The Bible For Normal People

I have been listening to The Bible/Faith for Normal People for several years now. Although I haven’t listened to every episode, I have enjoyed the ones I have listened to so much. I always learn a lot, and enjoy it at the same time. I am especially excited for this newest season! I really, really loved the most recent episode (290: Biblical Criticism & the Modern Mindset). Having just finished The Rest is History’s series on Martin Luther, I found Pete and Jared’s discussion on the modern mindset fascinating. I am so looking forward to learning more about our typical, modern view of God, Christianity, the Bible, etc. I have been swimming in the water of more fundamental Christianity my whole life, but I am often unable to view it objectively and through a historical lens. I am excited to learn more! Thank you for such a great podcast!

I used to really appreciate The Bible for Normal People for its scholarly approach to scripture. It helped me deconstruct fundamentalist thinking and engage with the Bible in a more nuanced way. However, I’ve been increasingly disappointed by Pete Enns’ rhetoric. Calling the president “crazy” and a “fascist” contradicts the intellectual humility and moral consistency he claims to value. It’s disheartening to see such a brilliant mind overtaken by partisan ideology and wokeness, reducing complex discussions to political talking points. A real shame, given how much insight this podcast once offered.

Heresy entertained as “open mindedness.”

This podcast is one I love to listen to on trips or long drives to job sites. It is informative, challenges pretty much all of my traditional teachings, while also having a little humor in there. If you are not ok with being challenged, or can’t handle being challenged, or that everything isn’t black and white, then this probably is not for you. Come with an open mind and enjoy the mystery. I’ve learned so much and it makes me even MORE curious.