Bad Books of the Bible

Fr. Alexis Kouri of the Daily Orthodox Scriptures podcast reads to us from the Wisdom of Solomon in preparation for Jamey's and Joel's discussion of this passage in the next episode.

God makes promises to those who pursue wisdom and trust in him, but the foolishness of the ungodly is even worse than at first glance.

Fr. Alexis Kouri of the Daily Orthodox Scriptures podcast reads to us from the Wisdom of Solomon in preparation for Jamey's and Joel's discussion of this passage in the next episode.

Joel and Jamey get into the two paths laid out before everyone: wisdom and folly.

Fr. Alexis Kouri of the Daily Orthodox Scriptures podcast reads to us from the Wisdom of Solomon in preparation for Jamey and Joel's discussion of this passage in the next episode.

“Bad” Books of the Bible is back with a new series on the Wisdom of Solomon, one of the church fathers’ best-loved, most-quoted books from the so-called Apocrypha.

Rediscover a little classic of penitential devotion, used by Christians across traditions and throughout the centuries.

How should readers understand the violence of 1 Maccabees or the Old Testament in general? We close out our conversation with several tough cases.

How should readers understand the violence of 1 Maccabees or the Old Testament in general? We introduce the problem and some sticky passages.

Jamey Bennett and Joel Miller discuss their key takeaways from 1 Maccabees and answer listener questions.

The intrigue continues, and the story comes full circle as we meet yet another Antiochus and end up back in Modein. Plus, we discuss the significance of history and the role of of the one telling the story.

We take a few minutes to review the story. Then, the primary drama comes to a close as Simon ascends the throne, expels the enemy, and wins freedom for the Jews.

Jonathan navigates the perils of Greek politics and runs aground. Plus: History has layers!

Theron Mathis, author of The Rest of the Bible, discusses the ongoing relevance of the so-called Apocrypha in church and devotional life with Joel and Jamey.

Jonathan plays Syrian politics and wins big. Plus, we take a deep dive into Jewish festivals, just in time for Hanukkah.

Alcimus, a compromising priest, takes the stage; Judas gets the band back together; and Israel allies with Rome. Plus: How the heck did everyone get around back then?

Antiochus the Madman dies, the Seleucids loosen their grip, and the Jews take another step toward freedom. Bonus: Joel provides some background with a sketch of Seleucid history.

A look inside some of our favorite books for studying the so-called Apocrypha. Plus: How did ancient Jews access the Torah?

Judas Maccabeus takes charge, earns his nickname “The Hammer,” and rededicates the Temple. Plus, what do ugly Hanukkah sweaters have to do with repelling foreign invaders?

Mattathias refuses participation in pagan worship and starts a revolt—before dying and leaving his sons in charge. Joel Miller and Jamey Bennett also take an excursion on the canon of Scripture among Ethiopian Christians and Jews.

“Bad” Books of the Bible returns with an essential chapter in Jewish history. 1 Maccabees 1 covers the rise of tyrant and “madman” Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Jews that tried to accommodate Greek dominance, and the start of resistance.

Bad Books of the Bible is back, introducing a book that sets the historical and cultural stage for the New Testament world of Jesus and the Apostles.

We chat with Orthodox priest and author Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon on the Bible’s place in human life and imagination.

We chat with the renowned Jewish New Testament scholar about the themes of Tobit, its historical context, and contemporary applications. Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies (among other things) at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Graduate Department of Religion, and Department of Jewish Studies; she is also Affiliated Professor, Woolf Institute, Centre for th...

But wait there’s more! Joel and Jamey answer listener questions, revisit a few themes of Tobit, and announce some bonus interviews in the next couple of weeks!