The Bible For Normal People

Join a thoughtful exploration of God's goodness through biblical narratives, challenging traditional interpretations with contemporary morality. Engage with the complexities of faith, where personal experiences redefine spirituality. Discover the significance of community, justice, and peacemaking in modern practices. Embrace a diverse theological landscape that honors individual journeys and authentic expressions of belief, moving beyond rigid doctrines to celebrate the richness of faith.

Join renowned biblical scholar Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat and theologian Dr. Brian Walsh as they dive into the Book of Romans. They challenge conventional views on salvation and politics, encouraging a deeper understanding of the text's communal implications. Discover how Jesus' sacrifice redefines concepts of justice and love over divine wrath. Their anti-imperial lens highlights community life in early Christianity, emphasizing inclusivity and resistance against societal injustices. Engage with practical insights that are both timely and transformative.

On this episode of The Bible for Normal People Podcast, we look back to our time with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine on understanding Jesus is his Jewish context. Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and the author of a number of books including Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete continues his award-winning (his cat seems to like it) and mind-altering series on Exodus by diving into chapters 5-13: Moses and Aaron’s first confrontation with Pharaoh (which did and did not go well) and the story of the plagues, which are loaded with all sorts of symbolic, theological, and mythic meaning. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, delves into the concept of the 'universal Christ.' He highlights the need for broader theological education and the importance of personal experience in understanding faith. Rohr explores how this perspective challenges traditional interpretations and emphasizes interconnectedness with creation. He also discusses the complexities of universalism, financial responsibility, and the evolution of Christian thought, ultimately advocating for a more holistic approach to spirituality and social issues.

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People Podcast, Pete and Jared take a close look at the call of David and the battle with Goliath (1 Samuel 16-17) to show how these biblical stories already portray David as a morally complex character from the beginning. These stories also tell us something of the intricate and layered nature of biblical storytelling. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode with Rachel Held Evans is among her last podcast interviews, recorded 2 months before her untimely passing on May 4. We offer this episode, unedited, in Rachel’s honor and as a testimony to her humor, insight, power, gentleness, and courage.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: "Inspired" by Rachel Held Evans "Searching For Sunday" by Rachel Held Evans "A Year of Biblical Womanhood" by Rachel Held Evans "Faith Unraveled" by Rachel Held Evans. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robert Alter has spent most of his life committed to studying the Bible and the last two decades creating an entirely new translation of the Old Testament. Pete and Jared talk about some of the insights he has gained from seeing the Bible as a literary masterpiece. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete continues his series in Exodus chapters 3 and 4. God reveals his plan to use Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and Moses does everything he can think of to get out of it. He finally gets on board with the program, but not without a last minute bizarre twist and close call. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austen Hartke shares his journey of being a transgender Christian and discusses how the Bible might speak to the inclusion of all people into the people of God. Show Notes→ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices