BeliefNet item one: Christians say things that are not in the Bible
- How should Christians address phrases they believe are in the Bible but actually are not?
The hosts read the BeliefNet article's first item, which quotes Psalm 119:16 and Deuteronomy 11:18-19 at length before warning that Christians commonly say things the Bible never says. Examples surface fast: 'God never gives you more than you can handle,' 'God don't bless no mess,' and the Footprints poem. The hosts argue for careful paraphrase over word-for-word King James delivery (N.T. Wright is credited for making one host's Bible reading better), warn against elevating human wisdom to godly wisdom, and note that even Jude quoted Enoch, which never made the canon. The segment ends with the positive-vibes comedy bit — each host inventing a noise for 'sending a vibe.'
More on Scripture
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'It's not a religion, it's a relationship': framing the big question
- Does God want a relationship with you - and if so, what do we actually mean by it?
Ben frames the night's first big question: the phrase 'it's not a religion, it's a relationship' is common, and evangelicals say 'God wants to be in relationship with you' - but is it true, and if so, what do we mean?
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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The New Testament case for human shaping
- What does the New Testament actually say about spiritual authority and submission?
Ben walks the New Testament texts: Hebrews 13:17 ('obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls') presumes a soul-watching laborer, not a rule-maker;…
From No. 600 · Rage The Elephant
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How to tell your voice from God's: the Bible test and leniency
- How can you tell the difference between you speaking and God speaking?
Ella distills the question: how do you tell the difference between you speaking and God speaking? Her first answer: we have a Bible — what God is telling you is probably already in it ('Ben's gonna have a proud papa moment').
From No. 597 · Maybe A Word From God
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Self-help Jesus and the wave problem
- Why do believers cycle through self-help-style Jesus fads instead of lasting growth?
The hosts move to the second topic: 'self help Jesus' content on social media — spirituality coded with affirmations that God loves you but really centered on self-improvement, arriving in waves like fad diets.
From No. 545 · By Invitation Only