The Alabaster Jar

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...

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...

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 af...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the view of childhood in the ancient world and how the gospel message shaped the idea of children and childhood. They explore the challenges of understanding children in the first century, including the lack of information and the differences in cultural assumptions. They highlight the importance of education in the early church and how it challenged the Roman status quo. The conversation also emphasizes the value of children and the need for their education and spiritual growth within the church.

Key Takeaways: 
The a...

In this conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in the book of Exodus, exploring the different Hebrew words used and their nuanced meanings. They highlight the idea that God is not overriding Pharaoh's free will, but rather strengthening his resolve to carry out his own desires. They also discuss the cultural context of ancient Egypt and the significance of the signs and wonders in the narrative.

Key Takeaways: 
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus is not a violation of his free will, but r...

In this conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss their involvement in creating a study Bible for women, addressing problematic passages, and answering objections to the Bible and Christianity. They explore the misconceptions surrounding the Proverbs 31 woman and the purity laws in Leviticus, providing insights into the cultural and historical context. They emphasize the importance of including women's voices and perspectives in teaching and preaching and the need for resources like the Every Woman's Bible to address women's questions and concerns. In this part of the conversation, Carmen Imes and Lynn discuss the concept of impurity in...

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity, an online database showcasing women in church leadership roles through curated images. Dr. Cohick discusses the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Italian art, her significance in Christian history, and interpretations of her character. They delve into her presence during Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, exploring artistic depictions and biblical narratives. The conversation examines societal interpretations of Mary Magdalene, her portrayal in art, and the challenges of negative stereotypes.

Key Takeaways: 
It is crucial to have a s...

In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Keener joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her upcoming book “Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors” and her study of the Book of Job through the lens of trauma. She explains that trauma is a response to an event that overwhelms our ordinary coping capacity and leaves a wound that remains unhealed. Dr. Keener explores the retribution principle in the book of Job, where Job's friends try to impose their agenda on his story, blaming him for his suffering. She also highlights the importance of the book's shif...

In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the importance of women's Bible studies and the need for deeper biblical teaching. She emphasizes the beauty and artistry of the Old Testament and how it can inspire women to study the Scriptures. Dr. Kaminski also explores the themes of humility and seeking God's face in the book of 2 Chronicles while highlighting the significance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in our lives.

Key Takeaways: 
Women's Bible studies should focus on deeper biblical teaching and understanding.The Old Testament is a...

The first season of the Visual Museum podcast series is officially wrapping up as Kelly Dippolito and Christine Calareso Bleecker share their favorite moments from this season while also discussing the impact the episodes already have. The goal of this podcast has always been to help listeners orient themselves in time, space, and location from first-century art to pieces from the 14th and 15th centuries. This series introduced listeners to women not specifically named in the Bible and shed light on the stories of women they may have heard but haven't heard in full.

The podcast also explored...

In this conversation, Lisa Harper joins Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito to discuss the importance of theological education and the role of women in ministry. Lisa shares her journey of overcoming limitations and embracing her calling. They also discuss the need for a redemptive hermeneutic and a compassionate understanding of God's character as Lisa emphasizes the importance of learning from people who love Jesus and diving deeper into God's word. This conversation also touches on the impact of inherited theology and the need for honest conversations and understanding while also talking about the challenges and experiences of women in...

In this conversation, Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh joins Kelly Dippolito to discuss his involvement with the Luce Foundation and the grant that kickstarted the Visual Museum project. He highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the challenges of digital humanities. He emphasizes the potential impact of the Visual Museum in providing a user-friendly experience and rectifying the void in women's history.

Key Takeaways: 
The Luce Foundation grant played a crucial role in kickstarting the Visual Museum project and turning it into a reality.Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in creating innovative and impactful projects like t...

In this conversation, Dr. Lanta Davis joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her book, Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation, as they talk about the concept of spiritual formation through the imagination and the role of art in shaping our faith. They explore the idea that forming the soul means forming the imagination and how ancient Christians viewed the imagination to receive and be shaped by images and stories. They also discuss the practice of imaginative prayer and its power to bring scripture to life. The conversation also delves into the themes of icons, virtues...

In this conversation, Dr. Amy Brown Hughes and Dr. George Kalantzis join Dr. Lynn Cohick to explore the significance of baptism, Eucharist, and relics in the worship of the fourth and fifth centuries. It delves into the political and social implications of these practices, highlighting how they challenged societal norms and hierarchies. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of the physicality and materiality of Christian worship, as well as the belief in resurrection and the continuity of the body.

Key Takeaways: 
Relics played a significant role in the worship of the fourth and f...

In this conversation, Reverend Kaye Kolde joins Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito to share her journey of discerning her call to the pastorate and her subsequent roles in the church. She discusses the challenges and joys of leadership, the importance of submission, collaboration, and accountability, and the need for self-care and refreshment. Kaye also reflects on the challenges facing denominations and offers encouragement to those seeking God's guidance in their own lives.

Key Takeaways: 
Discerning one's call to ministry can be a long and winding road, but it is important to trust i...

In this episode, Dr. Grace Hamman joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the medieval mystic Julian of Norwich and her theological reflections on Jesus as a mother. Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century anchorite, had a series of visions and wrote about them in her book 'The Shewings.' She used the metaphor of Jesus as a mother to explore the character of God's love and the church's relationship with Christ. This image of Jesus as a mother was not meant to be taken literally but as a metaphor drawn from Scripture. Julian's writings provide comfort and reassurance in times of...

In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the Old Testament background of Easter and the importance of understanding the Old Testament with the New Testament. They explore the concepts of blessing and curse in the Old Testament, the failure of Israel to obey God's laws, and the significance of the New Covenant. They also delve into Paul's explanation in Galatians 3 and the Holy Spirit's role in the believers' redemption and adoption into God's family. The conversation also emphasizes the need to avoid anti-Semitism and embrace the global family of God.

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In this conversation, Dr. Sandra Glahn, Dr. Lynn Cohick, and Dr. Amy Brown Hughes discuss the stories of strong women in the early church, focusing on Helena, the mother of Constantine. They share their experiences of discovering lesser-known women in church history, such as the sisters Praxides and Pudenziana. The conversation explores Helena's role in Christianizing the Roman Empire and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where she oversaw the construction of significant Christian sites. They also emphasize the importance of physicality in Christianity and the dignity of the human body while reflecting on the legacy of these strong women and their...

In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Helen Painter joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her book, Blessed Are the Peacemakers: A Biblical Theology of Human Violence, and the topics of peacemaking, violence, and the Bible. She shares her inspiration for writing the book and her hopes for readers as well as explores the definition of violence and its presence in human cultures. Dr. Painter delves into the significance of Genesis 1 and 2 in understanding violence and the goodness of God, particularly as it relates to women. She also touches on the role of shame in the cycle of violence and discusses the...

In this conversation, Dr. Sandra Glahn and Dr. Lynn Cohick are joined by guest Jazmine Sánchez to discuss various art media on the Visual Museum of Women and Christianity website. They explore mosaics, frescoes, sculptures, and paintings, highlighting their historical significance and unique characteristics. Jazmine shares her favorite artists, including Giotto and Michelangelo, and discusses notable artworks such as the Scrovegni Chapel frescoes and the Pieta sculpture. The conversation also delves into the use of art in the early church, the symbolism of doors in art, and the depiction of Mary in different traditions.

K...