A Book with Legs Podcast: Episode Featuring Steve Green - This Beautiful Book

Release Date: August 5, 2024
Hosted by Cole Smead and Bill Smead

Introduction

In the August 5th episode of "A Book with Legs," hosted by Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management, alongside his father, Bill Smead, the podcast delves into the intersection of biblical wisdom and value investing. The guest for this episode is Steve Green, President of Hobby Lobby and Chairman of the Museum of the Bible, who discusses his latest work, "This Beautiful Book." The conversation navigates through the importance of understanding the Bible, its cultural significance, and how its narratives influence both personal lives and business philosophies.

The Motivation Behind This Beautiful Book

Steve Green embarked on writing "This Beautiful Book" to address a common challenge faced by many readers: comprehending the vast and intricate stories contained within the Bible. As Bill Smead articulates early in the discussion, Steve's intent was to offer a foundational understanding that would enable readers to appreciate the Bible's narratives without becoming overwhelmed by details.

Bill Smead [02:13]: "I wanted a person to have, before they come to the Bible, to have a basic knowledge of its story so that they can appreciate the story as they're reading it better."

Steve draws a parallel to his own experience with the Broadway play "Les Miserables," where having prior knowledge of the storyline transformed his appreciation of the performance. Similarly, "This Beautiful Book" serves as a preparatory guide, equipping readers with the necessary context to engage deeply with the Bible.

Challenges in Modern Bible Familiarity

A significant portion of the episode addresses the declining familiarity with the Bible among younger generations in America. Steve Green humorously refers to the Bible as being akin to "cookies on the lower shelf," suggesting that while the Bible is present, it often remains out of immediate reach or consideration.

Steve Green [04:16]: "So Americans used to have a Bible in their home. For a kid at 18 today, what's the likelihood that at 18, someone has opened up the Bible?"

Bill Smead concurs, highlighting that contemporary education systems no longer emphasize biblical literacy as they once did. This educational shift has contributed to a widespread lack of familiarity, making Steve's book all the more essential in bridging this knowledge gap.

Bill Smead [04:30]: "We don't teach it in our Schools as we once did. Therefore, I would argue we are probably more ignorant of this book than we have ever been and why there's a need to start from scratch and introduce this book to a whole new generation."

Advocating for Biblical Education

The conversation transitions to the need for reintroducing the Bible into public education. Steve Green advocates for teaching the Bible in a factual and non-sectarian manner, emphasizing its historical and cultural impact rather than promoting religious doctrine.

Steve Green [05:43]: "I believe it is a disservice to students in our nation today not to teach the Bible now... teach it as a book. Here's what this book's story is, here's how it's impacted our world."

Bill Smead adds that various states are beginning to recognize the importance of biblical education, pointing to initiatives like release time policies and classical charter schools that integrate Bible study into their curricula.

Bill Smead [08:38]: "There was a notice just went out here in the state of Oklahoma within the month about the Bible would be in the schools and it would be taught."

This advocacy aligns with the podcast’s broader theme of integrating worldly and biblical wisdom to foster well-informed investors and thinkers.

The Bible’s Cultural Significance

Steve Green underscores the Bible's profound influence on American literature and everyday language. Citing Richard Dawkins' critique in "The God Delusion," Steve leverages Dawkins' acknowledgment of the Bible's impact to argue for its cultural literacy.

Bill Smead [10:19]: "Richard Dawkins in his own book called the God Delusion... argues that it ought to be part of our culture for literary culture."

He elaborates on how numerous commonly used phrases and idioms originate from biblical stories, making knowledge of the Bible integral to understanding much of American vernacular.

Bill Smead [10:25]: "Imagine watching a news story and they are telling somebody that was acting as a Good Samaritan, well, if you don't know the Bible, you don't know the Good Samaritan story."

This perspective not only highlights the Bible's literary significance but also its foundational role in shaping societal values and cultural norms.

Understanding the Biblical Metanarrative

A central theme of the episode is the Bible's overarching story, or metanarrative, which interweaves various narratives into a cohesive whole. Bill Smead introduces this concept by discussing the story of Mephibosheth, a minor character whose life encapsulates the Bible's themes of grace and redemption.

Bill Smead [15:10]: "Here is the king that could kill Mephibosheth, but instead of killing him, invites him into his table."

This story serves as a microcosm of the Bible's grand narrative—highlighting God's willingness to extend grace to undeserving individuals, a theme echoed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Genealogy and Prophecy Fulfillment

The discussion delves into the importance of genealogy in the Bible, particularly the lineage from Abraham to Jesus. Steve Green emphasizes how these genealogies are not mere records but are instrumental in fulfilling prophetic promises.

Bill Smead [48:43]: "Jesus was going to come through the line of David. So that genealogy is a part of the story that lets us see this picture of God's hand throughout all of history."

This lineage reinforces the prophecies regarding the Messiah, showcasing the meticulous planning and fulfillment of divine promises throughout generations.

The Bible's Bold Claims

Bill Smead explores the Bible's audacious assertions, such as its claim to be the word of God and its assertion of being a living text. He argues that the Bible's longevity and consistency, exemplified by artifacts like the Dead Sea Scrolls, substantiate its divine origin and enduring relevance.

Bill Smead [52:18]: "The Bible makes very bold claims. It says it's going to last forever... it's living, it's ink on paper. How can a book be living?"

The discovery of the Isaiah Scroll, which predates the Masoretic Text by centuries, serves as compelling evidence of the Bible's textual integrity over millennia.

Bill Smead [58:43]: "This one scroll that was the complete Book of Isaiah... it was the same thing. Nothing changed of the content over 1000 years."

Such findings bolster the argument for the Bible's divine preservation and its unwavering message across generations.

Imperfection in God’s Chosen People

The podcast also touches upon the imperfections of biblical figures and how God utilizes flawed individuals to further His purposes. Bill Smead discusses Jacob as an example of an imperfect character whose actions often led to familial dysfunctions, yet who played a crucial role in the biblical narrative.

Bill Smead [38:20]: "God has no option but to give every church an imperfect pastor. That's all he's got."

This theme underscores the Bible's portrayal of a God who works through human imperfections, emphasizing that divine plans often unfold through imperfect means.

The Museum of the Bible and Its Artifacts

Steve Green shares insights into the Museum of the Bible, highlighting significant artifacts that testify to the Bible's authenticity and historical impact. Noteworthy among these is the Elizabeth Boone Psalter and Book of Hours, an illuminated manuscript with deep personal significance to Bill Smead due to its ancestral connections.

Bill Smead [58:46]: "The significance of that is what I find intriguing... it was the same thing. Nothing changed of the content over 1000 years."

Additionally, the replica of the Dead Sea Scrolls' Isaiah Scroll stands as a testament to the Bible's textual consistency and its prophetic fulfillment regarding Jesus Christ.

Bill Smead [63:28]: "That is an incredible witness that not only argues that scripture is true, I will argue it is an argument that it is divine, that is God."

These exhibits not only serve educational purposes but also reinforce the Museum's mission to showcase the Bible's profound influence on history and culture.

Personal Stories of Faith and Business

Interwoven with the theological discussions are personal anecdotes from Bill and Steve Smead that illustrate how faith and biblical principles guide their business decisions. Bill recounts a pivotal moment in the mid-1980s when Hobby Lobby faced potential bankruptcy amid an oil bust. During a family meeting, their father prayed fervently for divine intervention, leading to a turnaround where the company prospered significantly.

Bill Smead [64:20]: "We came to the conclusion it was very real to him that this is not our business. We are only stewards of what God has entrusted to us..."

Similarly, Steve Green shares his experience with a $50 million mutual fund being listed on Merrill Lynch's platform, viewing this success as a manifestation of divine blessing and stewardship.

Steve Green [67:34]: "I'll bet you they hadn't added one in the 10 years before that, at that size. And that's why I try to explain to people, I said, it can only be a God thing."

These stories exemplify the Smeads' belief in aligning business practices with biblical stewardship and ethics, reinforcing the podcast's theme of integrating faith with worldly endeavors.

Conclusion

The episode featuring Steve Green of Hobby Lobby and the Museum of the Bible offers a multifaceted exploration of biblical wisdom, its cultural significance, and its application in both personal and professional spheres. Through discussions on genealogies, metanarratives, and personal testimonies, the podcast underscores the enduring relevance of the Bible in understanding human nature, societal values, and ethical business practices. For listeners seeking to intertwine worldly wisdom with biblical insights, this episode provides a rich tapestry of discussions that highlight the profound impact of the Bible on various aspects of life.

Listeners are encouraged to explore Steve Green's "This Beautiful Book" for a comprehensive understanding of these themes and to visit the Museum of the Bible to witness firsthand the artifacts that testify to the Bible's historical and divine significance.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• Bill Smead [02:13]: "I wanted a person to have, before they come to the Bible, to have a basic knowledge of its story so that they can appreciate the story as they're reading it better."

• Steve Green [04:16]: "So Americans used to have a Bible in their home. For a kid at 18 today, what's the likelihood that at 18, someone has opened up the Bible?"

• Bill Smead [05:43]: "I believe it is a disservice to students in our nation today not to teach the Bible now."

• Bill Smead [10:25]: "Imagine watching a news story and they are telling somebody that was acting as a Good Samaritan, well, if you don't know the Bible, you don't know the Good Samaritan story."

• Bill Smead [15:10]: "Here is the king that could kill Mephibosheth, but instead of killing him, invites him into his table."

• Bill Smead [16:02]: "It pretty sounds pretty literal to me. And that's the way I take it that God literally created heaven and earth in seven days."

• Bill Smead [48:43]: "Jesus was going to come through the line of David. So that genealogy is a part of the story that lets us see this picture of God's hand throughout all of history."

• Bill Smead [52:18]: "The Bible makes very bold claims. It says it's going to last forever... it's living, it's ink on paper. How can a book be living?"

• Steve Green [58:43]: "There was some minor variations, a word order change, the spelling of a name change, but it was the same thing. Nothing changed of the content over 1000 years."

• Bill Smead [64:20]: "We are only stewards of what God has entrusted to us, because were it not for God, we would not be here."

These quotes encapsulate the episode's core messages, offering listeners profound insights into the enduring relevance of the Bible and its integration into contemporary life and business.