Itmeanswhatitmeans - Podcast Details

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It Means What It MeansEpisode 85: Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts II: Manumission with Chance E BonarThis conversation explores the concept of manumission in ancient Mediterranean societies, particularly during the New Testament era. Chance Bonar (a contributor to the book Ancient Slavery and its New Testament Contexts) discusses the various types of manumission, the complex relationship between freedom and manumission, and the challenges faced by enslaved individuals seeking to purchase their freedom. The dialogue also delves into biblical perspectives on slavery and the implications of these historical practices for modern understandings of freedom and anti-slavery movements. This conversation explores the complexities of slavery in antiquity, particularly focusing on the legal framework of manumission during the...2025-08-0659 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 82: The Seven Mountains Mandate with Matthew BoedyMatthew Boedy discusses the Seven Mountains Mandate, a concept within certain evangelical circles that seeks to reclaim seven areas of cultural influence in America: government, religion, education, family, media, entertainment, and business. He explores the historical context of this movement, its key figures, and the implications for democracy and national identity. The discussion also delves into how biblical texts are interpreted to support this mandate and the coalitional politics that have emerged around it, particularly in relation to authoritarianism and Christian nationalism. Make sure to check out Matthew’s book The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Ch...2025-07-161h 17

It Means What It MeansEpisode 81: Persian-Style Historiography in Ezra-Nehemiah with Sam BlankenshipIn this conversation, Sam Blankenship discusses her research on Persian-style historiography in the context of Ezra-Nehemiah. She explores the contributions of Arnaldo Momigliano to historiography, the definition of history, and the role of charts in historical documentation. The discussion delves into how Persian administration influenced Jewish historiography and the dual nature of historical narratives in Ezra-Nehemiah, highlighting the complexities of audience and purpose in historical writing. Resources mentioned or recommended in this conversation include, Arnaldo Momigliano, Persian Fire, Bruce Lincoln, Aspects of History and Epic in Ancient Iran, From Cyrus to Alexander, The Persian Empire: A Corpus of Sources...2025-07-091h 01

It Means What It MeansEpisode 80: Lamb of the Free with Andrew RilleraAndrew Rillera discusses his book Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrificial Understandings of Jesus’s Death, exploring the multifaceted nature of sacrifice in Christianity, particularly focusing on Jesus' death and its significance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding sacrifice beyond traditional interpretations, advocating for a framework of solidarity and participation. The discussion delves into the role of Levitical sacrifices, the significance of Passover, and the implications of Jesus' ascension in relation to purification and atonement. Other resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include, The works of David Moffitt, Christian Eberhardt, Joel Baden, Jacob Milgrom, Liane Feldman, Si...2025-07-021h 44

It Means What It MeansEpisode 79: Traditions III: Baptist with Elizabeth ArnoldElizabeth Arnold shares her journey from a New Testament scholar to a minister within the Baptist tradition (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship). She discusses her experiences at Candler School of Theology, her views on the radical roots of Baptists, and the importance of individualism in American faith. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for democratizing theological education and making biblical languages accessible to all. The conversation also delves into the significance of Bible translations and the role of marginal notes in understanding scripture. Other resources mentioned or recommended in this conversation include The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity; Towards Baptist...2025-06-251h 17

It Means What It MeansEpisode 78: Spirit Possession and Intimate Partner Violence with Reed CarlsonReed Carlson discusses his Journal of Biblical Literature article “Spirit Possession and Intimate Partner Violence in the Law of Jealousy.” He delves into the social dynamics of jealousy and how they relate to intimate partner violence (IPV). The discussion highlights the importance of understanding these themes within the broader framework of community and relationships in the Hebrew Bible. Carlson also emphasizes the need for local action against IPV. Other resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include classicist (and friend of the show) Anthony Ellis, Jealousy in Context, Ingrid Lily, Annette Yoshiko Reed, The Idea of Possession, Unfamiliar Selves:Poss...2025-06-181h 07

It Means What It MeansEpisode 77: Judaism: A Guide for Christians with Tzvi NovickTzvi Novick, Abrams Professor of Jewish Though and Culture at the University of Notre Dame, discusses his book Judaism: A Guide for Christians. He explores the complexities of Jewish identity, the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, and the significance of rabbinic literature. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding Judaism not just as a religion but as a cultural and ethnic identity, delves into the role of Torah in Jewish life, explores the concept of the afterlife, and discusses the community aspect of Jewish observance. Resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include 18Forty, Judaism Unbound, Rabbi Shai Held...2025-06-111h 04

It Means What It MeansEpisode 76: Women and the Gender of God with Amy PeelerAmy Peeler discusses her book Women and the Gender of God, exploring the complexities of gender in theology, the nature of God, and the role of women in the church. She emphasizes the importance of understanding gender as it relates to divine revelation and the implications of language used to describe God. The discussion also delves into ancient perspectives on conception, the political and ontological aspects of the title “Son of God,” and the significance of fatherhood in understanding divine relationships. Authors and resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include Michael Peppard, Lynn Marie Tonstad, Jürgen Moltmann, Andre...2025-06-041h 05

It Means What It MeansEpisode 75: Turning Points in American Church History with Elesha CoffmanJared interviews Elesha Coffman, a professor of history at Baylor University, about her book Turning Points in American Church History. They discussed the genesis of the book, the importance of understanding contingency in history, and the idiosyncratic approach Coffman takes in her analysis of pivotal events. The conversation also delves into the complexities of American Protestantism, the political realignments throughout history, and the nature of hierarchies in American society. Elesha and Jared mentioned or recommended the following Rebel on Main, Nice Try, and the writings of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. Please reach out with guest suggestions...2025-05-281h 07

It Means What It MeansEpisode 74: Courtroom Theatrics in the Letter of James with Alicia BattenAlicia Batten, a professor of New Testament early Christianity, discusses her article “Courtroom Theatrics in the Letter of James.” She explores how the text critiques wealth and partiality, drawing parallels to ancient courtroom settings and the importance of community mediation in legal disputes. Batten also delves into the significance of various aspects of ancient cultures, particularly focusing on seating arrangements in synagogues, the significance of clothing in courtroom settings, and the social dynamics present in the biblical text of James. Alicia’s recommendations for resources include the works of Leanne Bablitz, Kelly Olson, David Gowler, Avi Shlaim, Alistair MacLeod, Mary O...2025-05-2159 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 73: The Bible: A Global History with Bruce GordonBruce Gordon discusses his book The Bible: A Global History. He emphasizes the Bible's evolution, the significance of its materiality, and the ongoing discussions surrounding the canon, particularly in relation to the Council of Nicaea. This conversation explores the complexities of biblical texts, their translations, and interpretations across different cultures and historical contexts. Books mentioned and recommended in this episode include those by Lamin Sanneh, Philip Jenkins, Leo Tolstoy, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Please reach out with guest suggestions and/or feedback at itmeanswhatitmeans@gmail.com. If you would like to support the podcast financially, you c...2025-05-1458 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 72: A Syriac Gospel Fragmentary Manuscript with Catalin-Stefan PopaCatalin-Stefan Popa, a research professor at the Romanian Academy, discusses his article “An Early Ḥarklean Version in a Syriac Gospel Fragmentary Manuscript (MS Or. 403)” and about his research on Syriac manuscripts. They also discuss the significance of Syriac as a language, the historical context of the manuscripts, the role of marginalia, and the importance of manuscript preservation and digitization. Resources mentioned or recommended in this episode include Urho, The Way; The Digital Orientalist; Middle Eastern Manuscript Traditions; The Syriac Annals of the Romanian Academy; The Making of Syriac Jerusalem: Representations of the Holy City in Syriac Literature of Late...2025-05-071h 04

It Means What It MeansEpsiode 71.2: Male Friendship, Homosociality, and Women in the Hebrew Bible with Barbara ThiedeJared and Barbara Thiede discusses her book Male Friendship, Homosociality, and Women in the Hebrew Bible: Malignant Fraternities, exploring the concept of homosociality in biblical narratives, particularly among male characters. She reflects on the implications of these relationships in the context of contemporary issues surrounding toxic masculinity and gender dynamics. Thiede also examines the relationships of key biblical figures such as Judah, Hira, and David, and how these narratives can inform our understanding of masculinity today. Websites, books, and authors mentioned or recommended in this episode include The Shiloh Project, Ursula Vernon, Alix Harrow, Chronicles of Amber, Adrian Tchaikovsky...2025-05-031h 02

It Means What It MeansEpisode 71.1: Male Friendship, Homosociality, and Women in the Hebrew BibleJared and Barbara Thiede discusses her book Male Friendship, Homosociality, and Women in the Hebrew Bible: Malignant Fraternities, exploring the concept of homosociality in biblical narratives, particularly among male characters. She reflects on the implications of these relationships in the context of contemporary issues surrounding toxic masculinity and gender dynamics. Thiede also examines the relationships of key biblical figures such as Judah, Hira, and David, and how these narratives can inform our understanding of masculinity today. Websites, books, and authors mentioned or recommended in this episode include The Shiloh Project, Ursula Vernon, Alix Harrow, Chronicles of Amber, Adrian Tchaikovsky...2025-04-3039 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 70: Fan Fiction and Early Christian Writings with Tom de BruinIn this conversation, Jared and Tom de Bruin discuss Tom’s book Fan Fiction and Early Christian Writings: Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha and Canon. They consider the intersections of fan fiction and biblical texts, exploring how fan fiction can provide insights into the understanding of religious narratives. Tom delves into the concept of canon, the historical context of early Christian writings, and the complexities of textual ownership. Through contemporary examples, such as Anne Rice's Christ the Lord Series, de Bruin illustrates the ongoing dialogue between fiction and faith, emphasizing the fluidity of canonical texts and the emotional connections that drive fan en...2025-04-231h 16

It Means What It MeansEpisode 69: What Is African American Religion with Anthony PinnAnthony Pinn discusses his book What Is African American Religion?, emphasizing that religion is fundamentally about the quest for meaning and complex subjectivity rather than adherence to specific doctrines or institutions. He argues that this quest is a shared human impulse that transcends racial and cultural boundaries, shaped by social contexts and experiences. The discussion also touches on the rise of individuals identifying as “nones” and how community engagement is evolving in the 21st century, highlighting the importance of understanding religion as a broader human experience. Recommendations in this episode include Terror and Triumph; The Interplay of Things; Slave Road...2025-04-1642 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 68: Paul's Divine Christology with Chris TillingDon’t panic! It’s Jared’s forty-second birthday and he invited his friend Chris Tilling back to discuss Tilling’s book Paul's Divine Christology, the nature of unconditional love in Paul's writings, and the complexities of intertextual continuity and discontinuity in Paul's theology. They also examine the importance of understanding the “weirdness” of Paul and the need to approach his writings with a fresh perspective, resisting the temptation to domesticate his message. Recommendations in this episode include Larry Hurtado, Matthew Novenson, Ruben Bühner, William Horbury, Crispin Fletcher-Louis, Jared Neusch, John Goldingay, Walter Brueggemann, Beyond Justification, Apocalypse Here, “Paul the Trinit...2025-04-111h 08

It Means What It MeansEpisode 67: Jesus v Evangelicals with Constantine CampbellConstantine Campbell discusses his book, Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Bilical Critique of a Wayward Movement with Jared. They delve into the quadrilateral of evangelicalism, focusing on the significance of activism, the role of institutions, and the challenges posed by celebrity culture within the church. Campbell critiques the political expression of activism and emphasizes the need for a holistic understanding of the gospel that includes the resurrection and social action. Recommendations in this episode include Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation and The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and...2025-04-091h 02

It Means What It MeansEpisode 66: The Judas Project with John DunneJohn Dunne is back to discuss the 1993 film The Judas Project with Jared. Their conversation explores narrative, character motivations, and the cultural and theological implications of its portrayal of Jesus, Peter, and Judas. They analyze the film's unique take on the story of Jesus in a contemporary setting, the motivations behind Judas' betrayal, and the film's overall quality and impact. The discussion also touches on the nostalgia associated with early 90s cinema and the film's earnest yet flawed execution. Recommendations in this episode include Assassin 33AD, The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus, and Jesus and the Forces of...2025-04-021h 17

It Means What It MeansEpisode 65: Finding Phoebe with Susan HylenIn this conversation, Susan Hylen discusses book Finding Phoebe: What New Testament Women Were Really Like and her research on the roles and perceptions of women in the time when the New Testament was written. She highlights the historical context of women's property ownership, their social influence through patronage, and the virtues ascribed to them in ancient society. The discussion also delves into the complexities of speech and silence in relation to social hierarchies, emphasizing that women's roles were more nuanced than traditionally understood. Hylen emphasizes the importance of interpreting biblical texts with an awareness of their cultural background...2025-03-2654 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 64: Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic with Nadya WilliamsNadya Williams discusses her book Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic: Ancient Christianity and the Recovery of Human Dignity. She emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, the priceless nature of every individual, and the need for community support in times of suffering. The dialogue explores the economic implications of caregiving, the value of the elderly, and how Christianity provides a counter-narrative to modern societal values that often devalue life. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of neighborly love and community in fostering hope and support. Nadya’s recommendations include Wendell Berry, Hannah’s Children, and Muppets in Moscow. 2025-03-1951 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 63: Our Cloud of Witnesses with Yii-Jan LinYii-Jan Lin discusses her article “Our Cloud of Witnesses: A Writing of Hebrews 11:1-12:2 in Memory of the Asian and Asian American Women Killed 16 March 2021.” She reflects on the impact of immigration, the concept of citizenship, and the importance of honoring Asian American activism. Lin challenges dominant interpretations of scripture and emphasizes the need for new methodologies in biblical studies, advocating for a more inclusive and contextual approach to understanding biblical texts. The discussion also touches on the need for community support against misinformation targeting Asian Americans and the broader implications of citizenship in scholarship. Recommendations in this conversation incl...2025-03-1250 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 62: The Archetypal Witness with Amber DillonAmber Dillon discusses her doctoral dissertation The Archetypal Witness: John the Baptist and Composite Intertextuality in the Fourth Gospel. Dillon explores the significance of John the Baptist in the prologue of the fourth gospel, the evangelist's intentions, and the complex relationship between the Gospel and Jewish identity. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the Gospel of John within its Jewish context and the implications of its anti-Jewish rhetoric. Recommendations in this episode include, The Gospel of John and the Future of Israel, Christmaker, How to Study the Bible’s Use of the Bible, Invitation to the Septuagint, Introducing the Ps...2025-03-051h 13

It Means What It MeansEpisode 61: The Mount Ebal Altar Episode with Kyle RouseIn this conversation, Kyle Rouse, a PhD candidate at Baylor University, discusses his article “Conquests Need Monuments and Monuments Need Inscriptions: The Textual Location of the Mount Ebal Altar Episode in Joshua.” He explores the significance of the Masoretic text, authorship debates, and the cultural conventions surrounding military conquests in ancient texts. Rouse emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and narrative coherence of biblical literature, as well as engaging with scholarly conversations on textual traditions. Kyle’s recommendations include Tracking the Master Scribe, “Monumental Inscription and the Ritual Representation of War,” Assyria: The Imperial Mission, Text and Ritual in...2025-02-261h 15

It Means What It MeansEpisode 60: Phoebe, A Host of Christian Travelers with Jason BorgesJason Borges discusses his article “Phoebe, a Host of Christian Travelers: The Meaning of Πϱοστάτις in Romans 16:2.” He explores the role of hospitality in the ancient world, particularly how figures like Phoebe served as hosts for Christian travelers. The discussion delves into the concept of patronage, the reciprocal nature of relationships in ancient hospitality, and the institution of Proxenia, which facilitated travel and support among communities. Borges emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics to grasp the social fabric of early Christianity. Jason’s recommentations include Edwin Judge, Proxeny and Polis: Institutional Networks in the Ancient Greek World, and Lionel Casson. ...2025-02-1952 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 59: Land Possession and the Meaning of Isaiah 60:21 with Shalom HoltzShalom E. Holtz, Professor of Bible at Yeshiva University, discusses his article “The Problems of Land Possession and the Meaning of Isaiah 60:21.” The discussion explores the legal implications of land possession during the Neo-Babylonian and Persian periods, the role of imperial powers, and the theological perspectives surrounding law and land ownership. He emphasizes the vision of restoration in Isaiah 60 and its relevance to contemporary interpretations, including the utopian ideals present in ancient Israel. Recommendations from this episode include Praying Legally; A Prophet Reads Scripture: Allusion in Isaiah 40-66; and the collected works of Ken Follet and Charles Dickens, respectively. 2025-02-121h 08

It Means What It MeansEpisode 58: When All We Know is the Title with Matthew MongerMatthew Monger; Associate professor of Near Eastern Languages and Literatures MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society; discusses his article “The Book of the Daughters of Adam in the Gelasian Decree.” He explains the decree's role in establishing a canon of scripture and introduces the Book of the Daughters of Adam, a text mentioned in the decree but lacking historical evidence. The discussion delves into the Book of Jubilees, its historical context, and the importance of critical editions in understanding biblical texts. Monger also explores the nature of textual variance in manuscripts and the intentions of scribes in thei...2025-02-051h 08

It Means What It MeansEpisode 57: Submitted for Your Approval: Judges As Anthology with Brandon HurlbertBrandon Hurlbert (one of the hosts of The Two Cities podcast) discusses his article “Deconstructing the Downward Spiral: Anthology as Coherence in the Book of Judges,” arguing that it should be viewed as an anthology of narratives rather than a unified story depicting a downward spiral of moral decay. He explores the editorial processes behind ancient texts, the complexity of biblical narratives, and the presence of humor and irony within the stories. Hurlbert also evaluates the common downward spiral thesis through a series of tests, ultimately challenging its validity and emphasizing the interpretive freedom readers have when approaching these text...2025-01-291h 18

It Means What It MeansEpisode 56: Embracing the Jewess with Caryn Tamber-RosenauCaryn Tambor-Rosenau discusses her article “Embracing the Jewess: Reading Gender and Ethnicity in Judith with the Belle Juive.” She contrasts literary analysis with historical criticism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the text's function rather than solely its historical background. Caryn and Jared explore the character of Judith from the biblical text, discussing her independence, the implications of her choices, and the feminist interpretations of her story. They delve into the historical context of Judith's narrative, examining how different interpretations have emerged over time, particularly in relation to Jewish identity and anti-Jewish sentiments. Caryn introduces the concept of feminist exegesis, emph...2025-01-221h 02

It Means What It MeansEpisode 55: Rethinking Atonement with David MoffittIn this conversation, David Moffitt, a professor of New Testament and early Christianity at the University of Saint Andrews, discusses his book Rethinking the Atonement and explores the representation of atonement in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of sacrifice and reconciliation, the diversity of perspectives within the New Testament, and the significance of Jesus as a high priest in the context of a heavenly liturgy. Douglass Moo Commentary, Three-Body Problem. Please reach out with guest suggestions and/or feedback at itmeanswhatitmeans@gmail.com. If you would like to...2025-01-151h 04

It Means What It Means2025 PreviewHappy New Year! To close out 2024, we’re going to share clips of what we have in store for 2025. Guests in the new yea will include Nadya Williams, Amber Dillon, Kyle Rouse, Jason Borges, Shalom Hotz, Matthew Monger, Brandon Hurlbert, Caryn Tamber-Rosenau, David Moffitt, Clair Mesick, and Michael Kochenash. Reach out with guest suggestions or feedback at itmeanswhatitmeans@gmail.com. If you want to support the podcast financially, go to patreon.com/ItMeansWhatItMeansPodcast. Thanks for your support! Rabbi Reuven Klein has a book available in hardcover and paperback, and I neglected to add it to the...2024-12-311h 00

It Means What It MeansEpisode 20: Unitarian Evangelicals and the Faith of Jesus with Curtis FreemanIn this episode, Jared talks to Curtis Freeman about his essay “The Faith of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Conundrum” from the book Beyond Old and New Perspectives on Paul: Reflections on the Work of Douglas Campbell. Recommendations made include James William McClendon, Glen Butner, Fred Sanders, NT Wright, Richard Hays, and Mark A Noll features prominently in the conversation. Reach out with feedback at itmeanswhatitmeans@gmail.com, on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Spoutible, or check out the podcast Linktree. 2024-04-081h 04

It Means What It MeansEpisode 18: Re-remembering Hagar with Haley GabrielleIn this episode, Jared talks to Haley Gabrielle about her article “Re-remembering Hagar: Reading Σάρξ in Galatians with Spillers” from the Journal of Biblical Literature. Recommendations made include Shively Smith, Randall Bailey, Gay Byron, Vanessa Lovelace, Mitzi Smith, Sharon Jacob, Dolores Williams, and (I added) Gale Yee. Reach out with feedback at itmeanswhatitmeans@gmail.com, on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Spoutible, or check out the podcast Linktree. 2024-03-131h 05

It Means What It MeansEpisode 17: America's Book with Mark A NollMark A. Noll discusses his book America's Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794 to 1911. He shares his motivation for writing the book and explains that it is a continuation of his research on the use of the Bible in American history. Noll highlights the entrepreneurial and free-form nature of religion in America, particularly in relation to the production and use of the Bible. He also explores the role of learning Greek and Hebrew in America and the presence of anti-intellectualism in American Christianity. Noll concludes by discussing the diverse perspectives and communities in biblical interpretation in...2024-03-111h 00

It Means What It MeansEpisode 16: Making Sense of the Incense Altar with Hananel ShapiraHananel Shapira, a PhD student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, discusses his research on the priestly literature and his article on the incense altar. He explains that while the prescriptive incense altar is a later addition to the text of Exodus 25-29, it does not mean that it was absent from the temple rites. Shapira argues that the menorah played a part in the burning of incense and challenges traditional translations of the word 'menorah.' He also explores the differences between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, as well as the placement of the incense altar in...2024-02-2641 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 15: The Where and When of Joshua 10 and 11 with Ya'akov Dolgopolsky-GevaIn this episode, Jared talks to Ya’akov Dolgopolsky-Geva about his article from the Journal of Biblical Literature “Where (and When) Did the Authors of Joshua 10:1-39, 11:1-15 Live?”. Recommended scholars include Shirly Natan-Yulzary, Ariel Seri-Levi, and Idan Dershowitz. Click here to find out where you can follow the podcast. 2024-02-1245 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 14: Gospel Media with Nicholas A ElderIn this conversation, Nicholas Elder discusses his book Gospel Media: Reading, Writing, and Circulating Jesus Traditions, which covers the complexity of reading, writing, and circulating texts in the ancient world. He dispels myths about these practices and highlights the influence of other fields on biblical studies. He explores the relationship between ancient and modern media and emphasizes the sociality of media. He challenges assumptions about early Christian reading practices and the influence of anti-Judaism. He discusses the importance of orality in the ancient world and the transition from orality to textuality. He also examines the oral characteristics of the...2024-01-2947 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 13: The Hebrew Bible as Literature with Tod LinafeltIn this episode Jared talks to Tod Linafelt about his book The Hebrew Bible as Literature: A Very Short Introduction from Oxford University Press. Books mentioned or recommended in this episode: Biblical Narrative and the Death of the Rhapsode, JPS TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures, Books by Robert Alter, An Invitation to Biblical Poetry, Reading the Poetry of First Isaiah: The Most Perfect Model of the Prophetic Poetry, Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature, and the Very Short Introduction series. Click here to find out where you can follow the podcast. 2024-01-151h 05

It Means What It MeansEpisode 12: Ben Witherington III - Apocalyptic Literature ExplainedIn this conversation, Dr. Ben Witherington discusses his background as a professor of New Testament and his extensive experience in teaching and writing. He introduces his book The Problem with Evangelical Theology: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism, Wesleyanism, and Pentecostalism and explains his motivation for writing it. The conversation then delves into the nature of apocalyptic literature, distinguishing it from other biblical genres and discussing its purpose and characteristics. Dr. Witherington emphasizes the importance of understanding the original context of apocalyptic texts and cautions against misinterpreting them. He also addresses misconceptions about the timing of the end...2024-01-0150 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 11: Brent A Strawn - Divine Doppelgängers IIIIn this conversation, Brent A. Strawn discusses the significance of Yahweh's lookalikes in the ancient world and the challenges of differentiating Yahweh from other gods. He explores the extremes of over-differentiation and over-similarity and the limitations of historical analysis in understanding the ancient Near East pantheon. Strawn also examines inadequate responses to Yahweh's lookalikes and the relative significance of historical data. He highlights the importance of engaging with the ancient context of the texts and offers insights into the representation of gods in ancient Near Eastern literature. Finally, he discusses the ways to read the Bible faithfully, considering the...2023-12-241h 08

It Means What It MeansEpisode 10: Jon D Levenson - Divine Doppelgängers IIIn this episode, Jared talks to Jon D Levenson about his essay “Is There a Counterpart in the Hebrew Bible to New Testament Anti-Semitism” from the book Divine Doppelgängers: YHWH’s Ancient Look-Alikes. Recommendations made include novelist Ben McIntyre and Jared throws in Kurt Vonnegut and Terry Pratchett for good measure. Click here to find out where you can follow the podcast. 2023-12-151h 01

It Means What It MeansEpisode 9: Collin Cornell - Divine Doppelgängers IIn this episode Jared talks to Collin Cornell about his chapter in Divine Doppelgängers: YHWH’s Ancient Look-Alikes, which he edited. The title of his chapter is Theological Approaches to the Problem of God’s Ancient Look-Alikes. Collin’s recommendations are Paula Fredriksen, Matthew V Novenson, Matthew Thiessen, A Companion to the Hellenistic and Roman Near East, Matt Chalmers, and Gard Granerød. Additionally, Collin is the author of Divine Aggression in Psalms and Inscriptions: Vengeful Gods and Loyal Kings and co-translator of Biblical ABCs: The Basics of Christian Resistance. Click here to find out where you can follow the...2023-12-0156 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 8: Daniel Rodriguez - Hospitality in Biblical TranslationOn this special Thanksgiving episode, Jared talks with Daniel Rodriguez about his article “Reframing Hospitality: Cognition, Social Binding, and Mimetic Criticism” from The Bible Translator. Daniel mentioned and recommended René Girard, Jacques Derrida, Jacques Lacan, Ryan Stokes, Michele Foucault, language as a function of relationship, Reinier de Blois, Eugene Nida, Kenneth Lee Pike, Chris Tilling, Robert Alter, Eugene Peterson, James Maxey, Chip Hardy, Phil Towner, Paul Ricoeur, Douglas Campbell, Chris Brady, Wila Gafney, Phil King, Rabbi Dr David Stein, Jacob Milgrom, Roy Gane, David Moffit, Christo van der Merwe, Jackie Naude, Ninja Turtles: Last Ronin, Teen Titans, Spider Man, Dale...2023-11-231h 35

It Means What It MeansAARSBL 2023On this episode, Jared talks about his experience at the 2023 American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature combined annual meeting. He attended presentations by the following scholars: David A Burnett, Jeremy Williams, Jason Staples, Ryan C Chester, and Hindy Najman. Click here to find out where you can follow and support the podcast. 2023-11-2135 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 7: Alexiana Fry - Trauma as Biblical HermeneuticOn this episode, Jared talks with Alexiana Fry about her book Trauma Talks in the Hebrew Bible: Speech Act Theory and Trauma Hermeneutics. Alexiana references or recommends Precarious Life, Esther Brownsmith, Appalling Bodies, Rape Culture in the House of David, Feminist Trauma, Texts after Terror, Good Book, Does Scripture Speak for Itself?, Living a Feminist Life, Abusing Religion, Babel, Atalanta, Lilith, The Book of Eve, God’s Monsters, Donna Tartt, Pachinko, and make sure to check out Jenny Matheny’s OnScript interview. Click here to find out where you can follow and support the podcast. 2023-11-131h 27

It Means What It MeansEpisode 6: Chris Tilling - Perspectives on the Apostle PaulIn this episode Jared Talks to Chris Tilling about the book Beyond Old and New Perspectives on Paul: Reflections on the Work of Douglas Campbell. Books mentioned in the podcast: Deliverance of God: An Apocalyptic Rereading of Justification in Paul; Commentary on Galatians; The Letter to the Romans: Paul Among the Ecologists; The Letter to the Romans (New International Commentary on the New Testament); The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Volume IX: Acts, Introduction to Epistolary Literature, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians; and Paul for Everyone: Romans, Part One. Chris recommended that listeners check out OnScript and Apocalypse Here. Click here to f...2023-11-011h 03

It Means What It MeansEpisode 5: Heather Macumber - Monsters in RevelationOn this special Halloween episode, Jared talks with Heather Macumber about here book Recovering the Monstrous in Revelation, which is part of the series Horror and Scripture. Heather recommends Apocalypse against Empire, The Conflict Myth and the Biblical Tradition, Humor, Resistance, and Jewish Cultural Persistence in the Book of Revelation, “The Haunting of Jesus: Reading Mark through the Gothic Mode”, The Mountain in the Sea, Hamnet, The Sparrow, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Click here to find out where you can follow the podcast. Happy Halloween, everyone! 2023-10-271h 29

It Means What It MeansEpisode 4: Jodi Magness - Toilets and Toilet Humor in AntiquityIn this Episode Jared talks to Jodi Magness about her article “Toilets and Toilet Humor in the Story of Eglon’s Murder by Ehud” from the March 2023 issue of the Journal of Biblical Literature. Professor Magness also recommended her book The Archaeology of the Holy Land: From the Destruction of Solomon’s Temple to the Muslim Conquest; the work of archaeologist Eric H Cline; and Great Courses by her, Bart Ehrman, and Joseph Lam. Listeners can learn more about Professor Magness at her website. 2023-10-011h 02

It Means What It MeansEpisode 3: Stanley Hauerwas - Story-Formed Communities for Humans and RabbitsIn this episode Jared talks to Stanley Hauerwas about his essay “A Story-Formed Community: Notes on Watership Down” from The Hauerwas Reader. Professor Hauerwas also recommended Richard B. Hayes' work on the Old Testament in the New Testament, his commentary on Matthew for the Brazos Commentary Series, Alasdair MacIntyre's philosophy, and Hannah's Child: A Theologian's Memoir. The book that Jared would recommend from this conversation is Samuel Wells' Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics. Please reach out on Facebook and Twitter. Please consider supporting the podcast on Pateon if you're able. 2023-07-0143 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 2: Rabbi Michael E Harvey - Creation in Genesis 1Jared talks with Rabbi Michael E Harvey about his 3 March 2023 Twitter thread discussing the authorship and meaning of Genesis 1. Rabbi Harvey is the Author of Let's Talk: A Rabbi Speaks to Christians. 2023-04-0151 min

It Means What It MeansEpisode 1: Sophia RC Johnson - Kingship and CovenantSophia RC Johnson is a PhD Candidate in Hebrew Bible at Cambridge University. We begin by discussing the thesis of her article in the December 2022 issue of The Journal of Biblical Literature. I follow her lead and my curiosity from there. Her recommendation for listeners is Yonatan Adler's The Origins of Judaism: An Archaeological-Historical Reappraisal (https://tinyurl.com/yjr7j8dw). This episode also serves as an introduction to the origin and philosophy of this podcast. 2023-03-121h 09