The Bible as Literature

Latest Episodes:

Abraham’s Obedience Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

In this week’s episode Fr. Paul’s explains Abraham’s obedience and its functions in the content of the Pauline epistles. (Episode 173)

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The Jury is Still Out Jun 03, 2021

Show notes

People who live comfortably look to religion as a source of comfort and stability. They construct their religious worldview as the Pharaohs of old built pyramids of stone: to maintain a self-serving status quo.

Nobody living in comfort wants their situation to change. Nobody wants to answer for their sins. Nobody wants to stand before the terrible and dread judgment seat of Christ. That’s why nobody wants to hear what the gospel of Matthew is saying. But whether you hear it or not, truly, truly, I say to you: it still applies.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 25:10-13.

Episode 383 Matthew 25:10-13; Music:

Anguish by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3373-anguish
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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One of a Kind Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Today, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 22, correcting the common mistranslation “only son” while noting the passage’s interconnection with the servant poems of Isaiah, and later, the New Testament. (Episode 172)

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Bread and Oil May 27, 2021

Show notes

For those who impose a triumphalist or sectarian premise on the Bible, it is impossible to hear the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Even if they accept Matthew’s warning that the church will be judged—even if they understand that the virgins represent churches—they immediately assume that their church is numbered among the prudent. But the very fact of a Matthean reckoning implies that the jury is still out for all of us. So, the question is, is the body of our church prepared for the arrival of the Bridegroom? Since all ten virgins (representing all the churches of the earth) were found sleeping at the wheel, how did some manage to survive? What should your church be doing to scrape by on that day, despite itself?

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 25:5-9.

Episode 382 Matthew 25:5-9; Music:

Pulse by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4250-pulse
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Scriptural Premise May 25, 2021

Show notes

This week Fr. Paul explains that the God of Scripture controls life and death, noting the advantage of using extreme examples when teaching. (Episode 171)

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Epilogue: Create in Me a Clean Heart May 25, 2021

Show notes

Fr. Marc and Richard reflect on their editorial decision regarding Fr. Fouad Saba’s speech in Chicago on May 20, 2021.

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Create in Me a Clean Heart May 23, 2021

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Fr. Fouad Saba, Chicago, May 20, 2021.

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Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth May 20, 2021

Show notes

The Lord’s warning in Matthew 10, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword,” (10:34) is often abused as a justification for militarism. In truth, as with so much biblical imagery, this verse exemplifies the Bible’s Ezekielian appropriation of the kingly symbols of power. The sword, the destruction of cities, exile, the decimation of populations by half, violent retribution against wicked leaders, and now, in Matthew 25, the casting out of the imprudent, all point back to the division heralded by Jesus in Matthew 10.

Wherever the Torah is preached, the Lord brings division: “one will be taken,” he proclaims, “and one will be left.” (24:40-41)

Therefore, Paul warns Timothy:

“Study, to present yourself approved to God, as a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:1-4.

Episode 381 Matthew 25:1-4; Music:

Twisted by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4552-twisted
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Not Before the Time May 18, 2021

Show notes

This week Fr. Paul explains that God himself will assess our function concerning our brother on the last day, based on the content of the Torah. (Episode 170)

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“But,” Not “So” May 13, 2021

Show notes

The challenge of hearing Scripture has never been more difficult. Each of us is trained to hear what we want to hear. We decide what we think about God before we crack the first page. Then, when God says or does something that does not confirm or conform to the graven image in our mind, we tighten our blinders, adjust our earplugs, and fine-tune our theology to work around what is written. We excuse and defend our well-fashioned idol when we should be feeding our brothers and sisters with the bread of the gospel, as instructed.

“Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:45-51.

Episode 380 Matthew 24:45-51; Music:

Cool Rock by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3552-cool-rock
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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