The Bible as Literature

This week Fr. Paul explains the importance of the parallel between the Hebrew words Tohu wa-bohu and ʻâphâr in Genesis. (Episode 168) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Paschal Greetings from the Bible as Literature Podcast.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In the inaugural episode of Vexed, Andrea explains the meaning of the program's title. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom rallies excitement among Orthodox Christians every Easter. We are called to "rejoice together – rich and poor, sober and slothful" – a poignant reminder for those who quibble over divisions among us today. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In the film Avengers: Infinity War, the story’s arch-villain, Thanos, destroys one-half of humanity with the snap of a finger. In the Book of Genesis, and later, in the Gospel of Matthew, one-half of humanity is threatened, not by an arch-villain, but by God himself. This mechanism, in which God undermines instead of lifting up, in which heroes fall instead of rising, is the Bible’s literary bulwa...

This week, Fr. Paul takes the opportunity of our questions to stress the difference between the Hebrew terms ṣaddîq and yāḵaḥ. (Episode 167) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s been nearly two millennia since Matthew’s Gospel was written—that’s roughly 80 generations. Every 25 years, for the last 2000 years, every generation has been warned about the end, but the end has not yet come.  So what does Jesus mean when he says, “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place”? Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:32-35. Episod...

In the Bible, Fr. Paul explains, Abe is not honest, the nations look good, and (sorry Plato) life is not about you. (Episode 166) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

As Matthew 24 consolidates the fall of Jerusalem (and therefore, the fall of Rome) the centrality of St. Paul’s teaching of the Cross comes clearly into view. The glory of God’s Kingdom can only be present to us through the destruction of human infrastructure and might. Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:29-31. Episode 376 Matthew 24:29-31; Music: Edm Detection Mode by Kevin MacLeod Link: htt...

Today, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 20, noting functional parallels with the Roman household in the New Testament. (Episode 165) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In Matthew’s gospel, it’s the teaching you follow that controls how you understand what you see. So when “false Christs and false prophets arise and show great signs and wonders,” your only hope is to hear what Jesus told you in advance: the truth is not out there. “On the contrary, the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may follow it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14) Richard and...

In this week’s program, Fr. Paul takes questions on Genesis 19 dealing with the action of Lot’s daughters and the trap of reading in translation. (Episode 164) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It is human instinct to nest before giving birth, pack before a trip, and plan around bad weather. Safety, supplies, and comfort are the hallmarks of city life—or so we tell ourselves. But what to do when destruction comes? When human nesting instincts can’t save a nursing mother, and you don’t have time to grab your supplies? Leave the city, Matthew exclaims, and follow Jesus into the wilderness....

In today’s program, Fr. Paul notes the interplay between Genesis and Ezekiel and the remembrance of God’s promise to Abraham. (Episode 163) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Power and ideology are joined at the hip. There’s no point in saying “religious” ideology since (and let’s be honest with ourselves) all ideology in all its forms—secular or otherwise—is religion predicated on fear. Will we have enough? Will we be safe? Will we suffer? In Matthew, the answer is clear: God will provide what you need, you may not be safe, and you will likely suffer. Your fear of the...

This week, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 19, explaining God’s just judgment in the story. (Episode 162) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When we refer to an interpretation or discuss interpretation theories, we do so to claim authority over the text or to avoid accountability. A written text in any language says what it says. You need only see with your eyes what is written on the pages. Note the use of the plural: “pages.” You have to take it all in, over and over again, paying close attention to the original languages. The act of...

This week, Fr. Paul concludes Genesis 18 noting the self-righteousness of Abraham. (Episode 161) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s tempting to think that the study of literature—the discipline of hearing and understanding the written word—is more accessible than the so-called “hard sciences.” Our collective laziness bolsters this ill-conceived but commonly held view. Unlike Semitic languages, anyone can pronounce English words correctly without analyzing grammar or syntax. This basic fact enables an army of post-modern c...

In this week’s episode Fr. Paul begins his reading of Genesis 18. (Episode 160) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It is practically impossible for human beings to consider any question without worrying about what’s in it for them. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for us, the Lord’s teaching in Matthew disallows this question. Jesus blows past the many anxious and self-involved human questions to posit the post-apocalyptic, divine premise of Genesis: everything created is already returning to the dust. Based on...

This week, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Genesis 17. (Episode 159) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Heralding his Father’s Kingdom, Jesus bookends the conquest of Jerusalem in Matthew with the same words that announced his entrance: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Ending this section with a warning: “from now on you will not see me until you say” Matthew’s gospel extends God’s mercy to Jerusalem one last time. All of us have one final chance to confess our unrighteousness; One...

In today’s program, Fr. Paul explains that circumcision was given to undermine Hellenistic culture. (Episode 158) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Whether fighting for your values or fighting for justice, Matthew’s gospel begs the question: who are you fighting? In human narratives—egotistical by nature—you are the good guy, fighting your enemy. This compelling personal narrative, born of ego and shaped by your experience, is a rejection of God. In Scripture, you, yourself, are the Lord’s enemy.  Instead of trying to bring the Bible to your...