In this episode, we discuss what it means for our changing understanding of sin to have a canonized, “frozen” Scripture that must remain relevant, and begin exploring the biblical ideas of “sin as a burden” and intergenerational punishment. Why would someone believe that future generations could suffer for the sins …
In this episode, I recap everything we have discussed so far, before I begin a new chapter of the podcast. This is …
Join me for a close reading of the Treatise of the Two Spirits, a passage in the Community Rule that explains the …
In this episode, we explore texts from the Qumran community that emphasize responsibility for sin and freedom of choice, despite the sect’s …
In this episode, we look at two Dead Sea Scroll sectarian prayers — the Hodayot and the “Hymn of Praise” in the …
In this episode, we examine the idea of an evil inclination in Second Temple prayer. How did Jews in the Second Temple …
I will be presenting the Understanding Sin and Evil podcast at the World Congress of Jewish Studies. Anyone in Jerusalem on August …
As we continue our series on the idea of an “evil inclination” in Second Temple literature, we return to Fourth Ezra (4 …
In this episode we move farther afield to Egypt and the Diaspora community of Alexandria. How did Philo of Alexandria (also known …
In this week’s episode, we continue with Ben Sira and how the book of Ben Sira reflects a range of views on sin. What can …
