Podcast: Does the narrative-historical method help us to answer the question “Why be a Christian?”

On my blog and in a few books I argue against the theological interpretation of scripture and for a consistently narrative-historical interpretation of scripture. Why? Because the method makes much better sense of the texts. But can it do more than that? Can it give us better answers to the big questions about God and the universe?

The script for the podcast can be found here.

John Shakespeare | Fri, 10/12/2018 - 23:58 | Permalink

Thank you. That was perhaps more enlightening than any of your previous written accounts. I’m not quite sure why, because I doubt you said anything that you hadn’t previously written. Maybe it is just a matter of inflection. Anyway, it was good, and has set me thinking. However, I suggest it would be more useful if it were also provided in writing. You must have already written it because you were clearly reading from a script. A written version would make it more widely available for circulation. One other thing: I was pleased to hear the traditional jazz.

Phil L. | Tue, 10/16/2018 - 15:31 | Permalink

“Oh, I want to be in that rhumba,
When the saints go over there.”
 — Homer Simpson

Andrew, I really enjoyed this podcast, and it helped me. I have had similar challenges as the person whose questions you addressed, and I suspect that many thoughtful Christians are either having those challenges or will have them at some point.

In a succinct manner, you laid out a broad outline of mission, identity, and hope for the future that is not dependent on winning a modernist clash of worldviews. In that way, not only do I suspect it would provide comfort and direction for Christians struggling with all of this, but it contributes to the survivability of the people of God in the world.