Data Over Dogma

In this episode, the hosts interview David A. Burnett, a scholar and friend, who connects Paul's ideas of the afterlife with the deposing of the divine council. They also discuss whether monotheism was ever a thing in ancient southwest Asia, and explore the concept of other gods in ancient times. The podcast delves into the spectrum between immaterial and material and examines a debate among philosophers in ancient Greece about the nature of the gods. The relationship between celestial bodies and the patriarchal promise in the New Testament is also explored.

Move over Shrek, because Data Over Dogma got their own talking donkey. That said, this is D>D, so you won't be surprised to learn that the verbose ass may be the least interesting thing about the story of Balaam. You'll have to listen to find out what twists and turns the discussion takes, but you know you're in for some fun when we tell you that at some point, God might be labeled "satan". Speaking of... what's up with the devil anyway? In our second segment "Could it be... SATAN?" (you're welcome, Gen Xers), Dr Dan will do his best to make sense of exacty who or what the Bible is talking about when it brings up the adversary. Is it Lucifer? Is it Beelzebub? Is it a snake? Are these the same being, or a bunch of different entities getting lumped in together? We'll sort it all out for you or else make it more confusing. One or the other. It's just our way.   If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma   Also, follow us on the various social media places: https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod  https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First off this week, we're talking KJV. Where did the King James version of the Bible come from? Why is it a "version" and not a "translation"? Why did King James decide a new version was necessary, and was he actually involved in its creation? Is there-gasp-more than one King James Version? Then, the Dan's grab their magnifying glasses and deerstalker caps to investigate why some versions of the Bible seem to have missing verses. Is foul play afoot? Tune in to find out!If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at:https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogmaAlso, follow us on the various social media places:https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do yo think you know your apostles? Can you name the original twelve? Is that even a thing that can actually be done? It seems like it should be a simple task, but this week the Dans dive in to the apostolic deep end, and find a total mess waiting. First, it's "what's in a name?" when Dan B can't figure out who is who. Fortunately, Dan M is there to step in and explain all the name-changes, the translations and transliterations, and possible substitutions in the original apostle roster. Then, it's "whatever happened to baby Junia?" We look at Paul's epistle to the Romans, and ask... did he just mention a woman apostle? 'Cause it seems like he just mentioned a woman apostle! If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod  https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Ted Danson, because this week we're going to the bad place. Does the Bible really threaten sinners and nonbelievers with eternal torment? Was the idea of hell made up long after the Bible was written? Get out your asbestos snorkle and mask, because we're going to probe deep into the lake of eternal fire, and see what we can find.  Then, it's "what ever happened to baby Judas" as we look at two Biblical accounts of how brother Iscariot met his earthly end, and realize they don't quite match up. Do you yearn for redemption for the wayward apostle, or are you hungry for revenge? There's a story to fit any appetite.    If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma       Also, follow us on the various social media places: https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're delving into the legends, myths, misunderstandings, and slanders surrounding Lilith. Who or what is Lilith? Feminist icon? First wife to Adam? Night demon? Owl? We break down the origin stories, and get to the bottom of this mysterious and fascinating character. Then, "stele" Dan McClellan gives the inside scoop on the standing stones of ancient southwestern Asia. We discuss their archaeological importance, their cultural and religious significance, and where you can get one of your own (if you're the unscrupulous enterprising type).  If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma       Also, follow us on the various social media places: https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Dr. Dan says "alright, let's see it" to claims about whether or not God can regret. Does Genesis actually say that God repented for making humanity? Then, hot on the heels of a big trip to Israel, the Dans discuss modern archaeology and what it can tell us about the ancient world. If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma   Also, follow us on the various social media places:  facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Bible scholar (and singer/songwriter) Elizabeth Schrader Polczer joins us to discuss Mary Magdalene. Dr Schrader Polczer plumbs the depths of textual criticism to explore a fuller and possibly more accurate view of the mysterious and often misunderstood character. Could it be that she was a much more prominent figure than we previously thought? If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron atwww.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPodtwitter.com/data_over_dogma  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many of our listeners have asked "which translation of the Bible is the best?" Well this week, the Dans do a deep dive into the Bible's journey from ancient Hebrew and Greek into English. We're tackling the twists and turns and socio-political machinations that led to the words we read in today's versions of the text.   If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma   Also, follow us on the various social media places:  facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Pride month, everybody! This week, Dr. McClellan takes a deep dive into gayness. Wait. That doesn't sound right... He takes a deep dive into the Bible's view on gayness. Yeah, that sounds better. What does the Bible actually say? What DOESN'T it say? And how much of what it says actually applies in a modern context? Homosexuality is one of the great dividing issues of our time, and much of that division is driven by Christian leaders using the Bible to condemn members of the LGBTQIA+ community. But are they interpreting the Bible correctly?  If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma   Also, follow us on the various social media places:  facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices