Head On Fire

130: What does the Bible really say? with Dan McClellan


Listen Later

Lots of people have lots to say about the Bible. Loads of conspiracy theories exist about it. Whether it’s conspiracy theories about its creation, or lost books that didn’t make the cut, or obscure interpretations seen by a select few as prophecy about our modern world, not a day goes by that someone, somewhere isn’t holding the Bible up to the light and seeing if we missed anything. 

 

Beyond that, so-called biblical literalism has been the basis of support for a lot of pretty heinous parts of our country’s past and present. From regulating the sale of alcohol to vilifying interracial marriage and queer identity to demonizing immigrants to supporting slavery, supposed biblical scholars have found a way to twist the Bible in such a way that it is a timeless scapegoat for current hatred. 

 

All of this turns a lot of people off from not just modern Christianity, but of religion in general. Few scholars wish to use their time, energy, and knowledge to combat the misinformation and vitriol online. But, thankfully, my guest today does just that. 

 

Dan McClellan is a scripture translation supervisor for the LDS church, with a PhD in theology and religion. He ran for the State Senate as a Democrat in Utah. He is a fierce ally of the queer community, a debunker of conspiracy theories, and a Marvel fan. We had a lot to talk about. 

Social links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headonfirepod/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/headonfirepod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headonfirepod

 

Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/headonfirepod

 

Subscribe to the Head On Fire podcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/head-on-fire/id337689333

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qTYYhCLMdFc4PhQmSL1Yh?si=5387b774ed6e4524

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Head On FireBy Don Martin

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

308 ratings


More shows like Head On Fire

View all
Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

87,155 Listeners

Lovett or Leave It by Crooked Media

Lovett or Leave It

25,138 Listeners

You're Wrong About by Sarah Marshall

You're Wrong About

21,854 Listeners

American Hysteria by chelsey weber-smith

American Hysteria

3,328 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

57,889 Listeners

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson by Higher Ground

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

13,048 Listeners

Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation by Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

2,392 Listeners

A Little Bit Culty by Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames

A Little Bit Culty

2,878 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Treat Media and Glennon Doyle

We Can Do Hard Things

41,522 Listeners

Sounds Like A Cult by Studio71

Sounds Like A Cult

4,129 Listeners

I've Had It by Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan

I've Had It

17,854 Listeners

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams by Crooked Media

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

1,725 Listeners

IHIP News by Jennifer Welch & Angie Sullivan

IHIP News

3,858 Listeners

Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky by Wondery

Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

1,360 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

10,796 Listeners