Nothing frustrates me more than reading something in the Bible and then walking away scratching my head wondering, “what does that even mean.” Early in my walk with Jesus this happened almost consistently. After seminary and PhD program I realized that one of the big issues is that I kept trying to read the Bible on my own terms. I wanted phrases, words, and stories to make sense in my own 21st century understanding.
You may be shocked to read this, but the Bible didn’t really come alive to me until I realized that there was more benefit in reading the Bible like Homer’s the Odyssey or the Iliad or even Marvel comics! Now, don’t unsubscribe (not yet at least). Let me explain, when we read Homer we don’t expect Homer to write his literature based on our modern context. And when we enjoy Marvel comics and movies we do so because we are fully aware the supernatural cosmology of the that world.
Guess what, we need to apply those same principles to reading the Bible.
The Bible is true. It is real. It is also written within an actual cultural context and social setting that we are distanced from today 2,000 years later. The good news, we can still get the offense of the Gospel through a very simple reading the Bible! And, we can train and learn how to dig deep into the text by learning about the Ancient Near Eastern World, the Greco Roman Context, and the literary features of the Scriptures.
I don’t want you to have to go to seminary or start a PhD program to get into all of this. That’s why I’m teaching a Seminary level “How To Study The Bible Course” - Tonight (8pm EST) LIVE on Substack.
Even if you can’t make it for the live teaching, I’ll have the replay available and ready for you. This is FREE for all paid Humble Theology Subscribers. If you haven’t upgraded your subscription, I’d love to invite you to do so. Not only will you get this Course for free (normally $199) but you will get access to all future courses and the full theology essay archive. Additionally, you will be supporting my ability to continue to research, write, and teach.
See you tonight!
~ Dr. Joel Muddamalle
The Homer comparison is the one that unlocked it for me too. Nobody reads the Iliad and complains that Achilles does not share their assumptions. Somehow we forgive Homer that and not Moses.
I’m not seeing anything