24 episodes

Beast & Bible explores the intersection of the “monstrous”, religion, and popular culture. Informed by academic thought, each episode features accessible dialogue that doesn’t fall into sensationalism, conspiracy theories, or the pitfall of becoming blind pop culture apologists. Instead, this show reveals how the study of monsters can help us become better people - maybe even better people of faith.

Beast and Bible Beast and Bible

    • History
    • 5.0 • 26 Ratings

Beast & Bible explores the intersection of the “monstrous”, religion, and popular culture. Informed by academic thought, each episode features accessible dialogue that doesn’t fall into sensationalism, conspiracy theories, or the pitfall of becoming blind pop culture apologists. Instead, this show reveals how the study of monsters can help us become better people - maybe even better people of faith.

    Sneak Peek - They Also Served: Unvisited Tombs

    Sneak Peek - They Also Served: Unvisited Tombs

    Hey Monster Hunters!
    You might like our sister podcast They Also Served, which explores the untold stories of women who impacted American Christianity, Adventism, and the world. 
    Subscribe over on the They Also Served feed so you don't miss when the first episodes drop in Summer 2024! 
    Subscribe now:
    Apple | Spotify |  Google | Podbean App

    • 7 min
    Light Up the Dark: Interview with Michael Halfhill

    Light Up the Dark: Interview with Michael Halfhill

    For years, Christians have tried to create positive alternatives to Halloween. In some cases they have been traumatic, such as the Hell or Judgment House. Other times they have made it cringey by preaching anti-Halloween sermons with misinformation. Yet, some churches have found a way to reach out and have fun. In this final Halloween episode, Dr. Pierce talks with Pastor Michael Halfhill on his church’s popular event known as “Light Up the Dark.”
    This is the fourth and final episode of the 2023 Halloween Special. 

    • 39 min
    Trick or Treat Part 2 - Interview with a Halloween Expert - Lisa Morton

    Trick or Treat Part 2 - Interview with a Halloween Expert - Lisa Morton

    When did Halloween take such a dark turn? How did it come to be associated with gory, murderous imagery? In this episode, Dr. Pierce concludes his interview ith Halloween expert Lisa Morton, focusing on the transition from children's holiday to something for adults with a taste for the macabre.
    This is the third episode of the 2023 Halloween Special. 
    Show Notes
    Book | Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween by Lisa Morton
    Documentary | Hell House | Rent on Amazon, Vudu or view on Youtube
    This documentary follows one evangelical church's answer to Halloween haunted houses - Hell House - which depicts graphic scenes including "botched abortions, AIDS-related deaths, fatal drunk driving crashes, date rapes, and drug-induced suicides" with the purpose of converting it's attendees. 

    • 27 min
    Trick or Treat Part 1: Interview with a Halloween Expert - Lisa Morton

    Trick or Treat Part 1: Interview with a Halloween Expert - Lisa Morton

    Halloween is often considered a tribute to the Celtic Lord of Death…but is it? Where did this holiday come from? Is it a religious holiday or something manufactured by the makers of sweets? In this episode, Dr. Pierce interviews Halloween historian and six-time Bram Stoker award winner Lisa Morton about the history of this spooky Holiday.
    This is the second episode of the 2023 Halloween Special. 
    Show Notes
    Book | Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween by Lisa Morton

    • 30 min
    The Nightmare Before Halloween

    The Nightmare Before Halloween

    Episode 1 of the Beast and Bible 2023 Halloween Special.

    • 24 min
    Panic Attack Part 2: How the Satanic Panic Turned Us into Monsters with Joseph Laycock

    Panic Attack Part 2: How the Satanic Panic Turned Us into Monsters with Joseph Laycock

    Dr. Pierce speaks with expert Dr. Joseph Laycock on how knowing the patterns of moral panics can keep us from being swept up in them.

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
26 Ratings

26 Ratings

Amizu7 ,

A breath of fresh air

Biblical. Relevant. Considerate. Tactful. Researched. Thank you guys!

K. Eisele ,

One of my favorites this year!

I love the willingness to dive into both pop culture and Christina culture through the lens of monsters. Christian fans of “Lore” should definitely listen!

Dawg1979 ,

Enlightening

I really appreciate the creative thought of looking at the beasts/ monsters of society and the Bible.

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