The BBC recently reported that “the share of the world’s wealth owned by the richest 1% increased from 44% in 2009 to 48%” in 2015 and that “on current trends, Oxfam…expects the wealthiest 1% to own more than 50% of the world’s wealth by 2016.” What must we hear from the biblical prophets in the…
Category: Topical
The Apostle Paul’s Book Club
Does it matter which book of the Bible you read or which testament it comes from? Where should beginners start? Are some books more important than others? What is the purpose of the New Testament? Is the concept of grace a new idea, or was it part of the story all along? How do the…
Society of Biblical Literature
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…
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?…
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…
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…
Stay as You Are
In this week’s episode, Fr. Marc and Richard discuss the painful but critical role that slavery and hierarchy play in St. Paul’s epistles. Reflecting on the same teaching in Older Testament, they explore how the freedom proposed by the Pauline articulation of the Cross differs from popular concepts of social freedom. While the gospel seeks…
Thy Kingdom Come
Fr. Marc and Richard lament the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in light of the biblical teaching. The episode begins with a special prayer recited by the children of Ephesus School. (Episode 26) For a translation of the Jewish-Arab Peace Song at the end of the show, click here: http://youtu.be/5d_i2F2LlView our trailer: http://youtu.be/rYgeXJh1xKM
Countless Teachers?
Fr. Marc and Richard reflect on the primacy of loyalty for the discipline of biblical wisdom. In a culture where information flows freely, why do we suffer from a deficit of wisdom? With our openness to the many treasured schools and traditions of human knowledge, why do we fail at wisdom and understanding? Beginning with…
What if it’s Us?
Richard and Fr. Marc discuss the relationship between Nebuchadnezzar the historical figure, and Nebuchadnezzar the biblical character. What role, if any, do historical events play in our understanding of the Older Testament’s narrative? How and for what purpose are events within the biblical storyline arranged relative to documentary history? What does the function, “Nebuchadnezzar,” reveal…