The Bible & the English Major

Join me as we examine Bible stories the way an English major would, through multiple methods of interpretation, each presented in fun, accessible bites. Each season is a series of articles and podcast episodes where we approach a Bible story from different angles.

Check out our seasons, reviews, and guests below, or if you are ready, jump to your favorite place to listen.

The Bible and the English Major, Maren Jo Schneider, Seasons, Choose Your Own Adventure.jpg
New Year, New Episodes!
Commentary on Mark 5, The Woman with the Issue of Blood Bible Passages: The season discusses the story of the bleeding woman in Mark 5 Bible Characters Discussed: The Bleeding Woman Jesus Key Themes: The courage and desperation of the hemorrhaging
Commentary on John 4, The Woman at the Well Bible Passages: The season discusses the story of The Woman at the Well in John 4:1-42. It focusing on the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Bible Characters Discussed: Jesus
Discover 'The Bible and the English Major' - a unique blend of bible study and literary analysis. Dive into familiar Bible stories and learn a fresh perspective, as we unravel the drama, ancient contexts, and artistry within the stories. Loved by the
Commentary on Luke 10, The Woman at the Well Bible Passages: The season discusses the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. Bible Characters Discussed: Martha and Mary. Key Themes: The debate between the roles of Mary and Martha. The idea that read
Commentary on Mark 5, John 3, John 4 Bible Passages: The season discusses Jairus (Mark 5), Nicodemus Visit to Jesus (John 3:1-21), and the unnamed lawyer (John 4:1-42). Bible Characters Discussed: Nicodemus, Jesus, The Samaritan Woman at the Well
Commentary on John 8, The Woman Caught in Adultery Bible Passages: The season discusses the story of the woman caught in adultery, which is found in the Gospel of John 7:53-8:11. Bible Characters Discussed: The woman caught in adultery Jesus The te
I offer 'The Road to Rebekah,' my story of writing the overlooked story of Rebekah of Genesis. As I unravel the nuances missed by traditional commentators who focus on her husband, Isaac and the other patriarchs, I share the personal, spiritual, and
Reviews

What People are Saying

  • Review: “So smart. So fun. If you like the Bible, or if you think you don’t, give Maren’s podcast a listen.” - Amy L in St. Paul, MN.
  • Review: “A new and rising voice!” - Peter in Apple Valley, MN.
  • Review: “Witty and insightful Bible commentary for the modern age, 'The Bible and the English Major' is a refreshing take on understanding the Bible and living its message out in our modern world. Maren’s approach is inviting and disarming.
  • "Instead of making people cringe by talking about the Bible, you’re talking about cringey things in the Bible in meaningful and relatable ways. Your words let me know that, our culture may assign me lesser worth because I am female, God doesn't."
  • Review: "I’m not a Christian, but I find your podcast fascinating! I’m majoring in English and saw The Bible and the English Major on Spotify. I almost skipped over it since I am not religious, but it intrigued me. I’m glad I gave it a try!" - Melodi

Guests

The best part of any good story is getting to talk about it with friends.

The Bible and the English Major: All Episodes & Articles
The Woman Caught in Adultery, Part 4: Conversations With a Friend: Jennifer Garcia Bashaw
The Woman Caught in Adultery, Part 4: Conversations With a Friend: Jennifer Garcia Bashaw

We conclude this series on John 8 with a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Garcia Bashaw about her book, "Scapegoats, the Gospel through the Eyes of Victims." She helps us understand better ways to read the Bible and why English majors are the best. Those are her words, I promise!

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Martha's Story, Part 6: Conversations With a Friend: Inés Velásquez-McBryde
Martha's Story, Part 6: Conversations With a Friend: Inés Velásquez-McBryde

We conclude our Martha’s Story series with a conversation with Pastora Inés Velásquez-McBryde from The Church We Hope For. She talks about the ethics of who gets centered both by the words of the storytellers and by the actions of Jesus. In God’s upside-down kingdom, the margins become the middle.

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Woman at the Well, Part 6: Conversations With a Friend: DanaLee Simon
Woman at the Well, Part 6: Conversations With a Friend: DanaLee Simon

We conclude our series on John 4 with a conversation with Pastor and Spiritual Director DanaLee Simon. DanaLee and Maren use their spiritual imaginations to explore the mysteries of the Samaritan woman's story. Then DanaLee introduces us to spiritual direction practices to help us soak up some good Living Water.

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Seeking Justice: Jairus & The Bleeding Woman with Pastor Bobby Harrison
Seeking Justice: Jairus & The Bleeding Woman with Pastor Bobby Harrison

We conclude our series on Mark 5 with a conversation with Pastor Bobby Harrison from The Church We Hope For. He shares the story of his dismantling journey toward advocating for justice and equity in the church, tells a great story about his son as a framework for seeking God wholeheartedly, and explains how he relates to Jairus. Then he turns the tables on Maren to find out why she's doing all of this, anyway.

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