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Data Over Dogma

ByDaniel McClellan and Daniel Beecher
113 episodes

Podcast Summary

This ain't your pastor's Bible podcast. This is a deep interrogation of the book, and we're bringing receipts. Bible scholar Dr. Dan McClellan and atheist podcaster Dan Beecher team up to discover what the Bible actually says, what it decidedly doesn't say (even if everyone thinks it does), and explore the history of the most popular book of all time.

#1

In the Beginning*

It's the beginning of the podcast, and we couldn't be more excited! In our inaugural episode, the Dans go "Chapter and Verse" with the creation story--sorry, stories--in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. Then, in "What does that Mean?" we discuss the tetragrammaton, and what the Bible says about God's name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-04-08•1hr 9mins
#2

God's Wife with Francesca Stavrakopoulou

This week we interview the inimitable Francesca Stavrakopoulou. Author, scholar, and BBC documentary presenter, Dr. Stavrakopoulou discusses some big questions about the God of the Bible. Did He have a body? Did He have a wife? Did He demand child sacrifice? It's all big questions and some potentially surprising answers on this week's Data Over Dogma! Find Dr. Stavrakopoulou on Twitter here: If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-04-17•54mins
#3

Why Is She Salt?

This week the Dans dive back into Chapter and Verse with the story of Lot, the angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah. Then, they dive in to the problem of provenance. How do we know when an artifact is legit, and if we're not sure... what do we do about it? If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-04-24•1hr 0mins
#4

Ehrmageddon! With Bart Ehrman

On this week's show, the Dans talk apocalypse with Bart Ehrman. Ehrman's new book Armageddon: What the Bible Really Says About the End is a deep-dive into one of the Bible's most confounding books, Revelation. We talk about the rapture (and all the missed predictions of it), predictions of doom, and whether Revelation was meant to be talking about the future at all. You can subscribe to Dr Ehrman's blog at: To take one of his online courses, check out If you enjoy the Data Over Dogma podcast, and feel like helping out, please consider becoming a patron at: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-05-01•52mins
#5

Betrayed by Dan Brown

This week it's misconceptions all the way down! First, the Dans go out to the backyard and hunt for brightly colored misconceptions about the origins of Easter. Then, risking life and limb from melanin-challenged monks sent by Opus Dei (or maybe Doubleday publishing), Dr. McClellan directly challenges his holiness, Dan Brown about the purpose and accomplishments of the Council of Nicaea. If you enjoy the Data Over Dogma podcast, and feel like helping out, please consider becoming a patron at: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-05-08•52mins
#6

God Breathed?

Is all scripture written (or breathed) by God? This week we use big words like "univocal" to explore the implications of the Bible having only one author. Is every verse divinely inspired? And if not, what are the implications of a fallible text? If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-05-15•1hr 4mins
#7

So Many Gods!

This week we dive into the deep end of biblical polytheism. First, we go "chapter and verse" discussing 2 Kings, chapter 3. It's a war campaign with a VERY surprising ending. Next it's a fascinating look at what's happening in Psalm 82 and the cultural and historical context of the divine council. If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-05-22•1hr 7mins
#8

Contextual Healing with Aaron Higashi

This week, the Dans are joined by scholar and fellow biblical TikToker Aaron Higashi. In this interview Dr. Higashi talks about theological context, and the fact that every believer is coming from a particular perspective. He also discusses the perils and rewards of turning biblical scholarship out toward the public. Find Dr. Higashi's work at: If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-05-29•1hr 6mins

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#9

The Mark of the Best

This week, Dan B looks to the book of Revelation to explain why UPC bar codes and covid vaccines are bad. But Dan M steps in with his decoder ring, and with just a little sleuthing, they finally solve the mystery of the mark of the beast (hint: it was old man Caruthers, the spooky mansion's caretaker, and he would've gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for those meddling kids!) Then, Dan M digs into his dissertation grab-bag and pulls out Prototype Theory. And somehow in the process, he manages to ruin dictionaries for everyone. If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-06-05•1hr 4mins
#10

Adam and Steve (what the Bible says about homosexuality)

Happy Pride month, everybody! This week, Dr. McClellan takes a deep dive into gayness. Wait. That doesn't sound right... He takes a deep dive into the Bible's view on gayness. Yeah, that sounds better. What does the Bible actually say? What DOESN'T it say? And how much of what it says actually applies in a modern context? Homosexuality is one of the great dividing issues of our time, and much of that division is driven by Christian leaders using the Bible to condemn members of the LGBTQIA+ community. But are they interpreting the Bible correctly? If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-06-12•1hr 15mins
#11

Will the Best Bible Please Stand Up?

So many of our listeners have asked "which translation of the Bible is the best?" Well this week, the Dans do a deep dive into the Bible's journey from ancient Hebrew and Greek into English. We're tackling the twists and turns and socio-political machinations that led to the words we read in today's versions of the text. If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-06-19•1hr 20mins
#12

The Blessing of the Magdalene w/ Elizabeth Schrader Polczer

This week Bible scholar (and singer/songwriter) Elizabeth Schrader Polczer joins us to discuss Mary Magdalene. Dr Schrader Polczer plumbs the depths of textual criticism to explore a fuller and possibly more accurate view of the mysterious and often misunderstood character. Could it be that she was a much more prominent figure than we previously thought? If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-06-26•1hr 13mins
#13

Does God Regret this Podcast?

This week Dr. Dan says "alright, let's see it" to claims about whether or not God can regret. Does Genesis actually say that God repented for making humanity? Then, hot on the heels of a big trip to Israel, the Dans discuss modern archaeology and what it can tell us about the ancient world. If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-07-03•1hr 0mins
#14

Lilith Unfair

This week we're delving into the legends, myths, misunderstandings, and slanders surrounding Lilith. Who or what is Lilith? Feminist icon? First wife to Adam? Night demon? Owl? We break down the origin stories, and get to the bottom of this mysterious and fascinating character. Then, "stele" Dan McClellan gives the inside scoop on the standing stones of ancient southwestern Asia. We discuss their archaeological importance, their cultural and religious significance, and where you can get one of your own (if you're the unscrupulous enterprising type). If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-07-10•1hr 0mins
#15

The Dans Go to Hell

Call Ted Danson, because this week we're going to the bad place. Does the Bible really threaten sinners and nonbelievers with eternal torment? Was the idea of hell made up long after the Bible was written? Get out your asbestos snorkle and mask, because we're going to probe deep into the lake of eternal fire, and see what we can find. Then, it's "what ever happened to baby Judas" as we look at two Biblical accounts of how brother Iscariot met his earthly end, and realize they don't quite match up. Do you yearn for redemption for the wayward apostle, or are you hungry for revenge? There's a story to fit any appetite. If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-07-17•1hr 0mins
#16

Apostlepalooza!

Do yo think you know your apostles? Can you name the original twelve? Is that even a thing that can actually be done? It seems like it should be a simple task, but this week the Dans dive in to the apostolic deep end, and find a total mess waiting. First, it's "what's in a name?" when Dan B can't figure out who is who. Fortunately, Dan M is there to step in and explain all the name-changes, the translations and transliterations, and possible substitutions in the original apostle roster. Then, it's "whatever happened to baby Junia?" We look at Paul's epistle to the Romans, and ask... did he just mention a woman apostle? 'Cause it seems like he just mentioned a woman apostle! If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-07-24•1hr 2mins
#17

The Case of the Missing Verses

First off this week, we're talking KJV. Where did the King James version of the Bible come from? Why is it a "version" and not a "translation"? Why did King James decide a new version was necessary, and was he actually involved in its creation? Is there-gasp-more than one King James Version? Then, the Dan's grab their magnifying glasses and deerstalker caps to investigate why some versions of the Bible seem to have missing verses. Is foul play afoot? Tune in to find out! If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-07-31•59mins
#18

The Devil Made Us Do It

Move over Shrek, because Data Over Dogma got their own talking donkey. That said, this is D>D, so you won't be surprised to learn that the verbose ass may be the least interesting thing about the story of Balaam. You'll have to listen to find out what twists and turns the discussion takes, but you know you're in for some fun when we tell you that at some point, God might be labeled "satan". Speaking of... what's up with the devil anyway? In our second segment "Could it be... SATAN?" (you're welcome, Gen Xers), Dr Dan will do his best to make sense of exacty who or what the Bible is talking about when it brings up the adversary. Is it Lucifer? Is it Beelzebub? Is it a snake? Are these the same being, or a bunch of different entities getting lumped in together? We'll sort it all out for you or else make it more confusing. One or the other. It's just our way. If you want to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-08-07•1hr 0mins
#19

I'll make you a STAR! With David A. Burnett

You're not going to want to miss this one! This week, the Dans are resurrected as star stuff when they interview scholar and friend David A. Burnett. You're not going to want to miss this one, as David connects Paul's ideas of the afterlife with the deposing of the divine council, and a new arrangement in the firmament. Will you make the cut as a celestial body? They'll also dig deep into the scholarship to discover whether monotheism was ever actually a thing in ancient southwest Asia, or if that was an imposition of much later interpreters of the text. To find more of David Burnett, check out his academia.edu page here: Or follow him on the socials: If you want to support our show, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-08-14•1hr 17mins
#20

I Knew a Guy Who Was SO OLD...

How old was he? Well, he was so old that Dr. Dan is sick of getting asked about him all the time! That's right, this week we're starting the show discussing the ages of the patriarchs. Did Noah and his ancestors really live over nine hundred years each? Could Adam actually have celebrated his great, great, great, great, great, great grandson's 50th birthday with him? If not, why would the Bible say that? Then we move on to another tricky topic: the apocrypha! Why were some books kept in the Bible, and others rejected? Who gets to make the call when a book is called into question? Are there set criteria? Are those criteria better than just "Martin Luther didn't like that one"? Find out the answer to these questions and more! If you want to support our show, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-08-21•59mins
#21

Did the Exodus Really Happen?

Look out, Cecil B. DeMille, because the Dans are coming for you! That's right--making absolutely zero apologies to Messrs DeMille, Heston, or even Kilmer (for all you Dreamworks fans), we're letting the data run roughshod over the story of the biblical exodus. The tale is beloved: a man of lowly birth but raised among royalty returns to his roots to save his enslaved people from bondage, but did any of it actually happen? How much do we actually know, and how do we know it? Then we dive deep into Exodus 22:29... because it's horrifying. Is it possible that God commanded his chosen people to sacrifice their own children to Him? That doesn't sound right. Maybe there's another way to interpret that, right? Right??? If you want to support our show, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-08-28•1hr 5mins
#22

Connecting With Source

Want to know why the first two books of the Bible conflict with each other? Confused by the story of Joseph that seems to keep switching its narrative mid-stream? Looking for an explanation for why the pentateuch (that's the first five books of the Bible) seems like it's a bunch of different traditions all smashed together? Well, this week on D>D, we've brought in Princeton University's Dr. Liane M. Feldman to talk about--brace yourself--neodocumentarianism! That's right, neodocumentarianism. That's a MINIMUM of 26 Scrabble points, but it would take some extraordinary events to be able to play it... Anyway, if you don't know anything about the Neo-Documentary Hypothesis (and really, who does?), you're not alone. But you're definitely going to have some fun learning about it! If you want to support our show, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-09-04•1hr 6mins
#23

Abortion and the Bible

It's one of the big issues of our time. A great dividing line in our society. In fact, at this point it's almost impossible not to have big feelings about the issue of abortion. And one of the big weapons used in galvanizing people in the culture war is the Bible. But does it actually say what people on both sides of the issue claim it says? This week, Data Over Dogma dives into the deep end of this controversial pool to explore whether the Bible actually takes a stance on abortion. Many in the pro-life (or more accurately the anti-abortion) camp are absolutely certain that the Bible is in their corner. How defensible is their position. On the other side, many pro-choice folks say that the Bible not only doesn't condemn abortion, it actually has at least one place where it actually condones it. Are they misreading that passage? The abortion debate can feel very black and white in our time, and people are making biblical arguments about it left and right. On this week's show, we're stepping into the fray to see whose arguments hold up, and whose should be terminated. If you want to support our show, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-09-11•1hr 1mins

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#24

Tiptoe Through the Talmud with Miriam Anzovin

This week we say shalom to TikToker and self-proclaimed "massive Jewish nerd" Miriam Anzovin. Miriam has delighted many and enraged others in the Jewish world with her unorthodox (in all the ways) take on important Jewish texts. In her TikTok series "Daf Reactions" Miriam goes through the Daf Yomi, a page-a-day cycle of Talmudic study, tying the Talmud in to her daily life as a milennial in modern society. Her videos take a critical look at the writings of the ancient sages, and connect the stories to what's happening in modern pop culture, politics, and society. Sometimes a lightning rod for controversy, and sometimes just the breath of fresh air that those studying the Talmud need, her work has gotten attention from around the world. For more Miriam, you can visit her website Or check her out in the various places: TikTok Instagram Youtube BlueSky Threads Mastodon If you want to support our show, please consider becoming a monthly patron at www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Also, follow us on the various social media places: facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-09-18•1hr 4mins
#25

A Beatitude Adjustment for Jordan Peterson

Jordan Peterson is a monster. Or at least he wants to be, and he wants you to be one too! This week on Data Over Dogma, we discuss the most famous sermon given by Jesus, and incredibly inaccurate (and frankly disgusting) way that J.P. decided to interpret it. We'll go through the sermon on the mount beatitude-by-beatitude, to explicate what each of them mean. We'll learn about how Jesus valued kindness and gentleness and yes, meekness. And then we'll learn that Dr. Peterson absolutely HATES that message. For an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-09-25•1hr 6mins
#26

A Jewish Paul with Matthew Thiessen

This week we welcome scholar and author Matthew Thiessen to talk about his new book A Jewish Paul: the Messiah's Herald to the Gentiles. Thiessen goes into the hotly contested realm of Pauline interpretation, and discusses how deeply problematic (read: antisemitic) some of those interpretations can be. You can find Dr. Thiessen's books wherever you find your great books. Go follow him on Twitter For an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-10-02•56mins
#27

Where Angels Fear to Swim

Welp, armageddon is coming. Again. At least according to people who are watching for signs in the Euphrates river. This week the internet is taking biblical stories and really running with them, and we're here to check the facts and do the math. First, it's the great escape as angels attempt to free themselves from from their fluvial Alcatraz. Then, we fee-fi-fo-fum our way through the story of the Nephilim. Did divine beings really have sex with human women? What did they have to talk about? For an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-10-09•59mins
#28

Angels and Demons

Do you find yourself worried about a demon-haunted world? Do you look to angels for protection? This week, we're going to the source to see what the Bible actually says about all that. Forget the adorable winged toddlers your mother in law has hanging in her kitchen, because biblical angels are a whole 'nother type of celestial being! And as for demons... well, maybe you don't have to worry quite as much as certain megachurch pastors want you to believe you do. For an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Also, follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-10-16•59mins
#29

God's Big Fish Story

Is it possible for God to lie? The Bible says no. Multiple times, actually. But this is the Bible we're talking about, so even when it says no, yes might also be true... We start this week with the famous story of the Bible's worst mariner, Jonah. Why was he running away from God? Why did he spend some time in a fish? What did he smell like after? Then things get a little dicey as we dive into whether the God of the Bible might tell the odd fib (spoiler alert... yup) For an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-10-23•57mins
#30

Christian Nationalism Ain't Christian: With Andrew Whitehead

This week Data Over Dogma gets political as we welcome Dr. Andrew Whitehead. Dr. Whitehead is an Associate Professor of Sociology at IUPUI, director of the Association of Religion Data Archives, and author of the incredibly timely book American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church. As a sociologist, Whitehead is bringing receipts as he discusses the current rise of racist, xenophobic power-seekers within American Christianity, and why that rise is... you know... bad. Bad for the country and democracy, but also very possibly bad for Christianity. We'll also discuss some of the Bible verses that have been used by Christian Nationalists, and figure out if those verses actually support the arguments they're making. For more Andrew: Also look out for the American Idols podcast series. For an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-10-30•1hr 5mins
#31

Episode 31: The Ten (ish) Commandments

How well do you know the ten commandments? Could you list them out in order? Which number is “You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk?" This week we're tackling the decalogue (decalogues?), and if you think that is a simple topic, you're in for a crazy ride. We explore the multiple lists of laws that have been called "The Ten Commandments" (you'll be surprised by which one is actually called that in the Bible), and we'll go over differences of opinion even in the most famous ten words. Strap in, because like so many Biblical things you thought you knew, God's top ten may not be what you always thought it was. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-11-06•1hr 7mins
#32

Episode 32: The End is Near?

Is the second coming... coming? This week we're exploring the end. Not the end of the Bible, but the end of us! It's eschatology time, baby, and we're digging deep. Is the apocalypse described in the New Testament upon us? How will we know when it's coming? DID IT ALREADY HAPPEN? If you're anxious that current events might bring about the end of the world, don't be. But if you're not convinced, check out this episode. And then relax. And be kind to your neighbors. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-11-13•58mins
#33

Episode 33: The Bible and Disability with Isaac Soon

Was the apostle Paul disabled? His letters may well point in that direction. But the more interesting question is: how much would it matter if he had been? This week, we welcome Dr. Isaac Soon to discuss disability--both now and in the ancient world--and how the lens of disability can provide stunning insights into the Bible, theology, and our own outlooks in our daily lives. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-11-20•1hr 2mins
#34

Episode 34: The Lion's Den

This week, Dan and Dan discuss Dan! That's right, it's time to discuss the book of Daniel, and hoo boy- it's a doozy! If you thought being chucked in with a bunch of lions is all there is to this book, you're in for a wild ride. Sure, the first half of the book is some fun stories about dream interpretation and lions and furnaces, but then things take a turn for the apocalyptic! Will the Dans survive this descent into madness? Will the Biblical book of Daniel survive Data Over Dogma? Who is Belteshazzar? Tune in to find out! For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-11-27•1hr 2mins
#35

Episode 35: Who ACTUALLY Wrote the New Testament?

Will the real authors of the Bible please stand up? This week on Data Over Dogma, we dig deep into who wrote what and why we know what we know. Did someone named Matthew write the gospel of Matthew? Did Paul actually write ALL the Pauline epistles? Authorship is a big question when it comes to the Bible, and it can be a very contentious topic. But don't worry. We'll get through this together. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-12-04•58mins
#36

Episode 36: The Why Question- With Jacob Wright

This week we're joined by Dr. Jacob Wright of Emory University. His new book Why the Bible Began leaves aside the questions of who wrote the Bible, what it is, when it was written, and how the Bible came to us, and instead focuses on the why. Why did the writings of this one small group of people survive and persist, when the records of much larger and more successful empires were often buried, forgotten, or lost to time? For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-12-11•1hr 6mins
#37

Episode 37: Follow That Star!

A physicist? On a Bible podcast? At Christmas time? Well, there are a couple of ways that could go! This week, we welcome Dr. Aaron Adair onto the show. Dr. Adair's book, The Star of Bethlehem: A Skeptical View, discusses the famous star that led the wise men to baby Jesus in the book of Matthew. What could such a star have been? Is there a known heavenly body that could be used to guide someone to a specific place? How did it appear? Well, we got the guy who wrote the book on the subject, so buckle up. This one's going to be fun! For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-12-18•1hr 5mins
#38

Episode 38: The [Three] [Wise Men] With Eric Vanden Eykel

Magi- they're the gift that keeps on giving! Last week we talked about a star, this week we're unpacking the mysteries of the fellas who followed that star. We've all seen them represented in nativity scenes: three men in elaborate dress, each bearing a different gift for the infant king, but is any of that actually biblical? What do we actually know about the Magi? What role did they play in the story? Fortunately, we have Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel with us to unpack it all. He literally wrote the book on the subject. His book The Magi: Who They Were, How They’ve Been Remembered, and Why They Still Fascinate delves deep into these enigmatic easterners. He'll help us dispel some common myths, and get a deeper understanding of Jesus' most baffling visitors. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-12-25•1hr 3mins
#39

Episode 39: Revealing Revelation

Beasts! Dragons! Blood! This week, we're talking about the last book of the New Testament, that wacky troublemaker of a book, Revelation. Who wrote it and why? Was it a fever dream? What era is it talking about? IS ARMAGEDDON COMING TO CLAIM US ALL TOMORROW? For the definitive answers to these questions... well, you'd have to ask a time traveler or sorcerer. But if you want the best answers modern scholarship has to offer, this is the place! For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-01-01•59mins
#40

Episode 40: The Joel McHale Episode!

That's right, kids. We got an honest-to-goodness celebrity to come talk to us. Joel McHale, the dashing star of hit shows like Community, The Soup, and Animal Control has inexplicably decided to join us this week to talk about his experience as a believing Christian in Hollywood, and what it means to him to hear Bible scholarship like what we have here on Data Over Dogma. We also spend some time talking about one of the wilder stories from the Bible: the necromancer of Endor! Sadly, this is not the story of the most interesting Ewok. But it is about a king breaking his own laws to talk to his best prophet, despite the fact that he's dead. We're cooking up celebrity fun in the D/D crime scene kitchen. Join us! For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-01-08•1hr 1mins
#41

Episode 41: Modest is Hottest?

Brace yourselves, friends, 'cause this week's episode is getting racy! First, we're uncovering Noah in his tent, and his poor son Ham is going to regret going in there! It seems unfair, but apparently seeing your dad naked is a really big deal in the book of Genesis. Is it big enough to curse an entire lineage forever? Maybe. Hopefully Dr. Dan can help us figure out what's going on there. Next, we're kicking the Biblical legs out from under the pernicious cultural phenomenon of "modesty culture"! When pastors and preachers and priests (oh my!) get behind the pulpit and talk about how people should dress--and by "people" we obviously mean "women", because they never seem to have much to say about men's clothes--are they in line with the good book? What do all those verses they're quoting really mean? Well, this week we're going to determine exactly how short a skirt is allowed to be, how much shoulder is too much, and what offended parties should do when they see someone dressing in a way they don't approve of. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-01-15•1hr 6mins
#42

Episode 42: Is Jesus God?

Hooooo boy. This week, we're asking one of the biggest questions in Christianity. Is Jesus God? Specifically, we'll be looking at two questions. First, we examine the gospel most frequently cited to support the idea: the gospel of John. Literally, the first verse of John says "The Word was with God, and the Word was God", doesn't that kind of end the debate? Well, if you know this show, you KNOW it's going to be more complicated than that! We'll go verse by verse discussing why what you've always been told may not be the full story. It may not be the story at all! And since we're courting controversy already, why not go whole-hog? In our second segment, we're going after the Trinity. Where did the concept of a triune God come from? Is it in the Bible? If not, is it at least the best solution to the problem it was trying to solve? How did the idea become canon? Are we finally going to talk about something that actually happened at the Council of Nicaea? For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-01-22•1hr 3mins
#43

Episode 43: Jesus Murders A Tree

It's one of the most baffling moments of the new testament. Jesus talks to, and kills, foliage. Because he was hungry, and it was out of season, so it didn't have fruit. Dr. Dan does his best to make it make sense. Then we get into some really fascinating textual analysis! Don't let the fancy name intimidate you, this dive into deutero-Isaiah is super interesting. What do you think? Do you buy the hypothesis? Many have challenged the idea, but the Deut abides. For early access to an ad-free version of the show, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-01-29•1hr 0mins
#44

Episode 44: Biblical Marriage With Jennifer Bird

One man, one woman. That's what many pastors, priests, and politicians claim the Bible prescribes for marriage. Are they right? Can it be actually be boiled down to that one simple dynamic? Well, if you've been listening to our show, you know how completely unlikely that is. But don't just take our word for it, we've brought in a ringer on the subject! Dr. Jennifer Bird is the author of Marriage in the Bible, What Do the Texts Say? Dr. Bird is going to set us straight on biblical conceptions of marriage, what it means to be a husband or wife, and whether these ancient ideas of marriage are even applicable in a modern concept. Find Dr. Bird's book and more info about her on her website: For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-02-05•1hr 6mins
#45

Episode 45: The Dead Sea Scrolls With Kipp Davis

You've probably heard of the Dead Sea Scrolls, but how much do you really know about them? Where did they come from, when were they discovered, and what can they tell us about the Bible as it was handed down to us? Also, are all the scrolls and fragments that have found their way into private collections and museums legitimate? This week we talk to expert Dr. Kipp Davis, who gives us the skinny on the scrolls. It's all the history and mystery surrounding what some have called the most significant archaeological find of all time. To see more of Kipp's work, head over to his YouTube channel: Or check out his course on ancient Israelite religions: ***PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING OUR SURVEY! For a limited time, you'll be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card!*** For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-02-12•1hr 14mins
#46

Episode 46: GENOCIDE!

It's a big, scary topic, but it's one that you can't avoid if you want to talk honestly about the the Bible and its contents: does the Bible contain genocide? And if so, does it condone the genocide it contains? On this week's show we're looking at mass destruction, and wrestling with what it is, and what it means in a biblical context. Is the story of the ordered annihilation of the Amalekites genocide, or is it something else? What about God destroying Sodom and Gomorrah? Or the flooding of the entire world? Did any of this even actually happen? But also, we talk about Jesus riding two donkeys. 'Cause that's just fun. ***PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING OUR SURVEY! For a limited time, you'll be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card!*** For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-02-19•1hr 6mins
#47

Episode 47: Introducing History Daily

This week we're doing something a little different. We're working with our friends over at History Daily to bring you some content that, though it is not Bible related, we think you'll really enjoy! Every weekday on History Daily, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Give it a listen, and if you like it, subscribe! ***PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING OUR SURVEY! For a limited time, you'll be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card!*** For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-02-26•36mins
#48

Episode 48: Jesus in History with Helen Bond

What do we know about Jesus? Not the character who is the subject of the Christian Bible, but the actual historical figure? Who was that person? What can we know about him? Do scholars even believe that he actually existed? This week, we welcome Helen Bond to walk us through the actual history, or as much of it as we can piece together. On another just as fascinating front, we'll talk to Dr. Bond about the women of the New Testament. Did Jesus have female disciples (beyond his mom and Mary Magdalene)? Who were they? Did they fill important rolls in early Christianity? And if they were there, why weren't they included more in the text? For more Helen, check out the Biblical Time Machine podcast! For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-03-04•1hr 0mins
#49

Episode 49: Christian Slavery with Candida Moss

Did Paul use slave labor to help him write his epistles? Would we even have a Bible without the work of enslaved people? This week, we welcome New Testament scholar Candida Moss, whose new book, God's Ghostwriters: Enslaved Christians and the Making of the Bible comes out later this month. In this book, Dr. Moss explores the widespread use of highly skilled enslaved people, not only as scribes or human dictation machines, but likely in much more creative capacities. Was your favorite passage of the Bible actually written or edited by an enslaved person? You can pre-order the book here: For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-03-11•58mins
#50

Episode 50: Easter and the Undead

It's time for bunnies and chocolate, and recounting stories of brutal murder! For Christians around the world, Holy Week is an incredibly important time. But how well do you actually know the good, the bad, and the ugly of the last days of Jesus? But also... they weren't the last days, were they? This week, we're going through the Holy Week timeline and events to get some perspective on it all. Then, it's all about re-enlivening. Where did the idea of resurrection come from? What's its history? And did ancient Jewish people think of it the way we do now? For early access to an ad-free version of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and an opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: Follow us on the various social media places: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024-03-18•1hr 2mins

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