Here is the thread for today’s show with Jen and Russell. Jen’s topic is “The Bible as Fan Fiction.” She examines the idea that the Bible can be used to verify itself internally because there are multiple authors.
Feb 10 2013
Open Thread for Episode #800: Jen & Russell: “The Bible as Fan Fiction”
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Trippin Ink
February 10, 2013 at 4:28 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This will be an interesting discussion I am an avid fiction reader and overanalyzer. Please bring up some tropes from tvtropes.com!
Hairy Chris, blah blah blah etc
February 11, 2013 at 8:07 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
We can start here!
Jasper of Maine
February 10, 2013 at 5:26 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
That was a very… odd… description of evolution.
heicart
February 10, 2013 at 7:08 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Not really. I recall the time I grew gills and then lungs and legs and finally left the ocean. Best decision I ever made.
vgerdj
February 10, 2013 at 9:53 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Is that micro or macro evolution?
ericvon germania
February 11, 2013 at 11:31 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
i remember when I was younger I have wanted to travel around the world but my parents haven’t money for that, then in my teenager year was also tired of paying for trains and buses and planes then I have discovered that wings have grown in my back then I trained myself in using them and cultivate that for some years. Best investment I have ever made in my life, now I can travel and fly for free.
vgerdj
February 13, 2013 at 10:59 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I evolved a super-sized cranium, now I just teleport myself wherever. Others call this dreaming.
docslacker
February 12, 2013 at 5:51 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Is it wrong that when I read your comments I can TOTALLY hear your voice and inflection?
thebookofdave
February 12, 2013 at 4:30 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Don’t confuse evolution with evolution with transformation. The latter is a process which allows a vehicle, such as an automobile or aerial drone, to turn into a robotic soldier. It’s how the monsters are still able to stalk you, despite the cool new features you acquired through evolution.
Lord Narf
February 12, 2013 at 4:47 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Yup, that’s what we’re mocking. The gross ignorance of creationists and the avoidance of learning from the actual evolutionary biologists, instead of their fundie pastors, is what keeps the cycle going in the US. If they understood what Natural Selection really is, instead of the fundie straw-man of Natural Selection, we wouldn’t have such a high percentage of creationists in the US. We need to get this shit into high schools.
PanPan
February 13, 2013 at 6:08 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I love it when people think Pokemon represents an accurate model of evolution.
Scott Benton
February 10, 2013 at 7:48 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The Bible as fan fiction is very similar to what I had been thinking about recently, only I liken it to early TV sitcoms. Each episode has its own story that follows the same characters but doesn’t strain to make them fit perfectly in every minute sense – for example, a character may be the son of one character in one episode but the son of someone else in a different episode.
There’s no real continuity from show to show because the writers didn’t expect the shows to be seen more than once. That’s how I see many stories of the bible.
jacobfromlost
February 11, 2013 at 6:31 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
So would new religions be “spin-off series”? Mormonism as “Laverne and Shirley”? Although “Laverne and Shirley” spun off from “Happy Days”, and “Happy Days” was certainly born out of the movie “American Graffiti”.
I wonder when a religion jumps the shark? Scientology has to be pretty close. (Remember when Krammer told Frank Costanza that Festivus was just a little too “out there” for him, lol?)
Scott Benton
February 12, 2013 at 6:28 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hadn’t thought of it but I think it’s a great idea! Although, the spin-off is probably Christianity. You might even say that there was the old testament and the sequel, although the old testament had already jumped the shark in my opinion.
Scott Benton
February 12, 2013 at 6:30 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Make that the “first” spin-off is Christianity.
sonorus
February 12, 2013 at 8:57 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I believe Buddhism had been spun off from Hinduism about 500 years before Christians got their own religion after a guest appearance on the Judaism show.
jacobfromlost
February 12, 2013 at 5:43 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Yeah, it seems the analogy is pretty good. There has to be enough of what people liked in the original show to give the spin-off legitimacy, but enough new stuff to keep the people from becoming bored (and they can also claim new “special knowledge”, which could be a prophet, a special new holy book, a new doctrine, or a new spin on an old idea).
Then, at a certain point, people get bored again…and another spin-off is born.
Someone sent me this image a long time ago, and I can’t remember who. But it illustrates this idea in a cool (nerdy) science fiction way.
http://www.brainpickings.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/wardshelley_scifi.jpg
Jasper of Maine
February 10, 2013 at 8:19 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The “testimony contamination” problem really could only be mitigated if we had independent original documents, that are dated to be contemporary with the supposed Jesus events that corroborate the events.
The moment all those different tales and stories were merged together, edited, modified, filtered… their capacity to operate as separate corroborating accounts was voided.
jamesfrancesco
February 10, 2013 at 9:19 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Anyone else having problems watching the recorded video on ustream?
ericvon germania
February 10, 2013 at 10:48 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
yep. me too. impossible to decently watch it . it stops, moves back, images without sounds, sounds without image, etc.
Lord Narf
February 11, 2013 at 1:18 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
No worries. The Bit.tv version is up, now.
Lord Narf
February 11, 2013 at 1:49 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Oh, damn. I have to listen to it on UStream for the after-show. The video is pretty horrible, yeah. What the heck is wrong with UStream? If the audio is vaguely coherent, I’m happy with that. I usually just listen to the MP3, anyway. But, it looks like the audio is dead, starting about 4 minutes in. What the hell?
Say, guys, when you’re posting the MP3 version, is there any way you could include the pre-show and after-show stuff? There are often interesting discussions then, too. I hate having to rely on UStream for it, when that otherwise isn’t my first choice.
ericvon germania
February 11, 2013 at 2:30 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Ya, thanks I have watched it earlier today on the web site of the show. (I think it is blip tv). I was happy that the show was already there and the video works well there, but I am disappointed like you that they are no after show on that version.
UStream, is getting worst and worst, I don’t know why it is it so and why they don’t try to correct the problems. Before I could watch it live with small buffering here and there but since some months it is always buffering and jumping…But now it is even worst, I am (now I know that it is “we are”) not even able to watch it recorded, I thought that it was my laptop who had a virus or something. I see the image like 5 minutes without any sounds, then the clock on the player is going backward then I hear but the image is frozen for many minutes and then the image play fast motions. Anyway…
Ya, would be nice if on blip tv or the mp3 we could have the pre- and after-show.
ericvon germania
February 11, 2013 at 2:40 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
“and then the image play fast motions. ” I should have add, “and then the sound cut for another like 15 minutes” and so on. It is unwatchable.
Lord Narf
February 11, 2013 at 7:36 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Yeah, I clicked through, jumping about 3 – 5 minutes at a time, and I never got any audio past about the first 4 minutes.
Logan
February 10, 2013 at 11:38 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The atheist who called in who had been in an accident was awe-inspiring mega-awesome! I started out expecting , dreading, a terrible troll caller and was left weeping with joy at the caller’s strength, insight, and humor. May that voice come to the intertubes as both a caller again and as a personal blog soon. And Jen and Russell, you guys were wonderful in your communication. Thank you.
heicart
February 11, 2013 at 12:27 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I had the same reaction. I kept thinking “If this is a troll, it’s the WORST sort of troll imaginable.” It would have been inexcusable. But he really was inspiring.
johnwolforth
February 11, 2013 at 6:24 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Jen and Russell; You are completely amazing. You handled that call so well. And the caller had me choked up a little too. I’ve heard that “it’s not your fault” joke before, but never delivered quite so artfully. I would have had to at least take a minute to collect myself before taking the next call.
mike
February 13, 2013 at 8:26 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
“It came down to a close vote, but I said NO! Russell had nothing to do with it!!” OMG that’s too funny, if Damien ever starts a blog TAE should let him submit a guest post, from that albeit brief conversation he seems very inspirational and very funny.
leeslonaker
February 13, 2013 at 5:06 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I admired the young mans spirit, it must be very tough for him to keep such a positive outlook while dealing with a traumatic brain injury. Didn’t he say that he decided he was an atheist after his accident? I’m guessing that the people telling him the he’s ” just mad at god ” are his family and closest friends. The very people who are his support group during his recovery and rehabilitation. It must make it a lot harder for him, it always is with people you love. I doubt they even understand that it is comforting to know that it wasn’t some loving god that chose him to inflict this tragedy on. That his loving father in heaven didn’t decide that inflicting pain and hardship on him served the greater good. A bad thing just happened.
I wonder if the accident that caused him to examine his beliefs and realize that he was an atheist, caused his family to actually become more religious. It must be infuriating to have some one try to tell him that the whole affair is really a miracle, and how thankful he should be. I respect his ability to maintain a sense of humor, and a positive outlook on life. Good for him, I’m sure it meant a lot to him just to speak to some one who shares his world view, and respects it. It would have to mean a lot for him to call in to a live show considering the difficulties he is having communicating, even though it seems obvious to me that behind his speech impediment a witty, keen intellect still thrives. Best of luck to him, I hope he calls again, and I hope you find a moment to speak with him.
Daniel Lehnberg
February 11, 2013 at 5:19 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Great episode! And the empathy you guys showed really made my day.
I’m sorry for the Oslo-trolls, feels crappy to have them taint the rest of Scandinavians reputation as a-holes. Anyway, keep it up!
/Non-a-hole-Scandinavia
Cmaximus
February 11, 2013 at 8:10 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Great episode, but what was the deal with the ‘Matt’s from Oslo’ call after the show??
Martin Wagner
February 11, 2013 at 11:41 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Some punk kid from over there (actually Sweden, not Oslo) who’s been a persistent troll.
Cmaximus
February 11, 2013 at 11:52 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Ah, I was wondering what their call was about, since they said they were going to take the call after the show. I thought maybe there was an interesting development in the saga.
Jasper of Maine
February 11, 2013 at 12:22 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I must say that Russell’s attempts to earn their trust so that he can infiltrate them is quite ingenious.
Curt Cameron
February 11, 2013 at 12:25 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Did the conversation with “Matt” happen after the show? Assuming it did, was any headway made?
heicart
February 11, 2013 at 12:29 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
They basically said they would continue to troll the show unless Matt will be friends with them. Sort of how god will send you to hell unless you love him…?
Cmaximus
February 11, 2013 at 12:51 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hmm, that makes zero sense on their part and sounds like a trolling move either way. I’m sure Matt is sooper! excited to be their friend.
Kazim
February 11, 2013 at 3:08 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
No they didn’t say that. They said they were sorry and they would stop. We’ll see. I do think it has been constructive talking to them. I obviously don’t trust them to just cut it cold turkey, but I think the “Matt from Oslo” calls have slowed down a lot in the last few weeks.
By the way, if you are keeping track, their names are Joel and Einar, and they live in Sweden.
And I know a fuckton of private information about them, which I promise will never tell any of you unless they start pissing me off again.
Lord Narf
February 11, 2013 at 7:40 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Didn’t they say they would stop, a few episodes ago?
… then immediately made obscene noises into the phone?
docslacker
February 12, 2013 at 5:53 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Man, typical Swedish trolls, trying to place the blame on Norway
sumdum
February 11, 2013 at 8:51 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Guy at the end mentioned the Fibonacci in nature. Saw a short series of videos on youtube about that, very interesting and ‘science science’. First in series of three is here, links to other parts are below that video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahXIMUkSXX0
Kazim
February 11, 2013 at 3:09 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I dealt with the Fibonacci argument before:
http://freethoughtblogs.com/axp/2011/10/19/proof-of-god-by-arbitrary-mathematical-pattern/
CompulsoryAccount7746, Sky Captain
February 11, 2013 at 3:28 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Video: Stanford – Fibonacci Numbers, Fact versus Fiction (1:43:18)
Gary Walker
February 11, 2013 at 3:32 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Just want to say something about the golden rule, placing aside the historical interpretation, “Those who have the gold make the rules.”
Jesus supposedly promoted the positive version, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” This fits in with the fundajellical propensity to knock on doors and annoy people. They seem to think that since they were saved by door knockers and Bible thumpers, and they are sooo happy to be saved, then they should do the same to others.
The negative version promulgated by Rabbi Hillel, 1st century bce, is, “Do not do to others that which is hurtful to you.” This is the live and let version, which I prefer. I think that this is yet another example of normal humans being much wiser than the super hero, Jesus.
That’s all folks,
Infidel
Stephen Peterson
February 11, 2013 at 2:04 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Re: “spirit science,” I think that guy meant something like this. It’s basically a giant synthesis of woo, everything from channeling to ancient astronauts to crystals and pyramid power. Though that particular channel has rather amusing cartoon drawings to helpfully explain everything (like how Hebrews are actually spirit-gurus from the future).
Not sure if I should be relieved or disappointed that the caller didn’t get a chance to fully explain the ‘theory.’
CompulsoryAccount7746, Sky Captain
February 11, 2013 at 3:23 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Blasphemy!
The [correct edition] is a director’s cut.
The writing staff was waaay behind schedule on the previous release, and there were communication issues.
This time lots of extra scenes, originally dropped for length and continuity, were restored. Other scenes were extended to focus on characters and themes that the director intended.
Still disjointed and not that great, but it’s had a cult following for centuries.
mooniekate
February 11, 2013 at 3:33 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’ve made the bible-fanfiction connection myself. Every ‘personal relationship’ with jesus is a mary-sue. They are trying to ‘add’ themselves to the story with their own idealized character of themselves. Just knowing the history of how the bible was put together screams fanfiction.
Rational Jen is rational.
Amanda
February 11, 2013 at 5:11 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Sometimes fan fiction gives us really good stuff–like a quest for a Holy Grail, Sir Lancelot, many Sherlock adventures, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
jacobfromlost
February 11, 2013 at 6:47 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Good point. The bible isn’t just fan fiction, it is a collection of fan fiction that the fans themselves (at certain points in time) liked the most out of a much larger pool of fan fiction. Which also means there is a lot of fan fiction that was just tossed out (of the canon of fan fiction) because it just didn’t do justice to the story the fans wanted.
The problem is that fans don’t always make their decisions on things that would make the story, as a whole, sensical. So you get conflicting stories, contradictions, and Richie’s older brother Chuck going upstairs in season 2 of “Happy Days” and never coming down again. (shrug)
The fan fiction selection bias doesn’t just stop with the compiling of the bible, however, as believers themselves pick and choose what it is they like, what it is they want to follow, what it is they want to quote…and ignore all the rest. Like the way I ignore all those weird changes to Star Wars (what the hell is Hayden Christiansen doing at the end of Jedi? WTF? He was old, and he died, and his Force Spirit is suddenly young? Huh?).
Also I liked the old Ewok dance song better. lol
extian
February 14, 2013 at 12:13 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
DUH. Everyone knows you have to have young Anakin’s spirit at the end of Jedi cuz that’s what he looked like before he went to the Dark side…even though he left the Dark Side as an older man for about ten minutes before he died…WHATEVER – Lucas wrote it, I believe it, that settles it!
ericvon germania
February 11, 2013 at 8:17 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Oh the Pope gave his demission and will resign end of February!
osmosis
February 12, 2013 at 3:53 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Russel, please stop saying “I mean” so often.
Kazim
February 12, 2013 at 7:12 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’ve tried hard to get rid of various vocal tics through the years, that’s probably one I need to work on.
Lord Narf
February 12, 2013 at 7:48 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Heh, if you’re anything like me, you’ll just shift to another.
osmosis
February 12, 2013 at 8:49 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Vocal tics.. oh great, now I feel like a dick.
Kazim
February 12, 2013 at 10:22 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
It’s not a condition, everybody’s got them. The first thing you learn in speech class is not to say things like “um” and “uh.” Some of them stick around forever. For Sarah Palin it was the word “also.”
Lord Narf
February 12, 2013 at 3:49 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
A lot of people have a “… you know” tick. You hear that in some callers, and on podcasts and such, from the less polished public speakers.
It took me a long time to turn the ums into pauses.
My most aggressive issue involves adverbs. I grossly overuse one, like basically. Then, I force myself to stop, and another will slip into its place.