The Third Hour Podcast

Somewhere around the halfway mark of Leviticus, the tone changes to an entirely different legal and cosmological perspective. Meet the Holiness Code! Join the Third Hour Podcast as we discuss the identity and aims of the code's author, along with some bonus child sacrifice and jubilee years.

Leviticus isn't often considered very exciting. We're determined to fix that! Between the identity and mindset of the book's first author, the difference between cleanliness and sin, and whatever is going on with the scapegoat, there's plenty to learn on this week's episode of the Third Hour Podcast.

When Moses comes down the mountain, he's greeted by the graven image of a golden calf. Join the Third Hour Podcast as we examine Aaron's culpability in this idolatry, the ensuing discussion between God and Moses, what this story can teach us about its author's politics, and, in the end, how Exodus affects our approach to the divine.

This week, the Third Hour Podcast discusses the blueprints for the Tabernacle! No, really, that's what we're talking about. Bonus: a brief discussion about the meaning of "sin."

Now that the Children of Israel have escaped Egypt, their minds turn to the business of survival. Manna and quail, water from the ground, and battles with neighboring tribes all demand attention. For Moses, however, it's time to climb the mountain and receive instructions from God.

When Moses and the Children of Israel are finally permitted to leave Egypt, they strike out along an unusual route—after some plunder, of course. This week on the Third Hour Podcast, we discuss the history of the Passover, the parting of the Reed Sea, and, most importantly, how we react when we encounter a God we don't recognize in scripture.

Now when Israel was in Egypt land, oppressed so hard they could not stand, so the Lord said, "Go down, Moses, way down Egypt land, tell old Pharaoh to let my people go." You know the rest. But have you considered some of the story's peculiarities? Join the Third Hour Podcast as we discuss hardened hearts, poetic structure, whether God harms the innocent to prove something to the gui...

As we enter the Book of Exodus, the state of affairs has changed in Egypt. As the Children of Israel suffer in captivity, a child is saved by water and grows into a man concerned with justice. When he encounters a burning bush in the wilderness, his life trajectory is altered to encompass the liberation of his people. Join the Third Hour Podcast to discuss Moses, dangerous encounters with divinity...

Joseph has come a long way. Now working as Pharaoh's governor, Joseph uses his newfound influence to play tricks on his brothers and ultimately reunite with his family. Meanwhile, the Third Hour Podcast discusses his divination cup, the implications of his governorship on Egypt, and the blessings and prophecies offered by Jacob.

Poor Joseph. Poor, poor Joseph. Sold into slavery in Egypt, tempted by Potiphar's wife (really?), and thrown into a dungeon. Meanwhile, Pharaoh has dreams and Judah reneges on his responsibilities to Tamar. How will these stories resolve? Find out right here on the Third Hour Podcast.

The trickster is tricked! Jacob meets Rachel, marries Leah (and then Rachel), wrestles with a stranger, and returns home. If only his troubles ended there.

With Abraham's uncertain relationships behind us, the Third Hour Podcast dives into some of the most pronounced contrasts in the entire Book of Genesis: the vibrant Rebecca, the absent Isaac, and their quarreling children Esau and Jacob.

Today on the Third Hour Podcast, we discuss Abraham's debate with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, the particularities of the "sin of Sodom," the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, and that promise's uncomfortable fallout. What a week!

The Era of the Patriarchs opens with an obscure but skilled herdsman named Abram, who will in time become many things: warlord, father to nations, recipient of God's covenant. Or is that covenants, plural? Today on the Third Hour Podcast, we investigate Abram's identity, the nature of God's favor, an influential supporting character named Melchizedek, and the uncomfortable sexual po...

Join the Third Hour Podcast as we read about a series of unfortunate events that beset early humankind: the murder of Abel by Cain, a great flood, and the collapse of the tower of Babel.

Did you know Genesis opens with two contrasting accounts of creation? It's true! Today on the Third Hour Podcast, we examine the second account, including its parallels to the Epic of Gilgamesh.

As we begin the third season of the Third Hour Podcast, we discuss the first of two creation accounts in Genesis — and what we hope to accomplish through our study of the Hebrew Bible.

The Third Hour Podcast is taking a break! We might be back next year. Until then, thank you for joining us in our investigation of the New Testament and Book of Mormon.

At long last, we've reached the end of the Book of Mormon. Join us as we discuss testimony, doubt, action, and Moroni's promise.

As Mormon and Moroni exchange high counselor talks, the Third Hour Podcast discusses bitter fountains, charity, and child baptism.

As we enter the first few chapters of Moroni — which also happen to be some of the Book of Mormon's most prescriptive — the Third Hour Podcast asks about the essential portions of various ordinances and how we can see to the welfare of souls in the Church.

As the Book of Ether concludes with another series of cataclysmic battles, the Third Hour Podcast discusses the function of recounting so many fights, some ambiguity in discussing faith and grace, and the difficulties in comparing the Book of Mormon and the New Testament.

Begetting and battling — the two pastimes of the Jaredites. Join us as we discuss Jaredite religion, historical models, and how we approach ancient documents.

The Book of Ether presents a number of new questions, especially as the Brother of Jared prays for guidance and receives salvation through his knowledge. The Third Hour Podcast discusses the Tower of Babel, the function of Ether's inclusion of genealogy, the specifics of prayer, salvation through knowledge, and the possible inclusion of Gnostic and Sumerian religion in the Book of Mormon.

As we read Mormon's last words and get to know Moroni better, we also discuss the interactions between the Bible and Book of Mormon, and give our individual takes on what it means to "condemn not."