Summary: In this episode, the Mormon Matters "Genesis Team"--David Bokovoy, Tom Roberts, and Brian Hauglid--join host Dan Wotherspoon for a discussion of Genesis 18 and 19, which chapters feature stories of both Abraham and Lot hosting divine messengers who are intent on destroying the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and their negotiating for the safety of as many people as God will allow. (Hint: Not many escape destruction!) The material covered in these chapters also contains the announcement to Abraham and Sarah that they will conceive a child in their old age (and their interesting reactions!), Lot’s attempts to protect the visitors from townspersons intent on harming them (including arguments about how the text and other biblical references do not support the common understanding that the primary sin bringing the punishment is homosexuality), and also the disturbing story of Lot’s daughters enacting a plan by which they conceive children by their father. The episode contains terrific insights into the hospitality laws of the ancient world, and it also gives the panel and host the chance to reflect on meta issues surrounding the biblical narrative, especially the interplay between the text and the story it shapes and more naturalistic explanations for many of the events described.
