The Bible Says So

What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture’s Most Controversial Issues

By: Dan McClellan

Narrated by: Dan McClellan

Bible scholar and popular TikToker Dan McClellan confronts misconceptions about the Bible. This program is read by the author.

The Bible is the world’s most influential book, but do we really know what it says? Every day across social media and in homes, businesses, and public spaces, people try to cut debate short by claiming that "the Bible says so!" However, they commonly disagree about what it actually does and doesn't say, particularly when it comes to socially significant issues. For instance, does the Bible say we should be on the lookout for an antichrist associated with the number 666? Does it say women shouldn’t wear revealing clothing? Does it say it’s okay to hit your kids?

In The Bible Say So, Dan McClellan leverages his popular "data over dogma" approach, and his years of experience in the academy and on social media, to lay out in clear and accessible ways what the data indicate the Bible does and doesn't say about issues ranging from homosexuality, abortion, and slavery to monotheism, inspiration, and even God's wife. Smart, accessible, and informative, The Bible Says So is an invaluable resource for our fractious times.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press Essentials.

©2025 Dan McClellan (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"With faith-based skepticism and a hint of irreverence... The work will best serve readers hoping to resolve specific issues with how the Bible is used."—Library Journal

"Smart and historically grounded... Combining fine-grained textual analysis with enlightening historical context, this is a valuable resource."—Publishers Weekly

"This book empowers readers to engage with the Bible without fear of questioning. For anyone seeking to understand the Bible beyond literal and inerrant interpretations, Dan's work is an essential guide to finding a more compassionate and authentic connection with scripture…a much-needed resource for the deconstructing Christian."—Rev Karla Kamstra, author of Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith

The eye of the beholder

Dan is the man. It’s time that folks who spend their life in the academic study of the Bible kick some fundi ass. When JD Vance tried to renegotiate the meaning of charity in the gospels, I said to myself, isn’t anybody going to speak up. And Dan McClellan does just that. I would go further to suggest that there is a deeper pathological need among many evangelicals to have a literal scripture, a a vengeful God and a real hell just to fill their violent fantasies. Go get ‘em Dan

Definitely data over dogma here

I appreciate Dan’s clear articulation and obvious love of Sacred Scripture as well as his tenacious approach to presenting the data over dogma. The only thing I enjoy more than wrestling with the Sacred Jewish and Christian Scriptures, is hearing someone else with more expertise, experience and passion share their perspectives. I recommend this book to everyone who loves the Bible and doesn’t mind being challenged and stretched.

If you have a weak mind and lack the capacity to learn (or have an unteachable spirit) this book is not for you. That being said I think everyone should give it a listen.

Already knew I liked Dan and his approach to scholarship

I have been following Dan for some time and appreciate his objective approach to religion and the Bible. He is a fine reader and I enjoyed listening. Thank you.

Enjoyable and engaging

This book was fun and engaging. Dan has a wonderful sense of humor and it nicely balances the academic content.

informative and well researched

Dr. McClellan does an incredible job at conveying the complex subject of biblical history and textual criticism and a palatable and informative way. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to dig a little deeper into the origin, translation, and consensus surrounding the Bible.