It Means What It Means

Science fiction and fantasy writer Adrian Tchaikovsky discusses his series The Tyrant Philosophers , exploring themes of colonialism, morality, and the lives of ordinary people amidst grand historical events. He delves into character development, particularly focusing on the character Yasnic, who embodies passive resistance and moral integrity. Tchaikovsky also shares insights on world-building, t...

Kyle Hughes discusses his work on prosopological exegesis and its significance in early Christianity. He explains how early church fathers interpreted scripture, focusing on key figures like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen. The dialogue explores the challenges of reading biblical texts through an historical-critical lens and the importance of understanding the church's tradition in...

This conversation explores the concept of manumission in ancient Mediterranean societies, particularly during the New Testament era. Chance Bonar (a contributor to the book Ancient Slavery and its New Testament Contexts ) discusses the various types of manumission, the complex relationship between freedom and manumission, and the challenges faced by enslaved individuals seeking to purchase their f...

Timothy A Lee discusses his article from the Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha, “ Jude’s Use of A Kaige Edition of Enochic Scripture .” He talks about his academic journey from mathematics to biblical studies, ultimately focusing his research on the proposed Kaige revision of Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible. Other resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include, works b...

Scholars Katherine Shaner and Christy Cobb discuss their collaboration as editors for the book Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts and their respective contributions. Resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include, Corinthian Democracy: Democratic Discourse in 1 Corinthians , The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism , Slavery in Early Chris...

Matthew Boedy discusses the Seven Mountains Mandate, a concept within certain evangelical circles that seeks to reclaim seven areas of cultural influence in America: government, religion, education, family, media, entertainment, and business. He explores the historical context of this movement, its key figures, and the implications for democracy and national identity. The discussion also delves in...

In this conversation, Sam Blankenship discusses her research on Persian-style historiography in the context of Ezra-Nehemiah. She explores the contributions of Arnaldo Momigliano to historiography, the definition of history, and the role of charts in historical documentation. The discussion delves into how Persian administration influenced Jewish historiography and the dual nature of historical na...

Andrew Rillera discusses his book Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrificial Understandings of Jesus’s Death , exploring the multifaceted nature of sacrifice in Christianity, particularly focusing on Jesus' death and its significance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding sacrifice beyond traditional interpretations, advocating for a framework of solidarity and participation. The...

Elizabeth Arnold shares her journey from a New Testament scholar to a minister within the Baptist tradition ( Cooperative Baptist Fellowship ). She discusses her experiences at Candler School of Theology, her views on the radical roots of Baptists, and the importance of individualism in American faith. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for democratizing theological education and making biblical langua...

Reed Carlson discusses his Journal of Biblical Literature article “Spirit Possession and Intimate Partner Violence in the Law of Jealousy.” He delves into the social dynamics of jealousy and how they relate to intimate partner violence (IPV). The discussion highlights the importance of understanding these themes within the broader framework of community and relationships in the Hebrew Bible. Carls...

Tzvi Novick, Abrams Professor of Jewish Though and Culture at the University of Notre Dame, discusses his book Judaism: A Guide for Christians . He explores the complexities of Jewish identity, the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, and the significance of rabbinic literature. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding Judaism not just as a religion but as a cultural and ethnic...

Amy Peeler discusses her book Women and the Gender of God, exploring the complexities of gender in theology, the nature of God, and the role of women in the church. She emphasizes the importance of understanding gender as it relates to divine revelation and the implications of language used to describe God. The discussion also delves into ancient perspectives on conception, the political and ontol...

Jared interviews Elesha Coffman, a professor of history at Baylor University, about her book Turning Points in American Church History . They discussed the genesis of the book, the importance of understanding contingency in history, and the idiosyncratic approach Coffman takes in her analysis of pivotal events. The conversation also delves into the complexities of American Protestantism, the polit...

Alicia Batten, a professor of New Testament early Christianity, discusses her article “Courtroom Theatrics in the Letter of James.” She explores how the text critiques wealth and partiality, drawing parallels to ancient courtroom settings and the importance of community mediation in legal disputes. Batten also delves into the significance of various aspects of ancient cultures, particularly focusi...

Bruce Gordon discusses his book The Bible: A Global History. He emphasizes the Bible's evolution, the significance of its materiality, and the ongoing discussions surrounding the canon, particularly in relation to the Council of Nicaea. This conversation explores the complexities of biblical texts, their translations, and interpretations across different cultures and historical contexts. Books men...

Catalin-Stefan Popa, a research professor at the Romanian Academy, discusses his article “An Early Ḥarklean Version in a Syriac Gospel Fragmentary Manuscript (MS Or. 403)” and about his research on Syriac manuscripts. They also discuss the significance of Syriac as a language, the historical context of the manuscripts, the role of marginalia, and the importance of manuscript preservation and digi...

Jared and Barbara Thiede discusses her book Male Friendship, Homosociality, and Women in the Hebrew Bible: Malignant Fraternities, exploring the concept of homosociality in biblical narratives, particularly among male characters. She reflects on the implications of these relationships in the context of contemporary issues surrounding toxic masculinity and gender dynamics. Thiede also examines the...

Jared and Barbara Thiede discusses her book Male Friendship, Homosociality, and Women in the Hebrew Bible: Malignant Fraternities, exploring the concept of homosociality in biblical narratives, particularly among male characters. She reflects on the implications of these relationships in the context of contemporary issues surrounding toxic masculinity and gender dynamics. Thiede also examines the...

In this conversation, Jared and Tom de Bruin discuss Tom’s book Fan Fiction and Early Christian Writings: Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha and Canon . They consider the intersections of fan fiction and biblical texts, exploring how fan fiction can provide insights into the understanding of religious narratives. Tom delves into the concept of canon, the historical context of early Christian writings, and...

Anthony Pinn discusses his book What Is African American Religion? , emphasizing that religion is fundamentally about the quest for meaning and complex subjectivity rather than adherence to specific doctrines or institutions. He argues that this quest is a shared human impulse that transcends racial and cultural boundaries, shaped by social contexts and experiences. The discussion also touches on...

Don’t panic! It’s Jared’s forty-second birthday and he invited his friend Chris Tilling back to discuss Tilling’s book Paul's Divine Christology, the nature of unconditional love in Paul's writings, and the complexities of intertextual continuity and discontinuity in Paul's theology. They also examine the importance of understanding the “weirdness” of Paul and the need to approach his writings wit...

Constantine Campbell discusses his book, Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Bilical Critique of a Wayward Movement with Jared. They delve into the quadrilateral of evangelicalism, focusing on the significance of activism, the role of institutions, and the challenges posed by celebrity culture within the church. Campbell critiques the political expression of activism and emphasizes the need for a holistic un...

John Dunne is back to discuss the 1993 film The Judas Project with Jared. Their conversation explores narrative, character motivations, and the cultural and theological implications of its portrayal of Jesus, Peter, and Judas. They analyze the film's unique take on the story of Jesus in a contemporary setting, the motivations behind Judas' betrayal, and the film's overall quality and impact. The d...

In this conversation, Susan Hylen discusses book Finding Phoebe: What New Testament Women Were Really Like and her research on the roles and perceptions of women in the time when the New Testament was written. She highlights the historical context of women's property ownership, their social influence through patronage, and the virtues ascribed to them in ancient society. The discussion also delves...

Nadya Williams discusses her book Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic: Ancient Christianity and the Recovery of Human Dignity. She emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, the priceless nature of every individual, and the need for community support in times of suffering. The dialogue explores the economic implications of caregiving, the value of the elderly, and how Christianity provid...