The Bible as Literature

Latest Episodes:

Do Not Lead by Example Dec 31, 2020

Show notes

Blinded by extreme solipsism, it is practically impossible for Americans to recognize—let alone obey—correct words spoken on the lips of people we consider wrong or evil.

Where God uses the hypocrisy of his followers to enlighten the world, we use the same to destroy it. Like childish teenagers reveling in stupidity and empty rebellion, we use the hypocrisy of others to avoid accountability for our own. We embrace destruction to prove that we don’t have to listen.

Thankfully, Jesus addressed this sin long before there was a United States, and his words will stand long after we are gone:

"The scribes and the Pharisees are seated on the chair of Moses; so practice and observe whatever they tell you...” (Matthew 23:2-3)

If ever there were a New Year’s pledge that could save the country, this is it.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 23:1-4.

Episode 361 Matthew 23:1-4; Music:

Jackhammer by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4065-jackhammer
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Shepherd Lingo Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

In this week’s episode, Fr. Paul explains that Genesis 13 provides the lexicon for the rest of the story. (Episode 150)

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Whose Son is He? Dec 24, 2020

Show notes

On this Christmas Eve, it is important to remember that the birth of Jesus is good news for the poor and the oppressed because it heralds the ascendancy of God’s Law over the tyranny of human authorities.

Beginning with David and then Caesar, even now, Jesus the Christ tramples underfoot every pretender to his Father’s throne.

“For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet; and the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:25-26)

May the birth of Jesus Christ put to death all human claims on power; may the poor eat and be satisfied; and may those whoa are proud upon the earth be scattered in the imagination of their hearts.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 22:41-46.

Episode 360 Matthew 22:41-46; Music:

Ignosi by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3899-ignosi
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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In Spite of Abraham Dec 22, 2020

Show notes

In today’s program Fr. Paul notes that God continues his promise in spite of Abram, touching briefly on the Epistle for the Sunday before Christmas from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (Episode 149)

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Pecking Order Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

If any human ability can be said to manifest the power of God, it is our ability to speak. When we speak words, there are only two possibilities: 1. That we are saying something informed and useful, meaning we teach something, or, 2. That our speech is uninformed and unhelpful, and therefore, destructive. For the biblical tradition, there is no middle ground on this point. When you speak, you are responsible for teaching; moreover, in the sight of God, when you teach, you had better know what you are talking about.

That is why, in Mathew, the love of God’s law precedes the love of neighbor.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 22:34-40.

Episode 359 Matthew 22:34-40; Music:

Greko (Sketch) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3826-greko-sketch-
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Covenant of Circumcision Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

In today’s program, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Abram by touching on the covenant of circumcision. (Episode 148)

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All Earthly Cares Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

It is genuinely tragic that religion, intended to set our minds on heavenly things, is repeatedly debased by the preoccupation of religious people with worldly things. The biblical story calls us to look past human transience to the things that are eternal—“the things,” Jesus teaches, that pertain “to God.”

Meanwhile, the fundamentalists in Matthew are debating property rights.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 22:29-33.

Episode 358 Matthew 22:29-33; Music:

Sunday Dub by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4435-sunday-dub
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Chosen But Not Special Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

This week Fr. Paul explains that Israel is chosen in Scripture, not because it is special, but in order to demonstrate that all the nations, including Israel, are the same. (Episode 147)

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Of Course They Say That Dec 03, 2020

Show notes

If you are happy with the way things are—if you own property, if your business is thriving, if existing social and religious institutions work in your favor, the last thing you want in your town is a prophet. A prophet brings news that God will bring an end to the current situation. A prophet warns of God’s wrath and judgment. In fulfillment of the prophets, Jesus proclaims this judgment in the Resurrection and the coming Kingdom.

Of course the Sadducees say there is no Resurrection.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 22:23-28.

Episode 357 Matthew 22:23-28; Music:

Beach Party by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3429-beach-party
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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An Ominous Joke Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

Today, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of the oaks, emphasizing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.(Episode 146)

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