Dr. Taylor Gray, an assistant research professor specializing in the ancient Mediterranean world, delves into the fascinating intersection of art and spirituality. He reveals how ancient iconography reflects cultural beliefs about the divine, exploring everything from biblical narratives to everyday artifacts. Gray contrasts the artistic representations of deities in ancient cultures with the complexities of biblical interpretations, shedding light on the role of visual art in shaping spiritual understanding and cultural consciousness.

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 depictions of historic figures in the church reveal who significant leaders were? And what if they were women?You can find Lanta Davis' book HERESee examples of Bestiaries HERERead more about Dr. Davis HERERead Dr. Davis' article "The Witness of Women Written on the Walls" HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

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 we "behold" and how that creates an impression on our lives? And how did the Protestant church lose its ability to gaze on images and allow them to stoke our imagination?You can find Lanta Davis' book HERERead more about Dr. Davis HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

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 RichterScripture Culture and Agriculture by Ellen DavisThe collected works publications by Katharine HayhoeLearn more about the movie Kiss the GroundContact 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!

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 RichterScripture Culture and Agriculture by Ellen DavisThe collected works publications by Katharine HayhoeContact 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!

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 and can we learn to fully embody our worship?  You can learn more about Dr. Stephen Ko HERE where you can also subscribe to his newsletter and follow him on social media.Explore his book Faith Embodied HERE. 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!

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 and can we learn to fully embody our worship?  You can learn more about Dr. Stephen Ko HERE where you can also subscribe to his newsletter and follow him on social media.Explore his book Faith Embodied HERE. 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!

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 polyrhythms and the jazz-sound of the heart of the church.Read more about the book Improvising Church HERERead more about Dr. Mark Glanville HEREwatch a great introduction to his book with more great jazz HEREContact 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!   

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 imagination, the energy, and the thoughtfulness goes beyond the capacity of any one leader? Read more about the book Improvising Church HERERead more about Dr. Mark Glanville HEREwatch a great introduction to his book with more great jazz HEREContact 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!  

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 shift our perspectives and assumptions can be. Read more about Dr. Dunbar HERERead more about her book Trafficking HadassahContact 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!