It Means What It Means

itmeanswhatitmeans
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast in which a guy with “some college” and a day job asks experts questions about biblical studies.

  1. 5d ago

    Always Two There Are? with James Wykes

    The conversation delves into the significance of Behemoth and Leviathan as one creature, as well as the importance of the Septuagint translation of the Book of Job. It also explores James Wykes' background and academic pursuits, along with an in-depth discussion on the structure of the Book of Job. The conversation delves into the unique nature of the Septuagint translation, the interpretation of Behemoth and Leviathan, the fluidity of ancient translation, the significance of biblical animals and traditions, leisure reading and hobbies, and the concept of the cosmic sanctuary. Takeaways Behemoth and Leviathan as one creatureThe significance of the Septuagint translation Septuagint as a Unique TranslationFluidity of Ancient TranslationInterpretation of Behemoth and Leviathan Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Behemoth and Leviathan03:10 James Wykes' Background and Academic Pursuits06:23 The Structure of the Book of Job11:34 The Septuagint Translation of Job20:38 The Septuagint Translation22:15 Behemoth and Leviathan23:22 Ancient Views of Translation50:03 Biblical Animals and Traditions56:17 Leisure Reading and Hobbies01:01:17 The Cosmic Sanctuary

  2. Aug 7

    Legal Thinking and Notions of the Self with Phillip Lasater

    The conversation explores the relationship between ancient legal traditions and the concept of the self, emphasizing the importance of understanding law as an intellectual tradition. It delves into the Covenant Code and its significance, highlighting the dynamic and lively nature of legal texts. The conversation explores the perception of law in the Hebrew Bible and its interpretation in Christian theology. It delves into the distinction between law and grace, the philosophical nature of law, and the influence of legal anthropology on biblical studies. Takeaways Ancient legal texts are not dry or uninteresting but are dynamic and conceptually rich.Understanding law as an intellectual tradition enriches the reading and interpretation of legal texts. Law and grace are often perceived as distinct concepts in Christian theology.The study of legal anthropology can provide valuable insights into the interpretation of Hebrew Bible texts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation01:51 The Self and Ancient Texts02:48 The Significance of Journal Articles03:20 Introduction to Philip Lassiter07:18 The Connection Between Law and Self10:09 Ancient Legal Traditions and Divine Revelation12:24 The Authority of Law and the King16:43 The Purpose of Ancient Laws20:48 The Role of Legal Anthropology in Biblical Studies23:11 Approaches to Understanding Pentateuchal Law26:29 Enriching the Reading of Legal Texts28:29 Perception of Law in Christian Theology29:44 The Philosophical Nature of Law36:08 Influence of Legal Anthropology on Biblical Studies

  3. Jul 31

    Healing Affluenza & Plutocracy with Ched Myers

    The conversation delves into the power of old stories and their ability to save us from illness and death. It also explores the underemphasis of resurrection in churches and its connection to the prophetic tradition. The Emmaus Road story is discussed in detail, highlighting its significance in understanding the deeper meaning of resurrection and prophetic vocation. The conversation delves into the reinterpretation of the wounds of the risen Jesus, challenging the traditional understanding and highlighting the disnification of the risen Jesus. It also explores the connection between law and self, shedding light on the historical and philosophical perspectives on this relationship. Takeaways Old stories have the power to save us from illness and deathResurrection is underemphasized in churches and often handled with timidity or swagger Reinterpreting the wounds of the risen JesusThe disnification of the risen Jesus Chapters 00:00 The Power of Old Stories02:06 The Emmaus Road Story22:12 The Connection Between Resurrection and Prophetic Tradition31:33 Reinterpreting the Wounds of the Risen Jesus36:46 The Disnification of the Risen Jesus01:06:07 The Connection Between Law and Self

  4. Jul 24

    Time to be Saved? with Aaron Brian Davis

    The conversation delves into the concept of purgatory, exploring its theological and philosophical underpinnings, as well as the differences between the Roman Catholic and Protestant views of purgatory. It also examines the impact of the Reformation on the concept of purgatory and discusses biblical and theological perspectives on the topic. The conversation delves into the theological implications of limbo and purgatory, exploring the concept of limbo as an antechamber to heaven and the idea of purgatory as a place of purification. It also discusses the role of time dilation in pop culture and its potential theological significance. The conversation delves into theological themes in literature and art, exploring the connection between resurrection and prophetic vocation. It then discusses psychological time and sanctification, followed by an exploration of analytic theology and everyday asceticism. The conversation concludes with a focus on disability theology and the importance of prophetic vocation in understanding the connection between life unending and prophecy. Takeaways Purgatory as a conceptDifferences between Roman Catholic and Protestant views of purgatory Concept of LimboTheological implications of time dilation in pop culture The connection between resurrection and prophetic vocation is essential and cannot be pulled apart.The portrayal of Jesus in art and tradition has often been glorified and romanticized, leading to a disnified image of the resurrected Jesus. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Purgatory20:30 Reformation and Purgatory24:29 Biblical and Theological Perspectives25:27 Theological Implications of Limbo and Purgatory30:19 Time Dilation in Pop Culture53:25 Theological Themes in Literature and Art56:03 Psychological Time and Sanctification59:19 Analytic Theology and Everyday Asceticism01:02:03 Disability Theology and Prophetic Vocation

  5. Jul 19

    Rerelease of Lilith: A Novel with Nikki Marmery

    The conversation delves into the myth of Lilith, Nikki Marmery's writing journey, and the reimagining of biblical narratives. It explores the origin of Lilith in mythology, Marmery's transition from journalism to fiction writing, and the erasure of women in biblical texts. The conversation delves into the story of Mary Magdalene, the personal journey of writing, exploration of ancient mythologies and religions, the feminine divine and terrestrial religion, the power and representation of women in ancient texts, and the naming of unnamed characters. The conversation delves into the exploration of ancient texts, the portrayal of mythological characters and biblical stories, the significance of Lilith, Asherah, and ancient religion, the retelling of ancient myths, and the history of myths and mythological characters. It also touches on the enjoyment of history, the preference for non-fiction and audiobooks, and the love for Kurt Vonnegut's work. Takeaways Lilith's myth spans different cultures and has evolved over time.Nikki Marmery's journey from journalism to fiction writing is influenced by global financial crises and historical research.The reimagining of biblical narratives sheds light on the erasure of women and the importance of the Divine Mother in Israelite religion. Exploration of ancient mythologies and religionsThe power and representation of women in ancient texts The influence of ancient texts on character namesThe portrayal of angels in ancient textsThe significance of curse bowls in ancient culturesThe retelling and recasting of mythsThe enjoyment of history and mythologyChapters 00:00 The Myth of Lilith06:27 Nikki Marmery's Journey12:51 Reimagining Biblical Narratives20:30 Unveiling the Story of Mary Magdalene27:25 Exploring Ancient Mythologies and Religions36:13 The Power and Representation of Women in Ancient Texts43:37 Mythological Characters and Biblical Stories53:52 Reading and Enjoying History

  6. Jul 17

    The Greatest Story Ever Retold with John Anthony Dunne & Jeannine K Brown

    The conversation delves into the art of harmonization in Jesus films, the genesis of the book, narrative criticism, visualization of the Jesus story, characterization in Jesus films, themes and audience resonance, interrogating hermeneutics, and the impact of format on the outcome of Jesus films. The conversation covers a range of topics related to the portrayal of Jesus in films, including visual translations of the Gospels, faithfulness and humor in gospel visualizations, the portrayal of villains in Jesus films, reinterpretation of Pilate in films, top five Jesus films, and book recommendations. Additionally, the conversation delves into a philosophical understanding of the word in the Gospel of John. Takeaways Harmonization in Jesus films is a common technique that bridges interpretive approaches across the centuries.Jesus films serve as a lens for understanding and thinking about how the gospels came about, and the story of Jesus is told over the centuries. Visual translations of the Gospels involve selectivity, rearrangement, and editing, leading to interesting studies in harmonization and faithfulness.The portrayal of villains in Jesus films and the reinterpretation of Pilate in films raise important questions about historical accuracy and the impact of these portrayals on modern audiences. Chapters 00:00 The Art of Harmonization05:01 The Genesis of the Book11:27 Characterization in Jesus Films20:27 Themes and Audience Resonance32:29 Interrogating Hermeneutics40:16 Faithfulness and Humor in Gospel Visualizations45:28 Portrayal of Villains in Jesus Films52:52 Top Five Jesus Films and Book Recommendations01:05:07 Philosophical Understanding of the Word in John

  7. Jul 3

    An African Introduction to the New Testament with Elizabeth Mburu and Ferdinand Okorie

    The conversation explores the concept of uncovering the embedded meaning in a text, the motivation behind creating an African introduction to the New Testament, and the challenges of abstraction and normative reading in biblical studies. It also delves into the application of African hermeneutics and contextual interpretation in understanding biblical texts. The conversation delves into the methodical approach of contextual mirroring, theological framing, meaning in relationship, book contributions and distribution, book accessibility, and recommendations. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding the biblical context in relation to the African context, the theological framing of texts, and the distribution and accessibility of the book in various languages and regions. Takeaways Uncovering embedded meaningMotivation for an African introduction to the New Testament Understanding the importance of contextual mirroring in biblical interpretationRecognizing the significance of theological framing in understanding biblical texts Chapters 00:00 Uncovering the Meaning in Text05:25 Introduction to the Book17:37 African Hermeneutics and Contextual Interpretation32:09 Challenges of Abstraction and Normative Reading38:16 Contextual Mirroring47:42 Meaning in Relationship56:29 Book Accessibility

  8. Jun 26

    Eschatology and the Use of Psalms in Hebrews with Seth Whitaker

    The conversation delves into the eschatological themes and the use of Psalms in the book of Hebrews. Seth Whitaker shares his journey and interest in Hebrews and Psalms, highlighting the eschatological significance of the Psalms and their role in waiting for God's return. The interpretation of Hebrews and its connection to eschatology is explored, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed. The conversation delves into the theme of suffering in the context of God's people, highlighting the biblical theology of mission and the significance of quoting and appealing to the Psalms in Hebrews. It also explores the interpretation of scripture, the concept of multivalence, and the reading of biblical texts from an African perspective. The episode concludes with a discussion on 'An African Introduction to the New Testament,' emphasizing the importance of stories and relationships in the biblical narrative. Takeaways Eschatological themes in Hebrews and the PsalmsThe Psalms as a source of waiting for God's return Suffering is a significant theme in the context of God's peopleThe interpretation of scripture from an African perspective is crucial for understanding the biblical narrative Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eschatological Themes08:24 Interest in Hebrews and Psalms16:28 Eschatology and the Psalms27:54 The Psalms and Eschatological Significance37:56 The Psalms and Waiting for God43:17 The Suffering of God's People50:21 Interpreting Scripture and Multivalence57:19 Reading Biblical Texts from an African Perspective01:21:31 An African Introduction to the New Testament

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5
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9 Ratings

About

A podcast in which a guy with “some college” and a day job asks experts questions about biblical studies.

Information

  • Creator
    itmeanswhatitmeans
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 itmeanswhatitmeans