Search the Scriptures Live

The Bible relies heavily on oral tradition, even though it is written. Why is that the case? How did early Christians learn about Jesus? How did they interact with Scriptures, and what role did oral tradition play in the Church? Is oral tradition reliable, and if so, how?

The concept that God actually gets angry and has similar human emotions and traits is not only theologically incorrect but spiritually damaging. This week, we hear from both listeners and the Fathers as we continue to discuss biblical language when it must not be taken literally.

The discussion explores why God exhibits human-like qualities in scripture, emphasizing these traits help us relate to the divine. Ancient views of gods are contrasted with modern understanding, illustrating God’s loving nature. Insights from the church fathers clarify that divine anger is an expression of love, not human passion. The interpretations of biblical language reveal God's presence and intentions, while addressing cultural contexts and misconceptions about divine names and other 'gods'. Eventually, the theme of equality in creation is highlighted through the story of Eve.

This discussion challenges common perceptions of God's anger and jealousy, highlighting how biblical language often reflects human limitations. The podcast delves into divine immutability, clarifying that God does not change. Christ’s emotions humanize his story, yet his divine nature remains constant. Listeners learn how scriptural phrases accommodate our understanding and that God's love transcends human passions. The conversation encourages repentance and mutual care, urging us to rethink our relationship with the divine.

The human language of the Bible is entirely inadequate to express truths about God. Many descriptive words cannot be understood literally, such as God becoming angry. We must accept this limitation to have correct concepts about God and a deeper understanding of the Bible.

The Fathers shared certain basic assumptions about the Bible, including the belief that every detail in the Bible had a useful spiritual purpose. Even the most ordinary passage can convey deep insights if properly interpreted.

Did God dictate the Bible word for word? That idea makes inspiration easy to understand, but is very problematic, not to mention simplistic and naive. The ancient Christian view of the Fathers was deep, sophisticated, and reflected the highest regard for the human person.

Our connection to the early Church is clearly evident in our interpretation of the Bible. Why is the Orthodox method of biblical interpretation so important? Why does it work, and how does it work? We will compare Chrysostom and Augustine as bishops and biblical interpreters.

Many methods of modern biblical interpretation have distorted the Bible, and this trend has only worsened. How did these perspectives gain a foothold in universities and society? How has Orthodoxy preserved the correct interpretation of the Bible from the early Church?

The modern era has led to advancements in biblical studies, but also to numerous controversies resulting from modern biblical criticism. What is "biblical criticism" and does it have any benefits? How does the Orthodox Church understand the Bible and its interpretation?