The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture's Most Controversial Issues

by Dan McClellan Narrated by Dan McClellan

Overview

Bible scholar and popular TikToker Dan McClellan confronts misconceptions about the Bible.

The Bible is the world's most influential book, but do we really know what it says? Every day across social media and in homes, businesses, and public spaces, people try to cut debate short by claiming that "the Bible says so!" However, they commonly disagree about what it actually does and doesn't say, particularly when it comes to socially significant issues. For instance, does the Bible say we should be on the lookout for an antichrist associated with the number 666? Does it say women shouldn't wear revealing clothing? Does it say it's okay to hit your kids?

In The Bible Say So, Dan McClellan leverages his popular "data over dogma" approach, and his years of experience in the academy and on social media, to lay out in clear and accessible ways what the data indicate the Bible does and doesn't say about issues ranging from homosexuality, abortion, and slavery to monotheism, inspiration, and even God's wife. Smart, accessible, and informative, The Bible Says So is an invaluable resource for our fractious times.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"This book empowers readers to engage with the Bible without fear of questioning. For anyone seeking to understand the Bible beyond literal and inerrant interpretations, Dan's work is an essential guide to finding a more compassionate and authentic connection with scripture…a much-needed resource for the deconstructing Christian." —Rev Karla Kamstra, author of Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith

"At last, a no-nonsense, go-to guide to what the Bible can or cannot be held to endorse. Combining characteristic honesty with whip-smart knowledge and scholarly integrity, Dan McClellan tells it like it really is. Whether you’re shocked or delighted by this book, I guarantee there’s no better guide to what the Bible really says—and what it doesn’t." —Francesca Stavrakopoulou, Professor of Hebrew Bible & Ancient Religion, University of Exeter

"Dan reawakened my faith in the Bible... Knowing the context of the stories to the people who participated in them, and what they thought at the time, makes it so much more relevant to today for me and made the book relevant in my life again... Thanks, Dan. Buy this book." —Joel McHale, American actor and comedian

"Dan McClellan is a myth buster and teacher extraordinaire of all things Bible. In his social media and podcasts he works to set the record straight and is unafraid to stand against the distorted interpretations that masquerade as mainstream today. His book is sure to become a classic in the category of contemporary biblical interpretation." —Liz Bucar, Professor of Religion, Northeastern University, author of Stealing My Religion

“Dan McClellan has turned me into a Bible-lover… The hallmark of any objective, critically thinking, “I ain’t got no dog in the fight, except the truth” scholar, is a desire to inform, educate, and elicit even more questions about such a powerful subject; all without malice toward his challengers.... Dan is an accomplished scholar, writer, podcaster, daily TikTok-edifier and most importantly, a total cartoon geek.” —Rob Paulsen, American voice actor

"McClellan brilliantly flicks to pieces so-called “biblical truths,” waves away rigid religious dogmas, and blows our minds with what this magisterial ancient poetic text really says about living, love, sin, and life." —Jerry Saltz, senior art critic, New York Magazine, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191092768
Publisher:	Macmillan Audio
Publication date:	04/29/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	491,539