The Bible as Literature

Latest Episodes:

God and Lord God Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul takes follow-up questions on Genesis 27, noting his remarkable discovery about the dialogue between Eve and the serpent in Genesis 3. (Episode 198)

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Give Them Something to Eat Nov 25, 2021

Show notes

In Matthew 14, Jesus commands his disciples to feed the people with the bread of his Father’s instruction, the five loaves of life-giving bread, representing the fives books of Moses. Sharing that bread is the “chief” and only duty of Peter—the “chief” of the apostles—and it is the “chief” responsibility of the “chief” priests and the elders of the people for the sake of the people of Judea, whom Judas represents in Matthew 27—

And how did the assembly of “chiefs” and “elders” respond in the peoples’ hour of need?

“What is that to us?”

And where was Peter?

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 27:1-5.

Episode 408 Matthew 27:1-5; Music:

Waltz Primordial (feat. Alexander Nakarada) by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/7929-waltz-primordial

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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If You Don’t Like It, Shove Off Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul exposes the origin and absurdity of the “fallacious dilemma of endless philosophical discussions concerning whether the foreknowledge of God is to be equated with his will.” (Episode 197)

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Empty Tears Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

Much is made of the importance of Peter's tears because for those who can’t face their own sins, much is riding on them.

But that’s not how the story works.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:69-75.

Episode 407 Matthew 26:69-75; Music:

SCP-x7x (6th Floor) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/6737-scp-x7x-6th-floor-
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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In the Arms of a Hittite Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

In today’s episode, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 27 and also tries his hand at poetry. (Episode 196)

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Ideological Impurity Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

The easiest way to relieve your conscience is to console yourself that you are on the right side of history, the right side of the law, the right side of justice, and the right side of the moral argument. Then, all you need do is condemn people on the wrong side.

Rare is the teacher who accepts the judgment on his head through his teaching. Unique is Scripture in its systematic and ruthless condemnation of everything and everyone, beginning with the writers themselves.

We are accountable for our own sins. In Matthew’s gospel, we cannot afford not to be merciful.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:65-67.

Episode 406 Matthew 26:65-67; Music:

Folk Round by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3770-folk-round

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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It’s That Serious Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

In this week’s program, Fr. Paul wraps up his question and answer session on Genesis 26. (Episode 195)

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On the Record Nov 04, 2021

Show notes

In human affairs, it is always important to document our statements. Was something promised? Make sure to find the original email. Did something problematic come up in a discussion thread? Save the chat log. Did someone go on the record during a meeting? If there is no recording, be sure to take notes because hereafter, there will be an accounting for every word we mumble.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:59-64.

Episode 405 Matthew 26:59-64; Music:

Tango de Manzana by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4460-tango-de-manzana

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Leave Eden to God Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

In today’s program, Fr. Paul notes the connection between Ezekiel, Genesis, and the Gospel of Matthew. (Episode 194)

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It Might Be a Duck Oct 28, 2021

Show notes

Just as an argument’s value can be assessed by examining its premise, in Scripture (and in life) an individual character’s action or statement can be understood by identifying its reference. By reference, we mean, literally, the thing you refer to as the basis of your authority to speak and take action.

When Jesus teaches in the temple, what is his reference? When the crowds threaten him, what is their reference? When all the disciples left Jesus and fled, what was their reference? When Peter entered in and sat down with the Lord’s enemies, what was his reference?

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:55-58.

Episode 404 Matthew 26:55-58; Music:

The Endless by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4492-the-endless

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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