The REAL Israelite Religion: Interview with Dr. Francesca Stavrakopoulou

Come and ask Dr. Stavrakopoulou, professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion at Exeter University, and star of the BBC's "Bible's Buried Secrets", your questions about the (mis)representation of Israelite religion in the Bible, and hear about what actual Israelite religion was like!

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Books by Digital Hammurabi Press:
NEW!
The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament
Joshua Bowen (2021)

Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian for the Absolute Beginner
Joshua Bowen & Megan Lewis (2020)

Did the Old Testament Endorse Slavery?
Joshua Bowen (2020)

Learning to Pray in a Dead Language: Education and Invocation in Ancient Sumerian
Joshua Bowen (2020)

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For general information and sources relating to the Ancient Near East, we recommend these websites:

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Music: Brak Bnei Original Composition

[sunshowerpainting]

The study of ancient origins is unquestionably fascinating, in particular what is put forward from academic quarters. Dr. Stavrakopoulou is a wealth of knowledge and her easful and down to earth way of relating the subject matter is perfect for the non academic listener. Very much looking forward to her book. Thank you for having her as a guest speaker.

[timbomilko]

It is so nice to find an academic with such a gentle and articulate way of communicating very complex ideas to those who do not have a deep background in Biblical history. Thank you all.

[danbreeden]

I hope that digital Hammurabi continues to receive support from all that's interested it is a very important channel

[ahadk]

Dr. Francesca is enthralling, I could listen to her lecture all day. Just purchased her most recent book based on this interview.

[jericosha]

Born and raised a Christian, I find this stuff very interesting. Following the truth where it leads can be very troubling and difficult, but I can't live with myself unless I do. Thanks for your channel and your work. Purchased your books. Appreciate your gentle demeanor when discussing tough topics.

[MM-jfme]

Learned so much from listening to this interview. I'm so excited since I see her book is to be published later this year; I can't wait to read it!

[rip]

Outstanding interview. I look forward to reading Dr. Stavrakopoulou's books.

[MrZyphose]

Not nearly long enough. You need a longer show. Francesca is a wonderful departure from the usual. I saw her on one other show and was blown away. Thank you!

[andrewmyers]

Love these interviews. This project Hammurabi channel is the best! Just watched this one and Prof Francesca as usual on top form - am a retired Anglican priest and often shocked by the theological ignorance of many clergy and even more shocked by the way our dominant hierarchy either are ignorant of where informed academic theory is now and in some cases has been for hundreds of years or choose to not share it with their congregations. And many lay people are ahead of their clergy in this respect but are made to feel at the very least reluctant to share this with our oppressive establishment. There are clergy who boldly share these things from an informed liberalism but usually suffer for it with the conservative establishment. It’s no wonder our churches are in seemingly terminal decline… I understand Dr Francesca has suffered lots of online often sexist abuse shamefully from alleged Christians about her views which (hers) are abviously deeply informed and extremely cogent. Loved her on The Big Question which was first time saw her owing to being able to watch it on Sundays during Covid. She was subject to some incredible rudeness sadly often from Bishops and senior Anglicans who not only displayed their ignorance and prejudice but also were exceptionally impolite and aggressive. She showed them up by her articulate informed and calm replies. We need to learn from genius self declared atheists like Dr Stavrakopoulou how to conduct an informed debate and when to keep silent when we are ignorant. I’ve just read her “God An Anatomy” which is pure genius and is both learned, original, scholarly but accesible and very entertaining. Hope she’s going to do a follow up!

[TheGrassdawg]

Incredibly grateful to you three! I have both Dr. Josh’s and Francesca’s books. Diligent scholarship mixed with delightful humor eases the angst of one still haunted by a Christian Nationalist upbringing. The most difficult aspect of my release from the bondage of “literal mythicizing’” was the feeling of “there has to be something”. I am still learning to “keep the data close” (Amos Tversky) when dealing with philosophers and the religious and of course, my own thinking processes. You rock!

[redapol]

This was a fantastic interview. I hadn’t heard of Dr Stavrakopoulou before. When she mentioned Baal dying and resurrecting 3 days later and then says “we can talk about that another time if you like?” I wanted to answer “No, please talk about it now!”. Thank you for interviewing her. Please have her back again sometime!

[mikeorgan]

By the way I am a new convert to your content (via Matt Dillahunty and Paulogia's frequent recommendations). I am now ploughing through all of your content which is really entertaining. I have read everything Dr. Stavrakopoulou has written and every lecture and interview she has been in. I am eagerly waiting for her new book and when it does arrive I hope she does book signings in my local area and if not I will have to travel up to London.

[timothylanders]

Glad you're a voice of reason Francesca. Kudos to the hosts as well of course & for all of the discussions you embark upon ;)

[yvonnereilly]

Dr. Francesca explains her subject so well. She is an absolute pleasure to listen to. I love reading whatever she writes. Makes much more sense than any other biblical scholar I have ever read or listened to.

[fentonmulley]

Holy crap!! What an interesting interview!! I had a desire to learn about this and didn't know this info existed. So many questions answered!!! Nerds effin rock!!!

[mizotter]

I love Dr. Stavrakopoulou!!!! Thanks for having her on the show! Keep up the great work!

[markdpricemusic]

Superb exposition and discussion. Empirically responsible, but with a wonderful sense of the mytho-poetic powers of various scriptures. The world needs more of this! Many thanks to all involved! M X

[KenWalter-vidy]

Incredible interview! Best part for me? Dr Josh is a genius imo, yet he acknowledges Francesca and her expertise beyond his own, in many relevant ways. That humbleness speaks volumes about actual discussions among historians vs the arrogance among the apologists. Just incredible

[julianclover]

We've had to wait 2, 000 years to have an informed and grown up discussion about Christianity and the bible. Finally we're getting somewhere !

[AtheistEdge]

Ok, this surpasses any show I've ever hosted. This was just, great.