Dinah and the Samaritan Woman have been interpreted many different ways by founding church fathers and theologians, and we inherit those interpretations. Kat welcomes Biblical scholars Drs. Beth Allison Barr and Sandra Glahn to process the interpretations of these early theologians–known as the Patristic fathers, and reformation leaders.

Dr. Sandra Glahn is a Professor of Media Arts and Worship at Dallas Theological Seminary and author of more than 20 books. Dr. Beth Allison Barr is an expert in Medieval History, and her book The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth was a bestseller and began a larger conversation in recent years about the role of women in scripture and the church. 

Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault. 

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Kat is joined by Cheryl Luke, a pastor and communicator, for a vulnerable conversation about how Bible readers need to process the storyline of Shechem. Together, Kat and Cherl expose the complexities of trauma, abuse, and highlight the transformative power of faith. The episode offers a raw conversation, urging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find hope in the midst of pain.

Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault. 

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Episode Highlights: 

Cheryl underlines the redemptive role of Jesus, portraying him as the ultimate source of healing and hope in the midst of brokenness. 

• The episode concludes with a pastoral note, offering guidance to those processing trauma. She offers a poignant reminder: every story matters. And sharing one's experiences can have a ripple effect of healing and freedom.

Holy Curiosity is a production of Christianity Today

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Holy Curiosity welcomes Rev. Dr. Jackie Roese again, as well as scholar Dr. Lynn Cohick as they provide a fresh perspective on a disciple of Jesus that’s often misunderstood. Jackie emphasizes the Samaritan woman’s significance as a marginalized figure, facing societal judgment due to her ethnicity, gender, and personal history and Dr. Cohick challenges the misconceptions surrounding the woman, debunking the idea that she was a promiscuous sinner and instead suggesting possibilities such as multiple tragic losses in marriage or societal rejection. The conversation underscores the woman's theological depth, highlighting her role as the first evangelist who effectively brings the gospel to her town. 

Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault. 

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Give feedback, ask questions, and download a free learning guide on Kat’s website

The In-Between Place by Kat Armstrong: Kat’s book about Shechem and how Jesus can change our stories.

Dr. Rev. Jackie Roese’s The Marcella Project: themarcellaproject.com/

Dr. Lynn Cohick: www.lynncohick.com/

Vindicating the Vixens book

Dr. Norfleete Day

Virtual Museum of Women in Christianity

Find Kat online:

Instagram: @KatArmstrong1

Website: Katarmstrong.com

The Storyline Project: thestorylineproject.com

Episode Highlights

Part 1: Rev. Dr. Jackie Roese

Jackie talks about her visit to Samaria and the significance of Jacob's well in the story and describes the animosity between Jews and Samaritans and the cultural context of the patriarchal society in which the woman lived.

Jackie reinterprets the story, suggesting that Jesus recognized the woman's past suffering, abandonment, and societal rejection and explores how the Samaritan woman's story is relevant to both men and women, addressing power structures and vulnerability in society.

Part 2: Dr. Lynn Cohick

Dr. Cohick addresses the misconception of the Samaritan woman being a prostitute and challenges assumptions about her life.

She discusses the societal context of first-century Palestine and the limited legal standing of women.

Dr. Cohick emphasizes the woman's theological interest and her role in bringing the gospel message to her town and the need to appreciate the Samaritan woman as a great disciple of Jesus.

Holy Curiosity is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper

Producer: Leslie Thompson

Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill

Audio Editing: Kevin Morris

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Kat welcomes Dr. Tim Mackie to trace Shechem, from Genesis to John. Dr. Mackie–one of the creators of The Bible Project– traces Shechem's narrative thread, revealing places in the Bible carry profound meaning for ancient and modern Bible readers. Together, Kat and Tim uncover God's storytelling genius, showcasing Shechem as a location repurposed by many Biblical authors for literary impact.

Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault. 

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Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper

Producer: Leslie Thompson

Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill

Audio Editing: Kevin Morris

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Kat Armstrong interviews Dr. Diane Langberg, a renowned psychologist and trauma expert, shedding light on the challenges of addressing abuse in the Scriptures. Dr. Langberg has sat with, and counseled, countless victims of trauma, violence, rape, and war. She’s studied people groups who’ve been crushed, oppressed and enslaved. She’s explored the sewer system of suffering and written to tell of it. And she doesn’t back down or hold back.

Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault. 

Diane doesn’t worry about hurting the Church’s image because God doesn’t need us to protect his reputation.

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Episode Highlights: Here are the questions Kat asks Dr. Langberg‌

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Part 1 of the Shechem Storyline welcomes Rev. Dr. Jackie Roese to explore the stories of two women, Dinah and the Woman at the Well. Despite living centuries apart, these two women are connected through their hometown, Shechem. This episode explores the lingering effect that pain and trauma can have on a place. And it’s about how Jesus brings redemption to places of pain and brokenness in Bible times and in our lives as well.

Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault and suicide. 

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Episode Highlights:

Rev. Dr. Jackie Roese shares insights from leading a tour to Samaria, and the importance of respecting stories of women who’ve faced marginalization and vulnerability like Dinah and the Woman at the Well.

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Trailer

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