Is The Bible For Everyone? Really? But, Really? with Mary Wiley
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The Knowing Faith podcast confronts a foundational question: Is the Bible truly for everyone—or does it feel reserved for scholars, theologians, and the literate elite? With guest Mary Wiley, a Bible teacher and associate publisher, the hosts dismantle the myth that deep biblical engagement requires seminary training or advanced literacy. Drawing from history, they emphasize that Scripture was always meant for the common people—passed down orally long before written texts existed. Yet today, declining literacy, the rise of visual storytelling like The Chosen, and the privatization of 'quiet time' have created a spiritual diet of Gatorade instead of water: stimulating but not sustaining. The real danger isn't access to Scripture, but mistaking tools—books, shows, stained glass—for the living Word itself. Mary shares her own experience challenging the assumption that women aren't equipped for deep theology, revealing a hunger for truth that’s been silenced by low expectations. The episode concludes with a powerful call: the Bible isn’t just for the few—it’s for all, and every believer, regardless of gender or background, is invited to engage with its depth, not just its surface.
The Bible has always been for everyone, even before literacy existed—oral tradition was the primary way God’s people engaged with Scripture.
Modern culture’s decline in deep reading and attention spans makes the Bible feel distant, but the solution isn’t more visuals—it’s returning to the text.
Tools like The Chosen or stained glass are helpful only when they point to Scripture, not replace it—otherwise they become spiritual Gatorade, not living water.
Women are not inherently less capable of deep theology; they’ve been underserved by a culture that offers them 'appetizers' instead of the full meal of Scripture.
Teaching children is a form of theological training that forces clarity, humility, and depth—essential for all believers.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor: Grace-Laced Bible & Set Apart for More
Crossway sponsors the episode with a promo for the ESV Grace-Laced Bible Journaling Edition, featuring art and writing space. A second sponsor plug promotes Tasha Calvert’s book 'Set Apart for More,' encouraging spiritual transformation.
Is the Bible Really for Everyone?
“Is the Bible really for everyone? And it felt fitting to talk about this with Mary because Mary has been teaching the Bible... She is coming out with another book, Every Day in the Bible.”
Bible Literacy vs. Theological Literacy
The conversation shifts to the difference between basic reading ability and the deeper skill of engaging Scripture effectively. The hosts express concern that even literate people struggle to comprehend the Bible’s world and context.
The Magisterial Authority of Scripture
“The Bible is the sole authority for the Christian life. It alone is what is sufficient, authoritative, and it's because it's a fundamentally different text than any other text.”
Visual Tools: Help or Hindrance?
“If somebody told me, yeah, I don't just, you know, I'm not interested in reading the Bible even though I have it in my language... I'd say, I got to tell you, I think that's concerning to me.”
“The only thing that's water that's sustaining for the Christian life in a unique way is the Christian life needs the water of God's word in the way that our body needs water.”
“What I saw was women who deeply wanted to know their Bibles, deeply wanted to know theological information, but did not know the avenues by which to find it because they weren't being served that.”
“The Bible is the sole authority for the Christian life. It alone is what is sufficient, authoritative, and it's because it's a fundamentally different text than any other text.”
Hosts
Guest
Mary Wiley
person
The Chosen
media
Deep Discipleship
other
National Cathedral
place
Henry Kissinger
person
B&H
organization
Crossway
organization
Calvin
person
James 3.1
other
Tasha Calvert
person
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