The Alabaster Jar

In this special episode of the Alabaster Jar, the podcast features a recent panel discussion hosted at Regent College during their summer series featuring Dr. Lynn Cohick, Dr. Beth Allison Barr, and Dr. Lissa Wray Beal with the conversation hosted by Dr. Brittan Melton. This discussion explores the roles of women in ancient and recent Christian history. The panelists also share their personal journeys and research findings on the important topic of women in ministry. They also cover biblical texts that have been misused against women, experiences of gender discrimination, and glimpses of hope in areas like increased education and leadership opportunities for women in the church. 

Episode Resources: 

Women in the World of the Earliest Christians: Illuminating Ancient Ways of Life by Dr. Lynn Cohick

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Dr. Beth Allison Barr

Regent College Summer Series

Voices Long Silenced: Women Biblical Interpreters through the Centuries by Dr. Marion Ann Taylor

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the creation story in Genesis 1 and 2 and explore the hermeneutical approach of speech act theory. They highlight the importance of understanding and interpreting scripture well, especially in relation to women and women in leadership. They delve into the concept of being made in God's image and how it is significant in the Old and New Testaments. They also examine the woman's role as a helper and the mutual relationship between men and women. The conversation concludes with an introduction to the next topic of discussion, the fall in Genesis 3. Later in the episode, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kat Armstrong discuss the creation narrative and the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. They explore the themes of sin, brokenness, and the impact of the fall on men and women. They also delve into the significance of gardens in Scripture and the parallel between Eve and Mary Magdalene. The conversation highlights the importance of women in the biblical narrative and challenges the notion that women are more gullible than men. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Understanding scripture requires interpreting it well and considering the hermeneutical approach.
• Being made in God's image is a significant concept in both the Old and New Testaments.
• The woman's role as a helper does not imply subordination but rather a mutual relationship. ·
• The creation story in Genesis 1 and 2 provides a beautiful picture of God's image and likeness expressed through both males and females.
• The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 highlights the impact of sin and brokenness on men and women.
• Gardens in Scripture serve as significant settings for important decisions and moments in the biblical narrative.
• The parallel between Eve and Mary Magdalene highlights the redemption and restoration found in Jesus.
• The notion that women are more gullible than men is a false and harmful interpretation of Scripture.
• Women play important roles in the biblical narrative and are called to be active participants in discipleship and ministry. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Exploring the Story of Creation in Genesis 1 and 2
01:37 - Understanding Scripture through Speech Act Theory
15:32 - The Role of the Woman as a Helper
22:31 - Introduction and Overview of the Creation Narrative
25:29 - The Significance of Gardens in Scripture
33:06 - The Parallel Between Eve and Mary Magdalene
42:00 - The Role of Women in the Biblical Narrative 

Episode Resources: 

Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible | Edited By Dr. Sandra Glahn

Are Women Human? Penetrating, Sensible, and Witty Essays on the Role of Women in Society by Dorothy L. Sayers

The Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong

Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the topic of hermeneutics, which is the study of interpreting and understanding the Bible. They explore the challenges of interpreting scripture and the importance of considering the lens through which we read it. They also discuss various approaches to hermeneutics, such as the Wesleyan quadrilateral and historical criticism. Dr. Cohick emphasizes the value of reading the Bible as a story and understanding its metanarrative of redemption. They also touch on the concept of leadership and how it should be defined in light of Jesus' example. Later in the episode, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kat Armstrong discuss the importance of approaching scripture as a story. They highlight the cohesion and unity of the Bible, which features God's storytelling genius. They also explore the significance of women in the biblical text and how their stories can inspire and empower women today. Kat shares her experience of facing obstacles to learning about Jesus as a woman and how it led her to study the role of women in scripture. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Hermeneutics is the study of interpreting and understanding the Bible.
• It is important to consider the lens through which we read scripture.
• Approaches to hermeneutics include the Wesleyan quadrilateral and historical criticism.
• Reading the Bible as a story helps us understand its metanarrative of redemption.
• Leadership should be defined in terms of service, following Jesus' example.       
• Approaching scripture as a story helps us understand the cohesion and unity of the Bible.   
• Women play significant roles in biblical texts, and their stories can inspire and empower women today.
• The accessibility of scripture allows people of all ages and levels of study to engage with its message.
• Obstacles to women learning about Jesus should be challenged and overcome, as God takes women seriously and entrusts them with important roles in the kingdom.
• Studying the stories of women in scripture can provide new possibilities and insights for women in their own lives and ministries. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction to Hermeneutics
03:14 - The Tension Between What It Says and What It Means
06:20 - Approaches to Hermeneutics
12:23 - Reading the Bible as a Story
21:37 - Defining Leadership in Light of Jesus' Example
22:43 - Approaching Scripture as Story
29:46 - Obstacles to Women's Learning
34:57 - Discovering Women's Roles in Scripture
44:44 - Empowering Women through Biblical Examples
46:40 - The Power of Scripture as Story 

Episode Resources: 

No More Holding Back: No More Holding Back: Emboldening Women to Move Past Barriers, See Their Worth, and Serve God Everywhere by Kat Armstrong

The Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong

Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown

The Concept of Woman: A Synthesis in One Volume by Sister Prudence Allen, RSM  

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the view of childhood in the ancient world and how the gospel message shaped the idea of children and childhood. They explore the challenges of understanding children in the first century, including the lack of information and the differences in cultural assumptions. They highlight the importance of education in the early church and how it challenged the Roman status quo. The conversation also emphasizes the value of children and the need for their education and spiritual growth within the church.

Key Takeaways: 

• The ancient world had a different view of childhood compared to modern Western society.
• Children in the ancient world were expected to work and develop self-control from a young age.
• Education was important in the early church and challenged the Roman status quo.
• The church saw children as individuals with inherent value and offered them an eternal inheritance.
• Children's ministry in the church is a form of theological education and should be valued and prioritized. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Focus of the Conversation
05:25 - Understanding Childhood in the Ancient World
15:51 - The Importance of Education in the Early Church
36:15 - Children as Individuals with Inherent Value
46:12 - The Significance of Children's Ministry

Episode Resources: 

The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity  

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 conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in the book of Exodus, exploring the different Hebrew words used and their nuanced meanings. They highlight the idea that God is not overriding Pharaoh's free will, but rather strengthening his resolve to carry out his own desires. They also discuss the cultural context of ancient Egypt and the significance of the signs and wonders in the narrative.

Key Takeaways: 

• The hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus is not a violation of his free will, but rather a strengthening of his resolve to carry out his own desires.
• The signs and wonders in Exodus gradually increase in intensity, giving Pharaoh numerous opportunities to repent and recognize Yahweh's superiority.
• Pharaoh's obstinacy and refusal to listen to God ultimately lead to his own downfall and the suffering of his people. 

Episode Breakdown:

4:13 - The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
11:26 - The Gradual Intensification of Signs and Wonders
20:05 - Pharaoh's Obstinate Refusal

Episode Resources: 

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

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

NLT Every Woman’s Bible (Tyndale)  

Dr. Carmen Imes’ Torah Tuesday YouTube Series

The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart In Its Literary and Cultural Contexts by Dr. Dorian G. Coover Cox

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 conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss their involvement in creating a study Bible for women, addressing problematic passages, and answering objections to the Bible and Christianity. They explore the misconceptions surrounding the Proverbs 31 woman and the purity laws in Leviticus, providing insights into the cultural and historical context. They emphasize the importance of including women's voices and perspectives in teaching and preaching and the need for resources like the Every Woman's Bible to address women's questions and concerns. In this part of the conversation, Carmen Imes and Lynn discuss the concept of impurity in the Old Testament and how it relates to the bleeding woman in the New Testament. They also talk about the Every Woman's Bible and its accompanying app, Filament, which provides additional resources for studying the Bible.

Key Takeaways: 

• Creating study Bibles specifically for women allows for exploring passages that are problematic or misunderstood from a female perspective.
• The Proverbs 31 woman should not be seen as a checklist for women to aspire to but as a personification of wisdom in various domestic spheres.
• The purity laws in Leviticus were not meant to be oppressive or judgmental towards women but rather had to do with their role in childbirth and the potential for life.
• Including women's voices and perspectives in teaching and preaching is important for addressing women's questions and concerns.
• Jesus' ministry challenged and transcended the purity laws, offering a new understanding of purity and healing. The Old Testament addresses issues of impurity beyond menstruation, including long-term discharges and abnormal discharges in both men and women.
• The Every Woman's Bible is a study Bible that focuses on women's issues and questions. Its accompanying app provides additional resources. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Setting
01:27 - Creating a Study Bible for Women
06:02 - Understanding the Purity Laws in Leviticus
10:25 - Including Women's Voices in Teaching and Preaching
29:46 - Impurity in the Old Testament
33:23 - The Every Woman's Bible 

Episode Resources: 

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

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

NLT Every Woman’s Bible (Tyndale)  

Dr. Carmen Imes’ Torah Tuesday YouTube Series  

The Filament App (Tyndale)   Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism by Dr. Matthew Thiessen  

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity, an online database showcasing women in church leadership roles through curated images. Dr. Cohick discusses the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Italian art, her significance in Christian history, and interpretations of her character. They delve into her presence during Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, exploring artistic depictions and biblical narratives. The conversation examines societal interpretations of Mary Magdalene, her portrayal in art, and the challenges of negative stereotypes.

Key Takeaways: 

• It is crucial to have a solid understanding of the New Testament background to avoid misinterpreting biblical women. Mary Magdalene is described as an apostle, meaning she was sent by Jesus.
• The idea of perpetual penance for sexual sin is an unfortunate and inaccurate portrayal of Mary Magdalene.
• The representation of Mary Magdalene and the traditions related to her vary across different periods of church history. Mary Magdalene is highly respected in the Church and seen as a model of devotion and discipleship.
• Misinterpretation and mislabeling of biblical characters can inadvertently silence their voices and agency. 

Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

The purpose of this collaborative project is to create a curated, permanent visual exhibit of women in the history, ministry, and piety of early, Byzantine, and medieval Christianity that will be available online for researchers, educators, and interested laypersons.

This multi-year project aims to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and without permission requirements. It will also include short teaching elements to guide the audience through the constitutive and pivotal role of women throughout Christian history.

Together with the visual story, the accompanying narrative will allow patrons to learn about women throughout history and across the globe and their unique contributions to the life and faith of the church…

A history that remains mostly untold.

Follow the Visual Museum on Social Media:

Instagram: visualmuseum.gallery
Facebook: visualmuseum.gallery
Twitter: visual_museum
TikTok: visualmuseum.gallery
YouTube: @VisualMuseum

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 conversation, Dr. Michelle Keener joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her upcoming book “Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors” and her study of the Book of Job through the lens of trauma. She explains that trauma is a response to an event that overwhelms our ordinary coping capacity and leaves a wound that remains unhealed. Dr. Keener explores the retribution principle in the book of Job, where Job's friends try to impose their agenda on his story, blaming him for his suffering. She also highlights the importance of the book's shift from prose to poetry, symbolizing the rupture of trauma and the messy middle of the survivor's journey.

The conversation explores the themes of trauma, justice, apology, forgiveness, and meaning-making in the book of Job. It discusses the silence of the unrepentant and the longing for justice and acknowledgment of trauma survivors. They also address the tendency to rush forgiveness and the lack of emphasis on repentance. The importance of providing a meaning-making space for trauma survivors is emphasized while discussing the naming and provision for Job's daughters at the end of the book which symbolizes positive change and hope while suffering. 

Key Takeaways: ·       

Trauma is a response to an overwhelming event that leaves an unhealed wound. 

The retribution principle in the book of Job reduces our relationship with God to a business transaction, causing harm and insecurity. ·       

Trusted listeners are those who can hear and listen to a survivor's story without imposing their agenda. ·       

The shift from prose to poetry in the Book of Job symbolizes the rupture of trauma and the messy middle of the survivor's journey. Trauma survivors often long for justice and acknowledgment of their pain, including an apology from the person who caused the trauma. 

The church sometimes rushes for forgiveness and neglects the importance of repentance, which can hinder healing and justice. 

Creating a meaning-making space for trauma survivors to process their experiences and find their meaning is crucial for their healing. 

The book of Job explores the tension between God as judge and adversary, reflecting trauma survivors' complex emotions and thoughts.

Job's naming and provision for his daughters at the end of the book symbolize positive change and hope while suffering.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Background
07:06 - Understanding Trauma as a Response
29:31 - The Silence of the Unrepentant
45:20 - The Symbolism of Job's Daughters

Episode Resources: 

Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors by Dr. Michelle Keener  

Shattered Theology: A Trauma Theory Reading of the Book of Job (Dissertation by Dr. Michelle Keener)  

The Lost World of the Israelite Conquest: Covenant, Retribution, and the Fate of the Canaanites (Volume 4) (The Lost World Series) by Dr. John Walton and J. Harvey Walton  

Resurrecting Wounds: Living in the Afterlife of Trauma by Dr. Shelley Rambo  

Michelle Keener, Ph.D.  

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 conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the importance of women's Bible studies and the need for deeper biblical teaching. She emphasizes the beauty and artistry of the Old Testament and how it can inspire women to study the Scriptures. Dr. Kaminski also explores the themes of humility and seeking God's face in the book of 2 Chronicles while highlighting the significance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in our lives.

Key Takeaways: 

• Women's Bible studies should focus on deeper biblical teaching and understanding.
• The Old Testament is a rich source of beauty and artistry that can inspire women to study the scriptures.
• Humility and seeking God's face are important themes in 2 Chronicles.
• Prayer and seeking God's guidance are essential practices for cultivating godliness.
• Reconciliation and healing in the community are crucial for experiencing God's restoration. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Passion for Women's Bible Studies
03:44 - The Importance of Studying Scriptures
06:15 - Cultivating Godliness in Women's Bible Studies
09:51 - Overcoming Hesitation to Study the Bible
12:18 - The Beauty and Artistry of the Old Testament
14:50 - Exploring Second Chronicles
25:38 - Listening to Wise Counsel and Seeking God's Face
29:04 - Prayer and Seeking God's Face
34:27 - Reconciliation and Healing in Community

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  

Cultivating Godliness: An Eight-Week Bible Study In 1-2 Chronicles by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski  

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/.

The first season of the Visual Museum podcast series is officially wrapping up as Kelly Dippolito and Christine Calareso Bleecker share their favorite moments from this season while also discussing the impact the episodes already have. The goal of this podcast has always been to help listeners orient themselves in time, space, and location from first-century art to pieces from the 14th and 15th centuries. This series introduced listeners to women not specifically named in the Bible and shed light on the stories of women they may have heard but haven't heard in full.

The podcast also explored theological concepts and the relationship between art and faith as various scholars introduced listeners to how to understand the context of these art pieces better and cultivate an eye for interpreting art well. Christine and Kelly also share some exciting news about what’s to come in Season 2 of this podcast series and future opportunities for the Visual Museum! 

Key Takeaways: 

• The podcast series aimed to orient listeners in time, space, and location from the first century to the 14th and 15th centuries.
• It introduced listeners to women not specifically named in the Bible and shed light on the stories of women they may have heard but haven't heard in full.
• The podcast explored theological concepts and the relationship between art and faith.
• The Visual Museum website provides downloadable images that can be used in various media to incorporate women's narratives into the church's conversation today. 

Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

This collaborative project aims to create a curated, permanent visual exhibit of women in the history, ministry, and piety of early, Byzantine, and medieval Christianity that will be available online for researchers, educators, and interested laypersons.

This multi-year project aims to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and without permission requirements. It will also include short teaching elements to guide the audience through the constitutive and pivotal role of women throughout Christian history.

Together with the visual story, the accompanying narrative will allow patrons to learn about women throughout history and across the globe and their unique contributions to the life and faith of the church...

A history that remains mostly untold.

Follow the Visual Museum on Social Media:

Instagram: visualmuseum.gallery
Facebook: visualmuseum.gallery
Twitter: visual_museum
TikTok: visualmuseum.gallery
YouTube: @VisualMuseum

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/.