Context Matters

Dr. Dana Harris joins us for part 2 of our conversation about preaching and the book of Hebrews. We explore the book's theology and its profound connection to the Old Testament (equally dispelling misconceptions that the book is anti-Semitic). The preacher of Hebrews uses Midrash to use weave scripture into a meaningful narrative for the contemporary audience. How can we learn from the audience of Hebrews about developing a stronger sense of biblical narrative by immersing ourselves in the Bible?Find out more about Dr. Harris HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

Dr. Dana Harris joins us to talk about the profound experiences that shaped her outlook on teaching and faith. We discuss God's presence in nature and the importance of theological education. Dr. Harris specializes in the book of Hebrews, so we dive into the riddle of that book. Is it a  transcript of a sermon? Is it an epistle? Who is the author, and who are the Hebrews to whom this is addressed? Most of all, what can we learn about teaching scripture from this writing? You may want to go read Psalm 95 and think of its use of Numbers 14, 20, and Exodus 17. Find out more about Dr. Harris HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

This is part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Rebecca Idestrom about her book Show Me Your Glory. Today Dr. Idestrom discusses God's glory in the Temple. This leads us to a conversation of the visions of God's glory in the book of Ezekiel and how they relate the God's divine kingship and the hopeful restoration promised at the end of the book. Find out more about Rebecca Idestrom HEREExplore the book Show Me Your Glory HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

We sit with Dr. Rebecca Idestrom to discuss the themes of her latest book, Show Me Your Glory, which explores the concept of God's glory throughout the Old Testament. Dr. Idestrom explains how the notion of "glory" is multifaceted and context-dependent, involving both tangible and intangible elements of God's presence and character. We also talk about how Israel's perception of God's glory evolved across different historical and physical contexts. Find out more about Rebecca Idestrom HEREExplore the book Show Me Your Glory HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

We start today's episode talking about all the different Marys in the gospels and how that influences the way people interpret Mary Magdalene. Dr. McNutt also untangles how the Gospels describe Mary Magdalene and then  offers insights into her significance, not just as a follower, but as a pivotal figure financially supporting Jesus's ministry. Read more about Jennifer Powell McNutt HERERead more about her book HERERead about McNuttshell Ministries HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt talks about her new book called The Mary We Forgot: What the apostle to the apostles teaches the church today. To be honest, Mary Magdalene's story is rarely told well in churches, which leads  us to dismiss her as a teacher for people in the church. Her portrayal in popular media like The Da Vinchi Code or Jesus Christ Superstar tantalizingly focuses on her sex appeal and possible love interest of Jesus. Others highlight her deviant behavior. Is any of this true? If not, why do we think it is? Read more about Jennifer Powell McNutt HERERead more about her book HERERead about McNuttshell Ministries HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

Today's episode flips the tables and places me in the hot seat. Wesley Arning and Ryan Presley interviewed me about the book of Deuteronomy for their podcast called The Wayside Podcast. So I am rebroadcasting it for you here to help us think about storytelling and transformation as we enter this Advent season.Listen to more of the Wayside Podcast HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

When scholars examine the writing, copying, and editing of biblical text, they can discern a complexity in the Hebrew Bible. There is scribal activity at the copying AND editing levels. What does this tell us about the development of Scripture? And what do we do with Dead Sea scrolls like Jeremiah that show us a complexity within the Jewish communities through the complexity of the scrolls themselves? Our guide through this is Dr. Karl Kutz who is a recently retired professor of biblical languages and Bible at Multnomah University and also a voracious explorer of the biblical text. If you feel nervous about these conversations, join us at the end of the episode to talk about why this is a valuable field of study instead of one that criticizes the Bible. Find out more about Karl Kutz HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

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 complicated, it sort of is. But we have a great guide to walk us through what textual criticism is and why it matters. Dr. Karl Kutz is a recently retired professor of biblical languages and Bible at Multnomah University, and he is a voracious explorer of the biblical text. Find out more about Karl Kutz HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

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 silencing the prophetic voice. What does that mean for the way we understand who Jesus is? Find out more about Dr. Athas HERERead more about his book HERESee his many other writings HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!