
Data Over Dogma
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 3min
Episode 64: The Historicity of David
It's a judge and a king this week, and both are fascinating! First we're looking at Deborah, a prophet, a judge, and a really interesting figure whose story gets told twice in the Bible: back-to-back! Women often get short-shrift in the Bible, but Deborah's story is pretty satisfying. She's tough and her army wins the battle, and even more awesome-- she's not the only badass woman in the story! Stay tuned for the exciting (and gratuitously gorey) conclusion!Speaking of staying tuned, you're DEFINITELY going to want to stick around for our second half, where we discuss one of the most important figures in the whole book! Who was this David character? A lowly shepherd who rises to be King? A roving warlord? A bisexual rapist? DID HE EVEN EXIST AT ALL?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_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
Episode 63: Wrastlin' With God
It's questionable heroes week here on the Data Over Dogma show, and we've packed in some big names! How big? How about the guy they named the whole tribe of Israel after? You know... Jacob. We're asking the big questions here: do striped sticks really make sheep have spotted lambs? Is a cruel trick fair-play if the other person falls for it? And most importantly- if you beat a stranger in a wrestle, does that stranger get to change your name?Then we look at famous strong-man and the judge of Israel with possibly the poorest judgement, Sampson. Yes he was absurdly foolish with Delilah, but more importantly: what's the deal with all those foxes?For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, 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

Jun 10, 2024 • 60min
Episode 62: The Book of Enoch
It's the book that didn't make the cut. Enoch (or first Enoch, if you're nasty) is an important book, both historically and religiously. As a matter of fact, New Testament writers considered it scripture. So why, when you open your Bible at home, is Enoch nowhere to be found?This week we're exploring the mysteries of the book that got the boot. Where did it come from? Was it really written by Enoch the patriarch (hint: no)? Why was it not included in the popular canons? Is there anyone that still considers it scripture (hint: yes)?For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, 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

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 61: Christmaker! With James McGrath
Get ready for some fascinating stuff! It won't be a baptism by fire, but we will be immersed in some cutting edge information about John the Baptist. Dr. James McGrath joins us to discuss John and his new book Christmaker. And trust us- you're going to learn some cool stuff.Many people's image of John is just a wild-haired itinerant preacher dressed like a cave man and roaming the desert and dunking people in water every chance he got. It turns out, he was likely a far more important and more interesting figure than that. Was he a disciple of Jesus, or was it the other way around?For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, 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

May 27, 2024 • 58min
Episode 60: Silence, Woman!
This podcast delves into two famous Bible stories involving women, one showcasing Jesus' mercy and the other imposing silence on women in the church. It challenges traditional interpretations, addresses gender roles, and explores the impact of biblical verses on societal expectations. The hosts provide insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions, inviting listeners to reconsider established norms and interpretations.

May 20, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 59: The End(s) of Monotheism W/ David Burnett
Academic David Burnett discusses challenging the idea of ancient southwest Asia monotheism at Brown University conference. They explore the evolution of monotheism, translation challenges, and the concept of hypostasis in Christological debates. The podcast delves into the complexities of defining monotheism in ancient contexts and reevaluating traditional views on deity identities.

May 13, 2024 • 1h 14min
Episode 58: Translation Frustration
Delve into the intricacies of biblical translation with a focus on different versions and the biases of translators. Explore the challenges faced by early interpreters and the impact of word choice on meaning. Discover historical anecdotes and humorous analogies highlighting the complexities of conveying ancient texts into modern languages.

May 6, 2024 • 55min
Episode 57: Does the Bible say the Earth is Flat?
The podcast explores the surprising theory of a flat Earth connected to Biblical teachings. It discusses ancient cosmology, firmaments, and historical views on Earth's structure. The hosts also revisit a previous error, delve into interpretations of biblical texts, and challenge conventional understanding of Jesus riding into Jerusalem. The discussion highlights the psychology behind flat Earth beliefs and the evolution of scientific acceptance.

Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 10min
Episode 56: The Genesis of Genesis with Dr David Carr
If you've been listening to the show for any length of time, you know that the Bible did not come from any single source, nor does it speak with one voice. This week, we have Dr. David Carr with us to discuss "the primeval history" of Genesis 1-11, and and the sources from which those chapters sprung.Were these stories taken and modified from other myths and legends in that part of the world? Were they actual history? What should we think when the stories repeat/conflict with themselves? Join us for a fascinating journey through the origin story of the origin story.For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, 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

Apr 22, 2024 • 58min
Episode 55: Can Jesus Forgive Sin?
This week, we're going to point out a blatant contradiction in the Bible, and if you don't like it... you'll just have to forgive us!In our first segment we'll talk about the epic end(s) of the the reign of king Ahaziah. There are two stories, and boy howdy- they do NOT line up!Then, we're talking new-testament forgiveness. Does Jesus have the right to forgive sins? The rabbis say no. He says yes. The disabled guy who was lowered into Jesus' house through a hole in the roof would just like to make it out of there in one piece. Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion!For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, 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