption, and the ongoing dialogue about biblical interpretations, all while weaving in the nuances of personal accountability and relationships.

Imagine living in the shadow of the Messiah! This episode dives deep into the life of James, Jesus’ brother, exploring his role and the complexities of early Christian authority. Delve into the historical significance of the Masoretes, who brought vocalization to Hebrew texts, and uncover the artistry behind sacred cantillation. The discussion also touches on the theological implications of Jesus' sibling dynamics and the fascinating aspects of the Epistle of James. Prepare for a blend of history, theology, and engaging conversations!

Did Jesus really take a trip to hell? Dive deep into that intriguing question and discover the various interpretations from biblical texts. Explore the contrasting views on hell in the Bible, especially the vivid imagery in Revelation. Find out what Enoch’s vision reveals about the afterlife and how modern and ancient theologians interpret Jesus’ descent. With humor and critical insight, the conversation navigates misconceptions about Sheol and Hades, sparking a refreshing perspective on death and the afterlife.

Dive into the whimsical world of amateur archaeology with Ron Wyatt's dubious biblical discoveries. Learn about the controversial claims surrounding ancient artifacts and the importance of skepticism. The conversation shifts to the profound parable of the Good Samaritan, raising questions about the true meaning of neighborly love. Explore how age-old teachings resonate in today's societal issues, prompting listeners to rethink compassion and community. It's a fascinating mix of humor, inquiry, and moral reflection!

Congressman Eric Swalwell, representing California's 14th district, joins to discuss the intersections of faith and politics. A professed Christian, he sheds light on his concerns about the rise of Christian nationalism and shares how his beliefs inform his decisions in Congress. The conversation delves into the Biblical relationship between religion and government, asking whether secular authority should be respected. Fun anecdotes and critiques of political motivations make for an engaging discussion about maintaining a secular governance while honoring diverse beliefs.

The podcast dives into the intriguing reinterpretations of Noah's Ark, revealing the complexities and contradictions within biblical narratives. It humorously contrasts traditional stories with the realities of ancient contexts, especially regarding Noah and Jericho. The discussion shifts to the siege of Jericho, blending archaeological evidence with historical tactics, questioning the miraculous aspects of the biblical account. Throughout, there's a lighthearted exploration of culture and personal anecdotes that keep the conversation lively and engaging.