BCBS is back in the fray! In episode 36, we hear more doom and gloom from Yahweh, this time via Minor Prophet 9 Zephaniah. We discuss God's coming vengeance for the oppressed, speaking in tongues, our current culture wars and our need for fast change and fewer Karens.

Happy Sabbath and thank you for listening! 

Holler back at [email protected] or bcbiblestudy.com 

The most anonymous of the minor prophets tells God about himself, then sings to him anyway. We reflect on having feelings and learn that back in the Old Testament days, being rich and being drunk were one and the same. 

God's latest prophet is one of the bloodthirstiest so far, and we ponder the merits of warmongering for righteousness. Nahum warns of Nineveh's destruction, babies are being dashed, etc. Women, again, are reliable symbols and objects of shame in the Israelites' tribal propaganda.

On the brink of the apocalypse, we skip our testimonies and dive right into the Bible's 33rd book- our halfway point. Modest, lowly prophet Micah reminds God's people what their morality should be. We question our own motives and whether any reason to be good is as good as any other. 

Our most relatable prophet so far gets a message from God and instantly runs in the opposite direction. A short stint in the belly of a large sea mammal gives Jonah a second chance, but he promptly takes issue with Yahweh's choices again. 

*episode recorded pre-lockdown; please stay healthy & safe, and keep the faith*

This Sabbath, we're joined by guests Meghan and Rachel, who help us unpack one-chapter Obadiah and offer fresh eyes on Yahweh's signature moves. We also talk Catholic school, social media and the ever-looming threat of human extinction.

*episode recorded pre-pandemic/lockdown; please stay safe and healthy!*

In our 30th episode, humble [nonfamous] shepherd Amos hears from God that Israel will be punished in the same fashion as its evil neighboring towns. There's a mention or two of adulterous women, and we see Yahweh make his pettiness and intent to harm very clear. 

Yet another of Yahweh's wacky messengers warns the people of doomsday and better times to come. This time, the karma is real and the mountains will leak sweet wine. What we lack in knowledge of Joel's history or personality, we make up for in dark/terrible/great/lovely prophetic visions.

In this book, the prophet Hosea gets some convenient orders from God- take up with loose women to teach the people a lesson! As Israel is condemned for its idolatry and adultery, we check our own gratitude and faith.

Daniel gives the God of Israel a good name during the Babylonian exile by interpreting dreams, sending a king to live in squalor, getting his friends new jobs and showing off a few mind-blowing miracles. We admire him sticking to his guns in enemy territory, and wonder about the line between taking due credit and being sufficiently humble.