[Bible] Episode 326: Chris Keith - How do Scholars Reconstruct the "Historical Jesus?"

[Bible] Episode 326: Chris Keith - How do Scholars Reconstruct the "Historical Jesus?"

Author: Peter Enns and Jared Byas April 27, 2026 Duration: 52:29
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Chris Keith about the historical Jesus, and how scholars approach the gap between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of the Gospels. They explore why the Gospels themselves raise questions about modern ideas of history, how different methods have tried to reconstruct Jesus, and why certainty can be elusive. Together, they invite listeners to approach both the Bible and their faith with greater humility, recognizing that asking honest questions doesn’t have to diminish meaning, and can actually deepen it. Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episodes/episode-326-chris-keith-how-do-scholars-reconstruct-the-historical-jesus Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/ipzANHJZA-M ********** This episode is brought to you by Brooklyn Bedding, which knows sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why they offer mattresses for every body, every sleep style – even in hard-to-find sizes. Go to brooklynbedding.com and use promo code BIBLE at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. This offer is not available anywhere else. ********** This episode is sponsored by Garrett Theological Seminary. Whether you feel called to care and counsel, public service, prophetic arts, or non-profit management, there’s a program at Garrett Seminary that’s right for you. Apply by July 15th to begin a Master’s degree this fall. Learn more at garrett.edu/normalpeople. 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
[Bible] Episode 327: Douglas Campbell - Ripping Up the Romans Road [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:16
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Douglas Campbell about rethinking the “Romans Road” and what Paul is really doing in his letter to the Romans. They explore how common readi…
[Bible] Episode 325: Pete Ruins Everything with Amy-Jill Levine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:41
In this week’s episode of Pete Ruins Everything, Pete talks with Amy-Jill Levine about supersessionism and its impact on how Christians understand Judaism and the New Testament. They explore how ideas like “replacement t…
[Bible] Episode 323: Andrew Tobolowsky- The Myth of the Twelve Tribes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:33
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Andrew Tobolowsky about what scholars mean by “myth” and how that idea applies to the Bible. They explore the origins of the 12 tribes of Is…
[Bible] Episode 320: Pete Ruins Everything on Jeremiah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete has another go at ruining something. This week, he’s unpacking the book of Jeremiah and its interlocking themes of anguish, confusion, and hope. Along the way, Pete pi…
[Bible] Episode 318: Mark S. Smith - The Many Gods of Israel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:05
In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Mark S. Smith, a leading scholar of ancient Israelite religion, to explore the polytheistic background of Israel and the gradual emergen…