The Bible For Normal People

341 Episodes

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[Bible] Episode 287: Julia Watts Belser - A Jewish Perspective on Disability

2024-11-1845:161

How does Judaism approach the topic of disability? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Julia Watts Belser joins Pete and Cynthia to examine how the Hebrew Bible portrays disability and how Jewish tradition engages these texts in both ancient and modern contexts. She explains what a “blemish” means in Leviticus, the rabbinic tradition of sacred interpretation, and how disability wisdom can make a better world for everybody. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 286: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Genesis (Part 4)

2024-11-1101:05:121

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete dives into the chaotic sibling soap opera of Jacob and Esau and all its trickery, questionable family dynamics, and divine wrestling matches. Pete explains how and why this ancient family drama was likely written and edited much later to make sense of Israel’s political squabbles. Show Notes → ********** This episode is brought to you by Pretty Litter. Pretty Litter sounds amazing, and we’re excited to give it a try. If you’d like to try it too, go to prettylitter.com/normalpeople to save 20% on your FIRST order and get a free cat toy. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details. ********** This episode is sponsored by Aura Frames. Named the #1 digital photo frame by Wirecutter, Aura frames are incredibly smart and easy to use. For a limited time, visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code NORMALPEOPLE at checkout. This exclusive Black Friday Cyber Monday deal is their best of the year, so don’t miss out! Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 285: Pete Enns & the Old Testament Nerds - Ask a Scholar Anything (About the Hebrew Bible)

2024-11-0450:051

Does the Hebrew Bible matter for Christians? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete is joined by Nerds-in-Residence Anna Sieges-Beal, Aaron Higashi, and Cynthia Shafer-Elliott to answer your questions about the Hebrew Bible (aka Old Testament) including the role it plays for Christians, the historical basis for events like the exodus, and the structure of biblical texts. They explore the origins of familiar stories, differing interpretations, and what these ancient writings mean for people of faith today. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 284: Jennifer G. Bird - The Myth of Biblical Marriage

2024-10-2152:281

Should Christians use the Bible as a template for a healthy marriage? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Dr. Jennifer Bird joins Jared and Angela Parker to bust the myth of “biblical” marriage. She dives into the ways scripture has been used to enforce traditional gender roles, the cultural assumptions embedded in biblical texts about marriage, sex, and property rights, and how these interpretations have influenced Christian thought. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 283: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Genesis (Part 3)

2024-10-0701:17:482

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete dives into the story of Abraham in Genesis. Pete explores Abraham’s importance as a pivotal figure in the Bible, detailing his journey, covenants with God, and major themes found in the stories about him. Through a "flyover" of Abraham's life, Pete highlights connections to other parts of the Bible and explores theological tensions for Christians today. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Bonus Episode: Jon D. Levenson - Child Sacrifice in the Bible (Part 2)

2024-09-2413:42

In this bonus episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared continue their conversation with Jon D. Levenson about the theme of child sacrifice in the Bible, focusing on how the idea evolved from ancient times into later religious traditions. They uncover how the practice became condemned while the meaning persisted through symbolic acts like substitution rituals and how its theology extended into the New Testament. Want to hear the full episode? Become a member of our online community The Society of Normal People at www.thebiblefornormalpeople.com/join. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 282: Jon D. Levenson - Child Sacrifice in the Bible (Part 1)

2024-09-2344:56

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Jon D. Levenson to discuss the complex and ancient practice of child sacrifice, focusing on biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts. Together they explore the historical, theological, and cultural significance of these sacrifices, particularly in relation to divine favor, gift-giving, and the transformation of such practices in Judaism and Christianity. You can get part two of this conversation by becoming a member of the Society of Normal People at www.thebiblefornormalpeople.com/join. Show Notes → ********** This episode is brought to you by Litter Robot! Litter-Robot by Whisker is the solution to all your litter box problems, with self-cleaning technology that automatically cleans after every use so your cats will always have a fresh bed of litter to do their business - and your friends won’t think your house smells like a litter box. Right now, Whisker is offering $75 off Litter-Robot bundles. AND, as a special offer to listeners, you can get an additional $50 off when you go to stopscooping.com/NORMALPEOPLE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 281: Madhavi Nevader - Biblical Models of Political Power

2024-09-0941:53

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Aaron Higashi talk to Madhavi Nevader about the rise and fall of monarchy in ancient Israel and its representation in the Bible. Together they explore how Israel's kingship model of power developed, the tension between divine rule and human kingship, and how the theological shifts shown in the Bible after the fall of the monarchy led to the rise of priests and prophets. 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 280: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Genesis (Part 2)

2024-09-0201:00:13

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete continues his exploration of the Book of Genesis, diving into Genesis 5-11 by examining the complexities of the genealogies and the flood narrative, defining source criticism, and more. Show Notes → ********** This episode is sponsored by Beam. If you want to try Beam’s Greens, get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/normal and use code NORMAL at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 279: Greg Carey - Apocalyptic Imagination in the Bible

2024-08-2645:31

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Greg Carey to explore the concept of apocalyptic literature within the Bible and its broader implications. Greg delves into the meaning of apocalyptic, explains the evolution of apocalyptic literature from proto-apocalyptic texts in the Old Testament to its more developed forms in Second Temple literature and the New Testament, and also addresses how apocalyptic themes might resonate with contemporary issues like political nationalism and economic exploitation. 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 Greenlight. Greenlight is a debit card and money app made for families: parents can send money to their kids and keep an eye on kids’ spending and saving, while kids and teens build money confidence and lifelong financial literacy skills. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to greenlight.com/normalpeople. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 278: Amy-Jill Levine - Who Are the Pharisees Actually?

2024-08-1241:13

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Amy-Jill Levine about misconceptions surrounding the Pharisees and how to understand them in their context. The conversation delves into the historical background of the Pharisees, their role in Jewish society, and how they have been stereotyped over time. 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 277: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Genesis (Part 1)

2024-07-2945:56

A tale as old as time…Pete is ruining the book of Genesis! In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete lovingly dissects Genesis 1-4 and the biblical story of “how things began.” 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 Greenlight. Greenlight is a debit card and money app made for families: parents can send money to their kids and keep an eye on kids’ spending and saving, while kids and teens build money confidence and lifelong financial literacy skills. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to greenlight.com/normalpeople. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 276: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - The Difference Between Biblical Studies and Theology

2024-07-1553:442

What makes biblical studies different from theology, and vice versa? Why does it matter? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared ruminate on the goals, methods, and focus of each distinct field and why it’s important to understand the difference when engaging with the Bible and faith. 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 274: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Nehemiah

2024-06-2448:481

What does Nehemiah have to teach us about the challenge of hermeneutics and theology today? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete ruins the book of Nehemiah by illuminating the key concepts, overarching themes, character arcs, and sociopolitical context found in the text; plus gives some takeaways about biblical interpretation for our time and place. Show Notes → ********** This episode is sponsored by AG1. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkAG1.com/normalpeople. That’s drinkAG1.com/normalpeople. Check it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 273: Jennifer Garcia Bashaw - What Did the Crucifixion Do? (REISSUE)

2024-06-1751:342

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jennifer Garcia Bashaw joins Pete and Jared to discuss how various atonement theories attempt to explain Jesus’s death. This is a reissue of The Bible for Normal People Episode 183 from October 2021. Show Notes → For those of you who pay attention to the show notes, you can learn more about atonement theories from Jennifer at a discounted price! Use code atonement20off to get 20% off our class "Why God Died" until June 30, 2024. ********** 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. ********** Today’s podcast is sponsored by Palmer Theological Seminary & College of Eastern University, one of the most diverse seminaries in North America. You can study online or in person in the Philadelphia suburbs at Palmer. Visit www.palmerseminary.edu for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 272: Hugo Méndez - Who Wrote John?

2024-06-0352:01

Is the biblical author John the person we think he is? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Hugo Méndez joins Jared and Jennifer Garcia Bashaw to talk about some of the theories on the authorship of the Gospel and Letters of John, diving into an alternative to the traditional ideas about who wrote the texts and the implications for how we approach the Bible as a whole. 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 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 271: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Ezra

2024-05-2054:341

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete ruins the book of Ezra by examining the themes, characters, issues, and connections found within the text; diving into the Moses-like leadership of Ezra, the historical context of the Persian empire, and Ezra’s seemingly strange opinions on intermarriage. 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 270: Charles Halton - Is God More Humanlike Than We Thought?

2024-05-0645:121

In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Charles Halton joins Pete and Jared to discuss how the Bible portrays God as being humanlike, the origin of resistance to seeing humanlike characteristics of God, and the implications of embracing this perspective. 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. Offer is valid for a limited time, terms and conditions may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Bible] Episode 269: Jack Levison - The Greek Life of Adam & Eve

2024-04-2245:20

Cain is a cannibal, Eve tells her own version of the fall of man, and the Garden of Eden has a dividing wall? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk to Jack Levison about the ancient text the Greek Life of Adam and Eve, also known as the Apocalypse of Moses, an intriguing and dramatic retelling of the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Seth, and the origin of sin. 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 268: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Chronicles

2024-04-1501:01:33

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

Comments (37)

Debbie Fuller

This isn't working on Castbox.There are only 41 seconds that play.

Oct 29th

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

#box-pro-ellipsis-17324429476956{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Bible For Normal People

Debbie Fuller

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