In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the spiritual significance of the Old Testament and the importance of understanding it in light of the New Testament. Dr. Kaminski offers principles for interpreting Old Testament scriptures and discusses the importance of context in interpreting blessings and curses and finding hope in the Psalms. This conversation highlights the importance of serious Bible study in understanding and applying the Old Testament. Key Takeaways: The concepts of blessing and curse are central to the Old Testament and help us understand the consequences of obeying and disobeying God's laws.Understanding the Old Testament helps us avoid anti-Semitism and embrace the global family of God. It is also essential for understanding the New Testament and the story of Jesus.The Casket Empty Project provides a helpful framework for visualizing the storyline of the Old Testament.Women's Bible studies should prioritize serious study of the scriptures and not shy away from difficult topics. 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  How to Read the Psalms (How to Read Series) by Dr. Tremper Longman III  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 and Dr. Kelly Dippolito sit down with Karen Smith to discuss her journey as an artist and how her theological education has influenced her art. She shares how studying scripture has influenced her paintings and how she uses art to explore the stories of women in the Bible. Karen also talks about her experience of church hurt and how she used Taylor Swift's lyrics to express her emotions and process her grief. This conversation highlights the importance of empathy and the role of art in healing and self-expression.Key Takeaways: Studying scripture has greatly influenced Karen's art. She often visualizes the stories she studies and tries to accurately represent them in her paintings.Karen used Taylor Swift's lyrics to express her emotions and process her experience of church hurt, finding empathy and agency in the music.Art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their emotions and connect with others.Engaging with secular music and culture can provide opportunities for empathy and understanding and inspire creativity and beauty.The church needs empathy and imagination to create a healthy, inclusive community. Episode Resources:Karen Smith’s Taylor Swift Lament Playlist  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 Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Michelle Keener discuss the traumatic events in Judges 19 and the importance of a trauma-informed reading of the passage. They explore the themes of betrayal, silence, and the failure of religious authority. They emphasize the need to give trauma survivors the space to tell their own stories and the importance of acknowledging their pain. Despite the darkness of the story, they find hope in the character of God, who sees and knows the suffering of the vulnerable. The conversation highlights the need for justice and righteousness in the face of evil.Key Takeaways: A trauma-informed reading of Judges 19 reveals the themes of betrayal, silence, and the failure of religious authority. Trauma survivors should be given the space to tell their own stories and have their experiences acknowledged. Despite the darkness of the story, there is hope in the character of God, who sees and knows the suffering of the vulnerable. The passage highlights the need for justice and righteousness in the face of evil. 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 episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the stories of Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia, mentioned in Romans 16. They emphasize the importance of hermeneutics, the art and science of interpreting the Bible, and its ethical ramifications. Dr. Cohick also explores the narratives behind these names and highlights the biases and prejudices that can influence our understanding of leadership roles in the church. She also delves into the significance of Phoebe as a courier of the Book of Romans and the role of Priscilla and Aquila as coworkers of Paul. The episode concludes with a discussion of Junia and the debate surrounding her status as an apostle. Key Takeaways: Hermeneutics is the art and science of interpreting the Bible and has ethical ramifications.The narratives behind the names in Romans 16 provide valuable insights into the lives and roles of women in the early church.Phoebe served as a courier of the Book of Romans and was highly regarded by Paul.Priscilla and Aquila were Paul's coworkers. They risked their lives for him, and Priscilla was also known for her teaching.Junia is mentioned as an outstanding apostle, highlighting the debate surrounding women in leadership roles in the church. 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 episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Carmen Imes discuss Miriam's role as a worship leader, drummer, and moral guide in the Exodus story. They highlight her agency and affirmation of God's actions while acknowledging the cultural context of women's drumming and dancing in ancient times. They also offer a nuanced understanding of Miriam's leadership and moral responsibility in the Hebrew Bible. Key Takeaways: Miriam was a drummer, not a tambourine player, as often depicted in art.Miriam played a crucial prophetic role, leading the Israelites in worship after crossing the Red Sea.There are parallel rescue stories in Exodus - Moses' rescue as a baby and the Israelites' rescue from Egypt - with Miriam playing a vital role in both.Miriam is recognized alongside Moses and Aaron as a leader of Israel during the Exodus, as mentioned in Micah 6:4.God treats Miriam as a moral agent with responsibility, as seen in her punishment for challenging Moses' authority.Studying lesser-known biblical figures like Miriam can provide deeper insights into Scripture and Israel's history. Episode Resources: Exodus (Westminster Bible Companion) by Dr. J. Gerald Janzen  Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  Torah Tuesday (YouTube Series by Dr. Carmen Imes)  Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary) by Dr. Carol Myers  Exodus (Teach the Text Commentary Series) by Dr. T. Desmond Alexander  <br...

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the importance of historical context when interpreting scripture, specifically focusing on 1 Timothy 2. They emphasize that understanding Ephesus's cultural and religious context in the first century is crucial to understanding Paul's message. They debunk the idea that Paul is establishing a gender hierarchy or limiting women's roles in the church. Instead, they argue that Paul addresses heretical teachings and false piety in Ephesus, urging both men and women to be educated in the truth and focus on Jesus as the Savior. They also explore the possible influence of the Artemis myth and Gnostic heresies on interpreting certain passages in 1 Timothy.Key Takeaways: Understanding the historical context of scripture is essential for accurate interpretation.Paul's message in 1 Timothy 2 is not about establishing a gender hierarchy or limiting women's roles in the church.Paul addresses heretical teachings and false piety in Ephesus and urges both men and women to be educated in the truth.The influence of the Artemis myth and Gnostic heresies may have shaped the interpretation of certain passages in 1 Timothy.The focus should be on Jesus as the Savior and striving towards a godly life. Episode Resources: Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament by Dr. Sandra Glahn  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 Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:3 and the role of women in the church. They explore the Wesleyan quadrilateral as a tool for studying scripture and the importance of tradition and theology. They also examine the passage's meaning of the term 'head' and its implications for hierarchical relationships. Dr. Cohick and Kelly highlight the complexity of the verse and the various interpretations, including the possibility that Paul is countering bad teaching by the Corinthians. They emphasize the need to understand the cultural and historical context of the passage and the importance of affirming the equal value and gifting of men and women in the church.Key Takeaways: The Wesleyan quadrilateral, which includes scripture, tradition, experience, and reason, can be a helpful tool for studying scripture and interpreting its meaning.Creeds, such as the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, provide theological guidance and help us understand scripture.The term 'head' in 1 Corinthians 11:3 does not necessarily imply hierarchy but can have various meanings, such as source, preeminence, or representation.The interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:3 is complex, with different perspectives on its meaning. It is important to consider the passage's cultural and historical context. Women are made in the image and likeness of God and have equal value and gifting in the church. It is important to affirm and support women in their roles and contributions.Understanding the complexity of scripture and engaging in thoughtful interpretation can lead to a deeper understanding of God's word and a more inclusive and equitable church. Episode Resources: Women and Worship at Corinth: Paul’s Rhetorical Arguments in 1 Corinthians by Dr. Lucy Peppiatt 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 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 CohickThe Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Dr. Beth Allison BarrRegent College Summer SeriesVoices Long Silenced: Women Biblical Interpreters through the Centuries by Dr. Marion Ann TaylorEpisode 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 201:37 - Understanding Scripture through Speech Act Theory15:32 - The Role of the Woman as a Helper22:31 - Introduction and Overview of the Creation Narrative25:29 - The Significance of Gardens in Scripture33:06 - The Parallel Between Eve and Mary Magdalene42:00 - 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<a...

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 Hermeneutics03:14 - The Tension Between What It Says and What It Means06:20 - Approaches to Hermeneutics12:23 - Reading the Bible as a Story21:37 - Defining Leadership in Light of Jesus' Example22:43 - Approaching Scripture as Story29:46 - Obstacles to Women's Learning34:57 - Discovering Women's Roles in Scripture44:44 - Empowering Women through Biblical Examples46:40 - 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 ArmstrongThe Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong<a...