The Bible For Normal People

309 Episodes

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[Bible] Episode 268: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Chronicles

2024-04-1501:01:15

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete makes the case for why you shouldn’t skip 1 and 2 Chronicles after slogging through Samuel and Kings. He explores the Chronicler’s distinct theology, uncovers themes of hope and divine sovereignty, and explains what Chronicles reveals about ancient Israelites’ ideas about God. Show Notes → ********** This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/bnp and get on your way to being your best self. ********** This episode is sponsored by Fast Growing Trees. This Spring they have the best deals online, up to half off on select plants and other deals. And listeners to our show get an additional 15% off their first purchase when using the code NORMALPEOPLE at checkout. That’s an additional 15% off at FastGrowingTrees.com using the code NORMALPEOPLE at checkout. Offer is valid for a limited time, terms and conditions may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 267: Jamal-Dominique Hopkins - Sacrifice in the Dead Sea Scrolls

2024-04-0841:23

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and co-host Cynthia Shafer-Elliott learn from Jamal-Dominique Hopkins about the history of sacrifice in the Qumran community and the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls in understanding Judaism during the Second Temple period, exploring the interplay of tradition and innovation in ancient Jewish communities. 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. ********** This episode is sponsored by Fast Growing Trees. This Spring they have the best deals online, up to half off on select plants and other deals. And listeners to our show get an additional 15% off their first purchase when using the code NORMALPEOPLE at checkout. That’s an additional 15% off at FastGrowingTrees.com using the code NORMALPEOPLE at checkout. Offer is valid for a limited time, terms and conditions may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 266: Candida Moss - Enslaved People & the Making of the Bible

2024-03-2543:11

Whose contributions to the production of the Bible have been historically overlooked? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared have a fascinating conversation with Candida Moss about enslavement in the Roman Empire, challenging our perception of biblical authorship and shedding light on the roles of enslaved people as scribes and translators of ancient texts. 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] Episode 265: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins 2 Kings

2024-03-1101:09:10

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete is back to his usual antics ruining a book of the Bible. This time he’s conquering 2 Kings, uncovering the historical context, socio-political influences, and bigger picture of the biblical narrative as told through the text. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 264: Aaron Higashi - Five Things You Need to Know About 1 & 2 Samuel

2024-02-2642:12

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Aaron Higashi joins Pete to talk about five key points in understanding 1 & 2 Samuel—and why our reading of this biblical tragedy doesn’t have to be tragic. Show Notes → ***** This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BNP and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 263: Bart Ehrman - The Gospels & Historical Reliability

2024-02-1246:04

We’re back for our eighth season of the podcast! In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman joins Pete and Jared to discuss the historical reliability of the Gospels, highlighting the roles of oral tradition, authorial bias, and contradictions within the texts. 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. ********** This episode is sponsored by Factor Meal Kits. Head to www.factormeals.com/normalpeople50 and use code normalpeople50 to get 50% off. ********** This episode is sponsored by Fast Growing Trees. Right now, they have the best deals online, up to half off on select plants. Listeners get an additional 15% off when using the code NORMALPEOPLE at checkout. Head to FastGrowingTrees.com and use code NORMALPEOPLE at checkout. Offer valid for a limited time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 262: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - Pete & Jared Aren’t Trying to Ruin Christmas (This Time)

2023-12-1845:58

Join us for the final episode of The Bible for Normal People Season 7 as Pete and Jared end the year on an easy note by tackling the cultural, historical, and societal context of the birth of Jesus as found in the Bible. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 261: Ekaputra Tupamahu - Speaking in Tongues

2023-12-0438:461

Is the phenomenon of speaking in tongues purely ecstatic or purely linguistic? Join Pete and Jared in this episode of The Bible for Normal People as guest Ekaputra Tupamahu analyzes the history and interpretation of speaking in tongues in the Bible, exploring how this understanding has influenced modern Pentecostal and charismatic movements. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 260: Jacob L. Wright - Why the Bible Came to Be

2023-11-2036:35

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jacob L. Wright joins Pete and Jared to discuss the origins of the Hebrew Bible, moving beyond just the “how” and asking the deeper question of “why” the Bible began, revealing the quest to unite a people group in the midst of defeat. Show Notes → ********** This episode is sponsored by Aura Frames, creators of the digital photo frame named the #1 digital picture frame by Wirecutter, The Strategist, and Wired. Recommended by Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and high-end home design publications. From now through Black Friday and Cyber Monday visit AuraFrames.com and get 40 dollars off their best-selling Carver Mat frame with the code NORMALPEOPLE. This is their best deal of the year, so get yours now! Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 259: Robyn Whitaker - The Book of Revelation

2023-11-0641:37

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Robyn Whitaker to discuss the themes, movements, and symbolism found within the book of Revelation, as well as the various ways the text has been interpreted (and misinterpreted) throughout Christian history. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 258: Marc Brettler & Alan Lenzi - The Problem of Evil (Part 1)

2023-10-2355:16

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Marc Brettler and Alan Lenzi join Pete and Jared to discuss the context of evil in the Bible and other ancient Mesopotamian texts, giving insight into how people thousands of years ago wrestled with divine sovereignty and human suffering. This is the first of two episodes on the problem of evil—don’t miss part two on Faith for Normal People as Pete and Jared discuss theological frameworks with Tom Oord. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 257: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins 1 Kings

2023-10-0901:01:39

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, our resident destroyer Pete is on a mission to ruin the book of 1 Kings by delving into the historical context and narrative themes of this ancient text which marks the beginning of the end of Israel’s monarchy. 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. ********** This episode is sponsored by Garrett Theological Seminary. If you want to take the next step in your education, you can study in person or online at Garrett. Apply before November 15th, and you could be eligible for a minimum 65% scholarship, up to 100% of tuition. Visit Garrett.edu/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 256: Barbara Leung Lai - The Inner Life of Biblical Characters

2023-09-2545:04

Nerd alert—we’re diving into biblical studies in this episode of The Bible for Normal People as Pete and Jared talk with Barbara Leung Lai about her work studying the inner life of characters in the Hebrew Bible. Combining psychological exegesis, perspectives of personality, and Bakhtinian views of polyphony and dialogism, Barbara helps give Bible readers insight into what biblical characters might have thought and felt. 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. ********** This episode is sponsored by Garrett Theological Seminary. If you want to take the next step in your education, you can study in person or online at Garrett. Apply before November 15th, and you could be eligible for a minimum 65% scholarship, up to 100% of tuition. Visit Garrett.edu/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 255: John Dominic Crossan - The Other Gospels

2023-09-1148:14

Pete and Jared are joined by renowned scholar John Dominic “Dom” Crossan in this episode of The Bible for Normal People as they take a tour of the gospels that didn’t make the cut for the New Testament. Together they explore three different types of non-canonical gospels and what those texts can teach us about the creation of the Bible. Show Notes → ********** This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/bnp and get on your way to being your best self. ********** 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] Episode 254: Richard Kalmin - The Talmud

2023-08-2834:24

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Richard Kalmin about the origins and history of the Talmud, why it was written, and how the text has functioned not just within Jewish history, but also in various modern denominations of Judaism. Show Notes → ********** This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/bnp and get on your way to being your best self. ********** 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] Episode 253: Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams - The Book of Ruth

2023-08-1441:35

We’re uncovering more than Boaz’s feet in this episode of The Bible for Normal People as Judy Fentress-Williams joins Pete and Jared to take a historical-critical look at the symbolism, cultural context, and subversive embrace of the other within the book of Ruth. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 252: Steed Davidson - The Bible’s Ambivalence Toward Empire

2023-07-3143:26

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Steed Davidson joins Pete and Jared to explain the origin of postcolonial biblical studies, the outcome of reading Scripture through a postcolonial lens, and how ancient empires could have used the biblical text to endorse their own imperialism. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 251: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins 2 Samuel

2023-07-1753:04

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, we continue on the ruinous journey through the Deuteronomistic History as our troop leader Pete fearlessly guides us through the book of 2 Samuel. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 250: Safwat Marzouk - The Bizarre Book of Ezekiel

2023-07-0344:21

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Safwat Marzouk joins Pete and Jared for a deep dive into the book of Ezekiel, exploring its historical and geopolitical context, the dual callings of Ezekiel as priest and prophet, and how holiness and justice aren’t at odds when it comes to faithfulness as God’s people. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 249: Shannon T.L. Kearns - Reading Scripture as a Transgender Christian

2023-06-1936:48

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared talks with Father Shannon T.L. Kearns, cofounder of Queer Theology, about engaging with Scripture as a transgender Christian, finding a better way to address clobber passages, and why reading the Bible from the margins is imperative for interpreting the biblical text honestly. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comments (37)

ID28773541

This was a great discussion. Just to note that there are many people who have a disability who are “able-bodied”. It is important to consider all disabilities when you are talking about someone who does not have one. There are probably many people that you know who have disability (potentially an invisible one) and an able body.

Feb 21st

James Wheeler

fantastic episode. thanks.

May 22nd

John Rupe

Jeff talked about grieving over the loss of an industry. Bruce Springstien immediately came to mine "This is Your Hometown." Much of popular culture deals with mourning, but the church doesn't

May 3rd

ID23045913

If an entity is not worthy of worship, can it be considered a god? I’d need some convincing examples of that to buy what’s being sold here.

Apr 21st

Mike Easley

"look Pharoah, just a three hour tour..."

Apr 15th

In regards to the point of Adam as a metaphor for Israel, monarchy, and exile: Does the monarchy period composition complicate this reading since the exile had not yet taken place?

Feb 23rd

I landed here after reading something criticizing C.S. Lewis over a rejection of penal substitution. I really enjoyed this episode and learned a lot.

Feb 17th

Cheriet

Mr. Vines' scholarship on the whole is severely lacking. Loader's work is much more compelling.

Apr 16th

kim labreche

not sure that I agree that this book of Job was written later or over a period of time. God's Word will often use language or terms before they are used in general practice or culture

Jan 10th

Reply (1)

Lina L.

Hi! I love your conversations and insights. My 10 years old son is so fascinated by the Rick Riordan series of Greek, Egyptian and Norse mythology narrated in such a dynamic and live way that he is no longer appealed the same way for childish or dull versions of the Bible...Is there any version that you could recommend for him and my 7 years old daughter?

Aug 25th

Michelle Monks

Love this, thank you Brooke, the world needs fo hear your voice, particularly us in Australia. We are connected.

Jul 5th

Pavle Trajkovski

Big up for the cat who kept voicing her opinion throughout the episode! 😁

May 25th

Bianca Blackstone

so this podcast is God ordained. but the bible isnt spirit breathed?

Mar 6th

Jennifer Lawrence

I was also part of the purity generation. Listening your story inclines me to believe the movement was much MUCH more intensive than it was in Arkansas. All youth groups were doing it with the ring and signing of the pledge with some pointed sermons thrown in. What you describe sounds like you were in a more fanatical environment than most. FLDS for example. I am in no way scarred from having been taught sex before marriage isn't what God intended and support keeping that in youth group curriculum.

Jan 31st

Lowell Hennigs

wonderful conversation. the words we use shape our expectations and imagination. using the language of healing and recovery with grief and mourning risks making grief an illness, particularly a mental illness. I prefer language of growth, integration, reconciliation and other metaphors that acknowledge that loss changes me and the world irrevocably.

Oct 20th

Alex St.Onge

"what it means to read the Bible well," *proceeds to read it poorly*

Oct 3rd

KELLEY FARM Az

best episode yet so much truth here

Sep 16th

Amber Marie

This is fascinating!

Jul 3rd

I love his laugh. It's so sweet and genuine.

Jun 30th

Mikezzz749

Well, here's the answer to my question. These guys don't think the Bible is factually true. They think the Bible is good advice how to live life. So, are you Christians? Do you believe in Jesus? You don't believe in the Bible. ...I'm unclear why Jonah or Job are instantly discarded. If you believe that God created the heavens and the earth, and there are extremely good reasons for believing in our intelligent design, then why would it be so hard for God who created everything to do a miracle? It's a much smaller task for God. Why specifically do you not believe in the Bible?

Jun 28th

#box-pro-ellipsis-171342652403873{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Bible For Normal People

ID28773541

James Wheeler

John Rupe

ID23045913

Mike Easley

Mike Easley

Mike Easley

Cheriet

kim labreche

Lina L.

Michelle Monks

Pavle Trajkovski

Bianca Blackstone

Jennifer Lawrence

Lowell Hennigs

Alex St.Onge

KELLEY FARM Az

Amber Marie

Amber Marie

Mikezzz749