[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
Episode 172: Pete Enns - A Whole Different Way of Reading Genesis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:41
In this episode, Pete looks at Genesis from an angle we’re guessing will be new to many of you. We’re going to focus on the big picture. What is Genesis as a whole about? For what purpose was it written? What is it doing…
Episode 171: Ted Lewis - The Origins of God [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:21
The word of the day is "complicated" and the nerd-o-meter is set to the max. Join us on this week's episode as Pete & Jared explore the messiness of history and the origins of Yahweh with Dr. Ted Lewis. Show Notes → Lear…
Episode 169: Pete & Jared - The Bible and the "Problem of History" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:19
What do you do when you notice something in the Bible that doesn’t pass the muster of historical research? In this episode, Pete & Jared discuss the problem of history found within the pages of the Bible and the implicat…
Episode 167: Joshua Harris - A Story of Public Deconstruction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:29
On this episode, Joshua Harris discusses his public deconstruction and how he has wrestled with questions of accountability for harmful ideas while also making room for grace. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choice…
Episode 166: Matthew Paul Turner - Teaching God to Our Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:41
How should we talk to our kids about God and the Bible? On this episode, Matthew Paul Turner discusses the importance of allowing children the space to explore spirituality and ask questions about God. Show Notes → Learn…
Episode 165: Stephanie Tait - Disability Theology is for Everyone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:43
We invited Stephanie Tait to discuss the cultural lens of ableism and how disability theology shapes the way she views God and the Bible. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 164: Pete Enns - Where Did Our Bible Come From? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:55
On this episode, Pete talks about where our Bible comes from, its messy history, and what that means for us today. Show Notes → Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 163: Tripp Fuller - Thinking About Jesus Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:23
We brought in Tripp Fuller, host of the podcast Homebrewed Christianity, to share his perspective on the Jesus of history and the Christ of theology and its relevancy in our lives today. Show Notes → Learn more about you…