The Alabaster Jar

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Christine Calareso Bleecker are joined by Dr. Carmen Imes to discuss the biblical figure Anna, a prophetess who plays a significant yet often overlooked role in the Christmas narrative. They explore Anna's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, her unique devotion to God, and her significance as a female figure in a male-dominated society. They also highlight the importance of Anna's faithfulness, her role in the redemption of Jerusalem, and the lessons modern believers can learn from her life.

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito talk with Nika Spaulding to discuss the themes of Advent through the lens of Elizabeth's story in the Gospel of Luke. They explore the concept of the 'ministry of disappointment' that pastors face, the significance of Elizabeth's faith and humility, and her prophetic role as she meets Mary. They also emphasize mutuality in relationships, the joy of community, and the importance of desiring what God desires for others.

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with Dr. Timothy Larsen about his book "12 Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales." They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the mix of joy and sorrow often found in Christmas stories, and the historical context around the celebration of Christmas. Larson highlights several of the stories in the collection, including works by authors like Louisa May Alcott, Willa Cather, and L.M. Montgomery, and explores the themes of reconciliation, generosity, and seeing the world with an open heart.

Resources Mentioned:   

Twelve Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales by Dr. Timothy Larsen  

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! By Dr. Seuss  

The Oxford Handbook of Christmas (Edited by Dr. Timothy Larsen)  

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott  

Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather  

The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson  

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery  

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin  

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito start the 2nd part of this podcast series on the book of Philippians as they explore the themes of joy, thanksgiving, and community in Paul's letter to the Philippians, specifically dialing into Chapter 1. They discuss the context of the letter, the significance of joy in adversity, and Paul's deep affection for the Philippian church. They emphasize the importance of discernment, the expansion of the gospel despite challenges, and the call to live fearlessly as citizens of heaven.

Resources Mentioned:   

Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple by Dr. Scot McKnight  

Joy and Human Flourishing: Essays on Theology, Culture, and the Good Life by Miroslav Volf and Justin E. Crisp  

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito begin a 5-part series on the book of Philippians as they explore this letter, focusing on the theme of joy amidst uncertainty. They delve into the historical context of Philippi by focusing on Acts 16 as well as the significance of key characters like Lydia and the jailer, and the dynamics of the early church. They also emphasize the importance of unity and the transformative power of faith in challenging times, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Paul's teachings in Philippians.

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito sit down with Dr. Jeannine Hanger about her journey into theology, her new book Engaging Jesus with Our Senses: An Embodied Approach to the Gospels, and the importance of a sensory approach to understanding Scripture. They discuss the challenges students face in interpreting the Bible, the gender dynamics of sensory experiences, and the role of imagination in deepening faith. Dr. Hanger also shares insights on Jesus as the bread of life, the good shepherd, and the light of the world, emphasizing the need for dependence on Christ in our spiritual journeys.

Resources Mentioned:   

Engaging Jesus with Our Senses: An Embodied Approach to the Gospels by Dr. Jeannine Hanger

The Ministry of Women in the New Testament: Reclaiming the Biblical Vision for Church Leadership by Dr. Dorothy A. Lee

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito explore the principles of hermeneutics, emphasizing the importance of understanding Scripture as God's story. They discuss the communication theory of perlocution, the significance of context in biblical interpretation, and the implications of implied communication. The conversation highlights the need for readers to engage with Scripture thoughtfully, recognizing God's perspective and the relational aspect of communication. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace the metanarrative of Scripture and its relevance to their lives.

Episode Resources: 

Scripture as Communication, 2nd Edition: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown

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. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito delve into the principles of hermeneutics, focusing on how to interpret the Bible effectively. They explore the meta-narrative of the Bible, emphasizing God's desire for a relationship with humanity. The discussion also touches on the intersection of faith and science, particularly concerning the creation story in Genesis. They introduce communication theory, specifically speech act theory, to enhance understanding of biblical texts. The conversation concludes with exploring key biblical figures like Abraham and Moses, illustrating how their stories reflect God's promises and commands.

Episode Resources: 

Scripture as Communication, 2nd Edition: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown

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. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito explore the complexities of understanding the Bible, emphasizing its authority, the importance of community in interpretation, and the overarching narrative of God's story. They discuss the creation narrative, the implications of God as Creator, the nature of sin and redemption, and the goodness of creation. The conversation highlights the unique aspect of God being with us and the importance of engaging with Scripture meaningfully, encouraging listeners to develop personal habits that foster spiritual growth.

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 conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. Jerry Hwang to discuss his journey from IT consultant to pastor to theological educator. He delves into the constructs of honor and shame in cultural studies, particularly in relation to biblical scholarship. Dr. Hwang also critiques the oversimplified categorization of cultures and argues that the Old Testament presents a countercultural stance against honor-shame dynamics, particularly regarding gender roles and power. He also explores specific biblical texts, including Deuteronomy 22 and the narratives of Bathsheba and Lady Wisdom, highlighting the complexities of consent, victimhood, and the portrayal of women in Scripture.

Resources Mentioned:   

Does God Really Command Women to Marry Their Rapists? A Study of Deuteronomic Law by Dr. Sandra Richter (Article)  

The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1 by Dr. J. Richard Middleton

Created Equal: How the Bible Broke with Ancient Political Thought by Dr. Joshua A. Berman

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.