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Artwork for The Bible For Normal People

The Bible For Normal People

Peter Enns and Jared Byas
Christianity
New Testament
Southern Baptist Convention
Christian Nationalism
Bible
Genesis
Hebrew Bible
Judaism
Jesus
Theology
Old Testament
Faith
Ecclesiastes
Faith Transition
Love
Biblical Interpretation
Biblical Scholarship
Racism
Existentialism
Evangelicalism

A weekly podcast talk show having serious talks about the sacred book. Hosted by Peter Enns and Jared Byas.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes421Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for The Bible For Normal People

Latest Episodes

In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Rony Kozman about how the New Testament interprets the Hebrew Bible, and why the apostles’ approach to Scripture often looks very different from the historical-grammatica... more

In this week’s episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with theologian and ethicist Ciarra Jones about who gets to decide what the Bible means and how our identities, experiences, and social locations shape the ways we interpret Scrip... more

In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Nathan MacDonald about the origins of Israel’s priesthood, the role of the Levites, and why the Bible’s accounts of priests are far more complex than they first appear. T... more

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In this week’s episode of Pete Ruins Everything, Pete talks with Dale Allison about the strengths and limits of biblical scholarship. They explore what historical research can and cannot tell us about Jesus, the Bible, and the ancient world, while re... more

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Recent Guests

Ciarra Jones
Biblical scholar focused on equity and inclusion
UC Berkeley, Harvard University (educational background mentioned)
Episode: [Faith] Episode 73: Ciarra Jones - Who Gets to Decide What The Bible Means?
Nathan MacDonald
Professor, University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Episode: [Bible] Episode 333: Nathan MacDonald - The Messy History of the Priesthood
Dale Allison
New Testament scholar, author on historical Jesus and the resurrection
Duke University (as context)
Episode: [Bible] Episode 332: Pete Ruins Everything with Dale Allison
Cameron B.R. Howard
Professor of Old Testament
Luther Seminary
Episode: [Bible] Episode 331 : Jared Byas - 10 Aha Moments in Biblical Scholarship: Part 2
Bruce Longenecker
Professor, Baylor University; author of The Triumph of Abraham's God, The Transformation of Identity in Galatians
Baylor University
Episode: [Bible] Episode 330: Bruce Longenecker - The Vision of Galatians
Jordan Wood
Theology professor
Belmont University
Episode: [Faith] Episode 72: Roberto De La Noval & Jordan Wood - How the Early Church Read the Bible (Reissue from Bonus)
Vanessa Lovelace
Executive Director at the Louisville Institute; PhD from Chicago Theological Seminary
Louisville Institute
Episode: [Bible] Episode 328: Vanessa Lovelace - Is Deuteronomy History?
Douglas Campbell
New Testament professor at Duke Divinity School, focus on Paul
Duke Divinity School
Episode: [Bible] Episode 327: Douglas Campbell - Ripping Up the Romans Road
Chris Keith
Scholar of New Testament and early Christianity
Christianity
Episode: [Bible] Episode 326: Chris Keith - How do Scholars Reconstruct the "Historical Jesus?"

Hosts

Pete Enns
Host of The Bible For Normal People; scholar and author focusing on biblical interpretation and ancient Near Eastern contexts
Jared Byas
Co-host contributing to dialogue, framing, and critical discussion of biblical interpretation

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 5.1k ratings
  • One Of The Best Out There

    I do not recommend this podcast to anyone whose theology is firmly rooted in late 1800's evangelical thought and who prefers it to stay that way. If you use the term “Progressive Christian” as an insult and have no interest in what actual scholars and experts in religious studies are saying, you may want to find a podcast that better feeds those biases.

    However, if you’re interested in challenging your preconceived ideas about theology and history—and you’re curious about what academics in relig... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mrguyterrifico
    Canada3 months ago
  • Excellent, thoughtful, informed, intriguing

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Julian Heaton
    5 months ago
  • Progressive “Christianity”

    The first episode I listened to immediately had me on guard with the language and keywords being used. Progressive & liberal theology. Use your discernment.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    nlctnc
    Canada6 months ago
  • Early Benefits

    I’ve only listened to a dozen of their episodes, but I already have to leave a review, because something significant has been set in motion. These two dudes have fanned my spark of agency in faith. Over the last couple weeks my devotional studies have been remarkably deeper, more probing, even jarring as I’ve had to let go of fundamental beliefs that don’t hold up to scrutiny. It’s no coincidence that this growth coincides with time around Peter and Jared; critical thinkers, and their didactic g... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stephen Lyell
    New Zealand6 months ago
  • INTERESTING, THOUGHT PROVOKING, NOURISHING

    This program makes academic discussion of a wide range of topics in or about the bible relevant and accessible to non-academics — it is neither pretentious nor vacuous —It is friendly and playful without being chatty. It skillfully challenges ideas without ever demonizing what it questions. This is a safe place to explore and question ideas and practices and doctrines with curiosity and integrity.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cbpgca
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate critical thinking and rigorous discussion that challenges assumptions without derailing curiosity.
Guests and hosts are praised for making scholarly topics accessible and engaging for non-academics.
Some feedback notes a perceived ideological slant, with a call for balanced exploration and humility in interpretation.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

[Faith] Episode 73: Ciarra Jones - Who Gets to Decide What The Bible Means?
Q: How have historical moments like Nat Turner's rebellion influenced modern biblical interpretation?
Nat Turner's ability to read and interpret scripture under oppression highlighted that literacy itself becomes a site of resistance and that interpreters can redefine biblical authority in favor of liberation.
[Faith] Episode 73: Ciarra Jones - Who Gets to Decide What The Bible Means?
Q: What is the role of embodied experience in interpretation, and how does that change our approach to the text?
Embodiment reshapes interpretation by foregrounding how people feel, live, and survive within particular social contexts, which expands legitimate readings beyond purely abstract, text-only methods.
[Faith] Episode 73: Ciarra Jones - Who Gets to Decide What The Bible Means?
Q: Can you talk about the who gets to define what it means as it relates to the Bible, and who has the right to interpret biblical text?
Interpreting scripture has always been tied to power and culture; people from marginalized communities have historically offered critical, transformative readings that challenge traditional authorities, showing that multiple voices can enrich understanding rather than erode it.
[Bible] Episode 333: Nathan MacDonald - The Messy History of the Priesthood
Q: How do scholars connect Levitical priests with the broader Levi tribe across the Pentateuch, and what tensions does that reveal?
The discussion covers the shift from priests being a distinct group to being Levitical priests, the mediation between holiness and common Israel, and Numbers' role in explaining this relationship, highlighting interpretive moves rather than straightforward history.
[Bible] Episode 333: Nathan MacDonald - The Messy History of the Priesthood
Q: Could you help us understand the origins of the neat priestly story we see in Genesis?
Nathan explains the lineage from Levi to Aaron, and how the traditional priestly narrative consolidates priestly power within a single line, while acknowledging that this “neat” picture is later layered over more complex biblical material.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Bible For Normal People

What is The Bible For Normal People about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on thoughtful, scholarship-informed discussions of biblical texts and interpretation. Across episodes, listeners are treated to deep dives into history, archaeology, and various hermeneutical approaches, often challenging traditional readings with nuance, humility, and community-minded formation. The format frequently features scholars and theologians who bring contextual insight, while also weaving practical implications for contemporary faith communities. A notable strength is its ability to translate dense academic material into accessible dialogue, making complex topics approachable for curious lay listeners as well as clergy and students.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Bible For Normal People?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Bible For Normal People:

1. Homebrewed Christianity
2. Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman
3. Everything Belongs: Living the Teachings of Richard Rohr Forward
4. Nomad Podcast
5. No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

How many episodes of The Bible For Normal People are there?

The Bible For Normal People launched 9 years ago and published 421 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Bible For Normal People?

Recent guests on The Bible For Normal People include:

1. Ciarra Jones
2. Nathan MacDonald
3. Dale Allison
4. Cameron B.R. Howard
5. Bruce Longenecker
6. Jordan Wood
7. Vanessa Lovelace
8. Douglas Campbell

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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