The Bible For Normal People

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.

It shouldn’t be a surprise to us now that people can read the same text and walk away with vastly different meanings. On this episode of the podcast, we’re talking with Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Brettler who share some reasons why Jews and Christians use and understand the Bible in different ways. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Kugel is back on the podcast sharing about how people during the biblical period understood God and how their views changed overtime. How does their understanding of God influence our understandings today?Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Enns, a Christian theology expert, discusses the uniqueness of Christianity. He explores how early Christians viewed Jesus' crucifixion, the paradox of honor and shame in Christianity, and the distinctive elements that set Christianity apart from other religions.