OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE:

Bring the best in biblical scholarship to everyday people.

In The Beginning…

our story

A black and white illustration of Jared in a basket like Moses and Pete reaching to rescue him in a handdrawn style

Some say The Bible for Normal People started when Pete went down to bathe at the river. He saw a basket among the reeds and when he opened it, he saw the child, Jared. He was crying and Pete took pity on him.

Others say it started much later, in 2012, when Pete and Jared released their book Genesis for Normal People. Still others will argue it was in 2016 with the launch of their podcast The Bible for Normal People.

But those who were there know it started in 2011 at a small coffee shop when Pete and Jared found themselves having the same conversation again and again: why are everyday Christians not given access to the biblical scholarship that is being taught in seminaries and universities around the world? Why isn’t biblical scholarship more accessible?

our VISION

We believe in a world where people engage with the Bible freely, without fear or guilt—where questions are welcome and scholarship is accessible.

What We Lead With Behind the Mic

Our Core Values

01

Curiosity

We embrace the reality that we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. We ask the hard questions and give others permission to do the same.

02

Playfulness

Faith and learning can be serious, but humor and playfulness are essential tools to explore without fear or judgment. Humor is thoughtful, clever, and inclusive, never dismissive or cruel.

03

Accessible Scholarship

We make biblical knowledge approachable for everyone. Our goal is to keep content intelligent yet understandable, welcoming scholars and curious newcomers alike.

"I left evangelical christianity on my own, but B4NP helped me feel like I wasn't alone. All the while, I have been able to keep the parts of faith and spirituality that are valuable."
"B4NP always engages the scholarship so kindly and with genuine concern for how it might be landing for people of faith."
“No topic is off the table and they handle difficult ones with taste and kindness."

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Pete Enns, Ph.D.

Host, Founder, Author

Peter Enns (Ph.D., Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of biblical studies at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania.

He has written numerous books, including The Bible Tells Me So, The Sin of Certainty, and How the Bible Actually Works.

Read Pete's Full Bio

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Jared Byas, M.A.

Host, Founder, Author

Jared Byas was a pastor and professor in both biblical studies and philosophy until he had to give up his dreams to run the Bible for Normal People and become Pete’s designated adult supervision. In addition he regularly writes and speaks about the Bible, truth, creativity, wisdom, and the Christian faith.

He has written a handful of books including Love Matters More and Jonah for Normal People.

Read Jared's Full Bio