The Bible For Normal People

Brian McLaren discusses the dangers of a 'weaponized Bible' and biased interpretations. They explore its harm on marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community and historical misuse justifying atrocities. Emphasizes the need for critical dialogue, diverse perspectives, and personal growth in biblical interpretation.

Jen Hatmaker, an author and former HGTV star, shares her transformative journey with faith and the Bible. She discusses the emotional upheaval of reassessing beliefs, especially concerning LGBTQ inclusion and sexuality. Jen highlights the importance of finding supportive communities during times of spiritual doubt and the backlash she faced from traditional circles. The conversation emphasizes empathy and compassion, offering insights into developing a contemporary understanding of scripture while fostering hope and connection amidst change.

Here's a glimpse of what's coming in season 2 of The Bible for Normal People, featuring Jen Hatmaker, Barbara Brown Taylor, William Paul Young, Brian McLaren, and Cynthia Shafer-Elliot. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-bible-for-normal-people/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 1 wrap-up. Pete and Jared reflect on the first season of guests and topics and how they helped inform the big questions that drive this podcast. Season 2 is coming late January or early February 2018! Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Pete and Jared speak with Carolyn Custis James. Carolyn is an award-winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our continuing effort to corrupt the minds of college students (because college students don't already have corrupt minds), Pete and Jared recently took a road trip to Penn State to record an episode of The Bible for Normal People in front of a live audience. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete Enns—without any adult supervision whatsoever—gives his own take on divine violence, specificially: the Flood story, the curses in Deuteronomy 28, and, of course, the one every one wants to talk about, God's command to the Israelites to wipe the Canaanites off the face of the earth and take their land. And a good time was had by all. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this discussion, New Testament scholar Anthony Le Donne shares insights about the Gospels as memories of Jesus rather than mere historical accounts. He highlights how social memory theory shapes these narratives, revealing the diversity in the Gospel accounts. Delving into the unique endings of Mark and the narrative implications, he emphasizes the cultural context of storytelling. The conversation also touches on the subjective nature of interpreting scripture and the importance of interfaith dialogue, providing a rich tapestry of understanding around Jesus' teachings.

Greg Boyd, a pastor, author, and theology professor, delves into the theme of divine violence through the lens of Jesus' crucifixion. He reinterprets Old Testament narratives, suggesting they reflect an overarching message of love. Boyd emphasizes the importance of nonviolence in understanding scripture and discusses how to cultivate resilient faith in youth amidst contemporary challenges. The conversation also explores theological tensions around divine judgment, advocating for a compassionate approach to biblical interpretation.

On this week's episode, Pete and Jared riff with great eloquence and profundity on three big words that come up sooner or later whenever you start talking about the Bible, especially when you start thinking about the Bible in new ways. Is the Bible still authoritative? What does that even mean? Same with Revelation and Inspiration. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices