Better Than Fiction Bible Podcast: Recent Episodes
Gandalf Savage
The Bible is the most read book ever, but for many it is merely fiction. Join our conversation as we connect the dots to reveal that the story of the Bible is not only true, it's better than fiction.
(Genesis 22:1-19) Join Nathan VanHorn and Matt as they discuss the shocking instruction God gave Abraham to sacrifice his child. From Mel Gibson, The Terminator, and the wisdom of Gandalf the White, find it all in today’s wizardless episode.
(Genesis 4) When the producer is away, the hosts will pay. Think we go slowly through the the Biblical story? Guess what, we are going backwards, al the way back to Cain and Abel. Again, we see what the Bible has in store for us if only we are willing to chew on it.
(Genesis 22:1-4) Mountains and tests, we’ve seen both several times in Genesis. Every time someone comes down from the Mountain, it’s in failure. But today we introduce a story that ends with Abraham coming down from the mountain in victory.
(Genesis 21:8-21) We've seen how important names are in the Biblical narrative, from the sons of Cain to Abraham. But what if I ask you what the first name given by God was? Like we've seen time and time again, God is more merciful than than we might think.
(Genesis 21) Divorce happens; it's painful, messy, nuanced and more complicated than we often paint it. We are tempted to see life's journey as an "either/or" problem, but we see here that God often works with a "yes/and" solution.
(Genesis 21:8-9) The last episode of the year! Thank you to all our listeners for a fantastic year of Biblical Discussions. This episode: a brother teases a brother, and the family is never the same.
When Matt is away, Gandalf and Nathan Vanhorn will play. Join us as we delve into completely unknown territory: The New Testament!
(Genesis 21:4) You've seen us do whole episodes on one verse, but have you seen us do our longest episode yet on just one word? Like we always say, there's always more, not less when it comes to the Bible. One word can make all the difference when interpreted by different people.
(Genesis 21) The gang's all here. We got: polemic, look, see, take, laughter, and above all a child with help from the Lord.
Welcome to the first episode of Season 4! Leave us a message at our website betterthanfictionbiblepodcast.com
After 100 episode of exploring the Biblical narrative, the crew finally make the jump to the New Testament. View this special live video episode at www.betterthanfictionbiblepodcast.com
(Genesis 19:29-38) We've seen this before and it should come as no surprise; In the ancient world family lines are EVERYTHING. So, if this passage feels familiar to you, think about why. Nothing in this story is by mistake.
(Genesis 19:8) Today, things get more heavy and somber than what is typical of the show. It all boils down to one question: "How many Daughters did Lot have?" It might sound like an easy question, but as we have so often learned in reading genesis; there more (not less) to this story.
(Genesis 19) Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt; a result of an angry God, or a final rejection of rescue? We'll find out what the ancients thought about this whole thing. And also, Nathan sings a bunch .
(Genesis 19) How can Lot be called righteous? After all, he’s shown to do some shady stuff, yet the New Testament names him “Righteous”. Like with everything else we’ve seen there really is more (not less) to the story that meets the eye.
(Genesis 19: 1-22) The door is quickly closing on Sodom, and Lot makes one last attempt to save anyone who would be saved.
(Genesis 19:1-11) Zombies, Halo, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings....This is a Bible podcasts right? Blending complementary things can be fun. but find out what happens when some cross the boundaries that God has put in place. As we learn in this episode, God boundaries aren't there for no reason.
(Genesis 19:1-11) The Wizard-less trilogy come to an end, and the story Sodom and Gamora begins in Ernest. We begin with a simple question: Is it wrong to live in Sodom? “Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you”
(Genesis 13:8-13) What do the Hunger Games, The Walking Dead, and the Lorax have in common? Beats me, I wasn't there. I guess we'll just have to listen together.
(Genesis 18:22) Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him. Matt and Nathan Vanhorn delve into the story to answer a simple question: What is the benefit of a Saint's prayer?
(Genesis 18:16-33) Visit betterthanfictionbiblepodcast.com to see our first live episode!
(Genesis 18:16-21) We got a great show for you today! Lunchables, Star Wars, Michael Bay, Divine beings, and intercession. .
(Genesis 18) And we’re back. Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational podcast. Today we talk about a scandalous topic…or do we?
(Genesis 18:1-8) What do you do when God and His spiritual posse roll up while you're chilling in your tent? Abraham's response is a good place to start. We love connecting dots, and this episode is full of them. What do oaks, meals, divine visitors, and miraculous babies have in common? It means the author is trying to get you to pay close attention!
(Genesis 17:22-27) Nathan Vanhorn is not here, you know what that means, anything could happen. Guess what? We are going back to circumcision for the second time in a month, but don’t blame us we didn’t write the Bible. It’s a bit of an embarrassing topic, but like we always say: It’s more not less.
(Genesis 17:15-21)
Ok, we are no longer talking about circumcision. Let’s talk about something a little more pleasant; Babies. Or more specifically, a baby. We are only 17 chapters into the Bible, but already we’ve seen several times God used the promise of a baby to change everything. This week: The return of Hook, talk of Theological systems, and Adam Sandler is not funny.
(Genesis 17:9-14) Get all the giggles out now, we’re all going to be mature adults about this. Today’s episode is about circumcision, and I don’t want the discussion to get cut off. No matter how you slice it, this is a topic of upmost importance to ancient Jewish readers.
(Genesis 17:3-8) What is the best Nolan movie? What date was modern Israel founded? When is Matt's anniversary? Who does Israel belong to? All these questions and more will be answered in today's episode.
(Genesis 17: 3-8) There are things going on that you can’t see. Not a conspiracy theory, literally things you can’t see. The players in the Bible narrative where not fiction characters, they lived in a real and storied world just like we do today. That world affected how it’s story interacted with theirs, and understanding how can help modern readers gain insight into the actions and motives of Biblical characters. Also, we talk about Spider-Man at one point.
(Genesis 17: 1-8) The crew is once again united and ready to move into a new chapter of Genesis. We’ve seen the importance of names in The Story before, and this is no exception. A name for God and a new name for Abram, along with a promise that will shape the direction The Story from now on. Also, there’s some talk about the FBI, threats to the listeners, and Jason Webb.
(Genesis 16: 7-11) We’ve seen many references to angel and spiritual beings in the text, but what makes “The Angel of the Lord” different from the rest? Matt and Nathan Vanhorn discuss this topic in the absence of Gandalf and prove once and for all that they can record an episode all on their own.
(Genesis 16) Things are getting weird this week, but not in the text. An off-hand comment sends the Better than Fiction Crew down a rabbit hole that reveals clarity where once there was confusion. And Nathan Vanhorn sings, pop culture references are made, and Chapter 16 gets stretched out for another episode. So, not that weird after all.
(Genesis 16) You think you have family drama? Well, you’ve probably never been taken from your homeland and then been driven into the wilderness. But you probably have been in the spiritual wilderness. Just like Hagar, God sees you and is far more gracious than man.
(Genesis 16) After many episodes, the crew leaves Genesis 15 behind and begins a new journey in Chapter 16. There is often more going on in the text of the Bible than what is immediately apparent, and other times it’s actually less complicated than you think. It’s tempting to read our own culture and customs into the text, but it’s important to remember that the Bible was written in a different place and time. This week: Superfans, Surrogate mothers, and Tom Hanks.
(Genesis 15:12-20) Not everything is as it first seems. The Bible uses genealogies, time, and now space to get it’s message across. Looking back on previously understood stories may reveal new truths. This week: Jebusites, iniquity, maps, and The Death Star.
Hook is a bad movie
(Genesis 12-21) Everything that follows, is a result of what you see here. My responses are limited, you must ask the right questions.
"How long is a Generation?"
I'm sorry, that is not the right question.
"Did God wait to free Israel from slavery?"
That, is the right question.
(Genesis 15:12-21)
This guy Abram, he’s great, really great, everyone says so. They come up to me and they say “Abram, his faith, it’s really outstanding”. Terrific guy. Wonderful guy. The dreams he’s having and deal’s he’s making, I’ve been saying it forever. I’ll just go ahead and say it: someone really loves this guy.
(Genesis 15:7-17) From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king. We celebrate and discuss life changes this week, both our own and Abrams.
(Genesis 15:6) Gandalf and Nathan continue to explore the question of Abram’s Faith, and it relation to the faith of modern Christians. Naturally there’s some singing, pop-culture references, and the acknowledgement of our slow pace. It’s the podcast you know and love.
(Genesis 15:6) Nathan and Gandalf discuss (among other things) The faith of Abram, the writings of Paul, and Spielberg’s best water based movie.
(Genesis 15:1-5) What do you see when you look up at the stars? Flaming balls of gas burning billions of miles away? The Kings of the past? Nothing at all because of light pollution? Abram saw much more than that, thanks to the promises of God.
(Genesis 15:1-6) Do you want to know who “Eliezer” is? He is all around, even now in this very room. I offer you a choice: You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more.
(Genesis 14:7-24) It was the best of times, It was the worst of times. But this isn’t Dickens we’re talking about and the two cites in questions are far from London and France. This week we discuss a character from the Bible that you might never have heard of, and which good reason because he’s barely in it.
(Genesis 14: 1-16) We got it all for you this week: Giants, Callbacks, Nathan’s Hebrew accent, and more than one Lord of the Rings reference. Come hear about Father Abraham’s crack commando unit rescue Lot and plunder even more stuff. Also, hear this story of the Promised Land the way Israel did (or should have).
(Genesis 13) Imagine being so wealthy that you had to separate from your family. That’s where Abram and Lot are right now. But like we say every week: “There is more, not less to this story”
(Genesis 12:10-20) Tell me if you’ve heard this one before. You know, the one about Egyptians, plagues, and Pharaoh letting God’s people go. No not that one, the other one. This week: Abram makes some questionable choices and plants seeds of unforeseen consequences.
(Genesis 12:1-8) Welcome to a very special episode of the show, now featuring 100% less Matt. That's right, it's another two person episode and this week we are talking about land....exciting I know. But tune in anyway because it's like we always say: It's always more, not less.
Family Tree graph: https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/746024993682358327/935237037525725265/unknown.png
(Genesis 11:27 – 12:3) ELECTION! There I said it. But it’s not a scary theological word, It’s an important concept we need to understand to help connect the dots of Abraham’s story. Also, it might used in a way you have never heard before. Strap in, this week: The White House, Chosen people, Matt’s Jokes, and The Princess Bride.
What makes a person worthy to be chosen by God? Is it fate?, destiny?, election?, luck? Might be more (or less) to this some might think. This week we talk Jews, qualifications, dissertations, and schoolyard football.
(Genesis 1-11) The slingshot is pulled back and ready to fire, the pieces have been laid out on the board, and the prelude to the greatest narrative is complete. But before all that, let’s take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, and where we are going. Recaps, Covid, Yoda impressions, and new understandings on this week’s episode.
We’ve come along way since Eden, but once again it’s time for humanity to leave and be changed forever. Join us on this wrap up of the City of Babel and get a look at what is to come. This week: Sons of God, Traitors, and the Death Star.
Pain, suffering, and misfortune: what does the heavenly counsel have to do with it? Today, we look at Job and his understanding of heavenly matter. When it comes to tough questions about God, you don’t have to know the answer, but don’t explain them away. This week: The Devil you know, Muppets, Publicists, and Peter Rabbit.
We all know who sits on the Throne, but who else is in the castle? We know God works through His divine Counsel, but how much self-governing power do they have and what are the ramifications of their actions? This week: Confessions, Prophecy, The Terminator, and Chocolate bunnies.
A hit job, made to look like an accident, an order made the very top. Is this a mafia movie? No, it’s from the Bible and from an unexpected source.
(Deuteronomy 32) Do you believe in Guardian Angels? Turns out, a bunch of other people do too. And for good reason! We explore the idea of nations, gods and angels. This week: Sons of God, Little “g” gods, and ninja turtles.
(Deuteronomy 32:1-9) When Babel fell and it’s people were scattered, who lead them and how did they come to live in their lands? Turns out the answer might be: The Usual Suspects. We continue to live through the Exodus through the eyes of Israel by looking backwards. This week: God, gods, the sons of God, and Sith Lords.
(Genesis 11:1-9) What do Dr. Suess, and Hitler have in common? That’s right, nothing! But we will talk about both during our exploration of the Tower of Babel. This Week: Dictators, Rebellion, God’s might, and Turtles.
(Genesis 11:1-8) What do towers and boats have in common? Nothing? Well, just ask the people of Babel and they’ll tell you the two have a ton in common, apparently. This week: Airplanes, Wonder Woman, The Monkey’s Paw, and the heart issue behind the evils of technology.
(Genesis 10) You didn’t read that wrong, we cover an entire chapter in one episode. Just like many parts of the Bible reading it today in modern times, it might seem confusing. But there is more to this list of names than what meets the eye. On this week’s episode: Inclusivity, The Land Before Time, and Good Burger.
The patterns! THE PATTERNS!!! Can’t you see them!? It’s all connected, I’m telling you, IT’S ALL CONNECTED!
(Genesis 9:18-29) Hold onto your seats, folks its going to get a little crazy this week. We have an ancient mystery on our hands and it all revolves around single question: “What did Ham do?” Part 2 of this most scandalous topic
(Genesis 9:18-29) Hold onto your seats, folks its going to get a little crazy this week. We have an ancient mystery on our hands and it all revolves around single question: “What did Ham do?”
(Genesis 9:8-17) The view expressed belong exclusively to the members The Better Than Fiction Crew and are not necessarily those of Kermit the Frog, Jim Henson, or the Disney corporation.
(Genesis 9:1-7) Can we go more than 3 episodes without referencing Lord of the Rings? Probably not. But will also talk about: Meat, The Garden of Eden, and how the flood changes humanity forever.
(Genesis 8:20 – 22) You may think you know what good meat smells like, but you’re wrong. Noah pulls off the biggest BBQ the world has ever seen, and shows us a picture of the patience of God. This week, Lambs, Long noses, and DeLoreans. Great Scott!
(Genesis 8:13-19) The waters have receded, but we are still on the ark. On this week's episode: Coverings, convertibles, hard conversations, and the ending of Old Yeller.
(Genesis 8:1-12) “Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil! prophet still, if bird or devil! By that Heaven that bends above us by that God we both adore Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn, Shall again on dry land this ark be laid in? Quoth the Raven: Yes, Actually.
(Genesis 8:1-4) "Dry Land is Not a Myth, I have seen it!" It takes faith to believe that everything is going to be alright, especially when you haven't heard from God in a while. But that is exactly what noah and his family experienced during their time on the flooded earth. On this week's episode: truma, faith, Kevin Costner, and mighty winds.
(Genesis 7:24) We all know the Flood is about water, boats, animals, and all that stuff. But what the deeper questions? Things like animal packing logistics and underground water currents? Turns out, it really is about what’s happening on the surface.
(Genesis 7:6-24) “It was the hard heart of an angry God that led to the flooding of the world!” “God didn’t even give humanity a chance to escape!” Many have said these things, and many more of us have privately thought them. It’s some hard things to wrestle with, but how true are these ideas really? On this week’s episode: Rains, Floodwaters, Last Chances, and Cannon Balls.
(Genesis 7:1-5) How does the Genesis Flood Narrative differ from other competing myths? The key is animals, righteousness, and sacrifices. Maybe some Dinosaurs thrown in as well. All this and more on this week's episode of the Better Than Fiction Bible Podcast
(Genesis 6:9-22) - A gleeful God wiping those inferior to Him , or a grieved God doing what must be done? A lot of people have said a lot of things about Noah and the Flood, but how did the original readers hear it? Floods, Judgements, Chicken sandwiches, and Godzilla on this week's episode.
(Genesis 6:5-7) What drove God to wipeout man from the face of the Earth? Were we too noisy? Were there too many of us? What could motivate such action, and what sets the flood apart from divine disasters from other mythologies? The answer might be closer to home than you expect. This week: Floods, Polemics, and the incomprehensibility of the iphone.
(Genesis 4-6) An angry bully, white robe and Lighting in-hand to destroy the masses. Is this the Character of God? Not so! On this week's episode we seen the depths of Gods Mercy, Cain's mark, and the perseverance of Snails.
(Genesis 6:1-4) The Bible is a book of answers, but it’s also a book of questions…. And not all of them have concrete solutions. Today we encounter one such mystery. On This week’s episode of the Better Than Fiction Bible Podcast: Giants, Nephilim, Translation committees, and Will Smith.
(Genesis 6:1-2) How long do you want to live to? 80? 100? How about 120 years? God put 120 years as the hard limit on human lifespans, right? Well, maybe not. Like we always say, when it come to the Bible, there is always more not less. This week on the Better Than Fiction Bible podcast: boating accidents, Ancient interpretation, and the release of the Kraken.
(Genesis 6:1-2) Over the Past couple of Episodes, you’ve heard us talking about some pretty strange things. Now, as we come to the conclusion of weird saga, we see that what seems strange to us was a simple truth to ancient readers. On this week’s episode of the “Better That Fiction Bible Podcast”: Christian Writers, Jewish Fathers, and Dead Poets.
(Genesis 6:1-2) Sometimes if you listen long enough, the weird things can end up sounding reasonable. Other times, the mundane can turn fantastic on closer inspection. Let’s dive into Genesis and discover that once you listen with the right ears, the familiar may turn out to be more extraordinary than you thought. Angels, Wizards, and Sherlock Holmes on this week’s episode.
(Genesis 6:1-2) Two short verses with three wildly diverging opinions. From ancient Kings, to strange beings not of this world, things only get weirder the farther down the rabbit hole you go. The Sons of God, The Daughters of man, and the crownless shall be King again.
(Genesis 6:1-2) The Bible is a powerful document. It has the power to encourage, convict, inspire, shock, and reveal. Other times, the words from the Bible may leave you confused or even weird out? This is one of those times, and as we’ll see it’s all for a reason and it all makes sense in the right frame of mind. The Son’s of God, The Daughters of Men, and Batman’s Butler on this week episode of the Better Than Fiction Bible Podcast.
(Genesis 5) What meaning do US presidents, The 10 ancient Sumerian Kings, and Methuselah have in common? It is a trick question! The answer is: “Nothing….Kind of”, and it all depends on when and where you live. Let’s Dive into the ancestry.com of antiquity on this week’s episode of the Better Than Fiction Bible Podcast.
(Genesis 4:17-25) Two peoples diverge. One seeks to cling to Eden, the other looks to their own power for salvation. Violence, technology, monkeys, and God's plan.
(Genesis 4:2-16) Premeditated or a crime a of passion? It's all in the wording, and all about who you ask. Wrath & mercy, repentance & excuses, and crime & punishment in this week's episode.
(Genesis 4:2-16) How early does the foreshadowing of Jesus begin? A lot earlier than you might think, and not in the way you might expect. The path to life seeded in the story of the first murder.
(Genesis 4:1) Man and Woman begin their new lives outside of the Garden, and the first thing they do is….you’ll see. Learn how the memory of Eden is not quite gone.
(Genesis 3:22-24) The Sun sets on the age of Eden and our time ends with Genesis Chapter 3. All seems lost for Mankind. The Clock has struck 12, the carriage has turned back into a pumpkin, but the glass slipper still exists.
(Genesis 3:17-21) Man and Woman get more knowledge than what they bargained form. Dire consequences are laid out, and the form of Humanity's victory is revealed.
Genesis 3:14-15) The Protoevangelium, The First Gospel. Great news for humanity, a nightmare for the serpent. God spoils the entire story and tells us exactly how all this will end; An ironic twist and an unlikely hero.
(Genesis 3:14-21) Now we are at the part where God gets really angry and puts man in the doghouse...right? Maybe there is a little more to this story than that.
(Genesis 3:9-13) The jig is up. God starts asking questions, Man and Woman point the finger, and the Serpent's plot is exposed.
(Genesis 3:6-8) Having pursued "good" apart from God, Adam and Eve learn that the knowledge they sought comes with a catch. Listen to the words long written down, when the Man comes around.
(Genesis 3:2-6) The Devil cannot be summed up in just one episode; today discover a little more about the Devil. Also, the “lie” he uses to trick Eve may not be what you may have thought previously.
(Genesis 3:1) It’s a snake, it’s a star, it ain’t Superman. Find out who and what the serpent is.
(Genesis 2:15-25) Here is the first “not good” in the Bible. The creation of woman reveals how she is to be understood as an individual and as the completion of man. A woman is not property, a trophy, or an inferior; she is man’s co-equal.
(Genesis 2:16-17) Apparently God is in the tree planting business. The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were both created to be a blessing, and contrary what most might think He has a never planted a bad tree. Trees—along with, mountain and gardens (so far!)—will be a reoccurring theme in the Bible.
(Genesis 2:15) Discover how focusing on vocabulary can reveal reoccurring themes throughout the Bible. Sometimes connecting the dots in the Scripture shrinks to a single word. Be reminded that “Chekhov's gun” is found all throughout Genesis 1-3.
(Genesis 2:8-14) Where was/is Eden? It may not be where you think. Eden is less about where latitude meets longitude and more about where Heaven meets Earth. Understanding what Eden is will be important as the story reveals what happened in Eden.
(Genesis 2:4-7) Find out where Genesis gets its name. Also, learn how to make sense of the second account of creation and discover how it relates to Genesis 1. Finally discover a turn of phrase that will be found throughout the rest of the Scripture to indicate the passage of generations.
(Genesis 2:2-3) God rests but He is not tired. Discover how the rest of God fits into His plan for man and see how the pattern of pairs from Genesis 1 is continued here. The 7th day is a gift to all humanity.
(Genesis 2:1) A pivotal episode as the crew shares why most miss 50% of the story simply because of modern bias. The sun, moon, stars, and other celestial bodies communicated something different to the ancients than it does to modern ears. Discover the supernatural framework later biblical authors will use as they describe angels, foreign gods, demons, and the heavenly host in this episode.
American Flag on the Moon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_Flag_Assembly
Divine Beings - https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Elohim
William Wallace Statue - https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/14419716.wallace-statue-and-memorabilia-to-get-new-home-in-old-barony-church/
The Prince of Egypt -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prince_of_Egypt
Polemic - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polemic
Lagniappe - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagniappe
Lord of the Rings opening scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhjDnrw34QA
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367882/
Young Earth - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Earth_creationism
Ex Nihilo - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex_nihilo
Southern Baptists - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Baptist_Convention
Dot Paintings - http://www.thomasmakesstuff.com/portfolio/dot-to-dot.html
Men in Black: Noisy Cricket - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTqxFIpc1j4
TVtropes: Chekhov’s Gun - https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ChekhovsGun