3.75: Why Not Throw Out Parts of the Bible That Are Troubling, Like Genesis 22?

In this discussion with Jon D. Levenson, the hosts explore the question "What would be lost theologically by discarding troubling parts of the Bible?"

Prof. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston talk with Jon D. Levenson exploring the question, what would be lost theologically by discarding troubling parts of the Bible?

Show notes

Biblical books and passages mentioned

Genesis 22

Topics, themes and figures mentioned

Sacrifice of Isaac
Child Sacrifice
Giving vs Withholding
Burnt Offering
Radical Obedience
Land of Moriah
Arbitrariness
Merit of the Patriarchs
Christology
Divine Knowledge and Testing
Prosperity Gospel
Posterity

Ancient & Modern Resources

Book of Jubilees: translated by James C. VanderKam
Inheriting Abraham: book by Jon D. Levenson
The Death and Resurrection of the Beloved Son: book by Jon D. Levenson
The Challenge of the Akedah: video by Jon D. Levenson

Featuring

Jon D. Levenson

Jon D. Levenson, Albert A. List Professor of Jewish Studies, began teaching at Harvard in 1988, having previously taught at the University of Chicago and at Wellesley College.
His work concentrates on the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, including its reinterpretations in the "rewritten Bible" of Second Temple Judaism and rabbinic midrash. His book "Resurrection and the Restoration of Israel: The Ultimate Victory of the God of Life" (Yale University Press, 2006) won a National Jewish Book Award and the Biblical Archaeology Society Publication Award. His latest book is "The Love of God: Divine Gift, Human Gratitude, and Mutual Faithfulness in Judaism" (Princeton University Press, 2016).

See Profile

Hosted By

Kathryn Schifferdecker

Kathryn M Schifferdecker is Professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2001, Schifferdecker was associate pastor for five years at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale, Wisconsin, before coming to Luther in 2006. Schifferdecker is a frequent contributor to Working Preacher, Word & World, and the author of "Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology in the Book of Job" (Harvard University Press, 2008). She is currently writing a commentary on the book of Esther.

See Profile

Katie Langston

Katie Langston is a doubter by nature and a believer by grace. She grew up Mormon in a small Utah town and still isn't sure she fits in anywhere sophisticated enough to have a Target. She's the author of Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace, an acclaimed spiritual memoir about her conversion to orthodox Christianity. Katie is Pastor of Mission and Outreach at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. From 2020-2025, she was the director of digital strategy for Luther Seminary's innovation team, where she oversaw digital projects aimed at cultivating vibrant Christian spirituality in a post-modern, post-Christian cultural context.

See Profile

About Enter the Bible Podcast

The Enter the Bible podcast is where you can get answers (or at least reflections) on everything you wanted to know about the Bible but were afraid to ask. Each season, the podcast hosts address questions submitted by listeners. If you have a question you’d like us to discuss in the upcoming season of the Enter the Bible podcast, submit it here.

Recent episodes

8.159: Will We Know Our Loved Ones in Heaven? A Biblical Exploration of Eternal Relationships

August 5, 2025

In this thoughtful episode, Rev. Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore to explore what Scripture actually says about eternal relationships.

Listen now

8.158: How Do You Identify True and False Prophets? Biblical Keys to Spiritual Discernment

July 29, 2025

Explore the biblical wisdom surrounding false prophets and spiritual discernment.

Listen now

8.157: Understanding Jephthah’s Daughter Bible Story: A Deep Dive into Judges 11

July 22, 2025

Professor Olson provides expert analysis of this difficult biblical narrative, exploring the historical context, interpretive challenges, and theological implications of Jephthah’s tragic vow.

Listen now