The Alabaster Jar

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer talk about the intersections of leadership, virtue, and storytelling. Dr. Stringer shares her personal journey as a lifelong lover of books, explaining how her experience as a librarian shaped her dissertation on leadership and virtue. They also explore the power of detective fiction, particularly the works of Dorothy Sayers, as a means for developing virtue and understanding leadership. They also discuss how both fiction and biblical narratives can transform readers by engaging their emotions and fostering deeper spiritual reflection.

Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

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

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

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

The Man Born to Be King by Dorothy L. Sayers

An Apology for Poetry & Astrophel and Stella by Sir Philip Sidney

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

Black Beauty: An Autobiography of a Horse by Anna Sewell

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice by Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson

Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life by Dr. Grace Hamman

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Chaplain Dr. Eva Bleeker joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about the Book of Lamentations and its significance for processing grief and loss. Dr. Bleecker shares insights from her experience as a chaplain and discusses how Lamentations serves as a compassionate companion for those suffering. Together, they explore the book's structure and themes, emphasizing the importance of creative expression, witness, and hope in times of hardship.

Resources Mentioned:

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this episode of the Visual Museum Podcast Series, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Christine Calareso Bleecker explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Empress Theodora, one of the most influential women in Byzantine history. Discover how Theodora rose from humble beginnings to become a powerful leader alongside Emperor Justinian, advocating for women’s rights, social reform, and religious inclusion. They also delve into how historical accounts shaped her image, the significance of her portrayal in the dazzling mosaics of Ravenna, and her impact on law and 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, the marketplace, 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, Dr. Elaine Howard Eklund and Dr. Denise Daniels join Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss insights from their new book, "Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work." They explore how Christians can authentically express their faith in diverse professional settings and share research-based approaches to finding meaning and calling at work. They also cover workplace culture, the concept of "radical embrace," and the unique challenges and opportunities for women in leadership.

Resources Mentioned:

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work by Dr. Elaine Howard Eklund and Dr. Denise Daniels

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Jenn Suen Chen discuss her new book Dim Sum and Faith: How Our Stories Form Our Souls, exploring how personal stories shape our souls. Jen shares her journey from childhood in the U.S. to living in Asia, discussing the impact of childhood experiences on adult life, the importance of authenticity, and the role of community in healing. They also delve into themes of shame, self-criticism, and the significance of meals as a metaphor for connection. During the conversation, Jenn emphasizes the need for reflection and the presence of God in times of struggle, ultimately encouraging us to embrace our stories and find hope in community.

Resources Mentioned:  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

Dim Sum and Faith: How Our Stories Form Our Souls by Jenn Suen Chen

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Jennifer Brown Jones delve into the often-misunderstood book of Leviticus, examining its themes of ritual purity, holiness, and community. They discuss how Leviticus frames the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the difference between ritual impurity and moral sin. They also highlight the communal impact of individual actions and the importance of loving one’s neighbor, drawing connections to both ancient Israelite practices and contemporary issues.


Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

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

Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics: Continental Commentaries by Dr. Jacob Milgrom  

Webinar with Dr. Carmen Imes (Becoming God’s Family)  

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Grace Hamman discuss her new book, Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life. Together, they explore how medieval concepts of virtue and vice can offer fresh insight for modern spiritual formation, using vivid metaphors like the soul as a garden. They also delve into the difference between virtues and values, the importance of humility, and the universal call to cultivate character.

Resources Mentioned:  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life by Dr. Grace Hamman

Jesus through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages by Dr. Grace Hamman  

Webinar with Dr. Carmen Imes (Becoming God’s Family)

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer  

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this inaugural "Coffee with Cohick" episode of The Alabaster Jar podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick answers listener-submitted questions on faith, theology, and biblical interpretation. The conversation explores distinctions between Jews and Gentiles in Ephesians, the metaphorical use of "head" in Ephesians 5, and Lynn’s favorite scripture to pray.


Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Ya’ll Version Bible

Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters by Dr. Michael J. Gorman

Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul: A Visual Guide (Archaeology and the New Testament) by Dr. David A. deSilva

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

Philippians: An Introduction and Commentary (Volume 11) (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown  

Matthew (Two Horizons New Testament Commentary (THNTC)) by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown and Dr. Kyle Roberts

Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series)  

Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series)  

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this episode of the Visual Museum Podcast Series, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito dive into the dramatic and inspiring story of Thecla, a first-century virgin martyr whose tale is told in the Acts of Paul and Thecla. Join us as they explore her acts of faith, miraculous escapes, and the cultural impact she had on early Christianity. This conversation highlights themes of asceticism, resurrection, and the powerful role of women’s voices in shaping church history. They also discuss how Thecla’s legacy was lost and rediscovered, inviting listeners to reflect on what her testimony means for faith and courage today.

Key Takeaways: 

• Thecla’s story, though not canonical, was highly influential in early Christianity and served as a model of faith, courage, and self-restraint for both women and men. 
• Her acts of devotion, including her choice of asceticism and her miraculous escapes, challenged the cultural norms of her time and highlighted the importance of personal conviction. 
• Thecla’s testimony and the stories of other early Christian women were lost or diminished over time, especially after the Protestant Reformation. 
• Thecla’s legacy invites modern listeners to reflect on the value of women’s voices, the meaning of true faithfulness, and the enduring hope of resurrection in Christian tradition.

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, the marketplace, 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 Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito conclude their four-part series on Ephesians by exploring chapters 5 and 6. They delve into Paul's household codes, examining how his instructions to slaves, women, and men subvert the social norms of the first century and promote unity and equality within the early church. They also discuss the historical context of slavery and gender roles, highlighting Paul's radical message that all believers are full members of Christ's body, worthy of dignity and honor.

Resources Mentioned:  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

On Benefits by Seneca  

The Letter to the Ephesians (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT)) by Dr. Lynn H. Cohick  

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, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.