The Old Testament as Literature w/Dr. Tremper Longman, III

In this conversation, host Josh Burtram interviews Dr. Tremper Longman III, a distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies. They discuss Longman's newest book, 'The Old Testament as Literature,' and his larger project of exploring the Old Testament as literature, history, and theology. Longman explains the importance of understanding the literary conventions and genres of the Old Testament, as well as the historical context in which the texts were written.

He also addresses the misuse of biblical texts for political purposes and emphasizes the need for a thoughtful and nuanced approach to interpreting the Bible. In this conversation, Tremper Longman discusses the intersection of politics and Christianity, specifically focusing on the support for Donald Trump and the idea of Christian nationalism. He emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in evaluating political leaders and policies.

Longman also addresses the misconception of America as a Christian nation and the need for Christians to engage in the public sphere while respecting the pluralistic nature of society. He encourages readers to deepen their understanding of the Bible and to approach cultural and social issues with nuance and critical thinking.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Tremper Longman III graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, earned a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary, and completed a doctorate in ancient Near Eastern studies at Yale University. He served as the Robert H. Gundry professor of biblical studies at Westmont from 1998 until he retired in 2017. He continues to serve the college as a distinguished scholar of biblical studies. He has written or co-authored numerous scholarly articles and more than 20 books, including interdisciplinary works, books with psychologist Dan Allender, works on history and historiography, and textbooks for both seminary students a lay people. He is one of the main translators of the New Living Translation and has served as a consultant on other popular translations of the Bible including the Message, the New Century Version, and the Holman Standard Bible.


"The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations

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