The Alabaster Jar

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the distractions that can pull Christians away from the gospel and how to stay focused on following Jesus. They are joined by Rev. Tracy Bianchi, the pastor of Adult Ministries at Christ Church Oak Brook near Chicago, Illinois, who shares pastoral strategies for navigating these distractions. They discuss the challenges of living in a culture where news is constantly changing and how to avoid getting drawn into divisive conversations. They also explore the distractions of political ideologies and the pressure to conform to certain societal expectations, such as Christian Nationalism or the tradwives movement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of love, empathy, active listening, and reflection as strategies for staying grounded in the gospel.  

Key Takeaways: 

• Stay focused on following Jesus and living out the gospel, even in the midst of distractions.
• Avoid getting drawn into divisive conversations, and be mindful of the changing news landscape.
• Recognize that political ideologies and societal expectations can be distractions from the gospel.
• Practice love, empathy, active listening, and reflection as strategies for staying grounded in the gospel.
• Remember that God's love for humanity is the most important focus, not political agendas or societal norms. 

Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this two-part interview on the Alabaster Jar podcast, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing discusses her book Lead Like the Real You: Wisdom for Women on Finding Your Voice, Pursuing God's Calling, and Leading with Courage with Dr. Lynn Cohick. This book explores women's challenges and opportunities in male-dominated spaces and offers practical advice on finding and using their voices. It also delves into the topics of work, intellectual integrity, and love in leadership. In this episode, Dr. Orr-Ewing and Dr. Cohick delve deeply into biblical interpretation, particularly around the creation narrative in Genesis and how it has been misused to justify patriarchal structures and gender-based hierarchies in the church. Dr. Orr-Ewing provides a nuanced and empowering perspective, highlighting how the Bible affirms the equal dignity and agency of men and women as image-bearers of God. They also have a poignant discussion about Dr. Orr-Ewing's personal experiences navigating a toxic situation within the Ravi Zacharias International Ministry (RZIM). They explore concepts like "DARVO" (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) and gaslighting and how these manipulative tactics can be weaponized against women seeking accountability and justice in religious contexts.

Key Takeaways: 

• The Bible affirms the equal dignity and value of men and women as image-bearers of God, challenging patriarchal interpretations.
• The concepts of “headship" and "authority" in the Bible need nuanced explanations since they do not inherently imply male dominance or female subordination.
• The "DARVO" (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) pattern helps those in religious settings understand when they are being manipulated.
• There is a big danger of misapplying the redemption narrative to excuse abusers. We should be cautious against rushing to reconcile abusers without true repentance, as this can further harm victims. 

Resources Mentioned:   

Lead Like the Real You: Wisdom for Women on Finding Your Voice, Pursuing God's Calling, and Leading with Courage by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing  

Report of Independent Investigation into Sexual Misconduct of Ravi Zacharias  

The Center for Institutional Courage  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this two-part interview on the Alabaster Jar podcast, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing discusses her book Lead Like the Real You: Wisdom for Women on Finding Your Voice, Pursuing God's Calling, and Leading with Courage with Dr. Lynn Cohick. This book explores women's challenges and opportunities in male-dominated spaces and offers practical advice on finding and using their voices. It also delves into the topics of work, intellectual integrity, and love in leadership. Dr. Orr-Ewing shares personal stories, including the influence of her grandmother, who survived the horrors of World War II and inspired her with her resilience and joy.

Key Takeaways: 

• Women face unique challenges in male-dominated spaces and need support and mentorship.
• Work is a gift and a creative expression of our humanity, regardless of economic productivity.
• Intellectual integrity and speaking the truth in love are essential virtues in leadership.
• Love should be at the center of Christian leadership, as modeled by Jesus.  

Resources Mentioned:   

Lead Like the Real You: Wisdom for Women on Finding Your Voice, Pursuing God's Calling, and Leading with Courage by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing  

Gaudy Night: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery with Harriet Vane by Dorothy L. Sayers  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the spiritual significance of the Old Testament and the importance of understanding it in light of the New Testament. Dr. Kaminski offers principles for interpreting Old Testament scriptures and discusses the importance of context in interpreting blessings and curses and finding hope in the Psalms. This conversation highlights the importance of serious Bible study in understanding and applying the Old Testament. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The concepts of blessing and curse are central to the Old Testament and help us understand the consequences of obeying and disobeying God's laws.
• Understanding the Old Testament helps us avoid anti-Semitism and embrace the global family of God. It is also essential for understanding the New Testament and the story of Jesus.
• The Casket Empty Project provides a helpful framework for visualizing the storyline of the Old Testament.
• Women's Bible studies should prioritize serious study of the scriptures and not shy away from difficult topics. 

Episode Resources:   

Casket Empty: Old Testament Study Guide: God's Plan Of Redemption Through History by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski  

1–2 Chronicles (The Story of God Bible Commentary) by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski  

How to Read the Psalms (How to Read Series) by Dr. Tremper Longman III  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito sit down with Karen Smith to discuss her journey as an artist and how her theological education has influenced her art. She shares how studying scripture has influenced her paintings and how she uses art to explore the stories of women in the Bible. Karen also talks about her experience of church hurt and how she used Taylor Swift's lyrics to express her emotions and process her grief. This conversation highlights the importance of empathy and the role of art in healing and self-expression.

Key Takeaways: 

• Studying scripture has greatly influenced Karen's art. She often visualizes the stories she studies and tries to accurately represent them in her paintings.
• Karen used Taylor Swift's lyrics to express her emotions and process her experience of church hurt, finding empathy and agency in the music.
• Art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their emotions and connect with others.
• Engaging with secular music and culture can provide opportunities for empathy and understanding and inspire creativity and beauty.
• The church needs empathy and imagination to create a healthy, inclusive community. 

Episode Resources:

Karen Smith’s Taylor Swift Lament Playlist  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Michelle Keener discuss the traumatic events in Judges 19 and the importance of a trauma-informed reading of the passage. They explore the themes of betrayal, silence, and the failure of religious authority. They emphasize the need to give trauma survivors the space to tell their own stories and the importance of acknowledging their pain. Despite the darkness of the story, they find hope in the character of God, who sees and knows the suffering of the vulnerable. The conversation highlights the need for justice and righteousness in the face of evil.

Key Takeaways: 

• A trauma-informed reading of Judges 19 reveals the themes of betrayal, silence, and the failure of religious authority. 
• Trauma survivors should be given the space to tell their own stories and have their experiences acknowledged. 
• Despite the darkness of the story, there is hope in the character of God, who sees and knows the suffering of the vulnerable. 
• The passage highlights the need for justice and righteousness in the face of evil. 

Episode Resources:

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the stories of Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia, mentioned in Romans 16. They emphasize the importance of hermeneutics, the art and science of interpreting the Bible, and its ethical ramifications. Dr. Cohick also explores the narratives behind these names and highlights the biases and prejudices that can influence our understanding of leadership roles in the church. She also delves into the significance of Phoebe as a courier of the Book of Romans and the role of Priscilla and Aquila as coworkers of Paul. The episode concludes with a discussion of Junia and the debate surrounding her status as an apostle. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Hermeneutics is the art and science of interpreting the Bible and has ethical ramifications.
• The narratives behind the names in Romans 16 provide valuable insights into the lives and roles of women in the early church.
• Phoebe served as a courier of the Book of Romans and was highly regarded by Paul.
• Priscilla and Aquila were Paul's coworkers. They risked their lives for him, and Priscilla was also known for her teaching.
• Junia is mentioned as an outstanding apostle, highlighting the debate surrounding women in leadership roles in the church. 

Episode Resources:

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Carmen Imes discuss Miriam's role as a worship leader, drummer, and moral guide in the Exodus story. They highlight her agency and affirmation of God's actions while acknowledging the cultural context of women's drumming and dancing in ancient times. They also offer a nuanced understanding of Miriam's leadership and moral responsibility in the Hebrew Bible. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Miriam was a drummer, not a tambourine player, as often depicted in art.
• Miriam played a crucial prophetic role, leading the Israelites in worship after crossing the Red Sea.
• There are parallel rescue stories in Exodus - Moses' rescue as a baby and the Israelites' rescue from Egypt - with Miriam playing a vital role in both.
• Miriam is recognized alongside Moses and Aaron as a leader of Israel during the Exodus, as mentioned in Micah 6:4.
• God treats Miriam as a moral agent with responsibility, as seen in her punishment for challenging Moses' authority.
• Studying lesser-known biblical figures like Miriam can provide deeper insights into Scripture and Israel's history. 

Episode Resources: 

Exodus (Westminster Bible Companion) by Dr. J. Gerald Janzen  

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  

Torah Tuesday (YouTube Series by Dr. Carmen Imes)  

Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary) by Dr. Carol Myers  

Exodus (Teach the Text Commentary Series) by Dr. T. Desmond Alexander  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the importance of historical context when interpreting scripture, specifically focusing on 1 Timothy 2. They emphasize that understanding Ephesus's cultural and religious context in the first century is crucial to understanding Paul's message. They debunk the idea that Paul is establishing a gender hierarchy or limiting women's roles in the church. Instead, they argue that Paul addresses heretical teachings and false piety in Ephesus, urging both men and women to be educated in the truth and focus on Jesus as the Savior. They also explore the possible influence of the Artemis myth and Gnostic heresies on interpreting certain passages in 1 Timothy.

Key Takeaways: 

• Understanding the historical context of scripture is essential for accurate interpretation.
• Paul's message in 1 Timothy 2 is not about establishing a gender hierarchy or limiting women's roles in the church.
• Paul addresses heretical teachings and false piety in Ephesus and urges both men and women to be educated in the truth.
• The influence of the Artemis myth and Gnostic heresies may have shaped the interpretation of certain passages in 1 Timothy.
• The focus should be on Jesus as the Savior and striving towards a godly life. 

Episode Resources: 

Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament by Dr. Sandra Glahn  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:3 and the role of women in the church. They explore the Wesleyan quadrilateral as a tool for studying scripture and the importance of tradition and theology. They also examine the passage's meaning of the term 'head' and its implications for hierarchical relationships. Dr. Cohick and Kelly highlight the complexity of the verse and the various interpretations, including the possibility that Paul is countering bad teaching by the Corinthians. They emphasize the need to understand the cultural and historical context of the passage and the importance of affirming the equal value and gifting of men and women in the church.

Key Takeaways: 

• The Wesleyan quadrilateral, which includes scripture, tradition, experience, and reason, can be a helpful tool for studying scripture and interpreting its meaning.
• Creeds, such as the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, provide theological guidance and help us understand scripture.
• The term 'head' in 1 Corinthians 11:3 does not necessarily imply hierarchy but can have various meanings, such as source, preeminence, or representation.
• The interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:3 is complex, with different perspectives on its meaning. It is important to consider the passage's cultural and historical context. 
• Women are made in the image and likeness of God and have equal value and gifting in the church. It is important to affirm and support women in their roles and contributions.
• Understanding the complexity of scripture and engaging in thoughtful interpretation can lead to a deeper understanding of God's word and a more inclusive and equitable church. 

Episode Resources: 

Women and Worship at Corinth: Paul’s Rhetorical Arguments in 1 Corinthians by Dr. Lucy Peppiatt The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.