The Bible and the English Major Podcast
The beauty in the Bible can be challenging to appreciate, and that's where I, an enthusiastic English Major, come in! Together we explore the dang good drama, bizarre ancient context, and creative artistry in the Bible.
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If you're looking for a fresh take on familiar stories or are curious about how Biblical authors used irony, symbolism, and humor to make a point, listen and follow The Bible and the English Major today!
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Seasons
Each season, we approach a Bible story from different angles through a series of fun and accessible 20-minute episodes. Then, because the best part of any good story is getting to talk about it with friends, I invite a guest to come and chat about it.
Season 1: The Hemorrhaging Woman
Mark 5
Staking everything on a desperate hunch, one of the bravest women of the Bible reaches out to touch the cloak of Jesus. In his famous sandwich format, Mark pairs her story with a powerful man’s, juxtaposing the two characters in every possible way. Winking at us all the while, Mark cleverly proclaims that Jesus is for everyone.
Listen to Season 1:
Season 2: Woman at the Well
John 4, Genesis 16, Genesis 29, Ezekiel 47
Contrary to what some believe, the women of the bible come pre-packaged with some God-ordained feist. Take, for example, the longest conversation in the Gospel of John, which occurs between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. The two have nothing in common, but the joyful banter between them bubbles up like the life-giving water Jesus offers. The Samaritan woman turns out to be a theologian, just like the Hagar of Genesis John alludes to.
Listen to Season 2:
Season 3: Martha’s Story
Luke 10
Martha and Mary's contentious story only appears in Luke's gospel. Was he really trying to start a debate about the best way to love Jesus? For centuries, the sister who serves has been pitted against the sister who listens. Let’s compare Martha with the other disciples in the chapter, even if they are male, and see if we can put that tired discussion to bed.
Listen to Season 3:
Season 4: The Gospels are Raining Men
Mark 5, John 3, John 4
It's no secret that the Gospels feature powerful male characters like Jairus, Nicodemus, and the unnamed lawyer. Building on our previous seasons, we will delve deeper into the role of male characters in the stories of the hemorrhaging woman, the woman at the well, and Mary and Martha. Through our exploration, we'll see how Mark and John shed light on Jesus’ view of power, privilege, and marginalization.
Listen to Season 4:
Season 5: The Woman Caught in Adultery
John 7:53-8:11
The Pharisees have made the woman in this story the infamous star of the show, but is that what the author intends? Check out his use of sentence and plot structure and uncover not just the grace Jesus offers but the justice he enacts.