The Bible as Literature

Latest Episodes:

About Judah May 24, 2022

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul reminds us of the harlotry of the children of Jacob who used the covenant of circumcision--a covenant of brotherhood--to kill their brothers. (Episode 223)

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Nobody Else But You May 19, 2022

Show notes

When Scripture deconstructs a human proposition by forcing an opposing position (which we have repeatedly described as functional judgment, meaning Scripture has no stake in the argument itself, only in opposing the human being), it is only natural to argue for or against the point in question. Do you agree or disagree? Be careful. It's a trick question. After all these years, do really you think we are for or against anything on this podcast other than the words of Scripture?

Scripture judges you and nobody else but you. You may not judge anyone else and you cannot dedicate the things you build to God, because they lead to judgment. You, and nobody else but you, have only to hear and obey the voice of the Lord crying out to you, and nobody else but you, from the wilderness of Scripture.

Whatever you believe, whatever position you take, and whatever you do is a projection of your ego. It has nothing to do with the biblical God. So when you argue with your neighbor for or against God's functional stance against you in (or through) Scripture, you are engaging in an argument that publically portrays your embarrassment of the Cross. To baptize, in Greek, is to sink a ship. The cancellation of our many human gods through the Gospel of Jesus Christ is total. If you are still arguing, your ship is still afloat.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Luke 1:14-17

Episode 432 Luke 1:14-17; Music:

Motherlode by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4083-motherlode
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Person, Persona, Prosopon, Mask May 17, 2022

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This week, Fr. Paul reminds us that the term person is the translation of persona which is mask in Latin which is the translation of prosopon in Greek, which also means mask, in both cases, the mask worn by actors in the theater. (Episode222)

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Nothing Good Comes From Us May 12, 2022

Show notes

What does the destruction of the Temple mean? What does it mean not to be anything? Not to have an identity? Not to be a part of anything? Not to believe in anything?

No bumper stickers.
No slogans.
No rousing speeches.
There is no applause--no trust in anything or anyone other than what Luke has written out in consecutive order.

Why I ask you, would Luke begin his gospel by trying to convince his addressees not to trust in Jerusalem?

If anything can be understood about the Orthodox war in Europe, we must hear it through the voice of instruction crying out to us from the wilderness of Scripture. This voice tirelessly scolds us for believing in false gods, be they religious, political, ideological, moral, institutional, personal, intellectual, ethical, cultural, pragmatic, progressive, conservative, romantic, nationalistic, legal, libertarian, democratic, or fascist.

None of these gods have any bearing on the Crucifixion of Jesus other than their gleeful participation in it. Likewise, none can prevent the proclamation of the Resurrection other than to distract us from it.

Thus, David, the shepherd, cries aloud:

"Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them." (Psalm 115:8)

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Luke 1:5-7

Episode 431 Luke 1:8-13; Music:

Walking Along by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4603-walking-along
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Cycle of Joseph, Ad Nauseam May 10, 2022

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul highlights the importance of Joseph's story: he and his kin were Hebrews and shepherds in the epitome of civilization, the land of the pharaohs and the pyramids, where, as a Hebrew slave, Joseph wound up saving Egypt from famine. (Episode 221)

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The Jerusalem Above Is Free May 05, 2022

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Time and again, we have explained the tension in Scripture between the things human beings construct, which cannot create life, and a mother's natural womb--the grammatical and factual expression of God's life-giving mercy in the Bible. Now, in the opening verses of Luke, we find Herod's building project in Jerusalem totally defunct and sterilizing, even for those who follow God's teaching. What can be done? Is all hope lost? Fear not, as our old pal Matthew said, “do not be worried...ye of little faith!”

The Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. For it is written, “Rejoice, barren woman who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the desolate than of the one who has a husband.”(Galatians 4:26-27)

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Luke 1:5-7

Episode 429 Luke 1:5-7; Music:

Truth of the Legend by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4551-truth-of-the-legend
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Oasis Is Not Yours May 03, 2022

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul explains that the story of Jacob is in the story of his children, noting, in his words, "the silliness" of individualism. (Episode 220)

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You Are Not Doing Anything Apr 28, 2022

Show notes

The novelty of Scripture lies in its multi-faceted handling of anthropocentrism. It deconstructs and breaks apart our institutions and smashes our egos, re-positing us as individuals set free to hear and do the commandments of God. In no uncertain terms, the Apostle Paul proclaims:

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

As sheep in the Lord’s flock, we are free to assume our natural state among the other living things on earth, not as masters but as adherents of God’s instruction. Again, Paul says:

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” (Galatian 5:13-14)

As scripturalized sheep, we do what God commands with a nagging and painful reminder that we have done nothing good upon the earth. Honestly, in an epic story written to emasculate anthropocentrism, no human being will ever get any credit for anything.

Thus we find ourselves at the start of Luke’s gospel: As lovers of God, following the voice of his Shepherd in the wilderness, hearing in silence, frantically taking notes while the master gives instruction.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Luke 1:1-4

Episode 429 Luke 1:1-4; Music:

Finding Movement by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3754-finding-movement
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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You Are Done With Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

In this week's episode, Fr. Paul reminds us that the hope in Scripture is not for us but for the following generations. (Episode 219)

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Fire and Blood Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

This week Fr. Paul explains what theology does not want to accept: that God is one and he is the judge. He is neither good nor bad; he is the just judge. (Episode 218)

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