Can data strip the dogma from ancient scripture?
In short: Daniel McClellan is transforming how people engage with the Bible. By blending rigorous academic scholarship with social media reach, he moves beyond simple debate to explore the cognitive science of religion. His work seeks to uncover what the text actually says, inviting a scholarly conversation free from vitriol.
A distinct space within public academia has been established by biblical researcher Daniel McClellan, who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While many religious discussions are defined by confrontation, McClellan emphasizes a historical-critical approach. He focuses on the cognitive science of religion, textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible, and the study of early Israelite religion. His goal is to provide access to academic study for a broad audience, including religious individuals, atheists, and those recovering from religious trauma.
McClellan's academic pedigree is extensive, spanning institutions like Brigham Young University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Exeter. He earned a PhD in 2020, producing a dissertation on the cognitive approach to divine images. This scholarly foundation informs his public work, such as the 'Data Over Dogma' podcast. The show, which won a gold Signal Award, focuses on discussing disagreements about scripture through close attention to textual details rather than heated debate.
His influence extends into the digital sphere, where he uses platforms like TikTok to 'stitch' and rebut various biblical interpretations. This work earned him the 2023 Society of Biblical Literature's Richards Award for Public Scholarship. Despite his academic success, McClellan has also engaged in the political sphere, running twice for state office in Utah. His career represents a modern intersection of high-level theology, cognitive science, and digital-age communication, aiming to make complex historical analysis accessible to the public.
Beyond his own publications, such as 'The Bible Says So' (2025), McClellan has served as a scripture translation supervisor for the LDS Church from 2013 to 2023. His work balances deep-seated academic research—like his studies on Second Temple Judaism and the 'Gods-Complaint' in Psalm 82—with a commitment to representing historically underrepresented groups in biblical scholarship.
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