The Alabaster Jar

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Holly J. Carey to discuss her book "Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels." In this episode, Dr. Carey analyzes stories of women in the Gospels and finds that female disciples consistently modeled virtuous characteristics of discipleship, in contrast to male apostles. The conversation explores what can be learned from these biblical women about discipleship, faithfulness, and witnessing to Jesus' resurrection for both men and women today.

Episode Breakdown:

0:03 – Women in the Gospels and their discipleship.
2:08 – Discipleship in Mark’s gospel and the role of women.
9:30 – The role of women in discipleship through biblical narratives.
14:43 – Women’s worth and speech in ancient cultures.
20:50 – Female discipleship in John’s Gospel.
29:23 – Discipleship and Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman.
33:27 – Mary of Bethany’s anointing of Jesus and Judas’ greed.
39:08 – Mary Magdalene’s role in sharing about Jesus’ resurrection.
45:48 – Women in the Bible and their impact on our understanding of discipleship.

Episode Resources:

Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels by Dr. Holly J. Carey

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/.

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito are joined by Dr. Michelle Lee-Barnewall to discuss her book “A Longing to Belong: Reflections on Faith, Identity, and Race”. During this episode, Dr. Michelle Lee-Barnewall reflects on her journey as an Asian-American Christian and how that has shaped her biblical scholarship studying the New Testament. She also shares her scholarly insights on passages like 1 Corinthians 12 on the body of Christ and Revelation 7 on gathering believers from all nations before God's throne. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Michelle Lee-Barnewall emphasized themes of grace, humility, and embracing both our differences and unity as the family of God and how we can build a more just and loving community within the body of Christ.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 – Belonging, identity, and unity in the Church.
4:06 – Paul’s teaching on unity in the body of Christ.
7:46 – Race, identity, and empathy in a school setting.
13:08 – Rejections impact on identity and community.
15:53 – Love, acceptance, and connection in the Bible.
21:04 – Navigating conversations around identity, race, and unity in the Christian community. 25:17 – Cultural differences within these subjects.
30:03 – Belonging in the eschaton.

Episode Resources:

Neither Complementarian nor Egalitarian: A Kingdom Corrective to the Evangelical Gender Debate by Dr. Michelle Lee-Barnewall

A Longing to Belong: Reflections on Faith, Identity, and Race by Dr. Michelle Lee-Barnewall

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/.

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick, Sareen Musselman, and Kelly Dippolito are joined by Rev. Dr. Jessica LaGrone to discuss her book "Out of Chaos: How God Makes New Things from the Broken Pieces of Life". They delve into how Dr. LaGrone uses the concepts of chaos and order in her book, drawing from terms in the Genesis creation narrative like "formless and void" and the Holy Spirit "hovering". Dr. LaGrone also shares her journey to ministry and encourages listeners to pursue theological education. Additionally, she provides perspective on the landscape of women's ministry today, highlighting areas she finds encouraging and opportunities for continued growth.

Episode Breakdown:

0:03 – Women’s leadership and the idea of chaos.
1:46 – Spiritual gifts and calling in ministry.
4:01 – Chaos and order in life and faith.
9:30 – Creation narrative, light and darkness, and false pictures of God.
14:56 – The Holy Spirit’s role in shaping church life through the concept of “hovering”.
20:56 – The importance of silence in spiritual growth.
24:10 – Faith, art, and women in the Bible.
29:57 – Women’s ministry within the church.
35:42 – Ministry opportunities for the next generation.

Episode Resources:

Out of Chaos: How God Makes New Things from the Broken Pieces of Life by Dr. Jessica LaGrone

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 is joined by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski to examine the story of Abraham as they provide important background about Abraham's upbringing in the idolatrous city of Ur to show he came from a pagan context. The conversation challenges common oversimplifications of Abraham as a "good man" and instead presents him as a sinner who believed in God. It's a thoughtful examination of grace and redemption in Abraham's story and how God works in the lives of flawed people.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00:00: Dr. Lynn Cohick introduces the episode topic of Abraham and guest Dr. Carol M. Kaminski.

0:01:07: Dr. Carol M. Kaminski discusses the importance of understanding Abraham's context growing up in Ur before God's call.

0:04:02: Dr. Cohick asks Dr. Kaminski to describe where Ur was located and its geographical significance.

0:06:37: Dr. Kaminski details Ur being an idolatrous city with thousands of gods and a center of pagan worship.

0:11:53: Dr. Kaminski challenges the ideas of Abraham as righteous, noting he came from a background of idol worship.

0:13:06: Dr. Cohick and Dr. Kaminski discuss Abraham compromising Sarah's safety in Egypt to save himself.

0:16:06: Dr. Kaminski emphasizes God worked through Abraham's flaws by grace.

0:18:54: Dr. Cohick notes Acts 7 reference to God appearing to Abraham in Ur during Stephen’s speech.

0:22:40: Dr. Kaminski highlights Genesis 15 and 22 as key examples of Abraham's faith.

Episode Resources:

Casket Empty Bible Study: God’s Plan of Redemption Through History by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski and John R. Moser

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 Marg Mowczko to discuss the topic of celibacy in the early church. They talk about how celibacy was viewed more positively in the ancient world than today and explore references to celibacy in pastoral epistles like 1 Timothy. They also help listeners understand the cultural context around "one woman husband" concepts that are often misinterpreted today considering biblical qualifications for leaders within the church.

Episode Breakdown:

1:04 – Celibacy in the early church and the book of 1 Timothy.
6:45 – What 1 Timothy has to say regarding marriage and leadership in the church.
12:54 – Ancient texts and marriage qualifications for church leaders.
20:08 – Paul’s views on marriage in the early church.
25:22 – Gender roles in leadership in the Bible.
31:09 – Paul’s teachings on marriage and leadership in the ancient world.

Episode Resources:

Marg Mowczko

Justinian - New Constitutions - Vol. 1

The Acts of Paul and Thecla

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. Lyn Kidson to discuss 1 Timothy and the arguments made in Dr. Lyn Kidson's dissertation "Persuading Shipwrecked Men." Dr. Kidson explains the false teachings in the church at Ephesus at the time this epistle was written and how Paul addresses these issues in 1 Timothy, particularly regarding asceticism, marriage, and the roles of men and women.

Episode Breakdown:

0:04 – The themes of gender and sexuality within the hermeneutics of 1 Timothy
1:32 – Contextual background that informs 1 Timothy’s teachings.
11:09 – Paul’s teachings within 1 Timothy 2
17:02 – Gender roles and piety in the Bible
22:41 – Interpreting 1 Timothy 2:15 in light of it's background

Episode Resources:

Persuading Shipwrecked Men: The Rhetorical Strategies of 1 Timothy 1 by Dr. Lyn Kidson

Aussie Men, Roman Men, and Fashioning the Evangelical Man from 1 Timothy 2 by Dr. Lyn Kidson

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 Sareen Musselman talk with Taylor Yoder and Sam Cho about the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas, two Christian Saints who were martyred in the Roman Empire in 203 AD. The conversation covers the historical context of their lives and deaths as well as discusses the theological themes around motherhood, embodiment, and finding strength in the stories of the saints.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 – Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas
5:02 – Perpetua's visions and motherhood
10:06 – Martyrdom, motherhood, and grief
14:57 – Early Christian martyrs' embodiment of resurrection hope
21:00 – Parenting and identity through the lens of early Christian martyrs
25:53 – Ancient Christian martyrdom and its relevance to modern faith
31:06 – Early Christian women's stories and legacies

Episode Resources:

Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority, and Legacy in the Second through Fifth Centuries by Dr. Lynn H. Cohick and Dr. Amy Brown Hughes

The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess

The Confessions of Saint Augustine

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 by going to: https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski to discuss the importance of the tribe of Judah in understanding the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. She traces the promises about the Davidic line back to Genesis and explains how figures like David, Solomon, and the prophets point ahead to Jesus's birth in Bethlehem as the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation.

Episode Breakdown:

0:03 – The tribe of Judah in the Old Testament
3:49 – Messianic Prophecy throughout the Bible
8:58 – Biblical prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ
15:30 – Advent, Hope, and the Kingdom of God
19:08 – Old Testament covenants fulfilled in the birth and reign of Jesus

Episode Resources:

1–2 Chronicles (The Story of God Bible Commentary) 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/.

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito talk with Shannon Harris, author of The Woman They Wanted: Shattering the Illusion of the Good Christian Wife. Shannon shares her personal journey of living within the confines of societal expectations as a pastor’s wife, emphasizing the emphasis on performance and the struggle for perfection. They also delve into Shannon’s childhood, her experience in the purity culture, and the criticism and surveillance she faced within her church community. Through her story, Shannon explores breaking free from societal constraints and how she found her own voice and identity in the intersection of faith, theology, and ministry.

Episode Breakdown:

0:03 – The illusion of the good Christian wife and personal growth
5:13 – Sexual history, purity culture, and performance in a Christian context
10:30 – Church culture, perfectionism, and personal transformation
17:57 – Theology and culture’s impact on women’s lives
22:46 – Gender roles and personal identity in the Bible
27:28 – Identity, trauma, and healing through storytelling

Episode Resources:

The Woman They Wanted: Shattering the Illusion of the Good Christian Wife by Shannon Harris

Shannon Harris (Bonne)

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.

On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, theologian, and author of “Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.” She discusses the inspiration behind her book, which stems from her work in supporting survivors of abuse and her realization of the significance of Mary’s voice in the scriptures. This episode also delves into the theological depth and relevance of Mary’s story, emphasizing her role as the primary witness to the incarnation of Jesus and its impact on believers today as well as how Dorothy Sayer’s theology has been formational in Dr. Orr-Ewing’s understanding of Advent in her own life.

Episode Breakdown:

0:03 – Mary’s voice and its significance in Advent
5:39 – Mary and the Magi in the Christmas story
10:43 – Mary’s role in the Bible and her significance as a witness to Jesus’ birth
16:44 – Women’s roles in the Bible and Christian art
22:09 – The impact of Dorothy Sayers’ work on understanding the incarnation
27:24 – Faith, grief, and the true meaning of Christmas

Episode Resources:

Mary's Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing
Where Is God in All the Suffering? (Questioning Faith) by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing

Why Trust the Bible? Answers to Ten Tough Questions by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing

Lord Peter: The Complete Lord Peter Wimsey Stories by Dorothy L. Sayers

The Man Born to Be King 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.