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 em...
Mar 21, 2024•42 min•Ep. 9
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 r...
Mar 18, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 19
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 de...
Mar 14, 2024•42 min•Ep. 8
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Mary Jo Sharp as she discusses her journey from atheism to Christianity and the importance of doubt. She also addresses the issue of hypocrisy in the church and how to heal from church wounds. Dr. Sharp emphasizes the need to appreciate the beauty of women in the church while recognizing the objectification that takes place for so many women in this context. She also shares her experience of turning outward and partnering with Go...
Mar 11, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 18
In this conversation, Dr. Sandra Glahn, Dr. Matthew Milliner, and Christine Calareso Bleecker discuss the absence of depicting the body of the first person of the Trinity in Christian art and how it has shaped perceptions of women. Dr. Milliner explains that early Christian art depicted the Trinity through sarcophagi and male embodiments of Christ, but the depiction of the Father went underground due to the influence of pagan depictions of Zeus. The resurgence of depicting the Trinity in art in ...
Mar 07, 2024•47 min•Ep. 7
On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski as she shares insights from her work on the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles and how the stories of the kings point to qualities like prayer, humility, and trusting God. Specific passages on King Jehoshaphat and King Manasseh are examined to show themes of repentance, forgiveness, and God's faithfulness. This conversation helps listeners understand how narratives in the Old Testament can shape our understanding...
Mar 04, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 17
In this conversation, Dr. Sandra Glahn, Dr. George Kalantzis, and Christine Calareso Bleecker discuss the stories of women in the Bible and extra-biblical content. They explore the lives of Anna in the temple and Elizabeth, as well as the concept of virginity in Christianity. They also delve into the stories of young women martyrs and the virtue and courage they displayed. The conversation highlights the power of God in the lives of these women from all walks of life and age groups as well as th...
Feb 29, 2024•38 min•Ep. 6
In this conversation, Dr. Marion Taylor, Professor of Old Testament and Graduate Director at Wycliffe College joins Dr. Lynn Cohick, to discuss the contributions of women exegetes throughout history. She shares her serendipitous discovery of women interpreters in the 19th century and highlights their diverse range of topics, from technical grammatical analysis to sermons for women. Dr. Taylor also emphasizes that women read and interpret the Bible differently, often focusing on stories and texts...
Feb 26, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this conversation, Dr. George Kalantzis and Dr. Amy Brown Hughes join Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the figure of Thecla and the concept of virginity in early Christianity. They explore the significance of Thecla's story and its impact on the development of Christianity as well as the theological and social implications of virginity, including the redefinition of power dynamics and the assertion of agency. They also discuss the eschatological dimension of virginity, its connection to resurrectio...
Feb 22, 2024•41 min•Ep. 5
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Bethany N Sollereder to discuss her book 'Why Is There Suffering?' They discuss the book's format, the distinction between God's love and goodness, the role of Scripture in understanding suffering, and the unique desires of love and original sin. They also explore the difference between altruism and love, the impact of fear on understanding love, and the transforming power of love. The conversation concludes with a discussion on navigating h...
Feb 19, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode of the Visual Museum Podcast Series, Dr. Amy Brown Hughes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the stories of women martyrs in the early church, focusing on Perpetua, Felicitas, and Blandina. These women faced persecution and death for their faith, but their testimonies and courage inspired generations. The conversation explores the theological significance of their martyrdom, their role as mothers, and their representation of Christ's suffering and victory. The legacy of these women...
Feb 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 4
On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito are joined by Dr. Beth Allison Barr to discuss her research on women's lives in the medieval period, focusing on the role of clerical texts and sermons in understanding their experiences. She explores the importance of figures like Mary and Eve in medieval sermons and the treatment of single women in medieval society. Barr also discusses the concept of marriage debt and the understanding of motherhood in the medieval perio...
Feb 13, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode of the Visual Museum Podcast Series, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Kimberly Majeski to discuss her research on Priscilla and the Priscilla Catacomb in Rome. She shares her interest in the topic and the questions that led her to study the role of women in the early church. This conversation also explores the history and significance of the Priscilla Catacomb, including its burial practices and the presence of early Christian art. Specific artworks, such as the Fractio Panis fre...
Feb 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 3
On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Carol M. Kaminski to discuss the importance of genealogies in the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles. They explore the period and context in which these books were written, highlighting the return from exile and the challenges faced by God's people. They also delve into the significance of starting the story with genealogies, emphasizing the reminder of identity and God's faithfulness. This conversation also dives into the inclusion...
Feb 05, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 13
To kick off the Visual Museum Podcast Series, Kelly Dippolito interviews the principals of the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity: Dr. Sandra Glahn, Dr. Lynn Cohick, and Dr. George Kalantzis to discuss the origins and importance of this project. They highlight the need to see and tell the stories of women in the history of Christianity, challenging the traditional narratives that often overlook their contributions. They also emphasize the impact of visual representation in shaping our unders...
Feb 01, 2024•41 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the brand-new Visual Museum podcast series! Kelly Dippolito interviews Christine Calareso Bleecker, Director of the Visual Museum Podcast Series, to discuss the women that will be featured in this series which include female biblical figures but also female historical church leaders. She also provides an overview of the topics and art that will be discussed and why they are arranged the way they are. They also dive into how the Visual Museum website was created and how Christine becam...
Jan 29, 2024•13 min•Ep. 1
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 bo...
Jan 29, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 12
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 gathe...
Jan 22, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 11
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 ...
Jan 15, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 10
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 f...
Jan 08, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 9
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 Br...
Jan 01, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 8
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 hermeneu...
Dec 25, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 7
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 – Perpe...
Dec 18, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 6
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 – Mes...
Dec 11, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 5
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...
Dec 04, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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 inc...
Nov 27, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 3
On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito talk with Melissa Pillman, a Pastor and Elder at Missio Dei Wrigleyville in Chicago. They discuss Melissa’s experiences as a female pastor, her journey toward embracing her role, and the importance of being recognized as a pastor within her church. The conversation also delves into the church’s involvement in supporting asylum seekers in Chicago, their collaboration with other churches, and the challenges they face in find...
Nov 20, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 2
On this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Scot McKnight joins Dr. Lynn Cohick, Kelly Dippolito, and Sareen Musselman to discuss women and ministry, toxic church culture, and strategies for transforming toxic patterns into healthy cultures in churches. The conversation focuses on defining tov (Hebrew word for “goodness”) as rooted in ordinary life and how it can manifest in church culture. The episode delves into the traits of a narcissistic leader, introduces strategies for transforming toxic ch...
Nov 13, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this special podcast episode, we brought together three professors from Northern Seminary to talk about the recent Gospel Coalition article by Josh Butler. Dr. Beth Felker Jones has written a book called Faithful: A Theology of Sex and as a systematic theologian, she is able to help us understand human sexuality from a theological perspective. Beth recently wrote a piece on her Substack that gave us eight reasons why Butler's piece was bad theology. Dr. Lynn Cohick is a New Testament scholar ...
Mar 09, 2023•36 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Sue Diaz, a research librarian and Northern Seminary student, joins us to discuss her research into the life, death and legacy of Saint Cecilia. She shares her recent experience visiting Italy and contributing to the development of a visual museum of ancient artistic depictions of women in partnership with the Center for Women in Leadership. A research librarian by profession, she spent thirty years chasing information and pursuing data in academic and corporate settings. She followed God’s call...
Mar 07, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 28
