All Episodes
The Platonic “We”
This week, Fr. Paul presents a brief introduction to his discussion of Genesis 28, noting the false assumption of a perceived hero in scripture. (Episode 199)
The Worthless Shepherd
“Thus says the Lord my God, “Pasture the flock doomed to slaughter. Those who buy them slay them and go unpunished, and each of those who sell them says, ‘Blessed be t...
God and Lord God
This week, Fr. Paul takes follow-up questions on Genesis 27, noting his remarkable discovery about the dialogue between Eve and the serpent in Genesis 3. (Episode 198)
Give Them Something to Eat
In Matthew 14, Jesus commands his disciples to feed the people with the bread of his Father’s instruction, the five loaves of life-giving bread, representing the fives...
If You Don’t Like It, Shove Off
This week, Fr. Paul exposes the origin and absurdity of the “fallacious dilemma of endless philosophical discussions concerning whether the foreknowledge of God is to ...
Empty Tears
Much is made of the importance of Peter's tears because for those who can’t face their own sins, much is riding on them. But that’s not how the story works. Ri...
In the Arms of a Hittite
In today’s episode, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 27 and also tries his hand at poetry. (Episode 196)
Ideological Impurity
The easiest way to relieve your conscience is to console yourself that you are on the right side of history, the right side of the law, the right side of justice, and ...
It’s That Serious
In this week’s program, Fr. Paul wraps up his question and answer session on Genesis 26. (Episode 195)
On the Record
In human affairs, it is always important to document our statements. Was something promised? Make sure to find the original email. Did something problematic come up in...
Leave Eden to God
In today’s program, Fr. Paul notes the connection between Ezekiel, Genesis, and the Gospel of Matthew. (Episode 194)
It Might Be a Duck
Just as an argument’s value can be assessed by examining its premise, in Scripture (and in life) an individual character’s action or statement can be understood by ide...
It’s Not That Simple
This week, Fr. Paul reminds us that the way we speak and the way that Scripture works are not the same thing, and the Bible is trickier than we think. (Episode 193)
Put Away the Sword
A committed person is hard to find in 2021. Well, let me rephrase. All of us—every last one of us—are committed to ourselves, and we organize the time allotted to us a...
Isaac Obeyed
In today’s program, Fr. Paul continues his discussion of Genesis 26, reiterating the unique role of Isaac in the story while highlighting critical Hebrew wordplay that...
An Offer You Can’t Refuse
Trapped by the Reformation and endless reactions against it, it’s difficult for contemporary Christians to escape ongoing and silly theological debates about grace and...
Because Abraham Obeyed My Voice
Fr. Paul begins his reading of Genesis 26 by pointing out what so many miss and thus misread Paul: you are blessed not only because Abraham trusted God but because he ...
Failed Watchmen
We scratch our heads when the Bible repeats a boring statement over and over again, but what should puzzle us is the odd moment when the Bible seems to take shortcuts ...
Salama, Aslama, Salam
In today’s program, Fr. Paul wraps up his Q and A session with Richard and Fr. Marc on Genesis 25. (Episode 190)
The Problem With Peter
When English speakers co-opt the Matthean expression, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” they inevitably de-scripturalize them. They twist the words of Je...
Not As I Will
We naturally want Jesus to be invulnerable, and the thought of him feeling anxiety or, as Matthew writes, extreme grief about his predicament presents an uncomfortable...
No! No! You Have to Know!
In this week’s discussion of Genesis, Fr. Paul recalls a personal example, reflecting on the criticality of memorization for the study of Scripture. (Episode 188)
The Bitter Pill
Just as human biology is inevitable, so too are human words about development and growth. We talk about building and sustaining to defend and survive, and we talk abou...
The More You Know Scripture
This week, Fr. Paul continues his discussion of Genesis 25. (Episode 187)
Pink Floyd and Mr. Rogers
When Jesus uses the word “body” in Matthew’s gospel, unless you abandon all assumptions, transporting yourself to first-century Roman society, it is impossible to hear...
It’s All About You!
We Americans love it when it’s about us. We just love it. Until we are sitting with Jesus in the Middle East, eating with our hands, and Jesus says, “it’s the guy ...