The Bible For Normal People Podcast By Peter Enns and Jared Byas cover art

The Bible For Normal People

The Bible For Normal People

By: Peter Enns and Jared Byas
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A weekly podcast talk show having serious talks about the sacred book. Hosted by Peter Enns and Jared Byas.Copyright 2017 All rights reserved. Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • [Bible] Episode 320: Pete Ruins Everything on Jeremiah

    [Bible] Episode 320: Pete Ruins Everything on Jeremiah
    Mar 16 2026
    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 picks out some of the iconic Jeremiah verses commonly quoted in churches and Facebook posts and puts them back in the context of the text. It might make those verses less applicable to a high school graduation card, but it also helps readers participate in the ongoing journey to search for God’s promises in the face of crisis. Show Notes → http://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episodes/bible-episode-320-pete-ruins-jeremiahWatch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/6KRcI8fVD6s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • [Bible] Episode 319: Matthew Vines - The Bible Isn't Against Gay Marriage

    [Bible] Episode 319: Matthew Vines - The Bible Isn't Against Gay Marriage
    Mar 9 2026
    In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared welcome back Season 1 favorite Matthew Vines to discuss how conversations about the Bible and same-sex relationships have shifted over the past decade. Matthew revisits common biblical arguments against same-sex marriage and offers thoughtful counterpoints grounded in Scripture and church history. The conversation explores how a deeper understanding of the Bible’s context can invite Christians to think more expansively about faith, love, and partnership. Show Notes → https://www.thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episodes/bible-episode-319-matthew-vines-the-bible-isnt-against-gay-marriage Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/2x5BQNrD9gw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • [Bible] Episode 318: Mark S. Smith - The Many Gods of Israel

    [Bible] Episode 318: Mark S. Smith - The Many Gods of Israel
    Mar 2 2026
    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 emergence of monotheism in the Hebrew Bible. Drawing on biblical texts, ancient Near Eastern inscriptions, and comparative studies, Mark explains how early Israelites likely understood Yahweh as one deity among many before later theological developments came to affirm him as the sole god of Israel. Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-318-mark-s-smith-the-many-gods-of-israel/ Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/R1xiWA6w3P8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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The hosts really have a heart to share the complexities of the Bible in a way that is open minded, scholarly, and nonjudgmental.

The first episode that I heard opened with an advertisement about gummies for micro dosing. At that point, I know that this podcast was going to be a bit different.

For years, I’ve been contemplating the complexities, oddities, history, and seemingly contradictions within the Bible, but it’s not until recently that I’ve found a community of people that are like minded.

I’m not here to promote atheism or blindly harmonize texts that don’t align with each other. I’m not extremely left or right on this issue. I just want to be honest with the text, and I believe God is okay with that.

In short, I’m just trying to make the best out of my experience while getting a deeper understanding of how the Bible and its wisdom, stories, and weirdness can help. This podcast is one of those tools for me.

Combining Care, Caution, Complexity, and Scholarship in Bible Study

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Lots of different great topics & issues for Questioning Christians, Seekers investigating Christ's teachings & Christian Religion, Scholars, Educators, if you are at all spiritual or religious with Christian leanings or traditions. I'd also recommend it for ALL Pastors & Faith Leaders in the Church tradition. I guarantee you that there are people in your congregation who are or will be going through a "Faith Transition". I think a lot of the things discussed in this podcast should be brought up in church Bible studies, discussion groups, sermons, etc. When I found out that there are all of these books and resources discussed on this podcast and that no one in ANY of my Faith Communities had recommended them, preached on them, etc. I was kind of angry. I thought I was questioning Alone! But I'm not. I'm Deconstructing and Reconstructing with great authors and teachers and philosophers!

What a breath of fresh air & a little bit of peace during a so-called Crisis of Faith!!!

So Helpful, So Informative!

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First time I've heard reconstruction outside of my own journey - loved it so much!

All Christians need to listen!

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