The Bible For Normal People
A weekly podcast talk show that engages in serious conversations about the Bible. Hosted by Peter Enns and Jared Byas, it explores the sacred book from a thoughtful and accessible perspective.
Episodes
[Bible] Episode 332: Pete Ruins Everything with Dale Allison
In this week’s episode of Pete Ruins Everything, Pete talks with Dale Allison about the strengths and limits of biblical scholarship. They explore what historical research can and cannot tell us about Jesus, the Bible, and the ancient world, while reflecting on the value of expertise, intellectual humility, and the challenges of interpreting the past. Together, they discuss why scholars often disa
[Bible] Episode 331 : Jared Byas - 10 Aha Moments in Biblical Scholarship: Part 2
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared continues his tour through the history of modern biblical scholarship, exploring five (or six) more “aha moments” that transformed how scholars understand the Bible. From Rudolf Bultmann’s challenge to interpret ancient texts in a modern world and the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, to new insights about editorial shaping, literary cr
[Bible] Episode 330: Bruce Longenecker - The Vision of Galatians
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Bruce Longenecker about Galatians, Paul’s understanding of the Torah, and the kind of community he believed the gospel creates. They explore how Paul reframes identity around participation in Christ rather than ethnic or religious hierarchy, and why Galatians is less about individual salvation and more about transforme
[Faith] Episode 72: Roberto De La Noval & Jordan Wood - How the Early Church Read the Bible (Reissue from Bonus)
In this week’s episode of Faith for Normal People, Jared talks with Roberto de la Noval and Jordan Wood about the church fathers, the development of doctrine, and how early Christians approached the Bible. They explore how figures like Augustine and Origen understood Scripture as something meant to transform people rather than simply provide literal answers, and why “problem passages” were often s
[Bible] Episode 329: Jared Byas - 10 Aha Moments in Biblical Scholarship: Part 1
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared takes listeners on a tour through the history of modern biblical scholarship, tracing key “aha moments” that changed how scholars understand the Bible. From source criticism and the Documentary Hypothesis to oral tradition and the rise of fundamentalism, he explores how new questions about the Bible’s origins reshaped both academia and t
[Bible] Episode 328: Vanessa Lovelace - Is Deuteronomy History?
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Vanessa Lovelace about the Deuteronomistic history and why Deuteronomy plays such a central role in shaping Israel’s story. They explore how biblical writers interpreted Israel’s history through the lens of covenant, exile, and identity formation, and how these themes continue to influence modern readings of the Bible.
[Bible] Episode 327: Douglas Campbell - Ripping Up the Romans Road
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Douglas Campbell about rethinking the “Romans Road” and what Paul is really doing in his letter to the Romans. They explore how common readings have turned Romans into a step-by-step plan of salvation, often missing its original context and ethical focus. Together, they invite listeners to see Romans as a vision of God
[Bible] Episode 326: Chris Keith - How do Scholars Reconstruct the "Historical Jesus?"
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Chris Keith about the historical Jesus, and how scholars approach the gap between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of the Gospels. They explore why the Gospels themselves raise questions about modern ideas of history, how different methods have tried to reconstruct Jesus, and why certainty can be elusive. Together, t
[Bible] Episode 325: Pete Ruins Everything with Amy-Jill Levine
In this week’s episode of Pete Ruins Everything, Pete talks with Amy-Jill Levine about supersessionism and its impact on how Christians understand Judaism and the New Testament. They explore how ideas like “replacement theology” show up in biblical texts, why these interpretations have caused harm, and how readers can engage the Bible more honestly and responsibly. Together, they invite listeners
[Bible] Episode 324: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - A City on a Hill: A Ten Year Retrospective
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared reflect on ten years and over 400 episodes of the podcast, revisiting what they thought they were doing and what they now see more clearly in hindsight. They explore themes that have emerged along the way, including the shift from certainty to wisdom in reading the Bible and the move from information to personal and communal for
[Bible] Episode 323: Andrew Tobolowsky- The Myth of the Twelve Tribes
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Andrew Tobolowsky about what scholars mean by “myth” and how that idea applies to the Bible. They explore the origins of the 12 tribes of Israel, examining the historical and textual evidence and why this tradition may be less straightforward than it seems. Together, they discuss how these stories developed over time a
[Bible] Episode 322: Cynthia Shafer-Elliott - Where Archaeology Intersects with the Bible
On this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete talks with archaeologist Cynthia Shafer-Elliott about what archaeology can—and can’t—tell us about the Bible. Cynthia explains how archaeologists excavate ancient sites, highlights key discoveries like the Tel Dan Stele and the Lachish reliefs, and explores what everyday artifacts reveal about life in ancient Israel and Judah. Together th
[Bible] Episode 321: H. Daniel Zacharias and T. Christopher Hoklotubbe - Native American Biblical Interpretation
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Chris Hoklotubbe and Danny Zacharias about biblical interpretation through an Indigenous American perspective. They explore how cultural identity, history, and social location shape the way people read Scripture, and why Indigenous perspectives challenge assumptions many Christians take for granted. Together, they invi
[Bible] Episode 320: Pete Ruins Everything on Jeremiah
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete has another go at ruining something. This week, he’s unpacking the book of Jeremiah and its interlocking themes of anguish, confusion, and hope. Along the way, Pete picks out some of the iconic Jeremiah verses commonly quoted in churches and Facebook posts and puts them back in the context of the text. It might make those verses less applicable
[Bible] Episode 319: Matthew Vines - The Bible Isn't Against Gay Marriage
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared welcome back Season 1 favorite Matthew Vines to discuss how conversations about the Bible and same-sex relationships have shifted over the past decade. Matthew revisits common biblical arguments against same-sex marriage and offers thoughtful counterpoints grounded in Scripture and church history. The conversation explores how a
[Bible] Episode 318: Mark S. Smith - The Many Gods of Israel
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Mark S. Smith, a leading scholar of ancient Israelite religion, to explore the polytheistic background of Israel and the gradual emergence of monotheism in the Hebrew Bible. Drawing on biblical texts, ancient Near Eastern inscriptions, and comparative studies, Mark explains how early Israelites likely understood Ya
[Bible] Bonus Episode: Jennifer Garcia Bashaw & Aaron Higashi - Nobody “Just Reads” the Bible
This is a teaser of our February 2026 bonus episode! In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by longtime friends of the podcast Jennifer Garcia Bashaw and Aaron Higashi for a lively conversation about, of all things, interpreting the Bible. Together, they explore metaphors that celebrate the diversity of biblical interpretation, wrestle with the complexities of re
[Faith] Episode 71: Jared Stacy - The Evangelical to Conspiracy Theory Pipeline
In this week’s episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with theologian and ethicist Jared Stacy about the rise of conspiracy thinking, especially within American evangelicalism. Drawing on his research, Jared Stacy explains how conspiracy theories tap into fears of cultural decline, offer a sense of control, and become spiritually charged narratives about good and evil. He also exp
[Bible] Episode 317: N.T. Wright - The Book of Ephesians
Pete and Jared are back! They kick off Season 10 of The Bible for Normal People with N.T. Wright, diving into the big, sweeping vision of Ephesians. Wright unpacks Ephesians as an invitation to embody unity across deep divisions and to reflect God’s plan to bring heaven and earth together in Christ. They also explore the meaning of the “powers and principalities” and what it looks like for the chu
[Faith] Episode 70: A Holiday Roast
Season's greetings from Team B4NP! Podcast producer Brittany and audio engineer Joel have joined forces to bring you the third annual installment of our holiday roast, otherwise known as bloopers from this past season of the podcasts. Enjoy some silly behind-the-scenes content from your favorite episodes of Season 9 of The Bible for Normal People and Season 3 of Faith for Normal People. From all o
[Bible] Episode 316: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - Is the Bible the Word of God? & Other Easy Questions
At the close of Season 9 of The Bible for Normal People, Pete & Jared set out on their annual holiday quest: taking questions that people have been asking for centuries and attempting to answer them in an hour-long podcast episode.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-316-pete-enns-jared-byas-is-the-bible-the-word-of-god-other-easy-questions/
Watch this episode on YouTube →
[Faith] Episode 69: Diana Butler Bass - Resisting Christmas (And Why the Christian Calendar Still Matters)
In this week’s episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Diana Butler Bass to talk about the Christian calendar. Diana walks through the history of how the Christian calendar came to be, what levels of importance different traditions give it, and how the Christian calendar can serve as a symbol of resistance against other timelines that might be dominated by capitalism and i
[Bible] Episode 315: Kent Sparks - The Beginnings of Israelite Religion
On this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Kent Sparks to unpack the early religious history of ancient Israel. Kent explores how ancient Israelites first gave God the name Yahweh, how Israelites understood Yahweh in relation to other ancient Near Eastern deities, and how the roots of monotheism emerge from a far more diverse and evolving set of beliefs tha
[Faith] Episode 68: Kristin Kobes Du Mez - A Modern Church History of Toxic Masculinity (REISSUE)
In this episode of Faith For Normal People, Pete and Jared revisit a conversation with Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of the bestselling book Jesus and John Wayne. The conversation explores the history of “toxic” masculinity in both the church and American pop culture, and how Christians in 2025 can be part of the resistance efforts against harmful cultural structures. This is a reissue of The Bible
[Bible] Episode 314: Shayna Sheinfeld - The Complicated World of Second Temple Judaism
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete Enns and Anna Sieges Beal sit down with Shayna Sheinfeld to talk about the Second Temple period, spanning from 586 BCE to 70 CE. Shayna presents texts from that time that illuminate events glossed over by most Bibles, and explores the often-overlooked roles played by women wielding power in those communities.
Show Notes → https://thebibl
[Bible] Episode 313: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Song of Songs
In the final Pete Ruins episode of 2025, Pete Enns speaks to everyone who has ever read Song of Songs and wondered “why the heck is this in the Bible?”
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-313-pete-ruins-song-of-songs/
Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/FmFfQL2ahqc
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[Faith] Episode 67: Liz Charlotte Grant - The Gift of an Unclear Text
In this week’s episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete is joined by Liz Charlotte Grant to talk about using the Bible as a springboard for curiosity, inquiry, conversation, and community. This episode explores how art, imagination, and the practice of midrash can open up new ways of engaging scripture when literal readings don’t speak to what we see in the world today.
Show Notes → https://thebi
[Bible] Episode 312: Sarah Emanuel - The Meaning of Messiah
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared sits down with Sarah Emanuel to discuss the concept of “Messiah” from a Jewish theological perspective. Sarah explores what post-exilic Israelites might have thought and meant when they talked about a deliverer, what shapes those beliefs took near the time of Jesus’s life, and what sorts of misconceptions people have today when they use
[Faith] Episode 66: Angela Patterson - The Faith of Gen Z
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Jared sits down with media psychologist Dr. Angela Patterson to discuss the trends she studies in the spiritual lives of Gen Z, or people born between 1997 and 2012. Angela explains how the typical timeline of faith progression has become much less linear with Gen Z, and encourages parents, church leaders, and older generations to create a space for youn
[Bible] Episode 311: Chauncey Diego Francisco Handy - The Afterlife of the Conquest of Canaan
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Chauncey Diego Francisco Handy to discuss the conquest narrative in the book of Joshua. Delving into what the themes of empire, displacement, a “promised land,” and identity meant to ancient peoples throughout Israel’s history, the conversation offers insight into what the preservation of these narratives can mean for peo
[Bible] Episode 310: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Ecclesiastes (REISSUE)
In this reissue of The Bible for Normal People episode 56, Pete gets to the heart of the somber book of Ecclesiastes. He cautions against an optimistic reading as the author intends to question everything, even God; and explains why Ecclesiastes is his favorite book of the Bible. This episode originally aired in June of 2018.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-310-pete-enns-
[Faith] Episode 65: James Kimmel, Jr. - This Is Your Brain on Revenge
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with lawyer, lecturer, and author James Kimmel, Jr. about our primal desire for revenge against the people we feel have wronged us. James shares the science behind the belief that revenge is an addiction tied to gratification, and offers alternative strategies to break the revenge cycle and move towards a forgiveness-oriented approach
[Bible] Episode 309: Elizabeth Shively - The Gospel of Mark, Explained
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Elizabeth Shively show some love to the shortest gospel and tell us why it shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to understanding the Messiah. Walking through the book’s literary framing of apocalypse, suffering, and discipleship, Elizabeth presents Mark’s gospel as an invitation to get to know the human Jesus.
Show Notes → https://theb
[Faith] Episode 64: Drew G. I. Hart & Jarrod McKenna - Creative Resistance & the Joy of Nonviolence
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Drew G. I. Hart and Jarrod McKenna to talk about rethinking power and nonviolence. Through practices inspired by Anabaptism, the Black church, and the teachings of Jesus, Drew and Jarrod explore how Christians can contribute to social change through their own nonviolent resistance as individuals and communities.
Show Notes →
[Bible] Episode 308: Bill Schniedewind - The Scribes Who Wrote the Bible
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Nerd-in-Residence Cynthia are joined by Bill Schniedewind to discuss who really wrote the Bible. Bill explains how different scribal communities each left their own mark on the texts they were writing, and how the diversity of the Bible’s human authors reflects the beauty and richness of the text itself.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornorm
[Bible] Episode 307: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Proverbs (REISSUE)
In this reissue of The Bible for Normal People episode 36, Pete works through some big-picture issues that help us see what Proverbs is all about, such as the complexities of wisdom, the nature of folly, and how this ancient text is supposed to help us navigate life in the present day. This episode originally aired as “7 Things You Need to Know about How the Book of Proverbs Works” in February 201
[Faith] Episode 63: Mariko Clark - Helping Kids Grow an Expansive Faith
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Jared and Jennifer Garcia Bashaw sit down with Mariko Clark to explore how adults can help kids encounter the Bible in ways that move beyond rigid rules and binaries. Together they discuss practices that cultivate curiosity, imagination, and a more expansive vision of God and faith.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-63-mariko-clar
[Bible] Episode 306: Pete Enns & the Old Testament Nerds - Ask a Scholar Anything (About the Hebrew Bible)
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete is joined by our Nerds-in-Residence to tackle some of your biggest questions about the Old Testament. They discuss contradictions in Ecclesiastes, the influence of ancient Near Eastern literature, the meaning and function of sacrifice, and the formation of the Hebrew Bible.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-306-pete-enns
[Faith] Episode 62: Zach W. Lambert - The Lenses Through Which We Read the Bible
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Zach Lambert to talk about the journey from biblical literalism to a more liberative approach to scripture. They explore four harmful interpretive lenses—literalism, apocalypse, hierarchy, and moralism—and offer four healthier alternatives focused on Jesus, context, flourishing, and fruitfulness.
Show Notes → https://thebibl
[Bible] Episode 305: Brian K. Blount - Revelation for Today (REISSUE)
The book of Revelation is just plain weird. In this reissue of episode 180 of The Bible for Normal People, Rev. Dr. Brian K. Blount joins Pete and Jared to discuss how to read and understand the book of Revelation.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-305-brian-k-blount-revelation-for-today-reissue/
Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/-K8lPK2ygHs
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[Bible] Episode 304: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Psalms
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete takes a deep dive into the Psalms—who really wrote them, how they were edited, and why they’ve endured for thousands of years. He explores how these ancient prayers reflect the full range of human experience with God—raw lament, joyful praise, and everything in between.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-304-pete-enns-pet
[Faith] Episode 61: David P. Gushee - Living the Teachings of Jesus
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with David P. Gushee about what it means to take seriously the moral teachings of Jesus. They dig into how Jesus’s teachings are anchored in cultural context, yet still speak to real-life questions about freedom, forgiveness, status, and what it looks like to live well and love others.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.co
[Bible] Episode 303: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - Is the Bible Even Important Anymore?
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared take on a central question: Is the Bible still relevant—and if so, how? They explore how modern views, especially the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, have shaped people's expectations and often led to disillusionment. Drawing from church history, ancient reinterpretations, and personal experiences, they offer insight into how the Bible
[Faith] Episode 60: Beau Underwood & Brian Kaylor - Christian Nationalism Across the Political Spectrum
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Beau Underwood and Brian Kaylor join Pete and Jared to explore the history of how mainline Protestants have contributed to Christian nationalism in the United States. They explain how patriotic worship practices, uncritical support for the state, and assumptions about the nation’s “Christian” identity have shaped the movement—and how churches today can b
[Bible] Episode 302: Julie Faith Parker - How Interpretation Made Eve a Villain
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Dr. Julie Faith Parker joins Pete and Jared to reexamine the story of Eve through a feminist lens, challenging the long-held belief that Eve is the source of original sin. She unpacks how patriarchal interpretations have shaped cultural attitudes toward women for centuries—often in ways the biblical text doesn’t actually support.
Show Notes → https
[Bible] Episode 301: Walter Brueggemann - Resurrecting the Bible in the Mainline Church (REISSUE)
In this reissue episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with the late Walter Brueggemann to reflect on how the Bible can be reclaimed in the mainline church after generations of historical criticism. He challenges both liberal and evangelical tendencies to reduce Scripture to rigid certainties, instead offering a vision of the Bible as a dynamic, imaginative script meant to
[Faith] Episode 59: Malcolm Foley - The Connection Between Racism and Greed
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Malcolm Foley to explore the connection between racism and greed in American history, and the calling of Christians to live differently. Drawing from his book The Anti-Greed Gospel, they discuss how economic self-interest has fueled racial injustice, how the church has been both complicit and resistant, and what it means to p
[Bible] Episode 300: Caroline Blyth & Emily Colgan - What to Do About Violence in the Bible
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Caroline Blyth and Emily Colgan to dive into the many forms of violence in the Bible, including violence attributed to God. They discuss how ancient context, gender dynamics, and structural power inform these texts, why confronting them matters, and how faith communities can engage these difficult passages with honesty an
[Faith] Episode 58: Adis Duderija - The Diversity of Islam
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Adis Duderija to discuss the rich diversity of belief within Islam. Adis outlines various expressions of the faith, challenges the idea of Islam as monolithic, and explores some of the history behind how these iterations came to be.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-58-adis-duderija-the-diversity-of-i
[Bible] Episode 299: Garrick Allen - Something’s Hiding in the Margins of Your Bible
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Garrick Allen about the concept of paratexts—elements like chapter numbers, footnotes, titles, and formatting that surround the biblical text—and how these often-overlooked features significantly shape how we interpret Scripture. Together they explore how the Bible is a dynamic, evolving tradition influenced by centuries of h
[Bible] Episode 298: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Job (REISSUE)
In this reissue of The Bible for Normal People Episode 133: The Book of Job, Pete takes us on a provocative journey through Job, challenging traditional interpretations of suffering, divine justice, and the nature of God. Rather than seeing Job as a lesson in patient endurance, Pete explores the book as a complex, layered critique of transactional theology—and even a possible parable of Israel’s e
[Faith] Episode 57: Janet Williams - What We Can (and Can’t) Say About God
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete Enns and Anna Sieges Beal talk with theologian Janet Williams about apophatic theology, a tradition that emphasizes the mystery of God by acknowledging the limits of human language and understanding. Janet explores how describing God by what God is not—rather than what God is—can open up a deeper, more expansive experience of the divine.
Show Notes
[Bible] Episode 297: Alexiana Fry - Trauma in the Hebrew Bible
Please note: this interview does include mention of assault and sexual abuse in the context of the Hebrew Bible. In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and co-host Cynthia Shafer-Elliott talk with Alexiana Fry about reading the Hebrew Bible through the lens of trauma, gender, and migration. Reflecting on texts like Hosea and Judges 19, Alexiana challenges traditional interpretations
[Bible] April Bonus Episode: Jared Byas & the New Testament Nerds - Ask a Scholar Anything (About the New Testament)
This is a teaser of our April 2025 bonus episode! Jared Byas, Angela N. Parker, and Jennifer Garcia Bashaw answer supporter questions all about the New Testament. Want to hear the rest of the episode? Join our online community the Society of Normal People and you'll get monthly bonus episodes; livestreams of guest interviews; Q&As with Pete, Jared, and the Nerds; and an all-access pass to our clas
[Faith] Episode 56: Wylin D. Wilson - Womanist Wisdom for a Wounded World
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, nerds-in-residence Anna Sieges-Beal and Dr. Angela N. Parker talk with Dr. Wylin D. Wilson about the intersection of faith, justice, and healthcare through the lens of womanist bioethics. They explore how Black women’s lived experiences reveal deep ethical gaps in the medical system and how centering the most vulnerable offers a path toward collective he
[Bible] Episode 296: Richard Rohr - Seeing Through the Eyes of the Prophets
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared again sit down with Richard Rohr, who returns to discuss the biblical prophets—not as predictors of Jesus or future events, but as truth-tellers who confronted the moral failures of their time. Drawing from The Tears of Things, Rohr highlights how prophets spoke to collective injustice—systems of power, wealth, and religion gone wrong—
[ATBW] Episode 5 - She Refused to Take the Bed
In the last episode of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke explore the story behind a confidential letter in the SBC’S archives that leads to a pastor’s wife named Maria. They also look at the Southern Baptist Convention's decision to expel churches that ordain women, critiquing the rhetoric of unity and biblical authority used to justify the exclusion of women from
[Bible] Episode 295: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Esther
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete takes a closer look at the Book of Esther, tracing its twists and turns while reflecting on its unique place in the biblical canon. He explores how the story functions, what makes it stand out, and what it might have meant to its original audience.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/bible-episode-295-pete-enns-pete-ruins-esther/
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[ATBW] Episode 4 - People Who Have Consensual Affairs Don't End Up With PTSD
In Episode 4 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke share the story of Christa Brown, a sexual abuse survivor and advocate. Her experience reflects the broader issue of clergy abuse, where victims are often silenced and blamed, while abusers are protected and transferred to new congregations. The episode also highlights Pooler’s research on the harmful psychological
[Faith] Episode 55: Matthew Paul Turner - The Challenge of Raising Kids with the Bible
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Matthew Paul Turner, co-author of the new kids’ book “What Is the Bible?” alongside the late Rachel Held Evans. Matthew opens up about how parenting has shaped him, from questioning his own beliefs to embracing a more open, loving approach. He talks about learning from his kids, unlearning old mindsets, and creating a space w
[ATBW] Episode 3 - Loopholes
In Episode 3 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke explore the "loopholes" that allowed women to serve in ministry within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), despite the formal prohibition against female ordination. These loopholes included roles like professors, missionaries, and pastor’s wives, which allowed women to take on leadership and preaching roles in p
[Bible] Episode 294: Roberto de La Noval - Universalism as a Doctrine
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared and co-host Aaron Higashi talk with Roberto de la Noval about the doctrine of universalism, the belief that all people will ultimately be reconciled with God. Rob addresses common misconceptions and its roots in the early Church, explaining how theology develops from biblical interpretation, and examining the evolution of doctrine and the role
[ATBW] Episode 2 - The Invisible Woman
In Episode 2 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke uncover the turbulent and hidden history of women in the Southern Baptist Convention. The story begins in the 1970s, an era of progress and pushback, and follows the journey of Kathy Hoppe, an ordained woman whose call to ministry intersected with a calculated takeover of the SBC. What happens when conviction colli
[Faith] Episode 54: Erin Hicks Moon - Disentangling Faith
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Erin Hicks Moon about growing up Southern Baptist and how she started rethinking parts of her faith, moving away from certainty and learning to embrace mystery. She shares her experience with deconstruction, the Bible, and how faith can still be meaningful even without having everything figured out.
Show Notes → https://thebiblef
[ATBW] Episode 1 - George Orwell Warned Us About 1984
In the debut episode of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke aim to uncover women’s stories hidden in the Southern Baptist Convention’s archives. The story begins in an unexpected place for a podcast about Southern Baptists: 4th-century Rome with Saint Fabiola. Because Fabiola challenged religious and societal norms, her story has become a safe harbor for women with
[Bible] Episode 293: Beth Allison Barr & Savannah Locke - The Women Filed Away by the Southern Baptist Convention
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk to Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke, the creators of our brand new mini-series All the Buried Women, about their journey uncovering the hidden history of women in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) through archival research for Beth’s new book Becoming the Pastor’s Wife. Together they offer a picture of hope for change thro
[ATBW] Introducing All the Buried Women
Savannah Locke introduces All the Buried Women, a compelling new miniseries that uncovers the hidden stories of women within the archives of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). What started as a small passion project grew into a year-and-a-half journey into the history of America’s largest Protestant denomination. Together, historian Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke are bringing to light th
[Bible] Episode 292: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Genesis (Part 5)
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete concludes a lengthy expedition through the book of Genesis with the story of Joseph—emphasizing its role as a bridge between the patriarchal narratives and Israel’s national history, and breaking down how Joseph’s story reflects themes of sibling rivalry, deception, and redemption while also foreshadowing Israel’s future struggles and triumphs.
[Faith] Episode 53: Sarah McCammon - The Politics of Evangelicalism
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with NPR Politics reporter Sarah McCammon about the political influence of evangelicals and their support for Donald Trump. They explore how fear, cultural identity, and political strategy shape evangelical politics; the Republican Party’s relationship with religious voters; and the shifting demographics of Trump’s base.
Show Notes
[Bible] Episode 291: John Dominic Crossan - Paul's Vision Beyond Violence
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared and Pete talk with John Dominic Crossan about Paul's identity as a Pharisee and his theological evolution from a persecutor to a messianic Pharisee. Dom further explains Paul's belief in cosmic justice, the significance of Jesus's execution as a revelation of societal violence, and the role of resurrection in promoting a vision for a peaceful,
[Faith] Episode 52: Larycia Hawkins - Embodied Solidarity
What does it really mean to stand in solidarity with the marginalized? Pete Enns and Angela Parker are joined by scholar and activist Dr. Larycia Hawkins in this episode of Faith for Normal People to explore the risks and challenges of embodied solidarity, the radical model set by Jesus, and how everyday activism intertwines with a life of faith.
Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/e
[Bible] Episode 290: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - Biblical Criticism & the Modern Mindset
We’re back for Season 9 of The Bible for Normal People and we’re still asking ourselves, “What is the Bible, and what do we do with it?” In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete Enns and Jared Byas examine how biblical criticism raises questions about traditional understandings of Scripture. They explore the historical evolution of biblical interpretation, from the medieval period to t
[Faith] Episode 51: A Holiday Roast
Happy holidays! Podcast producer Brittany and audio engineer/editor Stephen have joined forces to bring you a new tradition—our yearly blooper episode! All of these behind-the-scenes clips were collected throughout Season 8 of The Bible for Normal People and Season 2 of Faith for Normal People. From all of us at B4NP, we wish you a joyful, hopeful end to 2024. See you next year!
Show Notes →
Learn
[Bible] Episode 289: Pete Enns & Jared Byas - Pete & Jared Ruin Prophecy (Christmas Edition)
In this festive finale of The Bible for Normal People Season 8, Pete and Jared unwrap a big question: does the Old Testament really predict Jesus’s birth? They dive into Matthew’s creative storytelling, explore what prophecy and fulfillment actually mean, and break down some common assumptions about the Christmas story.
Show Notes →
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[Faith] Episode 50: Esau McCaulley - The Search for God and Self
How do experiences of pain, identity, and reconciliation shape one’s understanding of God and faith? In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Esau McCaulley to talk about how his faith has been formed in the midst of family trauma, anti-Black racism, and the search for identity in America. Together they ponder forgiveness as a transformative process, the hard parts
[Bible] Episode 288: Havilah Dharamraj - The Song of Songs Is More Than Biblical Bridgerton
What if the Song of Songs isn’t just ancient love poetry but a key to unlocking deeper biblical conversations about a better world? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Havilah Dharamraj explores how intertextual readings connect Song of Songs with the prophets, revealing themes of deity-devotee connection, sacred marriage, divine hope, and a return to Eden.
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[Faith] Episode 49: Hillary McBride & Preston McDaniel Hill - Mental Health in a Faith Transition
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Jared Byas talks with therapist and author Hillary McBride along with theologian and psychological scientist Preston McDaniel Hill about the psychological impacts of navigating faith transitions. They explore how faith intersects with mental health and discuss the importance of community, self-trust, and relational support during the process. Hillary and
[Bible] Episode 287: Julia Watts Belser - A Jewish Perspective on Disability
How does Judaism approach the topic of disability? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Julia Watts Belser joins Pete and Cynthia to examine how the Hebrew Bible portrays disability and how Jewish tradition engages these texts in both ancient and modern contexts. She explains what a “blemish” means in Leviticus, the rabbinic tradition of sacred interpretation, and how disability wisdom
[Bible] Episode 286: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Genesis (Part 4)
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete dives into the chaotic sibling soap opera of Jacob and Esau and all its trickery, questionable family dynamics, and divine wrestling matches. Pete explains how and why this ancient family drama was likely written and edited much later to make sense of Israel’s political squabbles.
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[Bible] Episode 285: Pete Enns & the Old Testament Nerds - Ask a Scholar Anything (About the Hebrew Bible)
Does the Hebrew Bible matter for Christians? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete is joined by Nerds-in-Residence Anna Sieges-Beal, Aaron Higashi, and Cynthia Shafer-Elliott to answer your questions about the Hebrew Bible (aka Old Testament) including the role it plays for Christians, the historical basis for events like the exodus, and the structure of biblical texts. They explore
