Bible is Lit

Matthew
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This podcast explores The Bible as a work of literature. We dig into themes, patterns, motifs, archetypes, and all kinds of literary criticism and interpretations. We also tackle controversial topics from The Bible, and riff on listener generated questions and topics.

  1. 09/14/2025

    Jesus + Moses + Israel as Mirrors

    This is the final episode in our Jesus + Torah unit. This episode traces the connections between the narrative of the life of Jesus and Israel under Moses’ leadership. Topics Covered: ​5 major movements = five worlds = five soul layers​Connections to Egypt​The two Joseph’s and their dreams​Wandering and wilderness​Temptations and tests​Crucifixion and healing​Ascension ​5 loaves, 2 fishes = 5 secrets, two witnesses

    33 min

  2. 09/07/2025

    The Beatitudes as Reinterpretations of The 10 Commandments

    In this episodes we look at the connections between the Sermon on the Mount and Moses receiving the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai. Topics Covered: ​Mountains/high places and their symbolism​The archetype of the sage/wise man​10 commandments, 10 blessings, 10 divine characteristics​Hebrew mysticism—The Sefirot and connection to “the fruits of The Spirit”​How the blessings in the Beatitudes correspond to deeper layers of the 10 Commandments​Connections to 1st creation​Types of souls, the evolution of the soul

    33 min

  3. 08/30/2025

    The 10 Commandments and The 5 Worlds

    The Torah is an essential text to world culture. Regardless of religious affiliation, it has influenced the formation of law and community life across a variety of peoples since it's conception. The Torah is also a masterwork of literature. In this episode, we unpack the 10 Commandments as an essential piece in the plot of The Bible as a work of literature. Topics Covered: Mountains as ArchetypesAnimal sacrifices as transmutationMoses' two trips up and down the mountainShattering of the tables of stoneTikkun--rectification and gathering of divine characteristics10 commandments=10 divine characteristics=10 fruits of the spirit.5 loaves and 2 fish=5 worlds and 2 witnessesThe 5 worlds: Assiyah, Yetzirah, Beriyah, Atzilut, Adam KadmonThe 5 corresponding souls: Nefesh, Ruah, Neshama, Yechida, ChayaHow each command requires 5 layers of revelation and application

    50 min

  4. 08/13/2025

    Intro: Jesus and The Torah

    In this unit we explore the connections to The Torah and Jesus. Topics Covered: -Historical Origins -The TaNaK, The Christian Bible -Torah specifically and as a general term for teachings -Oral traditions -Influence on major religions and interpretations of major religions. -Chiasmus, Chiasm, Chiastic structure -The Gospels as Torah reinterpreted -Why Jesus is controversial -Who is Messiah

    28 min

  5. 01/06/2025

    Heaven, The Apocalypse and Human Sacrifice.

    In this episode we look at some juicy questions submitted by listeners and students. Topics Covered: ​-What is Heaven?​-Western Folk Religion​-Ancient cosmology​-Merging of Heaven and earth​-Motifs of Heaven and earth ​-Apocalyptic literature connections to dystopian literature ​-John of Patmos, not the same as the Apostle.​-Literal but not literal but also archetypal​-Blind obedience v. Relationship​-Abraham’s sacrifices and connections to Cain​-Mercy v. Sacrifice

    33 min

  6. 10/20/2024

    Is Heaven 'Real'? Why Does God Destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? The Woman with the Issue of Blood! Q and A.

    In Q and A episode, we delve into some heavy hitters like: -Is Heaven real? If so, what's it like? -Why does Jacob wrestle with God. -Hell, Sheol, Hades, and everlasting punishment. -Why does God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? -Why is the woman with an issue of blood such a prominent story?

    35 min

  7. 05/27/2024

    Moses, Captivity, Pharoah and Marxism--Q and A.

    This Q and A episode was developed from listener and student-generated questions regarding a previous episode on Destruction and Rebirth of Israel in Egyptian captivity. You can listen to that ⁠episode here⁠ if you need to get caught up. Just click the link or scroll. Topics Covered: Why did Pharoah treat the Israelites so poorly. A brief history of how Israel ended up in Egypt. How long was Israel supposed to remain in Egypt? What's the deal with all these plagues? Did Moses ever see his family again? Moses as Cain redeemed.

    35 min

  8. 05/26/2024

    Solomon: Wisdom and How Wealth and Fame can lead to a downfall.

    The final section of our Tragic Heroes unit examines the life of Solomon. As with most tragic heroes, Solomon proves to be a controversial character. The semi-bastard son of King David, Solomon is both the son of magnificent promise, but also is one who subverts the traditional order in the world of the narrative. Topics Covered: How Solomon subverts the order of tradition. Birthright motifs. Meta-narrative of God blessing those "outside" of societal traditions Solomon's fame. Narrative structure, and how the it predicts Solomon's downfall. Fame. Money. Where do we get wisdom?

    23 min
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About

This podcast explores The Bible as a work of literature. We dig into themes, patterns, motifs, archetypes, and all kinds of literary criticism and interpretations. We also tackle controversial topics from The Bible, and riff on listener generated questions and topics.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matthew
  • Show Website
    Bible is Lit