In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the topic of hermeneutics, which is the study of interpreting and understanding the Bible. They explore the challenges of interpreting scripture and the importance of considering the lens through which we read it. They also discuss various approaches to hermeneutics, such as the Wesleyan quadrilateral and historical criticism. Dr. Cohick emphasizes the value of reading the Bible as a story and understanding its metanarrative of redemption. They also touch on the concept of leadership and how it should be defined in light of Jesus' example. Later in the episode, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kat Armstrong discuss the importance of approaching scripture as a story. They highlight the cohesion and unity of the Bible, which features God's storytelling genius. They also explore the significance of women in the biblical text and how their stories can inspire and empower women today. Kat shares her experience of facing obstacles to learning about Jesus as a woman and how it led her to study the role of women in scripture. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Hermeneutics is the study of interpreting and understanding the Bible.
• It is important to consider the lens through which we read scripture.
• Approaches to hermeneutics include the Wesleyan quadrilateral and historical criticism.
• Reading the Bible as a story helps us understand its metanarrative of redemption.
• Leadership should be defined in terms of service, following Jesus' example.       
• Approaching scripture as a story helps us understand the cohesion and unity of the Bible.   
• Women play significant roles in biblical texts, and their stories can inspire and empower women today.
• The accessibility of scripture allows people of all ages and levels of study to engage with its message.
• Obstacles to women learning about Jesus should be challenged and overcome, as God takes women seriously and entrusts them with important roles in the kingdom.
• Studying the stories of women in scripture can provide new possibilities and insights for women in their own lives and ministries. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction to Hermeneutics
03:14 - The Tension Between What It Says and What It Means
06:20 - Approaches to Hermeneutics
12:23 - Reading the Bible as a Story
21:37 - Defining Leadership in Light of Jesus' Example
22:43 - Approaching Scripture as Story
29:46 - Obstacles to Women's Learning
34:57 - Discovering Women's Roles in Scripture
44:44 - Empowering Women through Biblical Examples
46:40 - The Power of Scripture as Story 

Episode Resources: 

No More Holding Back: No More Holding Back: Emboldening Women to Move Past Barriers, See Their Worth, and Serve God Everywhere by Kat Armstrong

The Storyline Bible Studies by Kat Armstrong

Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown

The Concept of Woman: A Synthesis in One Volume by Sister Prudence Allen, RSM  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.