The Bible For Normal People

Peter Enns and Jared Byas

Serious Talks about The Sacred Book

  • 1 hour 7 minutes
    [Faith] Episode 56: Wylin D. Wilson - Womanist Wisdom for a Wounded World

    In this episode of Faith for Normal People, nerds-in-residence Anna Sieges-Beal and Dr. Angela N. Parker talk with Dr. Wylin D. Wilson about the intersection of faith, justice, and healthcare through the lens of womanist bioethics. They explore how Black women’s lived experiences reveal deep ethical gaps in the medical system and how centering the most vulnerable offers a path toward collective healing and solidarity.

    Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-56-wylin-d-wilson-womanist-wisdom-for-a-wounded-world/ 

    Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/Nw6hWhjKvRg

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    21 April 2025, 4:01 am
  • 52 minutes 53 seconds
    [Bible] Episode 296: Richard Rohr - Seeing Through the Eyes of the Prophets

    In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared again sit down with Richard Rohr, who returns to discuss the biblical prophets—not as predictors of Jesus or future events, but as truth-tellers who confronted the moral failures of their time. Drawing from The Tears of Things, Rohr highlights how prophets spoke to collective injustice—systems of power, wealth, and religion gone wrong—not just individual sin. 

    Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-296-richard-rohr-seeing-through-the-eyes-of-the-prophets/ 

    Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/7CkaWW1vhec


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    14 April 2025, 4:01 am
  • 58 minutes 39 seconds
    [ATBW] Episode 5 - She Refused to Take the Bed

    In the last episode of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke explore the story behind a confidential letter in the SBC’S archives that leads to a pastor’s wife named Maria. They also look at the Southern Baptist Convention's decision to expel churches that ordain women, critiquing the rhetoric of unity and biblical authority used to justify the exclusion of women from leadership roles Last, the episode draws on the lost portrait of Saint Fabiola as a symbol of women's enduring resistance, urging listeners to recognize the hidden stories of women who continue to challenge oppressive structures in the church.

    We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.


    All the Buried Women is presented by The Bible for Normal People.

    Credits:

    • Hosts: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Producer: Savannah Locke
    • Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
    • Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
    • Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Leanne Friesen, CBOQ, and the many anonymous interviewees willing to share their memories of Maria
    • Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
    • Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.

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    10 April 2025, 4:01 am
  • 54 minutes 16 seconds
    [Bible] Episode 295: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Esther

    In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete takes a closer look at the Book of Esther, tracing its twists and turns while reflecting on its unique place in the biblical canon. He explores how the story functions, what makes it stand out, and what it might have meant to its original audience.

    Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/bible-episode-295-pete-enns-pete-ruins-esther/

    Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/jIMZf1fLgJ8

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    Whether you're deconstructing your faith, called to care for the spiritual needs of others, driven to bring justice to your community, or simply want to deepen your understanding of the Bible, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is here to help you become the progressive leader the world is waiting for. Whatever you are called to do, United is ready for you. Will you answer the call? Receive an automatic $1,000 scholarship when you apply by May 1st to start your degree this fall. Visit https://bit.ly/3Y0e7Ju to take your first step.

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    7 April 2025, 4:01 am
  • 59 minutes 33 seconds
    [ATBW] Episode 4 - People Who Have Consensual Affairs Don't End Up With PTSD

    In Episode 4 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke share the story of Christa Brown, a sexual abuse survivor and advocate. Her experience reflects the broader issue of clergy abuse, where victims are often silenced and blamed, while abusers are protected and transferred to new congregations. The episode also highlights Pooler’s research on the harmful psychological impacts of clergy sexual abuse, including PTSD rates higher than those of combat veterans, and the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) ongoing failure to protect victims.

    We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.


    All the Buried Women is presented by The Bible for Normal People.

    Credits:

    • Hosts: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Producer: Savannah Locke
    • Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
    • Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
    • Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Christa Brown (Get Christa’s newest book Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation!), David Pooler, Robert Downen, Rosalie Beck, Meredith Stone, and Barry Hankins
    • Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
    • Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.

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    3 April 2025, 4:01 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    [Faith] Episode 55: Matthew Paul Turner - The Challenge of Raising Kids with the Bible

    In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Matthew Paul Turner, co-author of the new kids’ book “What Is the Bible?” alongside the late Rachel Held Evans. Matthew opens up about how parenting has shaped him, from questioning his own beliefs to embracing a more open, loving approach. He talks about learning from his kids, unlearning old mindsets, and creating a space where curiosity and kindness lead the way.

    Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-55-matthew-paul-turner-the-challenge-of-raising-kids-with-the-bible/ 

    Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/YPo8gCpAxTg

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    This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Greenlight is a debit card and money app made for families: parents can send money to their kids and keep an eye on kids’ spending and saving, while kids and teens build money confidence and lifelong financial literacy skills. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/normalpeople.

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    31 March 2025, 4:01 am
  • 45 minutes 7 seconds
    [ATBW] Episode 3 - Loopholes

    In Episode 3 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke explore the "loopholes" that allowed women to serve in ministry within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), despite the formal prohibition against female ordination. These loopholes included roles like professors, missionaries, and pastor’s wives, which allowed women to take on leadership and preaching roles in practice, even though they were not officially recognized as ordained ministers.

    We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.


    All the Buried Women is presented by The Bible for Normal People.

    Credits:

    • Hosts: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Producer: Savannah Locke
    • Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
    • Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
    • Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Rosalie Beck, Steve Bezner, and Pamela Durso
    • Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
    • Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.

    Social Media Links:

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    27 March 2025, 4:01 am
  • 54 minutes 47 seconds
    [Bible] Episode 294: Roberto de La Noval - Universalism as a Doctrine

    In this episode of The Bible for Normal People, Jared and co-host Aaron Higashi talk with Roberto de la Noval about the doctrine of universalism, the belief that all people will ultimately be reconciled with God. Rob addresses common misconceptions and its roots in the early Church, explaining how theology develops from biblical interpretation, and examining the evolution of doctrine and the role of historical context in shaping belief.

    Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-294-roberto-de-la-noval-universalism-as-a-doctrine/ 

    Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/zGafdFAMjfU 

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    24 March 2025, 4:01 am
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    [ATBW] Episode 2 - The Invisible Woman

    In Episode 2 of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke uncover the turbulent and hidden history of women in the Southern Baptist Convention. The story begins in the 1970s, an era of progress and pushback, and follows the journey of Kathy Hoppe, an ordained woman whose call to ministry intersected with a calculated takeover of the SBC. What happens when conviction collides with politics, and how do women respond when their calling is questioned? This episode reveals the invisible threads tying women’s resilience to a denomination shaped by control and conflict.

    We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.

    All the Buried Women is brought to you by The Bible for Normal People.

    Credits:

    • Hosts: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Producer: Savannah Locke
    • Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
    • Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
    • Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Kathy Hoppe, Barry Hankins, and Robert Downen
    • Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
    • Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.

    Social Media Links:

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    20 March 2025, 4:01 am
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    [Faith] Episode 54: Erin Hicks Moon - Disentangling Faith

    In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared talk with Erin Hicks Moon about growing up Southern Baptist and how she started rethinking parts of her faith, moving away from certainty and learning to embrace mystery. She shares her experience with deconstruction, the Bible, and how faith can still be meaningful even without having everything figured out.

    Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-54-erin-hicks-moon-disentangling-faith/ 

    Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/Qb3_0qZpLlA

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    17 March 2025, 4:01 am
  • 57 minutes 27 seconds
    [ATBW] Episode 1 - George Orwell Warned Us About 1984

    In the debut episode of All the Buried Women, co-hosts Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke aim to uncover women’s stories hidden in the Southern Baptist Convention’s archives. The story begins in an unexpected place for a podcast about Southern Baptists: 4th-century Rome with Saint Fabiola. Because Fabiola challenged religious and societal norms, her story has become a safe harbor for women with similar experiences… even women in the SBC. Fast forward to 1984, where a pivotal moment in Kansas City, Missouri, changed the trajectory of women’s roles in the Southern Baptist Convention. There’s a reason Orwell warned us about 1984. Listen to Episode 1 to find out more.


    We reached out to the SBC, Paige Patterson, Darryl Gilyard, Tommy Gilmore, and the Council for National Policy for comment, and did not hear back.


    Credits:

    • Hosts: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Producer: Savannah Locke
    • Writing and Editing: Beth Allison Barr and Savannah Locke
    • Sound Editing and Music: Savannah Locke and Todd Locke
    • Introduction and Closing Song: Jaded by Savannah Locke
    • Special Thanks (in order of appearance): Jemar Tisby, Pamela Durso, Barry Hankins, and Meredith Stone
    • Partner Organization: The Bible for Normal People
    • Additional Thanks: Andy Clark, Systems Administrator within the University Libraries at Baylor University; Erin Smith, Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group; Jordan Corona; Dr. Taffey Hall, Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives; Brittany Prescott, Podcast Producer for The Bible for Normal People; Adam McCullough, Archivist of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Gordon Heath, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College; Rev. Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) and CBOQ executive board; and Audrey and Alex from Lawyers for Reporters.


    Social Media Links:


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    13 March 2025, 4:01 am
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