In this enlightening podcast episode, the hosts Steve and Alex explore the often overlooked ‘weird stuff’ in the Bible and why it’s essential to engage with these unique and peculiar aspects. As they delve into the strange stories and elements that may seem out of context or puzzling, they underline the importance of situating oneself within the ancient Near Eastern worldview when engaging with the Bible. The discussion emphasizes how these peculiar narratives and elements tie biblical storylines together, revealing God’s bigger picture and encouraging a deeper exploration. Drawing from Dr. Michael Heiser’s teachings, the duo shares their personal experiences and insights into demystifying the Bible’s strange elements by overcoming the challenges of time, tradition, and translation. The podcast aims to make the Bible approachable, exciting, and deeply engaging by digging deeper into its peculiar elements.
00:00 Introduction to the Strange Bible
00:23 Why Focus on the Weird Stuff in the Bible?
00:43 The Importance of Weird Stuff in the Bible
01:43 Understanding the Bible as a Fiction Book
02:28 The Weird Spots in the Bible
02:43 The Human Element in the Bible
03:29 The Nature of the Bible
04:24 The Boredom with the Bible
07:10 The True Strangeness of the Bible
10:44 The Larger Story God is Telling
14:35 Tying Biblical Storylines Together
18:22 Demystifying Time, Tradition, and Translation
22:09 Conclusion: Falling in Love with the Bible Again
