The Bible For Normal People

Pete Enns, an expert in biblical studies, discusses the messy history of the Bible, tracing its roots back to the Old Testament and uncovering ancient text fragments. He delves into the challenges of studying Hebrew manuscripts, linguistic transitions in ancient Judea, and differences between Hebrew and Greek versions of Jeremiah, emphasizing the imperfections and significance of the Bible.

Tripp Fuller, host of Homebrewed Christianity, brings a fresh perspective on Jesus as both a historical figure and a theological concept. He dives into the relevance of Jesus' teachings in today's world, navigating the tensions between the historical and the Christ of faith. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of Christology and the challenges of faith in a secular age. With humor and skepticism, Fuller encourages personal interpretations of spirituality and the importance of community engagement in the faith journey.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Byas, wife of Jared Byas, shares her journey of faith transition and its profound impact on parenting. They explore how to talk to their children about Christianity and the Bible, emphasizing the importance of fostering individual expression and critical thinking. The couple navigates the shift from strict rules to more flexible boundaries, tackling complex topics like mortality. Throughout their conversation, they highlight the need for open communication and adaptable parenting strategies that support their children's spiritual growth.

Amanda Mbuvi, a professor of religion, discusses how the Bible plays a role in identity formation. Topics include challenging cultural assumptions for new insights, the role of genealogy in shaping human identity, and the Bible's purpose to create community. They also explore the purpose of Genesis for identity formation and offer tips on approaching the Bible for personal growth and understanding.

The hosts tackle the contentious topic of biblical inerrancy, exploring why many cling to this belief. They delve into its historical roots and emotional attachments, contrasting traditional views with modern interpretations. A discussion on the psychological comfort inerrancy offers in times of doubt leads to a deeper examination of mortality through Ecclesiastes. The conversation encourages embracing uncertainty and reimagining biblical interpretations, promoting a more nuanced relationship with scripture.

We love a good discussion on the formation of the Bible. Listen in as we talk to scholar Richard Elliott Friedman about the various texts that make up the Hebrew Bible, what clues we have to date them, and what makes the Bible a unique work of writings. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s many difficult stories the Bible but one people struggle with the most are those dealing with the death of children. On this episode, we are joined by Maria Doerfler who shares rich perspectives on the stories of Jephthah’s daughter, the sacrifice of Isaac, and how people throughout history have interpreted them. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We had a great conversation with Nadia Bolz-Weber about what is compelling about Christianity, why we all need to stop trying so hard, and what in the world there is to be hopeful about. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we are answering some of the most asked questions on our Ask Pete page. We get into a lot of topics like how other cultures interpret Jesus, how normal people can study the Bible on their own, and how we make meaning out of the Bible. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Bessey joins the hosts to talk about her book on prayer and shares what has been helpful in her discovery of what it means to pray. They discuss different forms and purposes of prayer, the importance of authenticity, and the role of scripture. The hosts also pay tribute to Rachel Held Evans and express gratitude to their team.