What Is The Bible?

What Is The Bible?

From Data Over Dogma by Daniel McClellan and Daniel Beecher

February 23, 2026 · 1h 2m · Episode 151

About this episode

The episode explores the various interpretations and canons of the Bible, alongside a discussion on the Department of Homeland Security quoting Jesus in a recruitment video.

Most people who talk about the Bible are pretty sure they know what it is they're talking about. But do they? Do you? How sure are you that when you say "the Bible" you're talking about the same thing as the person next to you? Today, we're diving into the surprisingly broad category of books that all bear the name "Bible". We'll explore who believes which canon, and why certain texts made certain cuts, while others were excluded. You'll never look at your Bible the same! Then... Woof. When Trump's Department of Homeland Security decides to quote Jesus in a recruitment video, you KNOW we're going to talk about it! And when they quote the Beatitudes? Something is seriously out of whack. Maybe DHS is taking on a new role, really trying to promote peace? But let's face it: probably not. ---- For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on the various social media places…

People in this episode

Hosts: Daniel McClellan, Daniel Beecher

Topics covered

  • Bible
  • canon
  • religion
  • DHS
  • Jesus
  • Beatitudes

Keywords

  • Bible
  • canon
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Jesus
  • Beatitudes
  • religion
  • Trump

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Department of Homeland Security

Books & works: Bible, Beatitudes

More episodes of Data Over Dogma

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Data Over Dogma podcast page.