BibleProject

Latest Episodes:

How to Read the Bible Part 5: Why isn't there more detail in Bible stories? Aug 04, 2017

Show notes

Why aren't there more details in Bible stories? Many of us have wondered something like this and sometimes walk away from the Bible confused. We don't know why a character did what they did, or what they looked like, or even what the "moral of the story" is.

And this is frustrating to modern readers because we like lots of detail. We want to know everything about a character and the setting and the story background.

This week Tim and Jon take a look at why so many of the stories in the Bible are perplexing. It's because they were intentionally designed that way, in an ancient style of writing known as Jewish Meditation Literature.

Using the story of Cain and Able, the guys ask why are so many of the details in the story left out? Is this lazy writing or is there a purpose behind it?

Watch our video on Jewish Meditation Literature here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhmlJBUIoLk&t=209s&list=PLH0Szn1yYNedn4FbBMMtOlGN-BPLQ54IH&index=4
This podcast series is partnered with our Youtube series on "How to Read the Bible" you can view the series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH0Szn1yYNedn4FbBMMtOlGN-BPLQ54IH

Thank you to all our supporters!

Show Resources:

Jordan B Peterson: https://jordanbpeterson.com/jordan-b-peterson-podcast/
Jerome Walsh: Old Testament Narrative: A Guide to Interpretation.

Show Music:

Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Lifepainting by Musciojad
Color Grade Agape by ALERT312

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How to Read the Bible Part 4: Poetry, Narrative and Prose Discourse Genres. Jun 23, 2017

Show notes

This is part 4 of our How to Read the Bible series. Jon and Tim discuss the different literary styles used in the Bible. (It's not just a history book!)

In the first part of the show (0-28:00), the guys go over an example of both poetry and narrative in the Bible, Exodus 14 and 15. Its the Hebrew Exodus story told in both narrative style and then Hebrew poetry.

In the second half of the show (28:00-End), Tim shares an example of prose discourse in one of Paul's epistles.
Tim discusses how Paul's writing style was heavily influenced by philosophers like Seneca.

This series is designed to accompany our video series on Youtube called "How to Read the Bible.
You can view the accompanying video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUXJ8Owes8E

Show Resources:

"Introduction to Poetry" by Billy Collins
Thomas Long, Preaching the Literary Forms of the Bible.
"Jabberwoky" by Lewis Carroll

Music Credits:
Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Take It Easy by Beautiful Eulogy

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How to Read the Bible Part 3: Intro to Literary Genres and the Stories We Tell Ourselves Jun 19, 2017

Show notes

This is part 3 in our series of how to read the Bible. In this episode, Tim introduces us to the three main times of literature styles found in the Bible. Narrative, poetry and prose discourse.

The first half of the show (0-28:15), Tim introduces us to the three forms of literature in the Bible and how they are laid out using the analogy of a grocery store. The guys talk about the challenge of reading the Bible. Wishing that they had UN automatic translation headphones.

In the second half of the show (28:15-40:00), the guys talk about some of the inner psychological stories we tell ourselves. And how stories are a way to make sense of the world. Tim shares a quote from CS Lewis talking about the importance of reading expanding our worldview. Tim explains that many people expect the Bible to be a set of moral instructions, but actually the narrative structure of the Bible is much more open-ended.

The last part of the show (48:00-End), the guys discuss how our brains are hardwired for narratives and how the stories of the Bible work in our brains. Jon muses about maybe all of life and the Bible can be distilled down to asking “What do I desire?” and Tim breaks down the structure of Psalm 19.

Next week the guys will dive into the Scriptures and talk about some examples of the different types of literary styles.

This show is designed to go with our new youtube video series, “How to Read the Bible” you can check it out here: "we will update this Thursday, June 22 when it launches"!

Additional Resources:
An Experiment in Criticism by C.S. Lewis
The Skeptical Believer by Daniel Taylor
Read The Bible For A Change by Ray Lubeck
The Secular Age by Charles Taylor

Music Credits:
Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Good Grief by Beautiful Eulogy
Respect, Power and Money by Eshon Burgundy

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How to Read the Bible Part 2: Is Reading The Bible Together Just a Form of Group Think? Jun 09, 2017

Show notes

This is our second episode in our How To Read The Bible Series.
At the beginning (0-21:40) Tim and Jon start the episode talking about how the ancient Hebrew practice of reading the Torah aloud spun out into the New Testament. Jesus himself participated in public readings of Hebrew scriptures, and actually announced his public ministry at one.
The second part of the show (21:40-34:36 ) the guys have a fascinating discussion on the sociology and group identity formation elements of Christianity. They discuss ideas by famed sociologist Peter Berger about how humans both create environments and are created by environments. Jon wonders if Christianity is just a social construct or if there is something real to gather around.

In the final part of the show (34:36-End) Tim shares part of an essay by N.T. Wright called “How is the Bible Authoritative?” Tim and Jon discuss the differences between stories and facts, how stories have a different kind of power than facts, and why it’s more powerful to view the Bible as a story, not as a rulebook.

This show is designed to accompany our new video on reading Scripture together in a community. You can check it out on our Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO1Y9XyWKTw

Show Resources:

The Didache - early Christian manual on discipleship. Wikipedia Resource.

Desiring The Kingdom. By James Smith.

The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge. By Peter Berger

The Sacred Canopy: Elements of A Sociological Theory of Religion. By Peter Berger.

Essay: How Is The Bible Authoritative? By N.T. Wright

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. By Yuval Noah Harari

Show Music:

Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
The Size of Grace by Beautiful Eulogy
Conquer by Propaganda

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How to Read the Bible Part 1: Reading the Bible Aloud in a Community? Jun 02, 2017

Show notes

This is our first episode in our series "How To Read The Bible." Tim and Jon discuss the differences in ancient and modern ways of reading scripture, including why the Hebrew people would read scripture together as a group. The guys also talk about how challenging it can be to read the Bible by yourself.

In the first half of the show (0-34:00) the guys talk about the differences between modern day emphasis on application the reading of God’s word, and the Old Testament emphasis on “responding” to hearing God’s word.

The second half of the show (34-50:00) Tim exposits on the ancient Hebrew practice of reading the Torah out loud together. A practice that was instituted in the Old Testament and has continued all the way through to modern times in today’s synagogues. Tim also talks about an interesting piece of Jewish history, the Dura Europos Synagogue. Jon asks why is it so important to read the Bible together as a group.

The last ten minutes of the show the guys ask what the origins of the sermon are and why ancient Israel had such a difficult time remembering what God had done for them.

We have a video coming out later this month that will accompany this podcast series. You can view all our videos on our youtube channel: youtube.com/thebibleproject

Additional Resources:
The Word Of Promise: Dramatic Reading of The Bible App.
Dura Europos Synagogue in Syria [see Wikipedia]
Jeffrey Tigay, The JPS Torah Commentary: Deuteronomy
Mesha Stela [see Wikipedia]

Music Credits:

Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Acquired in Heaven by Beautiful Eulogy
The Truth about Flight, Love and BB Guns by Foreknown

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How to Read the Bible Intro: What is the story of the Bible? May 19, 2017

Show notes

The Bible can often seem like a weird ancient book that many people use to say different things. These things can even sometimes lead to using the Bible to oppress or hurt others or the world. And on top of the confusion, reading the Bible can also be tedious and confusing, so most of us just stick to the parts we know and understand.

But what is the story of the Bible? Like the big, meta story? The ideas in this episode might surprise you.

In this episode Tim and Jon discuss the big, narrative arcs of the Bible. What is the Bible really talking about? Sin? Salvation? Judgement?

Tim and Jon first discuss the importance of the, oftentimes overlooked, Old Testament, which is essential in understanding the overall narrative of the Bible.

They then discuss the centrality of the texts (the Bible) to second temple Jews, Jesus, and the early Christian church, and the uniqueness of such texts.

The Bible is BIG and can be confusing. Tim and Jon cover the major movements of the Old Testament, and the over-arching point!

What is this Kingdom of God Jesus is talking about, and how is this in contrast the default condition humanity finds itself in?

This episode is designed to accompany our new video series and our new video called "The Story Of The Bible". You can view it on our youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_CGP-12AE0

Book References:
The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence by Dacher Keltner
The Prince by Nicollo Machiavelli

Show Music:

Defender by Rosasharn Music
Good Morning by Unwritten Stories
All Night by Unwritten Stories
Chilldrone by Unwritten Stories

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Day of the Lord: Q + R May 18, 2017

Show notes

This is our Q+R episode for the Day of the Lord theme.

Thank you to all the people who submitted questions!

Q's and Timestamps:

The Day of the Lord can be a sensitive subject, so how do you have good and respectful conversations with others about the Day of the Lord? (2:40)
What is the spectrum of views that Christians have on the Day of the Lord and what is the view the Bible Project is presenting? (12:30)
What is the role of divine violence in the Bible? Why does Jesus seem so nice and peaceful in the New Testament but God seems mean and violent in the Old Testament? (17:20)
In Revelation 19, The blood on Jesus’ robe is before the battle. This seemed to be a main point in the Day of the Lord video by the Bible Project. Why is this significant? (47:45)
What is Jesus talking about in Matthew 24? And what is the deal with people disappearing? (121:13)
How should Christians think about staying or migrating in different parts of the world that may be more oppressive than others?(132:25)

Links:
Original video conversation:
youtube.com/thebibleproject.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEBc2gSSW04

Additional Resources:
Gregory Boyd, "Divine Aikido" chapter 15 in Crucifixion of the Warrior God.
Ian Boxall, The Book of Revelation.
Leon Morris, The Book of Revelation.
Dale Allison and W.D. Davies, The Gospel according to Matthew.

Music Credits:
Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music

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Day Of The Lord Part Six: Revelation and Jesus in Modern Politics May 17, 2017

Show notes

This is our final episode in our Day Of The Lord series. In this episode Tim and Jon discuss the book of Revelation. It's perhaps the most famous and obvious thing people think about when talking about a future “Day Of The Lord.”

Tim and Jon dive in and tackle some of the tough imagery in Revelation. The guys also pose another penultimate question: When will Jesus come back?
Spoiler alert: no one knows.

The first ten minutes of the show talks about some of the New Testament and Pauline ideas on the Day of the Lord. Specifically coming from 1 Thessalonians. Then Tim and Jon move on and discuss Revelation. The last part of the show, beginning at 28:30 is dedicated to discussing modern political implications of following Jesus. How are Christians supposed to live in a world that has Babylonian tendencies?

This episode is designed to accompany our new Day of the Lord video on our youtube channel. Check it out and let us know what you think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEBc2gSSW04&t=3s

EPISODE RESOURCES
Joshua Ryan Butler - The Skeletons in God's Closet
http://joshuaryanbutler.com/books/the-skeletons-in-gods-closet/

Mere Fidelity Podcast - "The Righteous Mind": Jonathan Haidt’s thesis that
conservatives and liberals are divided
https://mereorthodoxy.com/mere-fidelity-righteous-mind/

EPISODE BIBLE REFERENCES

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4
Revelation 5:1-10 and 19:11-19
Isaiah 63:1-4

EPISODE MUSIC

Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Where Peace and Rest are Found by Greyflood
The Butler’s Son by Greyflood

Next episode we will do a Day of the Lord Q+R. Have a question? Record it and send it to support@jointhebibleproject.com. Deadline 9am May 23rd 2017.

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Day Of The Lord Part Five: Jesus and the War Against Evil May 10, 2017

Show notes

In this episode Tim and Jon finally get to Jesus. Ancient Israel was being occupied by the Roman Empire. A brutal military power that used violence and war to bring "Pax Romana" or "Roman Peace." But Ancient Israel has a hope, long ago they were promised a Messiah. Someone would come and lead them out of oppression into true freedom.
Jesus of Nazareth shows up and begins performing miracles and speaking of a new kingdom, the Kingdom of God. Many people think this is the man who will lead them in war against the Romans. But instead, Jesus goes to war with something else entirely.

Tim and Jon also discuss a story that is often misunderstood in modern Christianity, the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness.

This podcast series on the Day Of The Lord is designed to accompany our new video. You can check it out here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEBc2gSSW04

We're a nonprofit animation studio in Portland Oregon. Thank you for being a part of this!
www.thebibleproject.com

Show Music

Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Blue Skies by Unwritten Stories.
Flooded Meadows by Unwritten Stories.

Show Produced by
Dan Gummel
www.dangummel.com

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Day of the Lord Part Four: The Evil Behind Babylon May 04, 2017

Show notes

How do books like Amos, Habakuk and Zephaniah fit in the story of the Bible? These books can be really confusing and their violent imagery is disturbing to many readers. Tim and Jon discuss these books, their original context and some of the challenges that come when reading them, including the origins of evil. The Bible believes evil is real but often seems confusing when readers ask questions like "where did evil come from?" and "why does evil exist?"

These episodes are designed to accompany our Day Of The Lord Video, that we just released. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEBc2gSSW04 Take a look and let us know what you think!

P.S. Have you been enjoying this series and have some questions? We're going to be hosting another Q+R episode at the end of the series. So, get your question ready and send it to us! support@thebibleproject.com

Show Music:

Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music

Radio Station by Moby
Cartilage by Moby

FYI Bible Passages Referenced In This Episode:

Amos 4
Isaiah 33
Habakuk 3
Revelation 12
Isaiah 14: Isaiah's poem about the Babylonian God Marduk

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