An exemplary life is one rooted in responsibility, solidarity, and ethical action rather than belief, obedience, or waiting for divine rescue. Stripped of supernatural framing, these ancient texts challenge us to show up, reject exemption and domination, and model the change we keep hoping someone else will deliver.
Have you ever noticed how often we’re told to wait? Wait for things to change, wait for permission, wait for someone else to fix what’s broken. Sometimes that waiting is wrapped in religious language about divine plans or being chosen, but underneath it all is a quieter message: don’t rock the boat, don’t ask too much, and definitely don’t act like responsibility belongs to you.
Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”
As we reflect on the readings for the Baptism of the Lord, we’ll explore what these ancient stories say when you strip away supernatural spectacle and focus instead on ethical responsibility, shared standards, and what it really means to live an exemplary life.
In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What if the highest calling isn’t obedience or belief? What if the highest calling is showing up, standing in solidarity with others, and modeling the change we keep hoping someone else will bring?
