It Means What It Means

James McGrath discusses his journey of faith, the concept of deconstruction, and the importance of love and community in reconstructing one's beliefs. He shares insights from his academic background, the challenges of dogma, and the evolving nature of Christianity in contemporary society. The discussion emphasizes the need for a positive identity in faith, the role of biblical texts, and the impac...

Ryan Stokes discusses his journey into academic ministry, focusing on his research about the figure of Satan in biblical texts. He explores the evolution of the concept of Satan, the terminology used in different texts, and the theological implications of suffering and evil. Stokes also addresses the Book of Job and its controversial perspectives, the role of the Prince of Mastema, and the broader...

Leslie Baynes discusses her book Between Interpretation and Imagination: C.S. Lewis and the Bible , exploring the intersections of Lewis' literary works and biblical scholarship. She shares her journey to writing the book, critiques Lewis's famous “Liar, Lunatic, Lord” argument, and examines the role of allegory in his writings. Baynes also delves into the biblical themes present in The Chronicles...

Michael Naylor discusses his chapter on Trinitarian missiology in the book Reading Revelation Missiologically . Naylor shares insights from his extensive research on the Book of Revelation, particularly focusing on the unique representation of the Trinity within the text. He explains how John's portrayal of the Father, Son, and Spirit is distinct from other New Testament writings, emphasizing the...

In this conversation, Taylor Petrey, a professor of religion at Kalamazoo College, discusses his work on the book 'The Bible and the Latter-day Saint Tradition.' He explores the historical context of Latter-day Saints, their engagement with biblical texts, and the evolution of their scholarship. The conversation touches on the significance of missionary work, the role of sacred texts, and the uniq...

Daniel Glover discusses his book Jesus and Other Sons of God: Luke’s Christology and Mediterranean Myth . He explores the concept of 'Son of God' in ancient contexts, the impact of Hellenism, and the definitions of divinity in the ancient world. Glover contrasts ancient and modern views of God, delves into the political implications of Jesus as Lord, and examines the portrayal of Jesus as a demigo...

In this conversation, Aaron Davis discusses his chapter in the book Disability Theology and Eschatology: Hope, Justice, and Flourishing , exploring the implications of disability within Christian thought. The conversation also addresses healthcare practices, eugenics, and the future directions of disability theology, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in theological discus...

Ed Smither discusses his work on the book Reading Revelation Missiologically: The Missionary Motive, Message, and Methods of Revelation (the fourth book in a series on scripture and mission ) and explores the themes of mission and hospitality within the context of scripture. He emphasizes the importance of understanding mission as crossing boundaries and the role of hospitality as both a means and...

In this conversation, Jonathan Sedlak discusses his background, his book on the Olivet Discourse , and his interpretation of Matthew's Gospel. He challenges traditional views of the Olivet Discourse, arguing that it pertains to first-century events rather than future eschatological predictions. Sedlak emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and literary context of the text, and h...

In this conversation, Sara Koenig discusses her book The Ten Commandments Through the Ages , focusing on the concept of reception history, which examines how biblical texts have been interpreted over time. She explores the differences in the presentation of the Ten Commandments in Exodus and Deuteronomy, the implications of apodictic and casuistic laws, and the relevance of these commandments in c...

Authors Marissa Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis discuss their book, The Myth of Good Christian Parenting , exploring the ideologies underlying Christian parenting advice, the impact of cultural narratives, and the importance of empathy and understanding in parenting. They delve into the historical context of parenting books, the role of translation in biblical texts, and the evolving conversation...

Eric Harvey discusses his recent work on creation myths, divine service, and the economic implications of ancient religious practices. He explores the differences between Mesopotamian and biblical narratives, particularly in terms of sacrifice and the needs of the divine. The discussion highlights the complexity of ancient texts and the importance of understanding them within their cultural contex...

Jennie Grillo, an Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, discusses her insights on divine embodiment in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in relation to the work of Benjamin Sommer. The conversation explores the complexities of how God is represented in biblical texts, the significance of embodiment, and the implications of time in understanding these representations. Grillo...

In this conversation, Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat (of Russet House Farm ) discuss their book Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire . In the book they explore the themes of inevitability and possibility through the lens of biblical narratives. They also emphasize the importance of living with hope and the belief that God can make the impossible possible, urging listeners to embrace a future...

David Basher discusses his research on the biblical text of 1 Samuel 16, focusing on the concept of ghosts and evil spirits in the ancient Near East. He explains the story of Saul, who is tormented by an evil spirit after being rejected as king, and explores various interpretations of Saul's condition, including psychological and supernatural explanations. The discussion also touches on the role o...

Kirk MacGregor discusses his Journal of Biblical Literature article “The Pro-Choice Biblical Ethic of American Evangelical Scholars before the Religious Right.” MacGregor’s article is focused on understanding the historical context of and changes since the 1968 Protestant Symposium on the Control of Human Reproduction. Resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include MacGregor’s book A H...

Alexiana Fry discusses her recent article from The Journal of Biblical Literature , “Don’t Feel It, Don’t Heal It: Ezekiel 24:15-27 and Divine Dissociation.” The discussion explores cultural constructs of grief, the role of authority in mourning, and the implications of dissociation as a coping mechanism. Fry emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief and healing in the context of trauma, wh...

Things are looking good for the podcast in 2026! I have been fortunate enough to record nine interviews before the year has even started!!! Enjoy these previews from:   Jonathan Sedlak: Reading Matthew, Trusting Jesus: Christian Tradition and First-Century Fulfillment within Matthew 24-25   Sara Koenig: The Ten Commandments through the Ages   Marissa Franks Burt & Kelsey Kramer McGinnis: The M...

Douglas Campbell discusses his journey through theology, focusing on the interpretation of Paul's letters, particularly Romans. He emphasizes the importance of rereading Romans 1-3 with greater emphasis on the overarching themes of love and grace found in the later chapters. Campbell critiques the traditional interpretations that lean towards a punitive understanding of God and advocates for a vie...

Peter Altmann and Caio Peres discuss their commentary on the Book of Numbers from the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. They explore the significance of biblical commentaries, the diverse perspectives brought by authors from different cultural backgrounds, and the importance of understanding the complexities of biblical texts. The conversation delves into themes such as the relevance of Numbers...

Mark Goodacre discusses his expertise in New Testament studies, focusing on the synoptic gospels and their interrelations. He challenges common misconceptions about the term 'synoptic' and emphasizes the importance of literary production over oral tradition in understanding the gospels. Goodacre argues for Markan priority and explores the unique theological perspectives and literary styles of each...

Stacia Deutsch , a children's book author and rabbi, shares her insights on Hanukkah, exploring its history, traditions, and significance in Jewish culture. She discusses the origins of Hanukkah, the miracle of the oil, and how the holiday has evolved into a time of celebration and community. Stacia also highlights the importance of charity during Hanukkah and the various cultural practices associ...

Evan Vossman shares insights into the Hebrew Bible and the complexities of biblical interpretation. He also delves into the documentary hypothesis, the role of ideology in biblical texts, and how to engage with scripture in a meaningful way. You can access his zine, Tour of the Torah, here . Other resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include E Theodore Mullen , RN Whybray , The SBL S...

Jennifer Houston McNeel sit down with Jared to talk about her book Under Her Wings: Mothers and Motherhood in the New Testament . She explores the use of maternal language, the cultural context of Greco-Roman family values, and the significance of women in biblical genealogies. The discussion also touches on the theological implications of motherhood and the role of Mary in the incarnation, highli...

Greg Carey, a New Testament scholar, discusses his book Rereading Revelation: Theology, Ethics, and Resistance. He brings his unique insights on the book of Revelation, its apocalyptic nature, and its implications for understanding Jesus and early Christian communities. He emphasizes the importance of reading Revelation as a Jewish text, the symbolism of the Lamb versus the Lion, and the ethical c...