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 5/17/22 Maren Jo Schneider 5/17/22

Radical Inclusivity: Jesus, Jairus & the Bleeding Woman

With even more artistry, the writer of the Gospel of Mark uses juxtaposition, symbolism, merism, and a 6-foot party sub to make a very big point about Jesus' renewal of Israel and the faith lying at its heart. And you thought we'd discovered everything.

Maren Jo Schneider 4/19/22 Maren Jo Schneider 4/19/22

The Bleeding Woman & The Genius of Mark's Sandwich

Mark, the best cook among the Gospel writers, turns Mark 5:21-43 into a yummy literary sandwich full of plot twists, juxtaposition, and faith. Come taste the beauty of a Markan Sandwich and consider: Can art reveal things that science cannot?