Sacred Garden: Cultivating Religious Literacy
Join us in the Sacred Garden, a podcast dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of stories found within canonical religious books. Through readings and insightful commentary, we embark on a journey of religious literacy, understanding the profound impact these stories have had on human history and culture.
Whether you're seeking to deepen your own faith, broaden your understanding of different belief systems, or simply satisfy your curiosity about the human experience, Sacred Garden offers a space for exploration and reflection.
We delve into these ancient texts as powerful storytelling tools, recognizing their impact on art, literature, and our collective consciousness. This podcast is free from any religious agenda, encouraging you to cultivate your own understanding and appreciation for the diverse expressions of human spirituality.
Episodes
33 episodes
Genesis 33: The Reunion of Jacob and Esau
This week, we delve into Genesis 33, the highly anticipated and potentially tense reunion between Jacob and his brother Esau. After years of separation and fear, what will this encounter bring? Join us as we explore themes of forgiv...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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10:10
Genesis 32: Jacob at the Jabbok
Jacob's escaped Laban, but now dreads meeting his vengeful brother Esau. Join us for a tense night by the Jabbok River where prayer, fear, and a mysterious wrestling match change Jacob forever.
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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15:24
Genesis 31: Jacob's Escape and Rachel's Secret
Jacob flees Laban after years of being cheated. God directs him home, but Laban pursues, angered by Jacob's secret departure and the theft of his idols by Rachel. A tense confrontation leads to a covenant.
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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25:35
Genesis 30: The Womb Wars
The drama intensifies in Genesis 30 as Rachel and Leah fiercely compete to bear Jacob children, leading to surrogacy, the birth of eleven sons and a daughter, and Jacob's eventual desire to return home. In this episode we witness Ja...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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21:58
Genesis 29: Jacob Gets A Taste of His Own Medicine!
Get ready for some serious irony in Genesis 29! Jacob, who famously deceived his father Isaac to steal his brother's blessing, now finds himself on the receiving end of a major trick from Laban. His pursuit of Rachel takes an unexpected turn wi...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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17:56
Genesis 28: A Covenant Renewed
Jacob flees Esau's wrath, sent by Isaac to find a wife. On his journey, at Bethel, God appears in a dream of a ladder to heaven, reaffirming the covenant and promising his presence and future return to the land. This marks a pivotal moment of d...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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11:58
Genesis 27: Rebekah's Plan
This chapter details Rebekah and Jacob's scheme to deceive the aging, blind Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing intended for Esau. Jacob, disguised, presents a meal to his father and receives the crucial blessing. Upon Esau's return and discov...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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16:59
Genesis 26: Isaac in Gerar
Famine forces Isaac to Gerar. He deceives about Rebekah like Abraham. Well disputes arise but God blesses him greatly. He prospers, faces envy, and eventually makes peace with Abimelech, reaffirming God's promise despite recurring challenges.&n...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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17:23
Genesis 25: Esau's Costly Meal
After Sarah dies, Abraham has more kids with Keturah. He then passes away. The story shifts to Isaac and Rebekah's twins, Esau and Jacob. We see their different personalities, and a big choice: Esau gives up his special birthright f...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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14:45
Genesis 24: Trusting God, Trusting Yourself
Abraham wants Isaac to marry within their family. His helper prays for God's guidance on his journey, while also paying attention to his own instincts. He meets kind Rebekah at a well. This is a story about trusting God's plan and t...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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26:35
Genesis 23: The Burial Purchase
Grief meets careful business in Genesis 23. Abraham buys a burial place, legally securing a piece of the promised land for his family. Discover the significance of this transaction and its lasting implications.
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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12:22
Genesis 22: The Sacrifice of Isaac
This episode examines the powerful Bible story from Genesis 22, where God asks Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. We focus on Abraham's difficult choice to obey God, trusting in His plan even in this heartbreaking situation. We'll f...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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11:55
Genesis 21: The Birth of Isaac and The Departure of Ishmael
This episode explores Genesis 21, a chapter filled with long-awaited joy! Witness the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. However, this joy is intertwined with rising tensions, leading to Hagar and Ishmael's departu...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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12:52
Sister or Wife? The Deception in Genesis 20
In Genesis chapter 20, we explore a compelling episode in Abraham's life in Gerar. Fearing for his safety, Abraham presents his wife Sarah as his sister, leading King Abimelech to take her into his household. However, God dramatically intervene...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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10:51
Genesis 19: The Fall of Sodom, the Fate of Lot
This episode delves into the gripping and unsettling story of Genesis 19, unfolding in two dramatic parts. First, we witness the shocking wickedness of Sodom, leading to its destruction. Then, the narrative focuses on Lot and his daughters, the...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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24:30
The Visitors, the Promise, and the Plea: Genesis 18
Three mysterious visitors bring unexpected news to Abraham: Sarah will have a son in her old age! But the encounter turns serious as God reveals his plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah. Join us as we unpack this pivotal chapter of Gene...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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12:09
Genesis 17: The Covenant of Circumcision and a Promise Renewed
This episode explores the pivotal chapter of Genesis 17, marking a significant turning point in God's covenant with Abram, now Abraham. At 99, he receives a powerful reaffirmation and a new name, "father of a multitude." We unpack the meaning o...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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19:15
Genesis 16: When We Take Matters Into Our Own Hands
This episode explores the poignant story of Genesis 16, where Abram and Sarai, impatient with God's promise, take matters into their own hands. Sarai suggests Abram have a child through her servant Hagar, leading to unforeseen consequences. We'...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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20:34
What is Sacred Garden? (Podcast Trailer)
Curious about the Bible but looking for a fresh perspective? Welcome to SACRED GARDEN: CULTIVATING RELIGIOUS LITERACY, your accessible guide to understanding the Bible with a modern voice. Join Alexandra, a young woman exploring the...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:25
Abram's Grand Illusion
This week, we delve into Abram's pivotal experience in Genesis, exploring the possibility that his encounter with God was a powerful vision rather than a literal conversation. We'll consider if the promises of land and descendants unfolded with...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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16:35
Genesis 15: Vision, Doubt, and Reassurance
In this episode, we explore the poignant narrative of Genesis 15, where Abram receives a significant vision but grapples with doubt about God's promises. Discover the profound reassurance God offers, solidifying their covenant and deepening the...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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26:33
Genesis 14: The Rescue of Lot
Genesis 14 unveils a world of ancient alliances and conflicts as four eastern kings, led by Chedorlaomer, conquer the Dead Sea region and capture Lot. Witness Abraham's courageous response as he assembles his forces, defeats the kings, and resc...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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19:35
When Wealth Divides: Genesis 13
Witness how prosperity leads to conflict between Abram and Lot as their wealth strains the land. Abram, valuing peace, offers Lot the first choice of territory. Lot chooses the fertile Jordan Valley near Sodom, while God renews His promise to A...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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17:03
Abraham: Idol Smasher
Uncover the untold story of Abraham's early years in Jubilees 11-12. Forget the familiar tales – this is about smashing idols and a world-changing encounter. We'll break down the family context of the time and Abraham's rebellion against his fa...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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18:09
Trusting God's Plan: Genesis 12 Insights
Explore the profound lesson of obedience and trust in Genesis 12. We delve into Abram's radical act of faith as he answers God's call, leaving his homeland. We'll also examine Sarai's often-overlooked sacrifice as she follows her husband into t...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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21:34