Context Matters

By Dr. Cyndi ParkerSociety & Culture Documentary Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education

Context Matters episodes

June 04, 2020 An Introduction to the Apostle Paul: Part 1 with Dr. Nijay Gupta
As we continue this series that follow the Christian story as it developed in Jewish context and then spreads to a gentile context before severing itself from its original roots, we leave the land of the Bible to broaden our horizon line and explore how the apostle Paul translated the gospel message into the wider Hellenized society of the Roman empire.
My guest this week is Dr Nijay Gupta. We discuss the intriguing aspect of reading ancient letters, along with the challenges and misunderstanding that happen when you eavesdrop on an ancient conversation. From understanding Paul as a Jew in the diaspora with Roman citizenship to realizing that he was the scholar the early leaders of the Jewish church trusted with taking the gospel to the gentiles, the person and mission of Paul is fascinating. Join me for Part 1 of the conversation with Dr. Gupta.
For the rich resources Dr. Gupta posts, follow his blog HERE
And his newest book is coming out! Click to get a glimpse into the Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies
35 min
May 28, 2020 Steven Notley: Parting of the Ways
We talk about many of Dr. Notley’s works with great scholars. You can find these links below.
The translation of David Flusser’s work: The Sage from Galilee
Anson Rainey and Steven Notley: The Sacred Bridge
Ze’ev Safrai and Steven Notley: Parables of the Sages
To follow along with the El-Araj project and the discussion over the location of the gospel town of Bethesda, go to the El Araj page HERE. They have all kinds of pictures, videos, and articles available.
37 min
May 21, 2020 Kyuboem Lee: Does Place Influence Your Theology?
Read some of Dr. Lee’s writings with Missio Alliance HERE
Among other things, Dr. Lee edits an online journal you can access HERE
And follow Dr. Lee on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyuboem

28 min
May 14, 2020 Kyuboem Lee: A Search for "Home"

Read some of Dr. Lee’s writings with Missio Alliance HERE
Among other things, Dr. Lee edits an online journal you can access HERE
And follow Dr. Lee on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyuboem

25 min
May 07, 2020 Ken Kihlstrom: A Partnership Between Faith and Science
Do you have a memory of a time when science and religion clashed in your brain? Or when what you thought you knew for a fact ended up not being true at all? These experiences can be disorienting but they also can lead to a richer, deeper, and more thoughtful faith. This week I interview Dr. Ken Kihlstrom who is the chair of the Physics Department at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. Issues related to science are the foundation for much of my curiosity about how Dr. Kihlstrom wrestles with faith, but we ended up talking more about how to approach religion with humility and an attitude of curiosity. We also spend a lot of time talking about how context influences every area of life — from the sports team you adore to the impact of experiential education.
When we recorded this conversation the Coronavirus was not yet the global beast it proved to be. We had a dream team made up of Ken his wife Cathy, Gabe and I, and we organized an incredible Europe Semester for Westmont students that capitalizes on the power of experiential education. Sadly, that trip has been postponed for a year — so I would like to dedicate this podcast episode to all the students who are scrambling to reschedule what their fall will look like. My heart goes out to all of you.
38 min
April 30, 2020 Tamar Kamionkowski: Aspiring towards Holiness
Dr. Kamionkowski’s faculty page is HERE
A link to her commentary is HERE
Do not forget to check out the online educational site she has! https://kamionkowski-bet-midrash.com
And we talked briefly about Carol Meyes. You can find one of her books HERE.
32 min
April 23, 2020 Tamar Kamionkowski: Why Does Leviticus Matter Now?
Dr. Kamionkowski’s faculty page is HERE
A link to her commentary is HERE
Do not forget to check out the online educational site she has! https://kamionkowski-bet-midrash.com
And we talked briefly about Carol Meyes. You can find one of her books HERE.
31 min
April 16, 2020 Muhia Karinjahi: The Power of Rights of Passage
Can a Rights of Passage experience help students go through this process of shaking off the beliefs of others and taking responsibility over their own faith decisions? Dr. Muhia Karinjahi describes the essential elements of a rights of passage experience and the importance of getting an entire community involved.
27 min
April 09, 2020 Muhia Karinjahi: When Context Changes Beliefs
Muhia Karinjahi grew up in a village just outside of Nairobi. His parents were first generation Christians, he went to a Muslim primary school, and worked in an Indian engineering firm. We discuss how living cross culturally in his own country prepared him to love people well. We also discuss how each shift in Muhia's context impacted his religious beliefs.
32 min
April 02, 2020 Rob Ribbe: Experiential Learning
What is experiential learning? Can we engage the whole mind, body, and emotions in the learning process? Dr. Rob Ribbe talks about the powerful experience of being in a place (say the wilderness) in which we are not in control. This feels so true of our current COVID19 context. We are in an uncomfortable time that push all of us into places of discovery about who we are.
41 min

About Context Matters

From the publisher's feed

This podcast is for people who are curious about the ancient context that influenced the final shape of the Bible…AND ALSO…how our modern context influences the way we understand the Bible and God and…