A Book Nerd and the Bible

By Sam

A podcast that looks at the similarities between some of your favorite books and the Bible. We will discuss things like: What does Harry Potter and the Nativity story have in common? Does C.S. Lewis downplay the role of women in Jesus's life? What can A Tree Grows in Brooklyn teach us about Jesus's curiosity? If any of this sounds like a fun conversation, come join me and let's dive in!

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Ep. 12 (Molly Weasley): Wives, Women, and Weasleys

A Book Nerd and the BibleFeb 21, 2022

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35:10

Ep. 12 (Molly Weasley): Wives, Women, and Weasleys

This week my wife guest hosts to discuss why Molly Weasley exemplifies the description of the noble wife found in Proverbs 31! She discusses buying orchards, sewing sweaters, and why we all should be a bit more like Molly Weasley.
Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or GoodPods. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible or leave a message on our website at anchor.fm/booknerdandthebible.

Feb 21, 202235:10

Ep. 11 - A Conversation with Dr. Shelly Matthews

This week we are joined by the Professor of New Testament at Brite Divinity School, Dr. Shelly Matthews! She is an expert on feminism and the Bible, and the author of numerous publications about gender roles in the New Testament and early Christian communities. We discuss the Bechdel Test, finding sources to help our understanding of the context of the Bible, and learning to read the Bible as a conversation that continues to today. You can find more information about Dr. Matthews work here: https://www.brite.edu/staff/shelly-matthews/ Information about Brite Divinity School here: https://www.brite.edu/ And Dr. Matthews two-volume feminist commentary on the Gospel of Luke here: https://litpress.org/Products/8167/Wisdom-Commentary-Luke-19 or on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Luke-Wisdom-Commentary-Barbara-Reid/dp/0814681670/ref=pd_sbs_1/135-4379098-1767867?pd_rd_w=X5Imk&pf_rd_p=dfec2022-428d-4b18-a6d4-8f791333a139&pf_rd_r=BTXCC66AWM9MNPP1FT78&pd_rd_r=a15999c1-64e6-44b2-9d15-84ed74bc4b2e&pd_rd_wg=oFixH&pd_rd_i=0814681670&psc=1 Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or GoodPods. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible or leave a message on our website at anchor.fm/booknerdandthebible.

Feb 02, 202244:33

Ep. 10 (The Arrangers of Marriage): Bad Dreams and Betrothals

This week we compare the short story The Arrangers of Marriage by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to Joseph's dreams about the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1! We discuss medical residencies, leaving home, and what to do when the person you married isn't the person you expected.
Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or GoodPods. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible or leave a message on our website at anchor.fm/booknerdandthebible.

Jan 31, 202249:57

Ep. 9 (The Bell Jar): Figs and Futures

This week we compare Esther Greenwood's famous fig tree vision from The Bell Jar to Jesus's temptation in the wilderness from the Gospel of Matthew! We discuss coming of age, why being hungry can make you see visions, and how expectations shape our lives.
Timestamp for people trying to avoid our discussion of mature themes: (20:43)
Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or GoodPods. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible or leave a message on our website at anchor.fm/booknerdandthebible.

Jan 06, 202244:36

Ep. 8 (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn): Libraries and Lost Boys

This week we compare Francie Nolan's experience at her local library to the story of Jesus's parents losing him at the temple in Jerusalem! We discuss libraries with bad lighting, cool outdoor classrooms, and giving people the space to find what they love. Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and GoodPods. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible or leave us a message on our website at anchor.fm/booknerdandthebible.

Dec 24, 202142:22

Ep. 7 (Pachinko): Mothers and Miracles

This week we compare Mary the mother of Jesus to Sunja from Min Jin Lee's Pachinko! We discuss motherhood, leaving home, and the ways women keep families together. (Please forgive my pronunciations as well, I am doing the best I can with my accent.) I will also discuss the new schedule for the show.

Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and GoodPods. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible.

Dec 08, 202142:15

Ep. 6 (Lord of the Rings): Fellowships and Followers

Join us this week as we compare Jesus's call to his first four disciples and Frodo's decision to bring along the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam on his trip to Mordor! We discuss fishing, tough job markets, and siblings who follow you around.
Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and GoodPods. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible.

Nov 24, 202135:15

Ep. 5 (Lord of the Rings): Birthdays and Bridegrooms

This week we compare the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle and Bilbo Baggin's 111th birthday party! We discuss talking back to your mom, fireworks, and why parties can reveal who we really are.

Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and GoodPods. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible.

Nov 09, 202137:07

Ep. 4 (Lord of the Rings): Bilbo and Baptists

This week we start a new series focusing on Frodo from the Lord of the Rings! Our first episode compares Bilbo Baggins and John the Baptist as forerunners for Frodo and Jesus. This episode is a little long, but we talk about being a cool cousin, telling your own story, and why the direct approach isn't always best.

Find the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and GoodPods. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible.

Nov 02, 202139:41

Ep. 3 (Harry Potter): Mangers and Motorbikes

This week we compare Harry Potter and Jesus themselves to wrap up our Harry Potter and the Nativity series! We talk donkeys, flying motorbikes, Roman rule, and shaking hands in a dirty pub.

Now find our show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and GoodPods. Don't forget to follow the show on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible.

Oct 25, 202132:04

Ep. 2 (Harry Potter): Wizards and Wise Men

We continue our comparison between The Boy Who Lived and the Nativity Story in Part Two! This week we examine the similarities between the Three Wise Men of the Christmas story and the wizards who bring Harry to No. 4 Privet Drive.

Now find our show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and GoodPods. Also follow the show on Twitter @BookNerd_Bible.

Oct 18, 202133:45

Ep. 1 (Harry Potter): Prophecies and Meddling Kids

In the very first episode, I introduce the podcast and my hopes for the future. We then go over some background material for Harry Potter and the Nativity, and finally we look at the similarities between King Herod the Great and Lord Voldemort.

Oct 11, 202122:14