The Bible Says So

What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture’s Most Controversial Issues

By: Dan McClellan

Narrated by: Dan McClellan

Bible scholar and popular TikToker Dan McClellan confronts misconceptions about the Bible. This program is read by the author.

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press Essentials.

©2025 Dan McClellan (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"With faith-based skepticism and a hint of irreverence... The work will best serve readers hoping to resolve specific issues with how the Bible is used."—Library Journal

"Smart and historically grounded... Combining fine-grained textual analysis with enlightening historical context, this is a valuable resource."—Publishers Weekly

"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

Thoughtful, well researched, and very needed

Dan McClellan is excellent at presenting scholarship in a clear, carefully phrased, and entertaining way that encourages both critical analysis and charitable consideration of those far too often the targets of persecution. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the Bible, the intersection of Christianity and politics, or Ancient Near Eastern history.

This is careful scholarship.

This was an awesome read with great Biblical scholarship. I really loved this book and what it says about the trinity and whether the Bible says Jesus is God.

Wonderful

Well thought out and beautiful written, i cant wait to eead more from dan. As an ex Jehovah witness i adore the abuse religion has caused..

wonderful insights from Dr Dan

if you have watched his videos this is very similar. I have heard it all but love it all being in one place. I hope this helps fight against dogma. Thank you Dan. love it

Everything I hoped it would be

I loved this book. I have been a long time follower of Dan, his IG and the Data Over Dogma podcast, and I could not wait to read and listen to the book when it came out. It spoke to my heart in the way I hoped it would.