Data Over Dogma

In this podcast, they discuss the Book of Revelation, its manuscripts, vivid descriptions, and symbolism. They explore the letters to the churches in Asia, debate the literalness of angel descriptions, and examine the concept of deification. They also cover the authority of the book and its surprising endorsement.

Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel, an expert in Magi, joins the podcast to dispel common myths about the mysterious wise men who visited baby Jesus. They discuss the enigmatic story of the Magi in the Gospel of Matthew, the Greek word 'Magoi' used to describe them, and their possible function in informing Herod about Jesus's birth. The significance of the magi as an outside confirmation of Jesus's divinity and royal lineage is explored along with the origin and symbolism of the three kings in the Christmas story.

A physicist? On a Bible podcast? At Christmas time? Well, there are a couple of ways that could go!This week, we welcome Dr. Aaron Adair onto the show. Dr. Adair's book, The Star of Bethlehem: A Skeptical View, discusses the famous star that led the wise men to baby Jesus in the book of Matthew. What could such a star have been? Is there a known heavenly body that could be used to guide someone to a specific place? How did it appear?Well, we got the guy who wrote the book on the subject, so buckle up. This one's going to be fun!For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an 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

This week we're joined by Dr. Jacob Wright of Emory University. His new book Why the Bible Began leaves aside the questions of who wrote the Bible, what it is, when it was written, and how the Bible came to us, and instead focuses on the why. Why did the writings of this one small group of people survive and persist, when the records of much larger and more successful empires were often buried, forgotten, or lost to time?For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an 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

This week on Data Over Dogma, Matthew and Paul discuss the authorship of the Bible, including who wrote the gospel of Matthew and the Pauline epistles. They delve into the complexities of the authorship of the Gospel of John, explore the identities of the authors of the New Testament, and address the disputed authorship of certain Pauline epistles. They also touch on the selective interpretation of religious texts and the neglect of women's rights.

This week, Dan and Dan discuss Dan! That's right, it's time to discuss the book of Daniel, and hoo boy- it's a doozy! If you thought being chucked in with a bunch of lions is all there is to this book, you're in for a wild ride. Sure, the first half of the book is some fun stories about dream interpretation and lions and furnaces, but then things take a turn for the apocalyptic!Will the Dans survive this descent into madness? Will the Biblical book of Daniel survive Data Over Dogma? Who is Belteshazzar? Tune in to find out!For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an 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

Was the apostle Paul disabled? His letters may well point in that direction. But the more interesting question is: how much would it matter if he had been? This week, we welcome Dr. Isaac Soon to discuss disability--both now and in the ancient world--and how the lens of disability can provide stunning insights into the Bible, theology, and our own outlooks in our daily lives. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an 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

Is the second coming... coming?This week we're exploring the end. Not the end of the Bible, but the end of us! It's eschatology time, baby, and we're digging deep. Is the apocalypse described in the New Testament upon us? How will we know when it's coming? DID IT ALREADY HAPPEN?If you're anxious that current events might bring about the end of the world, don't be. But if you're not convinced, check out this episode. And then relax. And be kind to your neighbors.For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an 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

Unraveling the complexities of the Ten Commandments, exploring different biblical texts and variations in the list, from ritual to ethics focus, and the evolution of authority. Discussing interpretations of worship, idolatry, and relationships, challenging traditional perspectives and shedding light on historical nuances.

"Data Over Dogma" welcomes Dr. Andrew Whitehead, Associate Professor of Sociology at IUPUI and author of "American Idolatry". They discuss the rise of racist power-seekers in American Christianity and if Bible verses support their arguments. The podcast explores the impact of Christian nationalism on society, including perceptions of America, immigration, and democratic processes. They also expose the generic language used by Christian nationalists to hide racism and discuss countering its influence on democracy.