It Means What It Means

Episode 38: The Souring of the Ways with John Dunne

In this conversation, John Dunne discusses his recent article “The Souring of the Ways: Anti-Jewish Readings of Psalm 69 and the Wine Offerings to Jesus.” He explores the texts in the gospels and the Hebrew Bible, highlighting the differences and inconsistencies in the details of the wine offerings. Dunne argues that the simplification of these details in later tradition is influenced by the intertext of Psalm 69. This simplification leads to an anti-Jewish reading, where the Jewish people are blamed for offering sour wine and gall to Jesus. Dunne also examines the commentaries on Psalm 69 and how they contribute to this anti-Jewish interpretation. The conversation explores the use of intertextuality in the Gospels, specifically focusing on the references to Psalm 69. John argues that the Gospel authors are not intentionally drawing from the Septuagint or consciously using biblical language, but rather they are leveraging the psalm intertext and it became a ubiquitous way of thinking about the events. The conversation also touches on the variations in the Gospel accounts and the subsequent development of the tradition that implicates the Jewish people. John emphasizes the importance of reading each Gospel on its own and understanding its unique theological interests. John Dunne is one of a team of contributors to the blog/podcast The Two Cities.

Episode 37: The Illustrated Cairo Genizah with Nick Posegay

Nick Posegay, a postdoctoral researcher at the Cambridge Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, discusses the Cairo Genizah, a Jewish collection of texts that contains manuscripts from the 8th to the 20th century. He explains the history and significance of the Genizah, the types of materials and inks used in the manuscripts, and the challenges of dating and cataloging the fragments. Posegay also recommends books, such as Sacred Trash and The Sisters of Sinai, that provide further insights into the Genizah and its discovery. Check out my next guest John Anthony Dunne on his blog/podcast The Two Cities.

Episode 36: Who You Callin' Short with Isaac T Soon

In this conversation, Jared interviews Isaac T. Soon, an expert in religious studies, about his article on the interpretation of the Zacchaeus story in Luke 19:1-10. They discuss the common assumption that Zacchaeus is the short one in the story, while Jesus is seen as normal and able-bodied. Isaac challenges this interpretation and argues that it is possible that Jesus is the short one, which disrupts the traditional understanding of Jesus as physically perfect. They also touch on the intersection of disability studies and biblical interpretation, as well as the need for more diverse perspectives in the field.

Episode 35: Centurions in the Jesus Movement? with Rebecca Runesson

Rebecca Runesson discusses her article on Centurions in the Jesus Movement and the Gaianus inscription at Kefar ‘Othnay. She explores the role of centurions as patrons and their interactions with the local community. The spread of ideas and belief systems is examined through the lens of weak ties and strong ties. The Gaianus inscription is analyzed as an example of patronage in the early Christ cult. This conversation explores the symbiotic nature of patronage, the role of weak ties in social networks, and the potential of soldiers and centurions to adopt new ideas. It delves into the spread of the Jesus movement among soldiers and the influence of weak ties on their adoption of new ideas. The conversation also questions assumptions about the relationship between centurions and Christ groups, and recommends readings on patronage and centurions. Additionally, it touches on the enjoyment of reading children's books for fun.

Episode 34: John and "the Synagogue" with Wally V Cirafesi

In this conversation, Wally Cirafesi discusses his article on rethinking the portrayal of the synagogue in the Gospel of John. He challenges the assumption that the expulsion of Christ believers from the synagogue represents a break between Judaism and Christianity. Cirafesi argues that synagogues in the ancient world were diverse and multifunctional public institutions, rather than monolithic religious spaces. He emphasizes the need to read the New Testament within its Jewish context and appreciate the Jewishness of the text. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the historical and social context of synagogues in order to interpret the Gospel of John accurately. In this conversation, Wally Cirafesi discusses the issue of antisemitism in biblical interpretation, particularly in relation to the Gospel of John. He highlights the importance of being aware of the historical context and the potential for embedded antisemitic ideas in Christian readings of the New Testament. Wally recommends resources and scholars that provide a more nuanced understanding of the text and its Jewish context. He also shares his personal interests, including playing the ukulele.

Episode 33: Improvisation and the Drama of Ethics with Samuel Wells

Samuel Wells discusses his book Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics and explores the concept of improvisation in Christian ethics. He introduces the metaphor of the Five Act Play, which includes creation, covenant, Christ, church, and consummation. Wells emphasizes the importance of ecclesial ethics and the formation of character within the church. He explains the concept of accepting and over-accepting offers in improvisation and how it relates to ethical decision-making. Wells also discusses the challenges of prisons and the need for a change in culture. He explores the dimensions of improvisation and provides contemporary examples of over-accepting in society. Finally, he highlights the subversive nature of stories in challenging dominant narratives. In this conversation, Sam Wells discusses the significance of story in ethics and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of locating ourselves in the larger narrative and using storytelling to guide and inspire others. Wells also explores the concept of reincorporation in storytelling, where neglected elements are brought back into the narrative. He highlights the power that individuals possess and often overlook, urging them to recognize and use their power for positive change. Wells concludes by recommending further reading in the areas of Christian social engagement and the application of improvisation in various contexts.

Episode 32: Remarriage in Early Christianity with A Andrew Das

In this conversation, Andrew Das discusses his book Remarriage in Early Christianity. He shares how his interest in the subject began and the various influences that shaped his research. Das explores the Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts of the time, highlighting the widespread acceptance of divorce and remarriage. However, he notes that Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage were radical and went against the prevailing cultural norms. Das examines the passages in the Gospels where Jesus addresses this topic and emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context. He also discusses Paul's views on marriage and celibacy and the ascetic elements within early Christianity.

Episode 31: Asian American Hermeneutics with Gale A Yee

The conversation explores the themes of biblical hermeneutics, the hermeneutics of suspicion, and the intersectionality of race and gender in biblical interpretation. The guest, Gail Yee, discusses her book on Asian-American biblical hermeneutics and the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical texts. They also touch on the abuse of the Bible in Christian nationalism and the need for a critical and nuanced reading of the text. In this conversation, Dr. Gail Yee discusses her approach to biblical hermeneutics and the importance of considering historical and cultural contexts when interpreting biblical texts. She emphasizes the need to challenge traditional interpretations that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and marginalize certain groups. Dr. Yee also explores the themes of power dynamics, gender, and race in biblical narratives, using examples from the stories of Jezebel, David, and Ruth. She encourages readers to engage with study Bibles and other resources that provide historical and contextual information to deepen their understanding of the biblical texts.

Episode 30: Sargon of Akkad and Nimrod with Christopher W Jones

In this conversation, Christopher W. Jones discusses his article on the literary historical memory of Sargon of Akkad and its connection to the figure of Nimrod in Genesis 10. He explains the concept of literary historical memory and provides background information on Sargon of Akkad. Jones explores the subversive nature of the Nimrod narrative and its critique of empire. He also discusses the dating of the Nimrod story and previous attempts to identify Nimrod. Jones recommends works by David Carr, Ust-Din-Nai-O-Dead, and Peter Machinist for further reading. In this conversation, Christopher Jones discusses his favorite children's books and shares his excitement for the upcoming podcast. He also expresses his appreciation for being a part of the podcast and acknowledges the impressive lineup of guests.

Episode 29: Criminalization in Acts of the Apostles with Jeremy L Williams

In this conversation, Dr. Jeremy L. Williams discusses his research on criminalization in the book of Acts and its relevance to contemporary issues of power and justice. He explores the concept of criminalization as a cultural artifact and the ways in which it is influenced by socio-political location. Dr. Williams also examines the terminology of missionary and evangelism, highlighting the subversive nature of gospel proclamation. He emphasizes the need to challenge power structures and reevaluate perspectives in order to create a more just world. Dr. Jeremy L. Williams discusses his book and the importance of using antiquity to understand mass incarceration. He emphasizes the need to be faithful to Christian origins and to approach scripture with a hermeneutic of ignorance. Dr. Williams also explores the role of imagination in reimagining systems and linking criminalized peoples across time. He recommends reading Afrofuturist literature for fun and shares his thoughts on doom scrolling and dreaming better dreams.