We usually listen to podcasts for fun, entertainment, or updates. But have you ever thought of listening to a podcast for religious and spiritual nourishment? The BEMA Podcast is an in-depth exploration of the Bible’s historical and literary background.
Interestingly, we generally read the Bible from a Philosophical point of view, considering that all 66 books were explicitly created for a Middle Eastern readership.
So here we have the BEMA Discipleship Podcasts, a huge project by the priest and instructor Marty Solomon and his pupil Brent Billings. They carefully walk us across every book, topic, and Bible narrative in virtue of its actual meaning.
The podcasts engage anyone interested in theology, history, or philosophy. Marty covers multiple topics such as archaeology, ancient Near Eastern literature, linguistics, and culture. He is a great storyteller with an in-depth knowledge of the scriptures and breaks down complex concepts for the audience. He’s particularly good at explaining why we interpret scripture in certain ways and how we can apply this knowledge to our lives.
Solomon acts as our teacher in a format modeled after the ancient Rabbinic approach of instructing pupils via open conversation and questioning. His depth of knowledge is unrelenting, including everything from who wrote the Bible to be modern political, religious, and social standards. This is where Billings stands in for us, the enthusiastic, curious, and willing-to-learn student.
Why Must You Listen to Bema Podcast?
BEMA Podcast is an ideal choice if you are looking for a thought-provoking and informative podcast. The podcasts contain plenty of valuable insights about the Bible and its content. As a result, Christian readers of the Bible can gain a better understanding of its content. At the same time, non-Christians may also find this podcast to be an enlightening and educational experience.
Each episode corresponds with a class discussion and honors the original environment in which Scripture was written. Presentations are accessible for the majority of the episodes in this series. It is vital to consider the fact that Solomon and Billings are white American men. And the pursuit of knowledge has led Solomon back to his Jewish roots.
They draw significantly on their extensive research and observations to provide deep and nuanced insights into the Bible. Not only do they often disagree with other sources, but they are also quick to admit when they need more expertise.
Why Should You Not?
Although this podcast is full of fascinating facts, the fact that two white American men lead it might not be suitable for everyone because it does not consider other communities’ perspectives.
For instance, African American or Hispanic listeners may find it less engaging because of its need for more diversity in terms of cultural and religious viewpoints. Additionally, the podcast can be quite challenging for those less familiar with theology due to its academic approach.
Finally, while the podcast is very informative, it can become dry and monotonous at times due to its long-form format. Therefore, it might not be the best choice for those who prefer a more engaging podcast experience. Ultimately, it is up to the listener to decide whether this podcast is a good fit.
Bottom Line
The BEMA Discipleship Podcasts is in one package and presents a deep dive into the Bible. In addition, one can expect to learn a lot from Marty Solomon and Brent Billings’ discussion and debate.
