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!
Dr. Stavrakopoulou on Twitter: / proffrancesca
NEW BOOK! Did the Old Testament Endorse Slavery? Second Revised and Expanded Edition tinyurl.com/f6...
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Books by Digital Hammurabi Press:
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The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament
Joshua Bowen (2021)
(tinyurl.com/4j...)
Learn to Read Ancient Sumerian for the Absolute Beginner
Joshua Bowen & Megan Lewis (2020)
(tinyurl.com/ya...)
Did the Old Testament Endorse Slavery?
Joshua Bowen (2020)
(tinyurl.com/y6...)
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:
ABZU - bit.ly/2Cr1A8u (collection of free and open-access data)
University of Chicago Oriental Institute - bit.ly/2RcIiMl (great collection of free books and articles)
Livius.org - bit.ly/2Gzj5rx (general encyclopedia on the ancient world)
ETCSL - bit.ly/2QJsAZS (Sumerian literature)
ORACC - bit.ly/2QJsL7u (collection of projects relating to Mesopotamia)
EPSD - bit.ly/2PY99aw (Online Sumerian dictionary)
CDLI - cdli.ucla.edu (Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative)
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Music: Brak Bnei Original Composition

[@sunshowerpainting1]

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.

[@timbomilko5367]

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.

[@poorbanishedchildrenofEve]

Of course they do this, it is because you cannot contest what they are saying...but at the same time make you feel as smart as them taking on their conclusion. Academia is a profitable business.

[@timbomilko5367]

You appear to have rather a dim view of people who spend their entire lives studying the world and its cultures and institutions. You can indeed contest what they say, but you have to be prepared to do the research and be open to challenge your own knowing (I think I'm right, but I may also be wrong)... which is, after all, the starting point for all academics. If you choose to do this, I wish you well on your journey@@poorbanishedchildrenofEve

[@yoo_zen]

​@@timbomilko5367I think you have dim view .... :) They spend their life with no or minimal accomplishments. Most of them are paid with money of the taxpayers. In return they keep their mouth shut about important issues. They do not even get educated about important issues although they have the time, the money and supposedly the brain. In 2024, they are certainly corrupt!

[@sabrinax4575]

@@poorbanishedchildrenofEveno YOUUU can’t contest to what she’s saying.

[@poorbanishedchildrenofEve]

To go over everything addressed in an hour and a half video in the comment section is ridiculous. So, the challenge is this: link a video where she steps out of her own echo chamber and has her views challenged by others as well as she challenging them.

[@danbreeden5481]

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

[@FantasticExplorers]

Important how?

[@JorgeLausell]

Thank you all! A 1st timer here. Long time interest in all of the topics. My immediate excitement rose when you mentioned, Dr Josh, a common order of operations violation when one approaches from a conclusion to fit the evidence to support. (My interpretation of the story of Abraham is this highlights just this!) The natural order is from evidence (The real) to conclusions, the derivatives. Of course there's the requirement for a preexisting theoretical framework. Given that, there is a simple model for learning. Natural Law, Dharma, includes that. There's an order of operations. "Meaning" includes not just a definition, and context, it includes the "Scale" or "Key", the positioning, order. Violating this is a means for lies, deceptions to be spun into seeming to exist, "on its own side" as is oft noted! Violating this principle is crucial for grifters, whatever their stripe.

[@ahad2k11]

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

[@jericosha2842]

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.

[@BNelso-lf7db]

The Bible has incredible scientific accuracy like jet streams and round Earth hanging on nothing. Plus, the hydrologic cycle, quarantine and much more.

[@TheMilimanatary1]

Be careful with this information. Much of it is true. But it is put in a false context. Look up guys like Michael Heiser, Timothy Alberino, Thomas Horn, Ken Johnson, Brian Godawa, John Walton.

[@DanielWesleyKCK]

@@BNelso-lf7db Most of that just isn't true... biblical cosmology is not modern cosmology. Not by a long shot.

[@AndrewBarton-ho1iu]

@@DanielWesleyKCK Do you believe the Bible plagiarized from the Epic of Gilgamesh?

[@OceanusHelios]

People are born human but raised to be Christians. Born a Christian makes no sense, even in Christianity.

[@MM-jf1me]

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!

[@omarlittle-hales8237]

Salam, Shlomo, Shalom, Peace. Quran [Last Testament]: We have placed on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with them” “Have We not made the earth as a bed, And the mountains as pegs?”

[@rip7562]

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!

[@andrewmyers9938]

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!

[@Truthjustice23]

But you can't save your self you need to surrender your ego your pride your self in other words, to God the Creator in Jesus Christ. to be save from the separation of heaven and his love and peace of God eternal. 🙂❤👌

[@real.evidence]

@@Truthjustice23 Your failed Jewish messiah “Jesus” was killed 2000 years ago and remains dead. Preaching your evangelical Christian theology does nothing to address the reality that Christianity, like Judaism, is the product of cultural syncretism and mimesis of other then contemporary faith traditions including, but not limited to, Mithraism, Zoroastrianism, Greek Hellenism, and pagan mythologies. Christianity is but another false mythological tradition.

[@lionzion1879]

@@Truthjustice23 why are you so obsessed of having a savior. The times of heroes and legends are Gone. We save each other now. With education, we don't need a dead Jewish man and his supposedly sky daddy, to come To our rescue anytime soon to save us from a magical bond.

[@Conn30Mtenor]

@@Truthjustice23 You are advocating for the surrender of intellect and the spirit of inquiry both of which are central to the experience of being human. One could easily ask YOU why you carry that baggage.

[@Truthjustice23]

@lionzion1879 Reason and use logic of thus creation and Believe because is all matters of Faith to believe in that Creator of all things. Don't take it as a religious of course but Believe in Him. 🙂♥️🙏

[@redapol5678]

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!

[@mikeorgan1993]

Francesca is the one who takes on debates with top theologians and apologists and annoys the hell out of them by knowing more about their holy books than they do. I remember many years ago she was on a topical debate show with the Bishop of Canterbury and the Chief Rabbi, someone from the audience said to her "You haven't read the bible in its original Hebrew' to which she replied "that's all I read it in". That silenced the whole audience because they mistakenly thought that this jumped up young women was ignorant of Biblical scripture when in fact she is a polyglot in Ancient Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic and Latin which made her the most knowledgeable person on the rostrum. Compared to her the two priests were ignorant beginners.

[@andrewfrank7222]

@@mikeorgan1993Almost all American theologians, especially Evangelicals, only know the Apologetics... Nothing else. And definitely not South Western Asian culture... Literally nothing in the Bible describes the other continents and the peoples there.... The Chinese, Indians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans must have been able to breathe/live under water for a year... The Bible is clearly written by people in a small but busy part of the world with ZERO real knowledge of anything outside their desert and hills...

[@mikeorgan1993]

@@andrewfrank7222 Why would the Bible describe any other culture when it cant even get the cultures around them right. The Bibles description of the Egyptians is woeful to say the least. The writers seem to think that Egypt had an almost identical culture to Mesopotamia when it was poles apart. The reason is simple, the writers or at least some of them were actually from the two river culture so they assumed incorrectly that Egyptians were similar if not the same. Even the Exodus story uses the culture of Babylon to tell a story of Egypt. It is high time that Americans were taught the truth. The Bible is horrendously inaccurate it is not and never was a history book, its a fairy tale for grown ups with a delusion. Read Exodus but change your thinking to Mesopotamia and you will be amazed at how neatly it fits. The Bible was written or rather the stories were made up around the 4th to the 5th centuries BCE, they were written to unite a disparate group of people made up of exiled Babylonians, indigenous Israelites and Philistine farmers. When you read the history of the region with that in mind it all makes sense but when you use the bible nothing fits. Its like trying to understand the Middle ages in Britain by using the legend of Arthur as a guide.

[@davidm1149]

@@mikeorgan1993 Mike, I understand what you're saying, but the Bible is a series of coded books meant to be symbolically and metaphorically correct. It's not read correctly - there simply is no literal interpretation. For more on the subject, I suggest lectures by Neville Goddard. He has a very good understanding of what the Bible is really saying. It is a very different book from what people have been led to believe.

[@mikeorgan1993]

@@davidm1149 Neville Goddard is a fool and quite frankly boring as hell. I have 55 years of reading holy books David and listening to apologist. The Bible is not a series of CODED books that a lie they tell you to trick you into believing that the content is not really bad when in fact its not bad its outrageously horrible so much so even Hitler would have been embarrassed. So many Christians when they find out the truth of the bible have to cling to flimsy nonsense made up by professional apologists and the kind of double think that make cognitive dissidence seem quite normal. I suggest you read the Gospels correctly and stop listening to those who want to fool you. Jesus said himself that he had come to fulfil the law not change it one jot. What is difficult to understand about that or do you think you understand the Torah better than God. The arrogance of apologists is staggering the ignorance of the faithful pitiful.

[@mikeorgan1993]

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.

[@timothylanders3189]

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

[@subsen]

Thanks!

[@yvonnereilly4221]

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.

[@fentonmulley5895]

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!!!

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@mistressofstones]

​@@YehoshuahLambertishe's Greek-English you silly goose!

[@axiomaticidioms3857]

​@@mistressofstonesclose enough... She's also talking like a secret society member.

[@axiomaticidioms3857]

​@@YehoshuahLambertishe probably is a member of the Eastern Star or Rosicrucians... I don't think they allow females in the Shriners... But I could be wrong.

[@markdpricemusic1574]

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

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@markdpricemusic1574]

@@YehoshuahLamberti but the gods of other nations are not ''false'' gods. Exodus acknowledges the existence of other gods. Otherwise, the plagues of Egypt are directed against something not real: “Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements” (Ex. 12.12). Also, I see no evidence that the presenter is either Arabic or Muslim or biased, or ''hates'' Jewish people so much''. If you have any eveidence to present, please show it, but do not malign people's intentions without good evidence to back up those claims. Peace! M.

[@yohei72]

@@YehoshuahLambertiCan you tell that from her Greek name? Dipshit.

[@mizotter]

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

[@Mar-dk3mp]

I tend to believe in God instead of Western Godless and Souless people, wonder why 🤔

[@KenWalter-vi6dy]

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

[@austerepotato3159]

* humility...

[@julianclover1663]

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 !

[@speaklifegardenhomesteadpe8783]

Your very old.

[@cleggyclark6238]

You're

[@kurtklingbeil6900]

Your comment encapsulates the essence of the problem ... an entitled impatient myopic entitlement . You have been "waiting" only about 20 years - 40 at max to be spoonfed something which confirms your biases... How exactly does that represent "progress" in the sense of getting somewhere?

[@loslosmith]

Progress because of religious volatile and their violence against each other. You are salty the truth of Christianity is coming out ? It’s not a bias. It’s history. Get to know it ya donkey head Yahweh worshipper.

[@neclark08]

...but YOU, ​,HAVEN'T been 'Spoon-Fed' Somepne ELSE'S Agenda. ?

[@AtheistEdge]

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

[@AtheistEdge]

@Gary Fletcher Name one.

[@bozo5632]

@@AtheistEdge Larry. Call one Larry.

[@johnnytass2111]

Will you host a show with Jay Dyer and Francesca? That show may surpass this one.

[@MindfulBarbarian]

KZbin brought me to this video because we've been watching a bunch of Francesca's stuff lately, and when Dr Bowen started talking, I got excited. Just finished the Atheist's Guide to the OT. Great stuff!

[@DigitalHammurabi]

Thank you!!!!

[@lourdeseblanco3083]

I loved this, even two years late. So fantastic. I am delighted to have found your KZbin channel (via Megan’s work with Bart D Ehrman whom I’ve been reading and following for a while). Thank you so much! I’m ordering the book today.

[@TwistedAlphonso1]

If you liked this you should watch MythVision on KZbin. He does similar things to Dr Josh. Dr Josh has even been a guest multiple times on there.

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

Always a pleasure to hear from Dr. Stavrakopoulou - thanks!

[@woodygilson3465]

Her book is mind-blowing. In my former life as clergy, I studied the bible--Hebrew bible and Christian bible--in depth for more than 30 years, and with almost every turn of the page, I find my eyebrows raised and my mouth agape. It's like I never really read the bibles at all. And I absolutely love it! Is that weird? 😆

[@rahowherox1177]

No, it's the common way to read the Bible. - piecemeal, allowing contexts and contradiction to remain separate. Reading from start to finish with a somewhat critical eye is a 1 way path to athiesm... People died for translating Bible into readable non extinct languages coz the leaders knew anyone who read it (properly) would know it's nonsense... They never considered next to noone would bother and perhaps the current model - groups of verse reading with a general theme was designed

[@woodygilson3465]

@@rahowherox1177 That's a common presumption of people who weren't born and raised religious, but it's far from the truth. It would be nice if it were that simple, but it's not. Even in seminary, where the text is covered at great length, there's a portion dedicated to textual criticism where everything wrong with the bible is laid out - mistranslations, scribal interpolations, contradictions in the text, differences between source manuscripts, and more. And then, we were even warned repeatedly not to teach any of it to laypeople so that we wouldn't "cause anyone to stumble in their faith." Still, no internal alarms, no red flags, just a sense of responsibility to preserve faith. Orthodox Judaism goes even deeper, and with far greater discipline. Children begin with Hebrew, Torah, Rashi, and the Rambam until they reach yeshiva age when they begin Talmudic studies and classical Rabbinic studies. So it's beyond an oversimplification to say, "All you gotta do is read the Bible." Religious people study the bible... well... _religiously._

[@rahowherox1177]

@@woodygilson3465 no they don't. Not properly or theyd reject the obvious nonsense off hand.

[@woodygilson3465]

@@rahowherox1177 That's where having been born into it so radically affects the mind. I had to come to terms with some heavy shit about the nature of delusion when I woke up after a wasted lifetime of religious service. The brain is a complex and tricky bitch. It takes effort to repair the damage, to build an entirely new neural network, one more grounded in reality, not steeped in myth and superstition. Btw, I'm a devout anti-theist these days, so I don't shy away from calling religion out for the poison it is, but it wouldn't kill you to show a little sensitivity. Those under the influence of a delusion are the last to know they're under a delusion, and deconstruction can be a bitch for some of us. And not least of all, science has thoroughly proven that religious belief is in no way related to intelligence. So there's that, too. Lol

[@johnnytass2111]

Are you familiar with Jay Dyer’s channel?

[@Redhunteur2]

I love Francesca! Thanks so much for having her on, guys.

[@markharrison6498]

I genuinely enjoyed this discussion. Thanks so much

[@lawrence5117]

Another great interview. The DH channel is full of unmissable content. Thanks to all involved.

[@JohnDavis-e3c]

As a lifelong lover of anything Egyptian. The best day of my life was the day when we discovered how to read the hieroglyphs. After quite a bit of enquiring. I found no mention in Egyptian history about Jewish slaves in Egypt. There were some jews in Egypt at that time they were either artisans of the arts or master artist. All paid.

[@wilsonwarner6903]

I was wondering about that. I'm reading all of the bible now and I was wondering if there were any mention of the seven years famine as written about in the Joseph story in Egypt at the time of the supposed famine. Any thoughts?

[@JohnDavis-e3c]

We have better data and technique no. Keep trying, I would like to know myself.

[@blusheep2]

But there is evidence of Semitic slaves which the Hebrews would have been a small portion of.

[@wilsonwarner6903]

@blusheep2 well, the semitic race covers alot of people

[@Aaron565]

Egyptians kept slaves according to every other ancient society. They were not artisans but brick builders and were not paid directly. The slave caves in egypt which contain proto hebrew writings prove it as fact. Egyptian muslims attempt to rewrite history is the simple answer.

[@ChronicExcessiveManliness]

Fantastic podcast. Educational, entertaining, informative...loved every minute of it.

[@luvanime1986]

Very interesting discussion. Glad to hear someone not working from the hebrew bible backwards as many Christian and Jewish scholars seem to do. I enjoy the working together of the various sciences and scholarship. Thank you very much.

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@luvanime1986]

@@YehoshuahLamberti She's Greek, not Arab. Your comment is blatantly racist! Why is it that anyone who has a scientific paper or a personal criticism of an Israeli government action is always classified as a jew hater and yet Jewish people are free to criticize any other government's actions? I have always found that odd and a bit two-faced. She does honest scientific study with no religious bias and you are free to disagree, but do so point by point with scientific backup, not this 'it's right because it's the one true god nonsense' orthodoxy bias. You no more know there is a god than my border collie does!

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

@@luvanime1986 nope, ur comment is racist, and making false accusations of racism as victim, playing the victim card, I said arab related and Arabs are All in Mediterranean places,p and she got deep hate against Jews just like you do, I have seen even giving eyes skirmish evil smile and laugh to Rabbi's, you are just ANTI semitic making the victim of racism, we can see here by logic and common sense. Racist is when u hate someone by been different that you don't like as u do, and people that you like only as in USA many white skin people love blacks, people But many hate Latinos, and also love Asians, you just showed yourself that u are racist.. Anti semitic.. simple as that.

[@urbandiscount]

@@YehoshuahLamberti She's Greek, orthoprax one. Her name even means "bearer of the cross". Go forth and learn

[@urbandiscount]

@@luvanime1986 that in itself is an antisemitic comment. I agree with the content. But can you leave "two faced" out of it, in a jewish context. Thank you.

[@lloydbrown2713]

Your guest list is like a channel with 100,000 subs. You guys are awesome

[@DigitalHammurabi]

That is so kind, thank you! We feel very lucky that so many people are willing to talk to us about their work :)

[@PeteSF1964]

I loved Dr. Stavrakopoulou's Buried Secrets of the bible. It is a wonderful series. She is awesome.

[@beteljuice6629]

Her series was the thing that finally allowed me to admit that I didn't believe in God. I am very thankful for her.

[@beteljuice6629]

@ShadeyBladey it was on KZbin for the longest time. On one of my old computers I had converted KZbin to MP4 and had it, but that thing went caput before I got it onto a flash drive. I truly regret that. >_

[@beteljuice6629]

Still on KZbin!

[@nicolina1026]

@ShadeyBladey Me too! It's all but disappeared. 😠

[@nicolina1026]

@@beteljuice6629 All 3 episodes?

[@hendrikconradie5583]

Dear Dr. Stavrakopoulou - thank you so much for all your research and explanation - your insights and research are freeing the world of so many wrong assumptions. Many thanks!

[@laserwolf130]

so nice to see one of my favorite people on your show ....Francesca rocks

[@stuartc9149]

Excellent choice of a thoroughly solid scholar who is rightly recognised as being on top of her field. And, of course, the British here will already aware that she is a great, engaged communicator and very media competent

[@je-freenorman7787]

A Scholar is a student

[@devidaughter7782]

the name 'Jerusalem' suggests it was originally a city devoted to the (Ugaritic?) twin deities 'Dawn' and 'Dusk' (54:10). . . which reminds me of the Vedic Goddesses of Dawn and Dusk who accompany the sun god Surya Dev.

[@ariebesserman3746]

😂

[@perusingposts2557]

I am so glad I found your channel. What a great piece. Thank you so much!

[@brianharris7243]

Loved this-clear and precise. Cheers.

[@MexieMex]

Really interesting stuff, I wasn't aware of this channel before this, you've got a new subscriber.

[@DigitalHammurabi]

Glad to have you!

[@meetalleeka]

This was excellent. It's great getting to hear Francesca speak on this topic, especially with so many sidetracks. Lots of new stuff too. :D

[@bastabey2652]

Dr. Francesca Stavrakopoulou is simply amazing

[@TheDanEdwards]

Watched this live, enjoyed it, and come back a day later to check the comments and... wow, Josh and Megan with Francesca really does bring out some very interesting commenters from the woodwork of KZbin.

[@ericthegreat7805]

Thank you for having Dr. Francesca Stravakopoulou on. The practices of the early Israelites relating to post-mortem social relations being preserved is nearly identical to that which was practiced in the Inca Empire with the Emperor and was one of the reasons they had to keep expanding. The wealth of the Emperor did not pass onto his sons but remained in his posession as he was thought to live on after death and was sustained by the care of his grave and giving of offerings. Excited for a hopeful part 2 where she will discuss her book.

[@LordJagd]

Interesting comparison! Sorta illuminates a lot with the temple and sacrifices and all.

[@b747guy9]

This lady makes the 2 halves of my brain closer to 2 marshmallows than an actual brain. LOVE this!!!

[@Whistlewalk]

Totally enjoyed that interview! Thank you.

[@JulianApostate]

I saw dr Stavrakopoulou on telly a few years ago, when Swedish television broadcasted the series about ancient isrealite religion and I loved it. I'm stoked finding this video and on a channel that I already find amazingly interesting

[@NM_rocker]

A brilliant episode thank you so much for putting this together.

[@HolyRainbowism]

What a show!! Dr Francesca’s been on Aron Ra’s show a few days a go and loved it. Please have her back on again asap. Would love a debate/discussion between her and Rabi Tovia Singer. That would be tasty.

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@HolyRainbowism]

@@YehoshuahLamberti She was actually born in London to a English mother and a Greek father, she has no Arab connections. Your pathetic assumption that she hates the Jewish people and the Jewish culture because she has Arab connections is frankly stupid and unfounded, and it also shows you’re small minded and like to play the same old and overused Jewish card - the victim card. Grow up. She’s a professor in the Jewish religion at the university of Exeter - UK. Thanks to her, and other intelligent and very well educated people like her, we now know that the Torah, the Bible, the Quran, the Hindu writings, etc, are just mythological books, full of fantastical claims, atrocities of all sorts, immorality, unscientific claims and a lot of empty and unproved promises. So pretty much everything in your comment is absolute nonsense, Jewish mythology, fairytales, including Abraham and your Elohim. Taking a critical and scientifically approach to the Jewish mythology it doesn’t mean one hates the Jewish people, but it shows how small and petty some people are when they’re so easily offended and quick to play the victim card of persecution. Again, grow up and get a life.

[@ronniemassart3834]

How do I see that

[@Rasmajnoon]

@@YehoshuahLamberti they all worship the annunaki,all of them,

[@arnold-hu4vk]

@@YehoshuahLamberti who has an Arab background and is from a Muslim family?

[@N1976DL]

Wow! Excellent, you were able to get her on.

[@danielwadsworth9923]

First time I see someone genuinely amazed to receive a super-chat. Such humbel and beautiful people!

[@rachaeldover5170]

That’s was great! Dr stav. is a wealth of scholarly knowledge! And fantastic speaker and communicator! Very important!

[@axiomaticidioms3857]

And "secret mysteries" 👻 have fun being ripped off

[@averycolinbryant9336]

Dr. Francesca Stavrakopoulou is wonderful. I absolutely love her interviews.

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@chrisrauber6602]

@@YehoshuahLamberti ??? Francesca is of British/Greek origin my friend...

[@axiomaticidioms3857]

​@@chrisrauber6602close enough... She also may be a member of the Eastern Star or Rosicrucians 🤔 not sure which..

[@chrisrauber6602]

@@axiomaticidioms3857 did the voices in your head tell u that...?

[@FaughtyEmit]

What a great interview. I just discovered Francescas existence today and have what hours of her videos while working. Man I love being self employed! I can’t wait for the book.

[@omarlittle-hales8237]

Salam, Shlomo, Shalom, Peace. Quran [Last Testament]: We have placed on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with them” “Have We not made the earth as a bed, And the mountains as pegs?”

[@sanmigueltv]

Keep these comin’ !

[@gaillouise8310]

Thank you for such an educational discourse,will tune in again to learnore!

[@davidrodriguez4016]

I can't believe I get to listen to these PhDs for free. Thank you a million times!!!

[@je-freenorman7787]

Study the knowledge yourself?

[@willing1050]

Man shall not live on bread alone but on every WORD that comes out of my Father's mouth. Don't be afraid of the things you can see but Fear the things you cannot see You need not only Works but more importantly Faith

[@imwelshjesus]

@@willing1050 Or, in the case of the bible, it came out of somebody else's arse!

[@danbreeden5481]

Digital Hammurabi serves a necessary purpose.

[@markignatius7234]

Just discovered Francesca - wow very impressed.

[@ronnyvillanueva9404]

It’s hard to understand her English… she should learn to be more American in her speech

[@johnharding4444]

@@ronnyvillanueva9404 no most people prefer listening to her more devolped speech patterns, she definitely shouldn't try to talk down.

[@SilverSixpence888]

@@ronnyvillanueva9404 YOU should learn to understand different accents. Why should anyone change their accent for YOU???

[@seunwrites279]

@@ronnyvillanueva9404 this has to be weird humour. Otherwise, sure, I guess you’d also like her to speak ‘American.’

[@bradlitz6017]

It's such a strange thing to say "why these practices are vilified." I mean, I think it is pretty clear why the practice of child sacrifice is "vilified" No great mystery there IMO

[@claudiaxander]

So everyone obviously vilifies god for the global genocide in the flood or the instruction to wipe out the Canaanite children etc and immediately puts the book down and says this is a horrible god! I think it is pretty clear why the practice of child sacrifice is not "vilified" by religious minds for thousands of years. No great mystery there IMO.

[@BobSmith-eq9vs]

Yet Abraham about to sacrifice his son to please his god is a story revered by three major religions. His obviously not all knowing god doing this and Abrahams willingness to comply is somehow not reviled.

[@claudiaxander]

Do you vilify god for the flood, or the midianite order 66? i wouldn't follow anything or anyone that did or commanded those obviously horrific acts. yet billions think that's the moral exemplar!

[@bradlitz6017]

@BobSmith-eq9vs Consider the story of Jephthah. Which supposedly happened after the Abraham story. Yet Yaweh seemed fine with the sacrifice of his virgin daughter. You should see the mental gymnastics Christian apologists do to justify that story being in the Bible.

[@annafirth6738]

​@BobSmith-eq9vs Abrahams faith isn't reviled, but the story is to demonstrate Gods own future intentions while also visibly refusing human sacrifice.

[@yvechapman9342]

Incredible video and very enlightening interview. Thank you.

[@drussthelegend2046]

Brilliant Brilliant show, thank you :)

[@sdscipio]

Dr Francesca is a brilliant and beautiful mind, that does not enough credit.

[@ronnyvillanueva9404]

It’s a tragic that I don’t understand her English

[@bellezavudd]

@@ronnyvillanueva9404 That is an inconvenience. Lucky for you her book is written in plain ole standard English .

[@JewessChrstnMystic]

Could you do any videos on the Nag hammadi scriptures, apocrypha of john and secret book of john and all the other gnostic gospels? Would love to hear your scholarly insight on these texts being found in Nag hammadi and other places.

[@carlosreira413]

Hi sister Katlin, all are fourth century, and Irenaaus mentions the Apocyphon of John in around 185 AD, saying it was forged. It does however point to the astoundingly wide array of writings kept in the Nag Hammadi and Dead Sea area. Think of how much was destroyed!

[@eugnostos7997]

@@carlosreira413 you are wrong. Not all of them are from 4th century. Lot of texts from Nag Hammadi are from 2nd or 3rd century. Maybe some are more earlier. You can check about the dates of each text in each text introduction on James Robinson Version or even Marvin Meyer.

[@carlosreira413]

@@eugnostos7997 Ok, thanks for that correction. That's what I read somewhere.

[@michaellust2030]

This is very helpful information, for anyone trying to understand how these religions... Judaism, Christianity... developed. It certainly challenges my previous understanding of the history of the Levant, but it makes sense of a lot that I've previously found confusing.

[@haroldwood1394]

Thank you! It's always both embarrassing and wonderful to realise how little one knows. Thank you again to all of you for giving us these insights.

[@curbroadshow]

Francesca is fascinating to listen to. Why isn’t more made of the polytheistic origins of the early bible characters? It seems odd to me that skeptics don’t draw on this more.

[@galacticbob1]

I wondered this as well when I first discovered it, years after I had already deconverted. My take was that it's not exactly a secret among modern scholars that study modern religions. Educated believers tend to have a few ways of quicky dealing with it: Francesca mentioned the "Canaanite" inscriptions that are recently being reclassified as "ancient Israelite". They reject that reclassification. It's known that ancient Hebrews had religious schisms (see the Golden Calf); so the bits of the Bible that Francesca and others see as "fingerprints" of ancient Hebrew polytheistic belief, they see as the bits that probably caused some of these sorts of schisms. Similarly, any extra-biblical evidence that doesn't fit their preconceived ideas is the result of a localized heresy and not representative of the majority Hebrew belief. There are a few specific apologetics for certain passages, such as the Leviathan in Job being a normal alligator: God is simply showing how he is so much more powerful than powerful things, and you are reading too much into it to say that it has any mythological symbolism. "We agree that the Bible is God's word, infallible, useful for instruction...etc." is the statement that many believing scholars have to sign (and probably already agree with) in order to work for their institution. When you start by assuming your conclusion, you can overlook and work around all sorts of obstacles. For the non-educated believers, they never run across this sort of info; and when it's presented to them, it's easy enough to shrug off as being the misconception/misrepresentation of some people who need to pray more and read less. Source: I've been on both sides. It's a shame, because the real history is so much richer than the modern interpretation!

[@benmlee]

@@galacticbob1Is one way to interpret the Bible as having a polytheist origin. There are many other ways to interpret history. We do know vast majority of Biblical archeologist are atheist who spend their entire using the Bible as the main reference. At least that is a testimony to the reliability of the Bible.

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

I love delving into the very ancient origins like this! 😁

[@IamsTokiWartooth]

then you will love this channel: kzbin.info

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

@@IamsTokiWartooth thanks, I'll check out some of those vids 👍

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

@@IamsTokiWartooth The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@IamsTokiWartooth]

@@YehoshuahLamberti what a load of shit you posted. wow

[@dynamic9016]

Brilliant scholar and very inspiring... Really love listening to Dr. Francesca Stakrakopoulou.

[@PizzaMargarita144]

Amazing interview ! Thank you!

[@Elysiel_cherub]

Intellectual conversations are important. Human to human connection is crucial for breaking down the walls of self-centerdness. This whole world is a spiritual experience, yet so many people are divided and are unable to realize how much their perceptions are manipulated by the content pushed their way. This world could have been a better place if people had the eyes to see and the "horns" to remember all their previous ages before.

[@epickouros8548]

18:40 The Odyssey might be a bad example because it is actually one of the Greek texts/traditions that are best suited to show Greek interest taken in the Western Mediterranean at the time of compilation (8th/7th century, the earliest colonies). Many of the places in there have been firmly established by later ancient authors in real localities, and as such this unbroken tradition tells us a lot about the ideas Greeks and Romans assiciated with those stories and places. The Iliad is much more difficult to assess, as is the Argo or the heroic cycles.

[@YehoshuahLamberti]

The language of Abraham was Aramaic because he was from Aram according to Torah,he was pagan then converted . The word El was common in Aramaic and were using it for their God's as today were using Elohim and God But because Abraham was converted to the true God he was using it only to the TRUE elohim, El as today using hashem.. It can tell her background is arab and from family Muslim, that's why she hates so much Jewish people and their hashem, Elohim.

[@jonadams8841]

@@YehoshuahLambertiwow. Get over your paranoia. This is a thoughtful conversation and I haven’t heard anyone say that they’re against something.

[@davidjohnzenocollins]

@USA first-MAGA- She has a Greek name. So, not an Arab.

[@harrispinkham]

Sorry I jumped onto this a bit late. Did set a reminder and then didn’t get notified. It was fantastic tho!! Would love to have more of her especially on Cananites / Israelite history and how the two intertwine 😃😃

[@rainbowsprankles6085]

“These people really carry their baggage” To think that modern scholars believe they are above institutional bias.

[@SAMBUT]

this was biased very much so, and she admitted it somewhat

[@rainbowsprankles6085]

@@SAMBUT she admitted to personal bias which everyone has. It’s the institutional bias that she’s blind too. “Christianity has a lot to answer for” How does a historical tradition “answer” for anything?! Does she want ‘historical Christianity’ to send her an email and apologize for not predicting and placating our modern sensibilities. This whole discussion is so out of touch in tone from Stavrak.

[@SAMBUT]

@rainbowsprankles6085 an atheist scholar hands on religion - not without a mission

[@Aaron565]

Academia invites dogma and facts become their heresy

[@DRayL_]

I'm glad I came across this video. Dr. Francesca has always been one of my favorite academics.

[@TomTom-sj3bn]

I love Dr Francesca..I had a pleasure of meeting her a couple of times when I was down in Exeter.She is very smart, gracious and beautiful inside and out.And has a fantastic sense of humour.As always a great interview.

[@cindychristman8708]

Excellent presentation, would love to see more of Francesca!

[@rutgervanzonneveld5719]

Great show, again. Thanks for this. Is their any literature on the history of the OT & the Jewish people you can recommend, which include the the topics you covered today?

[@biedl86]

As an 18 years old guy, brought up without any religion, but with a tremendous interest in it, I planed on studying comparative religion. Six years later I was at the end of my path, where I stopped finishing my degree in linguistics and became a full on drug addict with a major depression, which was an obstacle for me to go down the path I originally wanted to take. Fighting myself out of this valley, I'm at a completely different point today, being a 35 years old electronics technician, which is something completely contrary to the person I'd want to be. I never lost my interest in religion and pursued it as a hobby for so many years, eventually stumbling over this channel, Francesca in some British talk show and Dr. Josh's books while watching the Atheist Experience. I'd marry a woman like Francesca immediately, if I had the chance. You guys are the means for me to still be able to follow my dreams, even outside of a university and with all the being led astray from where I wanted to be. You cannot imagine how valuable your work is for me. I am so grateful for what you do. It might not be much for others, but it means the world to me. Thank you!

[@je-freenorman7787]

Youre government is religion so, you were indoctrinated at birth and raised with religion The people that govern over you need compliance to religion, to take your authority So, they basically contract you, without telling you what the contract is . Its you

[@biedl86]

@@je-freenorman7787 How would you define the term religion?

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@biedl86 It comes from the Latin Religare, to tie, to bind or to thwart from forward progress. Its a control device, based on authority they steal from you. or to marginalize the spirit and the human being with all things living, under their control

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@biedl86 Ligare is to tie, where we get litgator from and a lawyer will tie one to their laws. Romans will re-legion you over and over into a Re-Public for their Jews

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@biedl86 Amen once meant, the Hidden There was no Modern English yet and AmunRa was the Invisible Sun So they changed the meaning of Amen and told you they have the power and the glory, for ever and ever, hidden from you. Thats what religion and government are all about Horror and Sorrow

[@zionhillhill9913]

Humans, for one reason or another, throughout history need an idol to worship for "God" to feel "concrete" to them. YHWH was not originally an idol deity. It is derived from an older understanding translated as "I am what is." But humans in their child like nature like to make "toys" to carry with them and larger idols to worship. If you think about it, people would compare their Gods and develop their stories like comic book characters. "Who is the most powerful character" mentality.

[@yoo_zen]

You try to be a smart... And you can't realize how bs this video

[@zionhillhill9913]

So... Your wounded ego brought you here? My intent was to add facts to what they were presenting. Your only intent was to show how little you know.

[@spindryer7746]

Awesome presentation , great stories, much like the religious texts themselves.

[@bryanvaught1200]

She is brilliant. I love her take on things.

[@sacredgeek]

Brilliant doesn't mistake carbonite for plastic

[@fernangalindez5188]

I admire this woman, I would like to talk with her about my country (México) and its religion, I am a convinced atheist, and I love this place but sometimes I do not understand it at all

[@sergeyfox2298]

The fact that the bible is a collection of texts speaking of gods and goddesses clashing, engaging in this fluid and dynamic creations is amazing. Breathtaking. Multiple creation myths, with multiple gods and goddesses creating cosmos and multiple Israelic groups having their own myths with these accounting of many deities is just astonishing! The churches do a dishonor to the Hebraic texts. I love how sophisticated these pantheons were and how these texts could rewire the pantheon of gods and goddesses to speak of creations, battles, Dominions, relationships between these west Asian deities. Definitely makes my religious heart just leap. These writers were amazing. I'm deeply saddened how Christianity we're familiar with just really robbed us of these amazing tales. Hmm. Such a shame.

[@christigoth]

oh shut the hell up, you effing idiot, there are NO goddesses and NO pantheon in the bible. It's clear you never read it!

[@axiomaticidioms3857]

I guess if you like secret society lies.

[@debralee1401]

Interesting history!! As Im listening, I also find it interesting that there are many proselytizing atheists fascinated with the intellectual pursuit of Biblical religious studies to prove their non-deist belief, or rather disbelief particularly among those raised and traumatized in strict, and often heretical, so called evangelical christian churches. People choose their biases and experiences to make a case whether myth or fact. The history used to prove atheism can easily be debated by an educated Bible scholar/apologist. In such religious debates, there's no winner or loser.

[@EleventhMonkey]

I have nothing against religions, I do have a problem with governments who allow it in schools though.

[@mikebartling7920]

Such an fascinating subject as are the discussions. Thank you Dr. Stavrakopoulou for your contribution in religious studies.

[@joer9156]

The bit about Leviathan being killed and chopped up at the End of Days is so similar to Nordic mythology.

[@seanhammer6296]

That's because it's the same story. They pretty much all are.

[@theautoman22]

They all stem from Mesopotamia and the battle Marduk had with Tiamat and her beast army.

[@mver191]

@@theautoman22 The Mesopotamians claimed their gods came from the north and taught them stuff. So their origens probably are from around the Caucasus mountains or eastern Anatolia, from where also indo-European culture/religion originated and spread.

[@bartbarry2662]

@@mver191 Zoroastrian, Hindu and Daoism seem to have retained some elements of the original religion that were washed out in the western migration.

[@autobotstarscream765]

@@mver191 So Odin is the true god of Sumer?

[@danbreeden5481]

This lady is amazing and what she says is endlessly amazing

[@skullrepublic9735]

Lucky for us believers in the Holy Book there is historical proof, Cyrus cylinder, Dead Sea scroll, tablet of Gabriel’s Revelation, even Egyptian hieroglyphics, and so on. The evidence exist, one most just look for it. They might even try to state that king David was made up. Psalms is proof of his life, but because we can not find his tomb, maybe he is false. Let’s be honest David had troubled life and he went through much suffering, but was still beloved by Hashem. I think Holy Book doesn’t not agree with there agenda so they will try to disprove it. They Roman’s did the same, so did other cultures. JUST REMEMBER THAT GOD IS MENTIONED FOUR TIMES in the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE, that even the founding fathers believed in the all ALMIGHTY, I call HASHEM.

[@a_son_of_light]

There is nothing bad about aging until you realize how much of your life you've wasted. As the song (Healing Hands) says "Learning how to live can take a lifetime". Too true unfortunately.

[@JerryMech-n8j]

I have been researching Bible history not listening to any or not ending info out there cause I noticed that most people end up arguing about the subject and i just listen to this lady and I can say am in love with her way of explaining the subject.thanks

[@Kindertautenleider]

liking the intro audio effects, and the conversation

[@kenbee1957]

Yap, the title music is a dope track I won't even lie, I don't mind when a DH stream is delayed as long as that track is playing

[@ronniemann9014]

YHWH isn't the only "god". He is the only "god" for the Hebrew People - because of the covenant made between Him and those said People. ...Not rocket science, people.

[@Ur-Ninurta]

Her TV documentaries are good, but live she's even more brilliant. I could listen to her for hours.

[@bUll3t4MyVAlentineee]

I dont care what paper trail she has, she claims the old testament didnt happen when reality proves it did. I'd love to make her eat her words with proof & evidence.

[@bUll3t4MyVAlentineee]

@CODE92818 even the scientifically proven parts? You obvously believe what ever you hear without proof! That makes you the wtong person to be talking too i only go by proof not some mans lip service.

[@bUll3t4MyVAlentineee]

@CODE92818 oh whats this no response from the peanut gallery? Proof will shut the devil up evertime.

[@bUll3t4MyVAlentineee]

@CODE92818 i wouldnt waste my time telling you nothing i couldnt prove, by mans precious science that cannot explaine creation outside of an infantecimal point of energy. What caused that p.o.e they dont know but can mimic it.

[@bUll3t4MyVAlentineee]

@CODE92818 science proves the bible beginning to end. We have more than 1 type of water correct? Mineral, sea, fresh, hard, etc.. The bible and this universe has more than 1 type of water with a hydrogen base like h2o but other minor ingredients than oxygen.

[@GeorgekwessiDavis]

Am going to watch this clip a few times. Clearly knowledge overload 😁❤️✌️

[@glennfrith2804]

Her saying she didn't know Jesus was in a Christian kind of blows my mind Of course he wasn't l, it hadn't been invented he was the start of it. Of course, he was Jewish. He came out of the jewish world had jewish parents.

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

I’m guessing she had a completely non-religious upbringing that she didn’t even reflect on religions at all.

[@CuriousAlien]

I am not a christian, I too believe bible has lot of made up stuff like many other books. But I am sorry, books , oral traditions are primary sources of history. Nobody is busy burying stuff about them now for future archaeologists. Archaeology helps but broken pieces are not sufficient and mostly make sense with help from text. We cannot assume every text without miracles to be more probable than ones with miracles and other supernatural events. The hebrew bible repeatedly says israelites worshiped idols and were deviant. So that really tallies with the archaeological findings about Asherah etc. The historians dismissed the existence of Troy until it was dug up by some enthusiast. So texts can always guide archaeology.

[@Delonito1]

EXACTLY

[@AndrewGonzalesArtistry]

Yes, I’m not sure why she seems shocked to find polytheism in ancient Israel. Eventually the northern kingdom (Israel) was expelled from the land and the southern kingdom (Judah) followed suit. The deities worshipped are listed in the TaNaKh. Some of this talk leaves me scratching my head… especially with all the praise 🤔 I guess it’s what some people are hoping to hear and appeals to their biases.

[@khsuki1]

The increasing power of the gods as they became more powerful in the myths reminds me of Superman's power increases in the comics where at first he couldn't even fly (only leap over tall buildings) but he becomes more and more powerful until he can fly even in outer space and push around planets and eventually the writers had to invent kryptonite to make villains even have a chance to defeat him. This was obviously to keep up with an audience who needed bigger and better to be impressed and compete against other comic characters who were also becoming more powerful. A similar thing has happened more recently in the Japanese anime Dragonball where the characters become so powerful eventually they have to fight literal gods to have a challenge. I imagine ancient scribes and priests doing the same thing trying to make they're god more and more impressive and competing with the neighboring people's gods always trying to one up them.

[@SilverSixpence888]

Art imitating life.

[@bellezavudd]

@@SilverSixpence888 Art imitating Art

[@TrogdorJr]

Thanks so much for this interview huge fan of all of you.

[@James-re6co]

What if the god that chose the Israelites is not the god that Jesus prayed to? Or the god that Abraham prayed to? Seems to me that Abraham and Jesus were praying to The Most High, the God of Gods, but the god that chose the Israelites is YHWH, a Son of God, a storm god and Canaanite war god..? That would explain why people often say "How can we have a god of the Old Testament that is a brutal, slaughter-all-the-women-and-children god, but the god Jesus prayed to is loving, forgiving and merciful?" Answer: Because they are not the same god. [side note] That would also explain why YHWH has a body but The God of Gods does not.