The Bible For Normal People

Adil Hussain Khan, Islamic scholar specializing in interreligious dialogue, joins Pete and Jared to discuss the story of Abraham in Islam, differences between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, and the effectiveness of interreligious dialogue.

Guest Ekaputra Tupamahu analyzes the history and interpretation of speaking in tongues in the Bible. They discuss its origins, its importance in the early church, and its association with the Church of Corinth. The phenomenon's connection to language, including personal experiences and struggles faced by immigrants, is explored. The contrasting views of language as divine or stemming from human emotion is discussed. The chapter also looks into how the early Christian movement handled multilingualism.

Pádraig Ó Tuama, Irish poet and theologian, joins hosts Pete Enns and Jared Byas to explore the Bible through the lens of poetry. They discuss the relationship between poetry and theology, interpretations and cultural contexts of biblical texts, personal connection to Christianity and Catholicism, the power of imagination and wonder, and the role of curiosity and embracing different perspectives in interpreting the biblical story.

Expert on the origins of the Hebrew Bible, Jacob L. Wright, discusses why the Bible began as a way to unite a people group in the midst of defeat. The podcast explores an alternate perspective on the origins of the Bible, the power dynamics behind its creation, the presence of defeat in Torah and the Exodus story, and the role of women in the Bible and its impact on origins and reception.

Guest Grace Ji-Sun Kim discusses how theology impacts marginalized communities and the theology of visibility. They explore the problematic aspects of the Bible, understanding visibility and intersectionality in oppression, the enrichment of theology through personal storytelling, the interconnectedness of theology and biography, and the subjectivity of theological interpretation.

Robyn Whitaker, an expert on the book of Revelation, joins Pete and Jared to discuss its themes and interpretations. They explore symbols like the Trinity, seven seals, and judgment of Babylon. Different modes of interpretation, including Preterist and literalistic views, are covered. They also talk about resources for understanding the book, such as commentaries, Bible study, and an upcoming book titled 'Revelation for Normal People'.

In part two of our series on the problem of evil, Jared and Pete talk with Tom Oord about why people struggle to reconcile evil and suffering with a good God, theological solutions to the problem throughout history, and how process theology offers a different view of God’s power. Show Notes →**********This episode is sponsored by Lumi. To learn more about microdosing THC, go to Microdose.com and use code NORMALPEOPLE to get free shipping and 30% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bible scholars Marc Brettler and Alan Lenzi join the hosts to discuss the problem of evil in the Bible and ancient Mesopotamian texts. They explore the assumption that suffering is caused by flaws in individuals and discuss ancient perspectives on suffering and God's justice. The podcast also delves into the concept of evil in the Bible, different views of God, and the influence of ancient world traditions on biblical prayer.

Attachment theory and its impact on perceptions of God are discussed in this episode. The speakers explore the intersection of psychology, attachment theory, and faith, reflecting on how early relationships shape attachment styles and beliefs about God. They also delve into the concept of God's emotions and question traditional beliefs about divine impassibility. Practical steps for relating to God and others are provided, and the influence of attachment styles on relationships and spirituality is explored.

Guest Pete Enns, resident destroyer, ruins the book of 1 Kings by exploring its historical context and narrative themes. Topics include proper worship and national tragedy, the structure and events of 1 Kings, grammatical connections between the golden calf and Jeroboam's calves, the prophecy of Josiah and the troubled kingship of Jeroboam, and the distinction between Elijah and Moses in the Bible.