Episode 17: America's Book with Mark A Noll

It Means What It Means

Mark A. Noll discusses his book America's Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794 to 1911. He shares his motivation for writing the book and explains that it is a continuation of his research on the use of the Bible in American history. Noll highlights the entrepreneurial and free-form nature of religion in America, particularly in relation to the production and use of the Bible. He also explores the role of learning Greek and Hebrew in America and the presence of anti-intellectualism in American Christianity. Noll concludes by discussing the diverse perspectives and communities in biblical interpretation in America. In this conversation, Mark Noll discusses different approaches to the Bible, including the dominant Enlightenment view and the narrative-focused approach of African-American communities. He also explores the decline of dispensationalism and the role of the Bible in the debate over slavery. Noll highlights the changing significance of the Bible in the 20th century and recommends books on these topics. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shape interpretations of the Bible.

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