Susan Ashbrook Harvey, a foremost scholar in Late Antiquity, discusses fragrance in ancient Christianity and the importance of women's voices in Syriac liturgical singing. The podcast explores the transformative power of art and music, fragrance as a spiritual experience, and the significance of women's choirs in the Syriac tradition.

Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey, a professor at Brown University specializing in late antique and Byzantine Christianity, offers a deep dive into how ancient gender perceptions influenced views of God. She unpacks the role of femininity in ancient hymns, showcasing a 2nd-century text that portrays God with maternal traits. The conversation delves into women's significant contributions in early church choirs and leadership roles, advocating for more inclusive divine representations, while challenging historical gender hierarchies in theological contexts.