Scripture quotations taken from the Revised English Bible, copyright © Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press 1989. All rights reserved.

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Hello friends, and welcome to four cubits and a span! I'm Dan Abson, and I'm a Christian lay teacher from Glasgow, UK. For two-and-a-half years I published a weekly podcast every Monday based around the three portions from the Bible Companion daily readings planner for the following Sunday.

Why four cubits and a span?

If you want to know, "Why that title?", have a listen to the intro podcast. As to, "Why do a podcast?" - well, that's another story. I'm a theologically progressive Christian, Bible geek, and story nerd; but perhaps most of all, I'm interested in how the Bible texts can shape our view of God and guide the disciple of Jesus Christ.

Also, podcasts are cool.

I like to read, I like to ask questions, and I like to share the things I find with other people. I hope that 4QS will be useful to anyone who likes to read, think, and ask questions too. I came to faith within a community of lay speakers and preachers, so I love to teach and preach from scripture. When I was first publishing the podcast, I hoped that it might also be a 'starter for ten' for speakers preparing exhortations (sermons) who like to base their thoughts on one of the passages from the Bible Companion plan for the day.

What's next for four cubits and a span?

Something is next :) . I'm not sure what. But it will still be focussed on Bible study and interpretation by, and for, Christian laypeople.

Why me?

So, why should you listen to me? Good question! I don't have any formal training in Biblical interpretation, so what's my deal? It's really just a question of time. There are so many translations, study notes, commentaries, monographs, articles, and other podcasts out there, that the lay Bible reader is really spoiled for choice. Putting it all together and talking about it is just something I enjoy doing.

I don't have a hotline to heaven, and I don't have conversations with the holy spirit. Instead, I cite my references.


Note for "concerned" individuals

For the avoidance of doubt: four cubits and a span affirms without qualification the full inspiration of the entire Protestant Christian biblical canon, comprising the Old Testament (the books of the Jewish Bible) and the New Testament, and its authority in the personal and ecclesial life of the Christian. You and I might sometimes disagree on what a given passage means or how it should be applied. Sometimes I will be wrong. Sometimes you will be wrong. Sometimes we'll both get it wrong. Best not to obsess over it, eh?

The Internet hosts and enables more opportunities for studying the Bible, and a wider, more detailed wealth of information to support that study, than has ever before been so readily available. Please don't spoil it for the rest of us. If you're not comfortable asking questions, looking for answers, and exchanging ideas: that's completely fine. Just turn around, and walk away. I won't chase you. I won't make you listen to me. I won't try to convince you to see things my way, or try to sanction you when you don't.

If you're wondering where I stand on the social and ethical debates in the 21st century church, you can click on this link to my statement about clarity.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
– Luke 6:31 (NRSV)

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