Data Over Dogma

This week we're serving up two of the most charming authors you'll ever meet! Listeners may recognize the brilliant Aaron Higashi from past episodes, but this time he's bringing along the brilliant Jennifer Garcia Bashaw. Together they are the authors of the new book Serving Up Scripture: How to Interpret the Bible for Yourself and Others.

We've talked many times on Data Over Dogma about the fact that, regardless of what people often say, the Bible doesn't mean anything on it's own. In order to find meaning, you must interpret it. In their book, Bashaw and Higashi give practical advice for how to do that interpretation consciously and effectively, and how to spot less useful or even harmful interpretations.

Find their book wherever you get your best reading material, or just click this link:

https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798889835561/Serving-Up-Scripture

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Did you know that there is a sin so awful, so egregious, so outrageous that even God would not be able to forgive it? If you answered yes, then we're sorry. That probably means you've been needlessly traumatized.

But before we get to that, we're going to introduce you to a book you've almost certainly never heard of. It's a book that didn't make it into the modern biblical canon, but very well could have. And if it had, WHOO DADDY! Things would be different today.

This is the Acts of Paul and Thecla, which is the story of a woman so devoted to her faith that she throws herself into a lightning pond full of killer seals. And if you want that sentence to make sense, and get even more awesome than that, you really need to hear this story.

Then, it's time for the Dans to get unforgivable. The Bible talks a lot about forgiveness, and the ways one might be forgiven. Sacrifice of an animal, repentance, baptism, grace... all of these are ways that one could be forgiven of their sins. But there's one sin that is specifically called out as being beyond forgiveness. Which is terrifying!

So what is it, really? Is it actually unforgivable? Have you committed this sin??? (Spoiler: no, you haven't)

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This week we're talking about showing off your love for God, and whether that might not be a such great idea. And our example of not mentioning God comes straight from the Bible??

First, we're looking at the book of Esther. It's a story with all the twists and turns of a Disney animated movie (complete with cartoon villain), and about as much plausibility. It's a wild ride, and by the end someone's going to be killed on a fifty-cubit pole. But something important is missing...

Then, should Christians proclaim their religiosity boldly and loudly out into the world, or should they keep it to themselves? Are big public displays effective means of spreading the gospel, or are they just a way to signal piety, while annoying everyone around you? Maybe that's the point?

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Jesus fulfilled the law! It says so right there in Matthew. But what on earth does that actually mean? Different people have had vastly different interpretations of that idea, and the consequences of their ideas are significant! Are the old laws still in effect, or did Jesus abolish them? Should we throw away Leviticus? Should we stop eating shellfish? What does it mean???

Then, since we talked about Deuteronomy rules of war last week, we're going to take another look. We mentioned the Assyrian vassalage treaties, but only scratched the surface of that lunacy! What do the laws of God have to do with the terms forced on conquered territories by tyrannical rulers? Did God copy from the notes of Assyrian rulers? Is this connection valid or a stretch? And who is S. R. Haddon?

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What do you know about baptism? Why do Christians do it? Where does it come from?

This week, we're exploring the most important baptism of all: that of Jesus. It's clearly a pivotal moment in the narrative of the life of Jesus, but it also presents some pretty important theological problems. And if it's so important, why do the gospels seem to disagree about how it went down?

Then, it's the rules of war! Deuteronomy 20 presents some pretty specific rules about how the Israelites are supposed to conduct themselves when they go up against other groups, and WOOF! Let's just say that it's definitely no Geneva Convention!

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