The Bible as Literature

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The Things Which God Destroys Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

As Matthew 24 consolidates the fall of Jerusalem (and therefore, the fall of Rome) the centrality of St. Paul’s teaching of the Cross comes clearly into view. The glory of God’s Kingdom can only be present to us through the destruction of human infrastructure and might.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:29-31.

Episode 376 Matthew 24:29-31; Music:

Edm Detection Mode by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4987-edm-detection-mode
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Roman Household Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

Today, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 20, noting functional parallels with the Roman household in the New Testament. (Episode 165)

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The Truth is Not Out There Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

In Matthew’s gospel, it’s the teaching you follow that controls how you understand what you see. So when “false Christs and false prophets arise and show great signs and wonders,” your only hope is to hear what Jesus told you in advance: the truth is not out there. “On the contrary, the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may follow it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14)

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:23-28.

Episode 375 Matthew 24:23-28; Music:

March of the Spoons by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4021-march-of-the-spoons
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A Human Being is a Human Being Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

In this week’s program, Fr. Paul takes questions on Genesis 19 dealing with the action of Lot’s daughters and the trap of reading in translation. (Episode 164)

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Escape from Jerusalem Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

It is human instinct to nest before giving birth, pack before a trip, and plan around bad weather. Safety, supplies, and comfort are the hallmarks of city life—or so we tell ourselves. But what to do when destruction comes? When human nesting instincts can’t save a nursing mother, and you don’t have time to grab your supplies? Leave the city, Matthew exclaims, and follow Jesus into the wilderness.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:19-22.

Episode 374 Matthew 24:19-22; Music:

Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4458-take-the-lead
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Grace is for Free Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

In today’s program, Fr. Paul notes the interplay between Genesis and Ezekiel and the remembrance of God’s promise to Abraham. (Episode 163)

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Fear is the Enemy Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

Power and ideology are joined at the hip. There’s no point in saying “religious” ideology since (and let’s be honest with ourselves) all ideology in all its forms—secular or otherwise—is religion predicated on fear. Will we have enough? Will we be safe? Will we suffer?

In Matthew, the answer is clear: God will provide what you need, you may not be safe, and you will likely suffer. Your fear of these things, encoded in your ideologies, is what gives power to those who oppress you and you the power to oppress.

So stop being a coward and start trusting in the voice of the Shepherd, contained in his scroll.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:15-19.

Episode 373 Matthew 24:15-19; Music:

Ethernight Club by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/7612-ethernight-club
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Just Judge Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 19, explaining God’s just judgment in the story. (Episode 162)

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The Bible Interprets Itself Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

When we refer to an interpretation or discuss interpretation theories, we do so to claim authority over the text or to avoid accountability. A written text in any language says what it says. You need only see with your eyes what is written on the pages. Note the use of the plural: “pages.” You have to take it all in, over and over again, paying close attention to the original languages. The act of searching the text is not theory. It is an action. Either you search the text or you don’t. We like to debate interpretations and theories of interpretation because it is much, much easier than spending the rest of our lives pouring over and hearing the words on the page. Unfortunately, the only way to hear what someone is saying is to actually listen to what they say. If we are not doing this, everything we say about the Bible is vain talk.

So don’t ask what a word means. Instead, search the Bible from cover to cover and learn how the Bible itself interprets that word. In Matthew’s gospel, you’ll quickly discover that Matthew is talking about Matthew’s gospel.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 24:9-14.

Episode 372 Matthew 24:9-14; Music:

Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4481-thatched-villagers
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Put in His Place Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

This week, Fr. Paul concludes Genesis 18 noting the self-righteousness of Abraham. (Episode 161)

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