So when I was a kid, my parents managed to get both Pokemon and Harry Potter banned from my middle school, citing Bible verses like Exodus 2218, which is often translated as, Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live, which has had pretty profound historical implications, influencing the persecution of witches worldwide. However, the interpretation

of the Hebrew word used in this verse is pretty heavily debated, with some scholars suggesting

that it could mean sorceress or even poisoner, kind of suggesting that the original focus

might have been more on harmful practices rather than on supernatural powers.

This translation ambiguity significantly shaped how different societies viewed and dealt with accusations of witchcraft.

I mean, you know this. During the late medieval and early modern periods, this verse was frequently cited by both Catholics and Protestant authorities as a divine mandate to root out

witchcraft. This led to witch hunts and trials across Europe and the American colonies where

thousands of people, predominantly women, were accused and executed, peaking during times of social

and political tension, with accusations often used to settle personal grievances

or assert power.

Although religious authorities led many of these trials, they were largely driven by local

populations' fear and demands.

This verse played a symbolic role, feeling not just the fear of the supernatural, but also

reflecting broader societal anxieties,

including control over marginalized groups, women's roles, and religious orthodoxy. Now, I understand

that no one is hunting witches anymore, which, let's be honest, isn't exactly true, but nevertheless,

whether it's women or witches or sodomites or whoever else, I beg you to be

careful about worshipping any book, no matter how well translated, especially if it discourages

you from allowing certain people to live. Think I'm being melodramatic? Well, let's talk about it

at 512-991-9242 because the show is coming right now.

All right, well, welcome everyone. Today is October 13th, 2024. I am your host, Christy Powell,

and joining me today is former student, Dr. Ben. Ben, have you been

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