Better on the Inside

You can find a deeper dive into Keener's book on my Substack.

Check out Jenai at her website.

Summary

In this conversation, Jon Pyle and Jenai Auman delve into the complexities of 1 Corinthians 14, particularly the controversial verses regarding women's roles in the church. They explore the cultural context of Corinth, the misinterpretations of Paul's letters, and the importance of hermeneutical principles in understanding scripture. Jenai shares her journey through different theological perspectives and emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to biblical interpretation, advocating for the empowerment of women in ministry and the church.

Takeaways

The cultural context of Corinth was chaotic and hedonistic.

Paul's letters often address specific issues rather than providing comprehensive theology.

Misinterpretations of scripture can lead to harmful applications in church settings.

Hermeneutical principles are essential for understanding biblical texts accurately.

Women played significant roles in the early church, often as leaders and supporters.

Paul's intent was to bring order to disorder, not to reinforce patriarchal structures.

The importance of educating women in the church is highlighted in Paul's letters.

Contextualizing scripture is crucial for modern application and understanding.

The church should reflect the inclusive nature of Christ's teachings.

The conversation encourages humility and openness in theological discussions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of 1 Corinthians 14

02:54 Personal Journeys and Interpretations of Scripture

05:54 Hermeneutical Principles in Understanding Paul

09:03 The Church in Corinth: Specific Contexts and Errors

11:57 Interpretive Considerations for Paul's Letters

15:31 Understanding the Corinthian Context

16:43 Paul's Approach to Order and Disorder

23:45 The Role of Women in Early Christianity

29:45 Cultural Context and Interpretation

35:21 The Call for Theological Humility

Summary

In this conversation, Jon Pyle explores the essential elements of Christian faith, focusing on the nature of Jesus, the concept of sin, and the importance of forgiveness. He discusses how house rules in various churches can create confusion about fundamental beliefs and emphasizes that sin is fundamentally about separation from God and others. Pyle highlights the greatest commandment of loving God and loving one's neighbor, and he stresses that true love for God is authenticated by how we treat others. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the necessity of forgiveness, both for personal healing and for maintaining a close relationship with God.

Takeaways

Jesus is central to the Christian faith as God's son and king.

Deconstruction of faith can lead to a clearer understanding of beliefs.

Churches have different 'house rules' that can confuse newcomers.

Sin is defined as missing the mark and separates us from God.

Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, demonstrating his divinity.

The greatest commandment is to love God and love your neighbor.

Our love for God is authenticated by our love for others.

Unforgiveness creates barriers between us and God.

Forgiveness is a choice that leads to personal freedom.

Forgiveness allows God to heal our wounds.

Chapters

00:00 Gratitude and Worship

01:06 Understanding the Essentials of Faith

01:31 House Rules in Christianity

04:49 Jesus and the Concept of Sin

18:17 The Greatest Commandment: Love

23:49 The Importance of Forgiveness

In Paul, Women & Wives, Dr. Craig S. Keener presents a substantive, Scripture-based defense for egalitarian theology, principles and practices. Join me as we explore the writings of Paul in a way that liberates women, not subjugates them.

We’re finally starting with the crux of the book: exegeting Paul’s letters and diving into Scripture. Keener has divided his book into two parts. Part 1 is about the Roles of Women in the Church (Chapters 1-3). Part 2 is about Women’s Role in the Family (Chapters 4-6).

Chapter 1: Head Coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Keener presents several potential interpretations of the passage that are quite provocative, frankly. However, my takeaway was pretty simple:

Paul’s argument about head coverings isn’t about “IF” women can pray or prophecy in the church (prophecy likely isn’t too different from preaching in the modern context), but “HOW” they should do so.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soul Care in the Digital Age

00:52 Exploring Gender Roles in the Church

09:22 Head Coverings and Cultural Context

18:49 Modesty, Class, and Community Dynamics

35:37 Understanding Paul's Perspective on Women

In Paul, Women & Wives, Dr. Craig S. Keener presents a substantive, Scripture-based defense for egalitarian theology, principles and practices. Join me as we explore the writings of Paul in a way that liberates women, not subjugates them.

Check this out on Substack!

Introduction

“All biblical passages may be for all time, but all biblical passages are not for all circumstances.” - pg 59

This quote is tattoo-worthy. If you engage with the Christian Scripture for any of length of time, with any seriousness, this phrase should be a mantra you should repeat. This is especially true for pastors, elders, group leaders or anyone else who may be preaching and teaching the Jewish or Christian Scriptures. And it’s extremely pertinent to our discussion.

The most common accusation levied at egalitarians is that we have a “low view of Scripture” or are throwing out whole chunks of God’s Word to arrive at our conclusion that women can serve in the church in the same capacities as men and aren’t the only party called to submit in the home. For some, that is true. Part of their faith journey (especially those that are deconstructing or recovering from painful church experiences) is how they relate to the Bible. Especially if it was wielded like a weapon in their communities to harm them or control them. Sometimes, that experience leads folks to view Scripture with skepticism or completely disregard its authority in their life and belief system, while still clinging to faith in Jesus.

I have nothing but grace and compassion for my brothers and sisters who feel that way. However, that’s not my experience. In fact, it is in my authoritative view of Scripture that led to my egalitarian theology. And understanding this quote is big reason why, as Keener will lay out in further chapters.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soul Care and Formation

00:29 Egalitarian Theology and Gender Roles

02:49 Understanding Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation

04:54 The Role of Paul in Gender Discussions

08:11 Questioning Women's Calling in Ministry

14:06 Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation

19:03 The Complexity of Biblical Terms

27:14 Scripture's Misuse and the Call for Equality

29:47 God's Design for Gender Equality

34:00 Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Discussion

Check out Dr Beth Allison Barr and buy her books!

Hang out with the Matrons of Spice at I Read Something Bad.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

06:36 The Making of Biblical Womanhood: Unapologetic and Radical

09:07 Separating Patriarchy from Faith: The Importance of Historical Context

15:04 Dealing with Pushback and Criticism: Setting Boundaries and Focusing on Evidence

19:07 Finding Liberation in Christianity: Women's Voices Throughout History

24:11 The Reformation's Impact on Women: Solidifying Patriarchal Structures

32:42 The Undermining of Reformation Theology

33:09 The Insertion of Male Spiritual Leadership

34:07 Addressing Residual Patriarchy in Egalitarian Spaces

44:38 Teaching as a Tool for Change

49:57 Taylor Swift: Resilience and Advocacy

We’re picking back up with our walk through Paul, Women & Wives next week, but I couldn’t wait to share this pertinent discussion with Dr. Beth Allison Barr about the historicity of egalitarian theology that I recorded MONTHS ago. Not only did I think this detour would give folks a chance to purchase the book and read it without rushing (if they wanted to deep dive with me), I also feel like this conversation adds some super helpful historical context to the soul care/formation aspect of our discussion. Plus… this episode was burning a hole in my pocket and I couldn’t sit on it any longer.

Dr. Barr is the author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood, which you should absolutely read too. She’s a professor at Baylor and a bit of a celebrity in the evangelical world because of her research and communication around women’s historical role in the Church1. That’s also why Dr. Barr has been a target for those committed to preserving a patriarchal hierarchy and even folks who want to continue this deeply harmful trench warfare approach to gender roles in Jesus’ movement.

The subtitle of her book is “how the subjugation of women became gospel truth,” and that’s so powerful because it speaks to a critical reality of women’s roles in the church: it wasn’t always like this. As a historian, she presents compelling evidence that this concept of “biblical womanhood” we see expressed in the vast majority of evangelical church cultures is not what Jesus intended. Nor was it the way the early church operated. If we listen to Dr. Barr, women were never intended to be subordinate to men or limited in their calling to fulfill the Great Commission.

Our conversation explored some of The Making of Biblical Womanhood but also its reception… specifically how the aftermath affected Dr. Barr herself. And it wasn’t great. The way people talked and continue to talk to her is appalling. Just taking a peek at her mentions is to stare into the void. Hundreds of men (and women) spouting some of the ugliest, un-Christlike nonsense. Which underscores the need for a better way to have the conversations around women in ministry. I truly believe listening to Dr. Barr won’t only shift your perspective, it also equip and empower you to follow Jesus and read Scripture in a different way.

Order Dr. Craig S. Keener's Paul, Women, and Wives: Marriage and Women's Ministry in the Letters of Paul

Order Tracey Gee's book The Magic of Knowing What You Want: A Practical Guide to Unearthing the Wisdom of Your Desires. And you can learn more about Tracey on her website.

Check out my notes on the Better on the Inside Substack.

Summary

In this episode, Jon Pyle discusses the importance of understanding one's desires and the impact of spiritual formation in the digital age. He delves into the complexities surrounding women in ministry, referencing the book 'Paul, Women, and Wives' by Craig Keener. The conversation emphasizes the need for a theological framework to support women's roles in the church, the significance of exegesis, and the importance of context in biblical interpretation. Jon highlights the ongoing evangelical debate regarding gender roles and the hermeneutical issues that arise in interpreting scripture, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive understanding of women's contributions to ministry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Formation

02:23 Women in Ministry: A Theological Perspective

11:25 Understanding Exegesis and Its Importance

40:13 Contextual Interpretation of Scripture

Hey you... come closer. I need to tell you something:

How we talk about women in church and ministry is hurting our souls. Like our discourse is truly harmful to us, regardless of your "position". And the language we use (like position) is part of the problem.

And it's driving me nuts. So we're gonna talk about.

Check out Holy Balls by my friend, Sean Strehlow

For more, check out the Better on the Inside Substack

In this episode, Jon Pyle returns from a sabbatical to discuss the evolution of the podcast and his focus on soul care and spiritual formation. He emphasizes the importance of taking an active role in one's spiritual journey, rather than being passively formed by external influences. Jon aims to provide practical applications in his conversations, fostering a community that resists dehumanization and supports personal growth. He invites listeners to join him on this journey and highlights the significance of the substack as a central hub for updates and community engagement.

Read more on Substack. (Preview Below)

You are being discipled.1

This is a fact, whether you believe in God or not.

A better way to say it is that you are being FORMED. We all are. This is less a choice as it is a law of nature akin to gravity. Whether you believe it, care about it, trust it or like it… it is happening to you, in you and around you. Much like gravity, photosynthesis, or sunrises and sunsets, formation is inevitable. It is a natural process that transcends our choices. There is no unsubscribe button, so we can’t opt-out. Formation shapes us. Sadly for most of us, we are passive recipients in the formation process. Most formation happens to us without much thought, consideration or resistance on our part.

We are formed by everything we consume. The content. TV, movies, podcasts, news, music, social media. These all shape us, often far more than we consider.

We are formed by our environments. Culture, both in family and work settings, is one of the strongest factors in shaping us.

We are formed by our relationships. Who we spend time with, invest in and love shapes us.

We are formed by the systems in which we exist and participate. The way we do the economy, politics and law shapes us.

We are being formed. It is an immutable reality of existence. Unfortunately, we can’t shut off all the influences that contribute to our formation until we figure out what is healthy and what isn’t. We don’t get to pause. We aren’t entirely in control. However, we can choose to become an active participant in our formation. And if we’re going to hold onto our souls, we can’t afford not to.

Here’s the bad news: The way we are being shaped in the digital era is killing our souls.2 

Check out my Bio Site for career coaching and links to other content.

You can find Dr. Morgante at her website, but be sure to pre-order her book Recovering from Purity Culture and get some amazing bonuses!

Dr Camden Morgante Instagram

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Camden Morgante discusses the profound impact of purity culture on individuals, particularly within evangelical Christianity. She shares her personal journey from being a proponent of purity culture to recognizing its harmful effects. The discussion covers the definitions of purity culture, its implications for both men and women, and the importance of healing and aligning one's values. Dr. Morgante emphasizes the need for community, empathy, and professional help in overcoming the trauma associated with purity culture, while also highlighting the potential for positive sexual experiences based on mutual respect and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:24 Getting into the Work

06:13 Signs of Growing Up in Purity Culture

09:11 Impact on Women and Men

13:14 Recovering from Purity Culture

20:16 Performance and Damage to Men

22:38 Masturbation and Pornography

24:00 Impact of Pornography

24:50 Impact of Purity Culture on Relationships and Marriages

25:45 Damage of Purity Culture

26:43 Sexual Pain and Purity Culture

28:34 Disconnect between Mind, Body, Heart, and Soul

30:53 Seeking Professional Help

32:34 Empathy as an Antidote to Shame

35:23 Moving Towards Healthy Sexuality

43:23 Finding Joy in Dinner Dates

47:22 Outro 3.wav

Keywords

purity culture, healing, psychology, relationships, empathy, sexual ethics, trauma, evangelical Christianity, personal growth, mental health

Here's where you can find Holly:

The internet's ONLY college football podcast (and my favorite), The Shutdown Fullcast

Subscribe to Holly's amazing newsletter (with Spencer Hall), Channel 6!

I don't know why I waited a year to release this. In part because it's such a unique conversation that it didn't pair well with anything else. Another reason: I'm such a fan of Holly and her work that I wanted to save it for a big moment. But, upon reflection I think it had a lot to do with the fact that once you share something... it's not yours anymore. This conversation would cease to belong to me and be a communal thing. That was its destiny all along and it would be a waste to horde the wisdom and whimsy Holly shared... but it did feel good that it was just mine for awhile.

Holly and I talk about forgiveness, which is what connected us to this deeper conversation in the first place. We open and address all sorts of topics where Holly has tremendous, valuable insight. The nugget she shares about a former boss is INCREDIBLE! That alone is worth the price of admission.

Enjoy, y'all!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:09 Misunderstanding Forgiveness

13:03 The Rush to Forgiveness

21:47 The Importance of Support

27:42 The Impact of the Pandemic

34:50 Building Community

37:32 The Intimacy of Podcasting

37:58 The Power of Podcast Audiences

40:55 Breaking News and the Appeal of Podcasting

43:50 The Love for Utah Football

44:47 The Importance of Community and Time

47:35 The Slow Growth of Community

49:30 The Non-Judgment Zone of Joy

57:22 The Bear and the Art of Craftsmanship

01:00:47 The Bear Season 2

01:10:00 Closing Remarks

01:10:34 Outro 3.wav