The Bible For Normal People

Kent Sparks, historian and Old Testament professor, discusses the origins of the Israelites and questions the historical accuracy of the Bible. The podcast explores the Canaanite origins theory, the origins of Yahweh, evidence for battles in ancient Israel, and emphasizes the theological complexity within the Bible. It also discusses the concept of projecting God and the value of scripture in guiding conversations back to God.

Teaching the Bible to children can be quite a challenge. The hosts explore the tension between children's simple comprehension and complex theological ideas using Noah's story as a prime example. They advocate for a curriculum that centers on Jesus and promote the idea of children enjoying stories without the pressure of literal interpretations. Honest dialogue about tough questions fosters curiosity, while teaching context and nuance helps avoid a fear-based understanding. Finally, they emphasize the importance of self-awareness in parents as children navigate their own faith journeys.

On this week's episode of The Bible for Normal People, we speak with 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

On this week's episode, we talk with Mike McHargue about science and faith. Mike is the author of Finding God in The Waves and the host of two popular podcasts, The Liturgist Podcast and Ask Science Mike. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's podcast is a discussion of the state of the Bible in the mainline church with Old Testament scholar and theologian Walter Brueggemann. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, we speak with Rachel Held Evans on unraveling and re-raveling the Bible. Rachel has written three best-selling books exploring her evolving journey of faith. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode we have Fr. Richard Rohr to talk about a contemplative approach to the Bible. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode we talk to Rob Bell. He is the author of the upcoming book What Is The Bible? and the controversial New York Times Best-Seller Love Wins.Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the introduction to Bible for Normal People: The Only God Ordained Podcast on The Internet. Serious Talk About the Sacred Book with Pete Enns and Jared Byas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices