The Bible as Literature

Latest Episodes:

It’s Not That Simple Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul reminds us that the way we speak and the way that Scripture works are not the same thing, and the Bible is trickier than we think. (Episode 193)

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Put Away the Sword Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

A committed person is hard to find in 2021. Well, let me rephrase. All of us—every last one of us—are committed to ourselves, and we organize the time allotted to us as such. Few of us, less than a few, are committed to something that does not directly benefit us or someone for whom we care.

In Matthew, Jesus is committed to the teaching of the Father. Even though his disciples are hopeless, the situation is stark, and his end, as per his Father, is unavoidable, Jesus continues to teach. Why? Because he is committed to his Father’s will, to the bitter end.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:51-54.

Episode 403 Matthew 26:51-54; Music:

Anamalie by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4980-anamalie

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

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Isaac Obeyed Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

In today’s program, Fr. Paul continues his discussion of Genesis 26, reiterating the unique role of Isaac in the story while highlighting critical Hebrew wordplay that is simply untranslatable. (Episode 192)

An Offer You Can’t Refuse Oct 14, 2021

Show notes

Trapped by the Reformation and endless reactions against it, it’s difficult for contemporary Christians to escape ongoing and silly theological debates about grace and salvation. Everyone cheapens the Master’s grace by treating it either as a free pass or as some mystical force that controls their lightsaber. The only way to understand grace is the way the writers of the New Testament use it—as the currency of the Pater Familias, who approaches his underlings with an offer they can’t refuse—a gift free of charge, with a charge.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:47-50.

Episode 402 Matthew 26:47-50; Music:

Trio for Piano Violin and Viola by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4546-trio-for-piano-violin-and-viola

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

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Because Abraham Obeyed My Voice Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

Fr. Paul begins his reading of Genesis 26 by pointing out what so many miss and thus misread Paul: you are blessed not only because Abraham trusted God but because he obeyed his voice. (Episode 191)

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Failed Watchmen Oct 07, 2021

Show notes

We scratch our heads when the Bible repeats a boring statement over and over again, but what should puzzle us is the odd moment when the Bible seems to take shortcuts like the rest of us. Why, after enumerating the words of Jesus twice, does Matthew summarize the third prayer to the Father by saying, he said “the same thing once more”?

The answer reflects the Lord’s exasperation with his watchmen, who, as it turns out, are not very good at their job.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:43-46.

Episode 401 Matthew 26:43-46; Music:

Gearhead by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3799-gearhead

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

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Salama, Aslama, Salam Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

In today’s program, Fr. Paul wraps up his Q and A session with Richard and Fr. Marc on Genesis 25. (Episode 190)

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The Problem With Peter Sep 30, 2021

Show notes

When English speakers co-opt the Matthean expression, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” they inevitably de-scripturalize them. They twist the words of Jesus as though they refer to an inner psychological struggle or matter of conscience: “I want to do the right thing, but my nature fights against it.”

After 400 episodes of the Bible as Literature podcast, do you still need us to spell it out for you? On what basis do you assume that the spirit which opposes Peter’s flesh has anything to do with Peter, let alone your make-believe inner struggle?

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:40-42.

This week’s episode is presented in loving memory of Saleh Canavati.

Episode 400 Matthew 26:40-42; Music:

Vision of Persistence by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4592-vision-of-persistence

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

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You Hear the Text Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul takes follow-up questions on Genesis 25. (Episode 189)

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Not As I Will Sep 23, 2021

Show notes

We naturally want Jesus to be invulnerable, and the thought of him feeling anxiety or, as Matthew writes, extreme grief about his predicament presents an uncomfortable picture of God’s messiah. We prefer a version of Jesus that manifests perfection and stoic implacability because we believe in this possibility for ourselves. But that’s not what Matthew is saying. On the contrary, in the entire situation, the only reliable, invulnerable, perfect thing is the commandment of God the Father, upon which even Jesus depends.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 26:36-39.

Episode 399 Matthew 26:36-39; Music:

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

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

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