It Means What It Means

William Owens discusses his chapter “Literary Constructions and Stereotypes of Slavery” from the book Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts. He also discusses his academic journey and insights into the literary constructions of slavery in ancient texts. He emphasizes the importance of reading against the grain to uncover the voices of the enslaved and critiques the stereotypes and power d...

Samuel Wells is back to discuss his book Power and Passion: Six Characters in Search of Resurrection ! The book in an exploration of the intertwining themes of power, passion, and resurrection through the lens of biblical characters. Wells emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the methodology of Lectio Divina in understanding scripture. The discussion also delves into the political...

Gad Barnea discusses his research on Achaemenid Zoroastrianism and its connections to early Yahwism. He explores the historical context of Zoroastrianism, its cultic practices, and the assimilation of deities in ancient religions. Barnea also highlights significant artifacts, such as ostraca, that provide insights into the religious practices of the time. The discussion emphasizes the importance o...

Ellen De Doncker discusses her PhD dissertation A Human God?: A Comparative Analysis of Anthropomorphisms in the Hebrew and Greek Pentateuch. She outlines her research objectives, including a comparative analysis of anthropomorphic language in both texts, the challenges of defining anthropomorphism, and the role of translators in shaping the meaning of biblical texts. Ellen emphasizes the importan...

Garrick Allen and Kimberly Fowler delve into the fascinating world of biblical manuscripts, focusing on Codex H and its significance in biblical studies. They explore the intricacies of textual criticism, the role of individual manuscripts in understanding early Christianity, and the collaborative process behind their recent article. The conversation highlights the importance of manuscript termino...

Tommy Woodward discusses his Journal of Biblical Literature article “Theorizing Laughter and Ethnicity in Philo’s Embassy to Gaius.” He delves into how Philo uses laughter as a tool for social commentary and critique, particularly against the Egyptian population, while also addressing the complexities of ethnic identity in the ancient world. Tommy shares insights from his academic journey, includi...

Marianne Bjelland Kartzow discusses her chapter “Metaphors of Enslavement” in the book Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts . Her research focuses on the significance of slavery in ancient texts and its implications for understanding figures like Mary and Paul. She explores the complexities of consent in slavery, the metaphorical use of slavery in biblical texts, and how these concepts r...

Brad Kelle discusses his Journal of Biblical Literature article “Is Hosea Also among the Traumatized? The Book of Hosea and Trauma Hermeneutics.” He explores how trauma hermeneutics has evolved, emphasizing the shift from individual to communal trauma interpretations. Kelle highlights the complexity of prophetic literature, the layers of meaning within texts, and the importance of understanding th...

Ryan Chester discusses his Journal of Biblical Literature article “The Jurisprudential Significance of אשר: A Case Study in Leviticus 10:1–3.” He delves into the significance of Leviticus 10:1-3, exploring the concept of “ashér” and its implications in biblical law and jurisprudence. The discussion highlights the nuances of translation, particularly the role of punctuation, and the importance of u...

Troy Troftgruben discusses his Journal of Biblical Literature article “The Time It Takes: Prolonged Pace in Luke’s Travel Narrative (9:51-19:44).” He brings a wealth of valuable insights on the Gospel of Luke, particularly focusing on the travel narrative from chapters 9 to 19. He explores the significance of time and pacing in the narrative, the multifaceted nature of salvation in the canonical G...

Sarah Emanuel discusses her book Trauma Theory, Trauma Story: A Narration of Biblical Studies and the World of Trauma . She explores the intersection of various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and literary studies in understanding trauma and its effects on narratives. Emanuel emphasizes the importance of narrative in trauma recovery and how modern interpretive frameworks can enhance our...

David DeJong discusses his research on the reception history of the Hebrew Bible, particularly focusing on the Day of Adonai and the role of Elijah in eschatological thought. He introduces the concept of the 'anti-eschatological Elijah,' arguing that this figure serves to defer the Day of the Lord by establishing prerequisites for its arrival. The discussion also explores the diverse messianic exp...

Javal Coleman discusses his chapter, “Enslavement in the Roman World,” from the book Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts. He highlights the story of Acte, an enslaved woman, to illustrate the nuances of manumission and the societal perceptions of enslaved people. The discussion also delves into the concept of citizenship in antiquity, the dehumanizing aspects of slavery, and the ongoing...

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...