The Alabaster Jar

In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Mary Jo Sharp as she discusses her journey from atheism to Christianity and the importance of doubt. She also addresses the issue of hypocrisy in the church and how to heal from church wounds. Dr. Sharp emphasizes the need to appreciate the beauty of women in the church while recognizing the objectification that takes place for so many women in this context. She also shares her experience of turning outward and partnering with God in her ministry and reflects on the importance of trusting God in difficult times.

Key Takeaways: 

• Doubt is a complex process that involves intellectual and emotional aspects.
• Hypocrisy in the church can cause deep wounds, but healing is possible through self-reflection and forgiveness.
• Beauty is an important aspect of God's creation and should be appreciated and celebrated.   
• Turning outward and partnering with God can lead to meaningful ministry and personal growth.     
• Trusting God in difficult times is a lifelong journey that requires perseverance and reliance on His goodness.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Background
00:49 - Understanding Doubt
10:17 - Dealing with Hypocrisy in the Church
16:20 - Healing from Church Wounds
25:09 - Objectification of Women in the Church
31:53 - Turning Outward and Partnering with God
35:25 - Learning to Trust God 

Episode Resources:   

Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist’s Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God by Dr. Mary Jo Sharp  

A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing by Dr. Scot McKnight  

Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture by Dr. Scot McKnight  

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. Sandra Glahn, Dr. Matthew Milliner, and Christine Calareso Bleecker discuss the absence of depicting the body of the first person of the Trinity in Christian art and how it has shaped perceptions of women. Dr. Milliner explains that early Christian art depicted the Trinity through sarcophagi and male embodiments of Christ, but the depiction of the Father went underground due to the influence of pagan depictions of Zeus. The resurgence of depicting the Trinity in art in later centuries led to the physical depiction of God and the caricature of the bearded male figure. This had ramifications for women, as it emphasized one gender's resemblance to God and undermined the understanding that both men and women fully image God. The conversation also explores the visual literacy needed to identify Virgin stories in art, such as the depictions of Agnes, Dorothy, Catherine, and Agatha. The significance of depicting the Virgin Mary is discussed, highlighting her representation of the ecclesial nature of the formation of the body of Christ and the reflection on end-of-life issues. The conversation also emphasizes the beauty and redemptive power of these art depictions. It also explores the power of images in healing and restoration, the importance of lament and hope, and the role of Mary as a symbol of healing and response to violence. Plus, the conversation also touches on the Virgin of the Passion and Our Lady of Perpetual Help as icons of love in the face of violence while addressing the power of images in overcoming pornography and the historical tradition of Mary as a leader in the church.

Key Takeaways:

• The absence of depicting the body of the first person of the Trinity in Christian art has shaped perceptions of women.
• The resurgence of depicting the Trinity in art led to the physical depiction of God and the caricature of the bearded male figure.
• Depicting the Father physically undermined the understanding that both men and women fully image God.
• Visual literacy is important for identifying Virgin stories in art and understanding their significance. Images have the power to heal and restore and can meet people in surprising and unexpected ways.
• The Christian tradition offers a range of images that address both lament and hope.
• The Virgin of the Passion and Our Lady of Perpetual Help are icons of love in the face of violence.
• Images of the Virgin Mary can be powerful in overcoming pornography and teaching reverence.
• Mary has a historical tradition as a leader in the church.
• Misconceptions about Mary Magdalene perpetuate bad theology and demean women.

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.

The goal of this multi-year project is to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and unencumbered by permission requirements, and to 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 make it possible for 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/.

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski as she shares insights from her work on the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles and how the stories of the kings point to qualities like prayer, humility, and trusting God. Specific passages on King Jehoshaphat and King Manasseh are examined to show themes of repentance, forgiveness, and God's faithfulness. This conversation helps listeners understand how narratives in the Old Testament can shape our understanding of spiritual formation.

Key Takeaways:

• The book of Chronicles can help cultivate godliness through its focus on qualities like prayer, humility, and seeking God's face in difficult times.
• Stories of kings like Jehoshaphat and their dependence on God in the face of overwhelming challenges provide examples of trusting in God.
• Passages like 2 Chronicles 7:14 and 30 emphasize themes of repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness in relation to God's people.
• Even the most sinful kings, like Manasseh, could find restoration through repentance, showing God's great mercy and compassion.
• Understanding the biblical narrative, including shifts between covenants, helps interpret themes of victory, persecution, and God's faithfulness.

Episode Breakdown:

0:03 - Cultivating godliness through the study of Chronicles.
2:04 - Cultivating Godliness through Reading Chronicles.
7:01 - King Jehoshaphat's leadership and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.
13:53 - Trusting God and understanding biblical stories.
22:46 - Repentance and Forgiveness in Chronicles.
28:55 - King Manasseh's repentance and restoration in 2 Chronicles.

Episode Resources:

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

Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope. By Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan

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. Sandra Glahn, Dr. George Kalantzis, and Christine Calareso Bleecker discuss the stories of women in the Bible and extra-biblical content. They explore the lives of Anna in the temple and Elizabeth, as well as the concept of virginity in Christianity. They also delve into the stories of young women martyrs and the virtue and courage they displayed. The conversation highlights the power of God in the lives of these women from all walks of life and age groups as well as the lessons we can learn from their stories.

Key Takeaways:

• The stories of women in the Bible and extra-biblical content provide inspiration and lessons for Christians today.
• The concept of virginity in Christianity is not solely about physical purity but also about consecration and devotion to God.
• The stories of young women martyrs demonstrate incredible courage and faith in the face of persecution.
• The power of God is evident in the lives of these women, empowering them to stand against societal norms and proclaim their faith.

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.

The goal of this multi-year project is to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and unencumbered by permission requirements, and to 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 make it possible for 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. Marion Taylor, Professor of Old Testament and Graduate Director at Wycliffe College joins Dr. Lynn Cohick, to discuss the contributions of women exegetes throughout history. She shares her serendipitous discovery of women interpreters in the 19th century and highlights their diverse range of topics, from technical grammatical analysis to sermons for women. Dr. Taylor also emphasizes that women read and interpret the Bible differently, often focusing on stories and texts that impact women's lives. Additionally, she explores the empowerment and courage of women exegetes, including those who faced pushback and persecution as well as discusses the impact of these women on her work as a biblical scholar.

Key Takeaways: ·

• Women have made significant contributions to biblical scholarship throughout history.
• Women exegetes in the 19th century wrote on a wide range of topics, including technical analysis and sermons for women.
• Women read and interpret the Bible differently, often focusing on stories and texts that impact women's lives.
• The stories of women exegetes provide inspiration and empowerment for women today.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction
01:01 - Serendipitous Discovery of Women Exegetes
03:18 - Women's Contributions to Biblical Scholarship
04:16 - Women Writing for Children and Women
05:04 - Women Scholars and Florence Nightingale
06:03 - Women Commenting on Women in the Bible
07:01 - The Cult of Domesticity and Women's Empowerment
08:00 - Women's Interpretation of Biblical Stories
09:21 - Empowering Stories of Courageous Women
10:46 - Women Balancing Multiple Roles
11:14 - Discovering Women Exegetes
13:24 - Women Exegetes in Nubia
14:16 - Jewish Women Exegetes
29:31 - Whispers of Women in Nubia
33:09 - Jewish Women Exegetes
36:08 - Women Exegetes in the Reformation
40:48 - The Influence of Women Exegetes

Episode Resources:

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

Ruth, Esther (8) (The Story of God Bible Commentary) by Dr. Marion Ann Taylor

Handbook of Women Biblical Interpreters: A Historical and Biographical Guide by Dr. Marion Ann Taylor and Dr. Agnes Choi

Women of War, Women of Woe: Joshua and Judges through the Eyes of Nineteenth-Century Female Biblical Interpreters by Dr. Marion Ann Taylor and Dr. Christiana DeGroot

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. George Kalantzis and Dr. Amy Brown Hughes join Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the figure of Thecla and the concept of virginity in early Christianity. They explore the significance of Thecla's story and its impact on the development of Christianity as well as the theological and social implications of virginity, including the redefinition of power dynamics and the assertion of agency. They also discuss the eschatological dimension of virginity, its connection to resurrection, and how individuals can live into the virtue of virginity in their own lives.

Key Takeaways:

• The physicality and materiality of Christian worship were central to the ancient Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of the body and the belief in resurrection.
• Virginity in early Christianity wasn’t primarily understood from a sexual standpoint but rather a position of power and bodily agency.
• To pursue virginity as a virtue was a deeply political act that was revolutionary for women during the time of the early church.

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.

The goal of this multi-year project is to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and unencumbered by permission requirements, and to 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 make it possible for 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. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Bethany N Sollereder to discuss her book 'Why Is There Suffering?' They discuss the book's format, the distinction between God's love and goodness, the role of Scripture in understanding suffering, and the unique desires of love and original sin. They also explore the difference between altruism and love, the impact of fear on understanding love, and the transforming power of love. The conversation concludes with a discussion on navigating harmful relationships and the mystery of God's love.

Key Takeaways:

• Suffering is a complex topic that requires thoughtful exploration and understanding.
• Love is a transformative force that can bring meaning and healing amid suffering.
• The distinction between altruism and love is important, as love goes beyond selflessness and encompasses a desire for the good of the other and union with the other.
• Fear can hinder our ability to embrace love fully, but surrendering to God's transformative work can help overcome fear.
• Navigating harmful relationships requires discernment and seeking guidance from God and a trusted community.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:49 - Bethany's Book: Why is There Suffering?
05:19 - The Format of the Book
08:19 - Understanding God's Love and Power
09:18 - Different Explanations for Suffering
11:19 - The Distinction Between God's Love and Goodness
13:23 - Grief as a Fracturing of Meaning
16:37 - The Role of Scripture in Understanding Suffering
19:27 - Science and Theology: The Unique Desires of Love and Original Sin
20:34 - Aquinas' View on Love
23:23 - The Distinction Between Altruism and Love
27:29 - Fear and Love
32:07 - The Transforming Power of Love
34:07 - Navigating Harmful Relationships
39:14 - The Mystery of God's Love

Episode Resources:

Why Is There Suffering?: Pick Your Own Theological Expedition by Dr. Bethany Sollereder

Emerging Voices in Science and Theology by Dr. Bethany Sollereder & Dr. Alistair McGrath

Wandering in Darkness: Narrative and the Problem of Suffering by Dr. Eleonore Stump 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 Visual Museum Podcast Series, Dr. Amy Brown Hughes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the stories of women martyrs in the early church, focusing on Perpetua, Felicitas, and Blandina. These women faced persecution and death for their faith, but their testimonies and courage inspired generations. The conversation explores the theological significance of their martyrdom, their role as mothers, and their representation of Christ's suffering and victory. The legacy of these women continues to impact the understanding of discipleship and the role of women in the church.

Key Takeaways:

• The stories of women martyrs in the early church, such as Perpetua, Felicitas, and Blandina, have profoundly impacted the understanding of discipleship and the role of women in the church.
• These women faced persecution and death for their faith, but their testimonies and courage inspired future generations.
• Their martyrdom was not about seeking pain or suffering, but about participating in the death and victory of Christ.
• Their stories challenge societal norms and expectations of women, demonstrating the equal value and significance of women in the eyes of God.

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.

The goal of this multi-year project is to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and unencumbered by permission requirements, and to 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 make it possible for 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/.

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito are joined by Dr. Beth Allison Barr to discuss her research on women's lives in the medieval period, focusing on the role of clerical texts and sermons in understanding their experiences. She explores the importance of figures like Mary and Eve in medieval sermons and the treatment of single women in medieval society. Barr also discusses the concept of marriage debt and the understanding of motherhood in the medieval period.

She highlights the lessons that can be learned from medieval times for today, including the recognition of women as human beings and the importance of women's voices and leadership in the church. The conversation also explores the impact of female saints and the need to bring alive women of the Bible and the church. It highlights the lack of visibility of women in modern evangelicalism, both in leadership structures and physical spaces of churches. The conversation also discusses the historical influence on gender roles and the perpetuation of the narrative that women are not as important as men in the spiritual economy.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:45 - Exploring Women's Lives in the Medieval Period
05:51 - The Role of Clerical Texts in Understanding Women's Lives
08:34 - The Importance of Mary and Eve in Medieval Sermons
10:30 - The Woman of Canaan as a Lens for Understanding Medieval Women
15:47 - The Concept of Marriage Debt and the Role of Single Women
19:54 - The Treatment of Single Women in Medieval Society
27:28 - Understanding Motherhood in the Medieval Period
32:40 - Lessons from Medieval Times for Today
35:09 - The Impact of Female Saints
38:06 - Visibility of Women in Modern Evangelicalism
39:34 - Lack of Women's Visibility in Churches
40:43 - Historical Influence on Gender Roles
41:46 - Closing Remarks

Episode Resources:

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

First, Preach Christ’s Gospel by Dr. Beth Allison Barr

The Pastoral Care of Women in Late Medieval England by Dr. Beth Allison Barr

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 Visual Museum Podcast Series, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Kimberly Majeski to discuss her research on Priscilla and the Priscilla Catacomb in Rome. She shares her interest in the topic and the questions that led her to study the role of women in the early church. This conversation also explores the history and significance of the Priscilla Catacomb, including its burial practices and the presence of early Christian art. Specific artworks, such as the Fractio Panis fresco and the Cubiculum of the Veiled Woman, are discussed in detail as we are left with the importance of reflecting on the legacy of Priscilla and continuing to preserve and tell her story today.

Key Takeaways:

• The Priscilla Catacomb in Rome is an important site for understanding the role of women in the early church.
• This catacomb contains significant early Christian art, including the Fractio Panis fresco and the Cubiculum of the Veiled Woman.
• These artworks provide insights into the practices and beliefs of early Christians, as well as the presence of women in leadership roles.
• The legacy of Priscilla and other early Christian women is important to preserve and study, as it sheds light on the diverse and influential contributions of women in the early church.

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.

The goal of this multi-year project is to make the visual record of women in ministry and leadership available free of charge and unencumbered by permission requirements, and to 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 make it possible for 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(c)(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/.