Initial Ideas

Title

Learn the Bible in 12 Minutes

Goal

Examines Scripture from:

• Historical Context
• Cultural Context
• Applicability in our modern life
• Scripture interprets Scripture
• Pastoral
• What do the Fathers say?
• Hymns or Rituals?
• Liturgical Implications?
• Typology?

Format

• Short episodes (12-15min at the most) where each episode can take one of the "Examine Scripture from" (below) for each story/chapter.
  • 12min point makes it appealing for a commute - a 15 or 20min commute can listen to an episode. A 30min commute can listen to two back-to-back. An hour commute can listen to four or five episodes. Important that there isn't too much dead space or gap or "welcome to my show" stuff between episodes at this length, since it's likely a listener might listen to more than one at once
  • Could be in accordance with a plan where you live and breathe Genesis and Exodus the first year - 52 weeks * 3-4 fifteen min episodes per week = 182 short episodes. Maybe year 2 is then a summary of the Old Testament - a few weeks on Joshua, a week per prominent judge, a few weeks on Samuel, King David, etc. Year 3 is the New Testament. Year 4 on Saints in the Church or something

Target Audience

Coptic Orthodox HS, College, Grad who is "fresh" and wants to "Learn the Bible"

Episode Ideas

Introduction

1. Introduction to the podcast... What will the format be like? What's the plan? Who am I? Why am I anonymous? What sources will I use? Associated blog?
2. What is the Bible? Origin of the word. What does the Bible claim to be? Is it a science textbook? What does it mean for it to be Inspired? How can we benefit from the Holy Bible?
3. The Books of the Bible (what is the Septuagint? Masoretic text? Coptic Canon vs Greek Canon vs Catholic Canon vs Orthodox Canon? Who decided the books? What version should I read?
4. Who are the Fathers? Why use them? Where does Biblical Interpretation come from?

Genesis

1. Unit 1: The Beginning
   1. Introduction to the Podcast, and to the Scripture
   2. The Structure of the Bible
   3. The Story of the Old Testament
   4. Intro to Genesis. Naming, authorship theories, etc. Plan for Genesis? Structure of Genesis. Sources we will use in studying Genesis.
   5. Genesis 1:1 - Scripture interprets Scripture on "beginning". Separate the verse into three parts and study it
   6. Genesis through first day
   7. Genesis first six days
   8. Genesis on the making of man until 7th day
   9. Genesis 2 just the creation parts. Discussion of Creation theories and myths and what science has to say. What about Evolution? Big Bang theory? Can we believe in those and still be Christians? Can we believe in them and still be Orthodox Christians? Each one of these can be a whole episode
   10. Genesis 2
   11. Genesis 3
   12. Genesis 4
   13. Genesis 5-6:12
   14. Genesis 6:13-7:16
   15. Genesis 7:17-Genesis 8
   16. Genesis 9-10
   17. Genesis 11
2. Unit 2: The Patriarchs (Genesis 11-36)
3. Unit 3: Joseph (Genesis 37-50)

Exodus

1. Unit 1: The Exodus (Exodus 1-15)
2. Unit 2: The Wilderness (Exodus 16-24)
3. Unit 3: The Tabernacle (Exodus 25-40)
   

Leviticus

1. Unit 1: The Sacrifices (Leviticus 1-7)
2. Unit 2: The Levitical Priesthood (Leviticus 8-10)
3. Unit 3: The Law (Leviticus 11-27)

Numbers

1. Unit 1: Sinai (Numbers 1-10)
2. Unit 2: Rebellion (Numbers 11-21)
3. Unit 3: Balaam (Numbers 22-25)
4. Unit 4: The End of the Journey (Numbers 26-36)

Deuteronomy