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 12/20/22 Maren Jo Schneider 12/20/22

Martha's Story, Part 5: Biblical Fanfiction

Inspired by the Midrash of the ancient rabbis, Maren takes a crack at Biblical Fanfiction. What do you imagine the lawyer thought about Jesus' Good Samaritan parable? What if Martha heard it, too? And the bottom line question: can creativity can also be a tool in biblical interpretation? You decide.

Maren Jo Schneider 10/11/22 Maren Jo Schneider 10/11/22

Martha's Story, Part 2: Characters in Context

Martha has suffered too long in her sister Mary's shadow. Let's compare her to the 70 followers Jesus sends out and the self-righteous lawyer also found in Luke 10. What light can a good character foil shine?

Maren Jo Schneider 9/28/22 Maren Jo Schneider 9/28/22

Martha's Story, Part 1: To Serve or to Pray? What a Boring Question

Luke’s story about Mary and Martha has left scholars debating for centuries, leading to character analysis paralysis. Let’s get past the heroine/villain question to figure out Luke's bigger point.

Maren Jo Schneider 9/27/22 Maren Jo Schneider 9/27/22

Martha's Story, Introduction: Confessions of an English Major

Welcome to a new season on a couple of sisters, Martha and Mary! Maren confesses how she used to see this story, and offers an apology. In the beautiful words of Mary Oliver, "Congratulations if you have changed."

From "To Begin With, the Sweet Grass" by Mary Oliver