Context Matters

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 is, "Yes!", and the Rev. Dr. George Athas can help. His excellent new book Bridging the Testaments is a treasure trove of historic details. Today he joins us to talk about vocabulary. What is the difference between "Intertestamental" and "Second Temple"? What are the big picture historical periods included in this time that we need to be aware of? 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!

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 coming Messiah? How can these writings instruct the church today?Read more about Dr. Heath Thomas HEREFind the book HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

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 content of their messages, and why they seem so angry all  of the time. Read more about Dr. Heath Thomas HEREFind the book HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

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? What role do these creatures play in the Bible?Find out more about Dr. Gray HERESee depictions of cherubim HERESee depictions of seraphim HERESee the sea serpent on Kudurru boundary stones HEREContact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.Join Cyndi Parker's  Patreon Team!

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!