The Bible For Normal People

On this episode, Pete and Jared speak with Drew Hart about race and the Bible. Hart is assistant professor of theology at Messiah College, author of Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism, and an activist with ten years of pastoral experience. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the complex tale of Jonah, often dismissed as a simple children's story. Discover its parabolic nature, revealing layers of irony and exaggerated storytelling. Explore the profound implications of Jonah's narrative for both personal faith and Israel's journey. Reflect on themes of disobedience, exile, and the quest for redemption. The story offers rich insights into resilience and the comfort found in faith struggles, making it a deeply rewarding theological exploration.

This week's episode looks at Womanist Biblical Interpretation with Pete and Jared’s guest Nyasha Junior, assistant professor in the department of religion at Temple University in Philadelphia. She writes, teaches, speaks, and frequently tweets on race, gender, religion, and their intersections. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jared and Pete speak with Beverly Gaventa. Beverly is Distinguished Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Baylor University and Helen H.P. Manson Professor of New Testament Literature and Exegesis Emerita at Princeton Theological Seminary. Her latest book is called “When In Romans”. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biblical scholar Pete Enns discusses 5 key insights about the Adam story, including its connections to the Old Testament and the concept of exile. He challenges traditional interpretations and explores the role of Adam in Christian thinking, questioning whether he was a real person or a metaphorical figure. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of building an online community and invites listeners to join.

On this episode, Pete and Jared talk with Hebrew Bible scholar and theologian Jon D. Levenson about where the idea of resurrection shows up in the Hebrew Bible and early Judaism, what it means when it does, and how some of that finds its way into the New Testament. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Pete and Jared talk with speaker, author, and theologian Diana Butler Bass about her love for the Bible that has led her beyond code words and conventions to something deeper and more spiritually sustaining. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Bible For Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with theologian Megan DeFranza (actually, Megan educates us) on a topic that affects deeply the lives of many, but that few Christians even know is a topic. And Megan might surprise you about what the Bible and church history have to say about it. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jared Byas takes on his first solo episode. Since he's a plebeian and doesn't have his own Wikipedia page (unlike Pete), he begins with a little autobiography and the recurring theme of taking the Bible seriously but not literally. And encourages us, no matter how we read the Bible, to stop using "literally" altogether. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Denis Lamoureux, an Associate Professor of Science and Religion at St. Joseph’s College, delves into the striking intersection of evolution and Christian faith. He shares his journey from skepticism to embracing evolutionary biology, illustrating how faith and science can harmoniously coexist. The conversation highlights the evolving views within evangelical circles, especially among younger generations, and the vital need for open dialogue about scripture and scientific discovery. Lamoureux encourages accessible theological discussions to reassure believers about integrating faith with scientific knowledge.