The Bible For Normal People

Jared Byas takes us on a journey through his personal and academic evolution, challenging the idea of reading the Bible literally. He shares his early influences, from a Pentecostal upbringing to studying theology and philosophy. Highlights include the complexities of interpreting scripture, the pitfalls of claiming the Bible is straightforward, and the importance of humility in discussions of faith. By advocating for a serious but not literal approach, he encourages honest inquiry and embraces the diverse lenses through which we all read the text.

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.

On this episode, Pete and Jared talk with Ellen Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School, about the value of the Old Testament for Christians. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, Pete and Jared speak with Brian Zahnd about violence in the Bible. Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church (Saint Joseph, MO), and he writes, blogs, and Tweets regularly on the problem of violence in the Bible. His next book Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God is set to be released August 2017. 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 Matthew Vines, author of God and the Gay Christian, about the complexities of biblical interpretation surrounding human sexuality. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Pete and Jared talk with Marc Brettler on the conversation between the insights biblical scholarship, Jewish tradition, and the nature of the Bible. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Pete and Jared discuss how doubt in the life of faith is normal, biblical, and spiritually beneficial. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin D. Sommer, professor of Bible at the Jewish Theological Seminary, discusses the complexity of Jewish perspectives on the Bible. The podcast covers the nature and significance of the Bible, responses within Judaism to modernity, the theory of revelation, debates on interpretation, interactions between ancient documents, understanding and shaping Jewish law, the importance of humility in religious beliefs, and commonalities between Jewish and Christian ideas about God.

Pete Enns discusses ancient Israelite belief in many gods but worship of only Yahweh. Exploring monolatry vs. monotheism in Old Testament. Examining Yahweh's supremacy in Exodus over Egyptian gods. Comparing Job's story and Israel's evolving understanding of monotheism. Emphasizing cultural context in Bible interpretation for spiritual connection.

New Testament scholar Daniel Kirk joins us this week to discuss the humanity of Jesus and why that shouldn't be obscured. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices