[Bible] Episode 258: Marc Brettler & Alan Lenzi - The Problem of Evil (Part 1)

[Bible] Episode 258: Marc Brettler & Alan Lenzi - The Problem of Evil (Part 1)

Author: Peter Enns and Jared Byas October 23, 2023 Duration: 55:48
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Marc Brettler and Alan Lenzi join Pete and Jared to discuss the context of evil in the Bible and other ancient Mesopotamian texts, giving insight into how people thousands of years ago wrestled with divine sovereignty and human suffering. This is the first of two episodes on the problem of evil—don’t miss part two on Faith for Normal People as Pete and Jared discuss theological frameworks with Tom Oord. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’ve probably heard the Bible quoted, preached, and argued about, but how often do you get to explore it with curiosity instead of certainty? That’s the space The Bible For Normal People creates each week. Hosts Peter Enns and Jared Byas-scholars who understand both the academic weight and the everyday weight of scripture-guide conversations that are genuinely engaging and refreshingly human. They aren’t here to provide simple answers. Instead, they sit down with a diverse range of thinkers, from theologians and historians to artists and activists, to ask the complicated questions regular people actually have. In this podcast, you’ll hear discussions that acknowledge the ancient, messy, and profound nature of these texts, all while dismantling the idea that you need a special degree or piety to engage with them. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt on the outside of traditional religious dialogue but remains intrigued by the Bible’s stories, poetry, and enduring influence on culture and personal faith. The tone is conversational and often lighthearted, even when tackling heavy subjects, making deep scholarship accessible and relevant. If you’re looking for a place where doubt is welcome, history matters, and the sacred book is examined with both respect and honest inquiry, you’ve found it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Bible For Normal People
Podcast Episodes
Episode 182: Pete & Jared - The Evolution of Adam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
Can Christianity and evolution coexist? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared discuss a path forward for Christians who accept evolution and want to take the Bible seriously. Show Notes → Learn m…
Episode 180: Brian K. Blount - Revelation for Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:05
The book of Revelation is just plain weird. For this episode, Pete and Jared sit down with Brian K. Blount to discuss how to read and understand the book of Revelation. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…
Episode 179: Paul Deal - Integrating Faith and Psychology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:57
On this episode, Pete and Jared sit down with Paul Deal to discuss the intersection of mental health, psychology, and faith. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 178: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Isaiah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:19
In this episode of the Bible for Normal People, Pete Enns continues his habit of ruining things for everyone. Today’s topic is the book of Isaiah, and Pete shares five fun facts that biblical scholars like to talk about…
Episode 176: Jared Byas - The Making of the Modern Mindset, Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:23
For this episode, Jared Byas takes a deep dive into the origins of the modern mindset and how understanding our own context impacts our study of the Bible. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi…
Episode 175: Jodi Magness - The Jesus of Archaeology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:21
In this episode, Pete and Jared sit down with Jodi Magness to discuss what archaeology can teach us about Jesus in his Jewish context. And also - quiches, frittatas, and toilets. Oh my! Show Notes → Learn more about your…
Episode 174: Brian McLaren - The Four Stages of Faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:21
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Brian McLaren to discuss stages of faith, the prevalence of doubt, and what paths to faith after doubt might look like. Show Notes → Learn more…