The Bible & the English Major

All Articles & Episodes

Maren's articles marry her love of stories and her fascination with living connected to a God who loves us. The Bible and the English Major examines Bible stories the way an English major would, through multiple methods of interpretation presented in fun, accessible bites.

Visit “The Bible and the English Major” page to learn more about specific seasons, guests, and what people are saying.

Maren Jo Schneider 7/11/23 Maren Jo Schneider 7/11/23

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!

Maren Jo Schneider 1/17/23 Maren Jo Schneider 1/17/23

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.

Maren Jo Schneider 8/30/22 Maren Jo Schneider 8/30/22

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.

Maren Jo Schneider 5/31/22 Maren Jo Schneider 5/31/22

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.