This week, Richard talks about his presentation at the Society of Biblical Literature gathering in San Diego, where he explored the various ways in which the study of language and poetry can enhance our understanding of the biblical text. The conversation sheds light on the broader goal of this podcast series: to hear, read and…
Category: The Bible as Literature
The Dead Shall Hear the Voice of God and Live
Preachers often adapt themes from popular books and movies to make their sermons seem relevant for children and teens. But what happens when the content of the Bible is so nuanced that even C.S. Lewis can’t capture it in a popular story? What happens when popular Christian themes are out of step with biblical meaning?…
Torah to the Gentiles
Richard interviews Fr. Marc about his new book, Torah to the Gentiles. The letter to the Galatians offers a brief but demanding exposition of the teaching of the Older Testament for a gentile audience. Highlighting the Bible’s struggle against idolatry, power, and human identity, St. Paul’s letter exposes Jerusalem’s fatal misreading of biblical circumcision: a…
I, Paul
In a culture that thrives on positive messages and expects praise from everyone for just about everything, it is easy to assume that St. Paul’s use of praise in his letters is a gesture of kindness. Unfortunately for Philemon, a word of praise isn’t always praise; kindness is not always kind; and useful blessings come…
Do Not Feed Thyself
Richard and Fr. Marc continue their discussion of the biblical functions “shepherd” and “sheep,” exploring these roles in context of Ezekiel 34. Ezekiel’s critique exposes the corruption of Israel’s shepherds, but also undermines common assumptions about the role sheep play in the life of the flock. Do sheep have a career path? I’ll give you…
Ezekiel 33: Double or Nothing
Do our good deeds count for anything? Is there a difference between a wicked person and a person who behaves correctly most of the time? What does it mean to be a child of Abraham? Who get’s what inheritance? What is the inheritance of those who do not keep the Law? No, you guessed wrong….
It’s All About the Shepherd
In this week’s episode, Richard and Fr. Marc discuss the parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15 and the importance of hearing the Bible in its proper historical context. Where modern disciples tend to impose a Hellenistic worldview on the story, this podcast invites listeners to consider the mentality of the ancient shepherd. Where…
O How the Mighty Have Fallen
Time travel, alien tyrants, world domination, epic battles, post-apocalyptic cities, sudden drought, unnatural trees reaching above the clouds…despite what you are thinking, this week’s podcast is not about Dr. Who or an old episode of Stargate SG1; it’s about Ezekiel 31. Who knew the Bible could be so much fun? (Episode 39)
Lamentations
The book of Lamentations offers a series of poetic reflections on the destruction of Jerusalem. Abandoned by God, hungry, homeless, and bereft of hope, once a queen among the provinces, Jerusalem had become a slave. Ridiculed by enemies, cast aside by lovers and betrayed by elders and priests, the city of sacred stones had itself…
Richard Goes to OCF
What is the purpose of campus ministry? What do we hope for our youth? What do we expect of them as they enter adulthood? In a contemporary setting, where campus ministry tends to emphasize social issues, religious identity, and topical theology, how can teachers engage college students with the serious study of the Bible? In…