Have you ever felt discomfort over which Bible verses get confidently cited and which get overlooked? For example, Romans 13:1, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,” has been cited throughout American history to justify compliance with oppression. And yet, the two verses preceding urge: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21)

In this episode, Jason Haldeman, Pastor of Faith Formation at Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, and Julia Baker, Poet and Hospital Chaplain in Maine, reflect on how scripture is selectively emphasized to support preexisting beliefs, and how faithful readers might respond with curiosity instead of certainty. Three additional ministers, John David Bowman, Liz Bidgood Enders, and David Leiter, join the conversation, widening the lens. Throughout, Jason and Julia model the kind of grounded, open-handed engagement with scripture that just might be an antidote to our current polarization.