Textual criticism is about. offering a critique about what the best reading of the biblical text is, because before you can translate it, you need to know that you've got the best reading possible. And to engage in textual criticism, you need to have a fascination with biblical languages and biblical culture and biblical history. If it sounds compl…

In today's episode with the Rev. Dr. George Athas, we pick up the historic overview of what is incorrectly called the 400 years of silence. We dive into the significant historical influence of Greek culture and thought on Jewish society, especially during the Hellenistic period. In the Hasmonean period, we find the rise of anti-Dividic position of …

We casually talk about 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, but why do we say that? Who was the first to coin that phrase? What if that is an anti-Messianic statement? Then shouldn't we be more aware of the history and the development of Jewish thought to develop better vocabulary to talk about this time period? The short answer…

Dr. Heath Thomas is back to talk more about his book The Minor Prophets: A Theological Introduction. Often the prophets are not addressing the individual's sin but the whole community's sin. So what does it mean to live as a distinctive community that represents a distinctive God? How do the writings of the prophets create expectations for the comi…

Dr. Heath Thomas grow up as a pastor's kid, thought he'd be an English teacher but ended up specializing in Hebrew Poetry. He is now the president of Oklahoma Baptist University and somehow found time to co-write a book with Craig Bartholomew titled the Minor Prophets: A Theological Introduction. We talk about what the role of the prophet is, the c…

Although cherubim in European art are cute, small, and angelic, the ancient world thought of them as terrifying protectors. In today's conversation, Dr. Gray continues to describe what we can learn about the ancient world by looking at their art. What did these people believe about hybrid creatures like the cherubim, seraphim, and sea serpents play…

If the imagination influences spiritual formation, then what can we discover about how people in the ancient world thought of the spiritual realm by looking at their art? Today's guest is Dr. Taylor Gray, and we will discuss how exploring iconography helps us understand ancient customs, stories, and ways of thinking about the divine world. Find out…

Today we continue our conversation about Dr. Lanta Davis' new book called Becoming by Beholding. We begin with "bestiaries" - what they are and what their purpose was in early Christian art. We also talked about art and architecture. Does the shape and design of a church building indicate how worship is practiced inside? And how can ancient depicti…

Dr. Lanta Davis joins us today to talk about her new book called Becoming by Beholding. Her book will prompt you to think about the connection between art, imagination, and theology. How did the historic church think about the imagination and spiritual formation, and can we do a better job of that in today's environment? Are we aware enough of what…

Dr. Ryan Vroegindewey joins us once again to talk about the global food system, how animal welfare matters, and how to think about "organic", "mono cropping", and "genetically modified food". Helpful books referenced in today's episode: Stewards of Eden by Sandra Richter Scripture Culture and Agriculture by Ellen Davis The collected works publicati…

How does the Bible instruct us to treat the world, our food, and our ground? Today we talk with Dr. Ryan Vroegindewey about how he became aware of the complexities in our global food systems and what we can all do to become more informed with the choices we make. Helpful books referenced in today's episode: Stewards of Eden by Sandra Richter Script…

Dr. Stephen Ko is an interdisciplinary writer at the intersection of faith, medicine, and public health. He is also the Senior Pastor of New York Chinese Alliance Church. In his new book Faith Embodied, Dr. Ko explores the intersection of his medical knowledge with his spiritual insights. Using our senses can we learn to see Scripture in a new way …

Dr. Stephen Ko is an interdisciplinary writer at the intersection of faith, medicine, and public health. He is also the Senior Pastor of New York Chinese Alliance Church. In his new book Faith Embodied, Dr. Ko explores the intersection of his medical knowledge with his spiritual insights. Using our senses can we learn to see Scripture in a new way …

Dr. Mark Glanville joins us today from his piano to talk with me about his newly released book titled Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm and Soul. We start with a conversation about the need for churches to develop according to their local context - the flavor of the places they are in. We then talk about worship in poly…

Dr. Mark Glanville joins me from his piano to talk about his new book Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul. What is it about jazz and scripture that make them natural conversation partners regarding the modern church? Is there a way to create churches that are characterized by being leader-full, where the imagina…

This is part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ericka Dunbar who is an Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Baylor University. We talk about noticing the small characters in a narrative. Who are the unnamed women taken from throughout the Persian empire? What was their experience like? We also talk about how challenging engaging in conversation that…

In part 1 of our conversation on the book of Esther, Dr. Ericka Dunbar introduces us to contextual influences in her life that changed how she read the book of Esther. Far from a story about queens and beauty pageants, Dr. Dunbar highlights the problematic issues around gender, ethnicity, violence, and sexualized abuse that are in the text that we …

Dr. Nadya Williams is a Classics Historian who brings her knowledge of the culture and writings generated in the Greco-Roman world to bear on the early church. This is Part 2 of our conversation regarding her book Cultural Christians in the Early Church. Dr. Williams discusses popular, best-selling Roman literature and how that illuminates how radi…

Dr. Nadya Williams is a Classics Historian who brings her knowledge of the culture and writings generated in the Greco-Roman world to bear on the early church. While modern people in their struggle against institutionalized church tend to look back at the earliest Christians as those who wear halos, Dr. Williams says, "Not so fast." In this convers…

Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Myrto Theocharous takes us into new perspectives on Deuteronomy. How do we think about Imago Dei, not in the faces of those around us, but reflected in our own actions? What does the book say about becoming complacent in a good economy? What responsibility do we have for communal care? Find out more about Dr. The…

In part 1 of our conversation, Dr. Myrto Theocharous explains her love for connecting Deuteronomy’s theology with the practical actions in the world. There is so much this book still has to teach us! Find out more about Dr. Theocharous HERE Find out about New Zoi Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Learn more about me and sign up for u…

Rev. Dr. Eun Strawser describes her journey as a church leader transforming small discipleship group into multiple communities. How did they do it? They focused on intentional discipleship, community engagement, and the markers of mature disciples. How can these practices be adopted by other churches? Find out more about the book here: www.centerin…

Rev. Dr. Eun Strawser joins us to talk about what it means for churches to think about discipleship. What is it? How do you do it? Can you design a church structure around discipleship? Dr. Strawser was faced with all of these questions when she started a new church plant. After some experimentation, she discovered that when discipleship becomes ce…

What does the book of Revelation have to say to the modern church? In Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Scot McKnight, we examine the visual propaganda machine of the Roman empire and how the author of Revelation makes great use of those images to mock the arrogance of Rome. But this is also a book about becoming dissident disciples. When we read…

Dr. Scot McKnight recently published a book called Revelation for the Rest of Us. But it is the subtitle that is intriguing: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple. Dissident disciples? The book of Revelation? Politics and theology coming together in one episode? In part 1 of our conversation we learn about why Dr. McKnight felt l…

This is Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Michael Rhodes. He is a professor in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College in Aukland, New Zealand, and we are discussing his book Just Discipleship. If we are to people concerned about Justice and concerned about BECOMING people of justice, what does that say about the topic of reparations? Can the bibl…

Is it possible that Western Christianity and modern American life is shaping us to become people who are NOT good at doing justice, and loving mercy, and showing kindness? We know of such concepts but do we embody such concepts in the world around us? This week kicks off a several week conversation with scholars about different aspects of disciples…

This is Part 2 of a conversation with Rev. Dr. Helen Paynter about her new book titled: Blessed are the Peacemakers: A Biblical Theology of Human Violence. Today we discuss what to do when it seems like God is calling his people to violence, or what happens when the Israelites are violent with one another. How does the Bible give voice to those who…

We are in a time of global conflict and violence, and so this is a great time to pay careful attention the newest book released by Rev. Dr. Helen Paynter called Blessed are the Peacemakers: A Biblical Theology of Human Violence. Today we talk about why Dr. Paynter ended up studying a biblical view of violence and what her Center for Study of Bible …

This is Part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Holberg about her recently released called Nourishing Narratives. Dr. Holberg is a Professor and chair of the English department at Calvin University and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing. Today we talk about how to imagine the real humanness of people in the biblical text and …

Dr. Jennifer Holberg recently released a book that talks about the power of story to shape our faith. Dr. Holberg is a Professor and chair of the English department at Calvin University and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing. This week we talk about how important context is for understanding people and story. Then we talk about …

How does medieval history teach us more about Christianity? We get a glimpse into the past with in this week's episode with Dr. Grace Hamman. Dr. Hamman is a medievalist who specializes in Middle English. She has a new book called Jesus Through Medieval Eyes. She also hosts a podcast called Old Books with Grace. We have hosted a couple of episodes …

This is part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Gordon McConville who is Professor Emeritus at the University of Gloucestershire. We are discussing his book The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 for the Life of the Church. In this episode we explore the context and impact of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53. What is unique about the suffering? What is the r…

Gordon McConville grew up in Northern Ireland, and studied Modern Languages at Cambridge and Theology in Edinburgh, before doing a PhD in Old Testament with Prof Gordon Wenham at Queen's University, He has taught at Trinity College, Bristol and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and is now Professor Emeritus at the University of Gloucestershire. Find his book …

We are taking advantage of the end of the year to take a reflective look back on where we have been in 2023. There are so many amazing guests that sat with us around the podcast table. We took a fresh look at books of the Bible we rarely hear sermons on, and we had a masterclass on how to interpret the Bible contextually. Each guest brought a nuanc…

Why is this concept of Being God’s Image a challenging concept to wholeheartedly believe not only about yourself but also other people. This is not really the messaging from society, right? But can you imagine if the modern church REALLY lived into this? How would this transform how we treated others, how we understand God, and what we think about …

Why is this concept of Being God’s Image a challenging concept to wholeheartedly believe not only about yourself but also other people. This is not really the messaging from society, right? But can you imagine if the modern church REALLY lived into this? How would this transform how we treated others, how we understand God, and what we think about …

Technology can be an amazing and helpful tool. It can also get in the way of how we learn if we do not pay attention. Today I am joined by two creative entrepreneurs from Basil Technology. Kevin Kim is the co-founder and CEO and Sang Tian is the Chief Technology Officer. A part of their vision is to unlock the depths of scripture for everyone. Usin…

Technology can be an amazing and helpful tool. It can also get in the way of how we learn if we do not pay attention. Today I am joined by two creative entrepreneurs from Basil Technology. Kevin Kim is the co-founder and CEO and Sang Tian is the Chief Technology Officer. Find out more about Basil Tech Keep your eye on Bible Dojo! Contact Cyndi Park…

Joshua Stamper joins us again to tell us about what kind of soundscape made him rethink his own art. How can we as the church learn from these lessons and disciple artists as artists? Find out more about Joshua Stamper and his many projects here: https://www.joshuastamper.com Explore Walter Brueggemann's Prophetic Imagination Contact Cyndi Parker t…

Find out more about Joshua Stamper and his many projects here: https://www.joshuastamper.com Explore Walter Brueggemann's Prophetic Imagination Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Learn more about me and sign up for upcoming tours of Israel/Palestine. Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!By Cyndi Parker, Joshua Stamper

Learn more about Dr. Massad HERE Watch Dr. Massad's online lecture titled “Polemicist, Apologist, or Missionary: Rashīd Riḍā’s Ṭarīq al-Da‘wa” for the Center for Muslim and Christian Studies Oxford (YouTube Video) HERE “Toward Enriched Ways of Knowing: The Multiple Roles of Aesthetics in Interreligious Encounters” with William Dyrness in The George…

Learn more about Dr. Massad HERE Watch Dr. Massad's online lecture titled “Polemicist, Apologist, or Missionary: Rashīd Riḍā’s Ṭarīq al-Da‘wa” for the Center for Muslim and Christian Studies Oxford (YouTube Video) HERE “Toward Enriched Ways of Knowing: The Multiple Roles of Aesthetics in Interreligious Encounters” with William Dyrness in The George…

Discover more about Holy Trinity HTX and follow them on Instagram @holyfamilyhtx Read more about Father Jacob Breeze Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Learn more about me and sign up for upcoming tours of Israel/Palestine. Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!By Cyndi Parker, Jacob Breeze

Discover more about Holy Trinity HTX and follow them on Instagram @holyfamilyhtx Read more about Father Jacob Breeze Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Learn more about me and sign up for upcoming tours of Israel/Palestine. Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!By Cyndi Parker, Jacob Breeze

Read more about the Wildman's ministry Rain Ministries Explore the book Terry Wildman referenced called Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future Follow Terry on Instagram @fnv.nt and on Facebook @FirstNationsVersion or @TerryMWildman Explore the First Nations Translation of the New Testament and get 30% o…

Read more about the Wildman's ministry Rain Ministries Explore the book Terry Wildman referenced called Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future Explore the First Nations Translation of the New Testament and get 30% off when you use the code PLACE23 at checkout. Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of P…

Find out more about BioLogos Here and listen to their podcast The Language of God Here Learn more about Dr. Deb Haarsma HERE and follow her on Instagram @deb_haarsma Read the article she mentioned The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in the Natural Sciences Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Learn more about me and sign up fo…

Find out more about BioLogos Here and listen to their podcast The Language of God Here Learn more about Dr. Deb Haarsma HERE and follow her on Instagram @deb_haarsma Read the article she mentioned The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in the Natural Sciences Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Learn more about me and sign up fo…

For books about exploring the world with people with disabilities, check out My Body is not a Prayer Request and also What Can a Body Do? Find Dr. Fraser on Facebook (@letiah.fraser), Instagram (@revletiah), and Twitter (@revletiah). Explore The Millennial Pastor podcast HERE Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place. Learn more about me and …