Order Dr. Bill Creasy’s book “Reading the Bible, A Literary Guide to Scripture” today. Available on Amazon and Audible as well as all major online book stores. You can also join Logos Bible Study at logos.com.
Dr. Bill Creasy shared his experiences teaching the Bible for over 30 years, including his extensive travels to Israel and his new book “Reading the Bible,” while discussing the challenges of writing and recording audiobooks. The conversation covered his approach to teaching the Bible as a unified literary work and his involvement in archaeological projects in Israel. Dr. Creasy also discussed his personal interests in diving and firearms, while promoting his upcoming book “Reading the Bible” and encouraging listener engagement through an online community.
Summary
Bible Scholar’s Teaching and Travel Plans
Dr. Bill Creasy discussed his extensive experience teaching the Bible for over 30 years and his numerous trips to Israel, including his first tour in 1992. He expressed hope to resume tours in 2026, pending safety and logistical considerations. Dr. Creasy also shared insights about his new book, “Reading the Bible: A Literary Guide to Scripture,” which aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Bible’s text and themes.
Bible Professor’s Teaching Legacy
My guest on The Lions for Christ Podcast, a former UCLA professor, shared his experience of teaching the Bible as literature for over 30 years, both at UCLA and in various churches across California and Arizona. He initially taught a popular course at UCLA and later expanded to teach multiple classes outside the university, eventually reaching over 5,000 students weekly. After COVID-19 forced the closure of in-person classes in 2020, he attempted to restart teaching at a local church but faced a significant drop in attendance, with only 22 masked participants. Disheartened by this experience, he decided to write a book to document his 30 years of teaching and stories, viewing it as his legacy project.
PhD Writing and Digital Transition
Dr. Creasy shared his experience writing his dissertation, emphasizing the discipline and dedication required, which he attributed to his Marine Corps training. He discussed the challenges of completing a PhD and the importance of consistent, focused writing. Dr. Creasy also reflected on his transition from a physical library to digital reading, noting the decline in book reading among younger generations due to online resources.
Audiobook Recording and Content Creation
Dr. Bill Creasy discussed his experience recording an audiobook for Zondervan, describing the process of recording 590 pages in a professional studio in San Diego. He emphasized the importance of personal voice in audiobooks, refusing to use a professional reader despite Zondervan’s suggestion. Noel shared his experience with podcasting, noting the time and energy required for content creation. Both discussed the challenges of modern content creation and the role of technology in religious contexts, with Noel mentioning concerns about AI’s impact on sermon authenticity.
Bible Teaching: Literary and Historical Context
Dr. Creasy explained his approach to teaching the Bible as a unified literary work, emphasizing the importance of understanding its literary aspects and historical context. He outlined four foundational principles for teaching the Bible, including its geographical roots in the land of Israel and the significance of the Sea of Galilee as the setting for Jesus’ public ministry. Noel and Dr. Creasy also discussed the challenges of interpreting ancient texts in modern contexts and the need for careful consideration of cultural differences.
Jesus Walking on Water Narrative
Dr. Creasy shared a detailed narrative about Jesus walking on water, explaining how the topography of the Sea of Galilee and the timing of a full moon during Passover create a dramatic scene. He described how he recreates this story during trips to Galilee, including a nighttime boat tour where he involves participants by pretending to pick one of them to walk on water, pouring water on the deck to emphasize the point.
Bible’s Geographic and Historical Context
Dr. Creasy discussed the importance of geography and historical context in understanding the Bible, emphasizing how these elements add depth and richness to biblical stories. He explained that the Bible is a unified literary work with a linear narrative and recapitulation, and highlighted the role of Cyrus the Great in allowing the exiled people to return home, which is recorded in both biblical texts and the Cyrus Cylinder. Dr. Creasy also stressed that the Bible is the word of God, a view supported by passages in Second Peter and Second Timothy, describing it as a perfect combination of divine inspiration and human authorship.
Archaeological Discoveries in Vermont Rahel
Dr. Creasy discussed his involvement in archaeological projects in Israel, particularly at the site of Vermont Rahel, where he partnered with Heidelberg University and Tel Aviv University. He explained that the site, located on a hilltop near Jerusalem, was likely a fortress built by Solomon to monitor approach roads. Dr. Creasy described the challenging process of archaeological excavation, involving long hours of hard work in the summer heat, and mentioned that his team found evidence of a fortress and various artifacts, and jokingly included the discovery of a potato chip bag from 1959.
Journey of a Diver’s Adventures
Dr. Creasy next shared his experiences with diving, including his journey from becoming certified to becoming an instructor and eventually a cave diver. He described his adventures in the Red Sea, where he led diving tours and explored shipwrecks from World War II. Dr. Creasy also recounted a trip to Eastern Turkey where he visited a site claimed to be Noah’s Ark, though he expressed uncertainty about its authenticity.
Dr. Creasy’s Bible and Guns
Dr. Creasy reiterated his experiences teaching Bible classes and engaging with students over the years. He discussed his passion for firearms and his training at the Gunsite facility in Arizona, highlighting his preference for specific guns for different purposes. Dr. Creasy also talked about his upcoming book, “Reading the Bible,” which includes a study guide and is set to launch on August 12. He encouraged pre-orders to support marketing and printing efforts, offering a free online seminar as a bonus. Dr. Creasy mentioned bulk ordering opportunities for churches, which include a significant discount and the possibility of a book signing event. The conversation concluded with a prayer by Dr. Creasy and Noel offered an invitation for listeners to join The Lions for Christ online community for further engagement.
