The Bible and Beyond Podcast Episode
An Ancient Gold Glass Challenges Biblical Boundaries
Eric C. Smith
An interview with Dr. Eric Smith
Eric C. Smith, a scholar of biblical studies, uses an ancient gold glass as an example of why we should expand our concepts of what we call ‘biblical.’ The Bible itself is an “assemblage” of people, history, geography, and oral traditions that contributed to the creation of some portion of the Bible. Objects of art depicting similar stories and events are also assemblages, in that the stories may have come from the same or similar sources.
Eric teaches in the fields of biblical studies and early Christianity, co-directs Iliff’s Doctor of Ministry in Prophetic Leadership program, and serves as liaison to the Disciples Seminary Foundation. His research and teaching center on a constellation of interests in the world of late antiquity, including identity formation, material culture and materialist approaches to religion, and both ancient and modern interpretations of biblical texts. 
He is the author of many books, articles and chapters. His books are Jewish Glass and Christian Stone: A Materialist Mapping of the Parting of the Ways (Routledge 2018); Paul the Progressive? The Compassionate Christian’s Guide to Reclaiming the Apostle as an Ally (Chalice 2019)—written for popular audiences; and Sovereignties, Spaces, Subjects, and Spirits: The Necropolitics of the Acts of the Apostles (SBL Press, forthcoming).
Fascinating and provocative discussion!
Well, ……the Romanesque cathedrals used sculpture at the entrance portals to teach since no one could read. So, in listening to the podcast I was reminded of the lessons carved in stone to teach and to terrify. This was a visual assemblage, for sure, of the Bible stories.