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

Martha's Story, Part 4: The (Blank) Samaritan

Are we so familiar with the "good" Samaritan parable that we're too comfortable with it? Maren offers three readings that provoke the usual interpretation and point to the kingdom of God. Warning: the author has been walking around convicted for weeks. She hopes you'll join her.

Maren Jo Schneider 11/8/22 Maren Jo Schneider 11/8/22

Martha's Story, Part 3: The Genre of Provocation

A properly read parable has never caused a case of the warm fuzzies. Parables were meant to confuse and disturb, to help the audience question the ways of this world and engage in the counter-cultural kingdom of God. Find out how the lawyer, so certain of his righteousness, responds to a good tweaking.

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