Better on the Inside

You can find a deeper dive into Keener's book on my Substack.Check out Jenai at her website.SummaryIn this conversation, Jon Pyle and Jenai Auman delve into the complexities of 1 Corinthians 14, particularly the controversial verses regarding women's roles in the church. They explore the cultural context of Corinth, the misinterpretations of Paul's letters, and the importance of hermeneutical principles in understanding scripture. Jenai shares her journey through different theological perspectives and emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to biblical interpretation, advocating for the empowerment of women in ministry and the church.TakeawaysThe cultural context of Corinth was chaotic and hedonistic.Paul's letters often address specific issues rather than providing comprehensive theology.Misinterpretations of scripture can lead to harmful applications in church settings.Hermeneutical principles are essential for understanding biblical texts accurately.Women played significant roles in the early church, often as leaders and supporters.Paul's intent was to bring order to disorder, not to reinforce patriarchal structures.The importance of educating women in the church is highlighted in Paul's letters.Contextualizing scripture is crucial for modern application and understanding.The church should reflect the inclusive nature of Christ's teachings.The conversation encourages humility and openness in theological discussions. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of 1 Corinthians 1402:54 Personal Journeys and Interpretations of Scripture05:54 Hermeneutical Principles in Understanding Paul09:03 The Church in Corinth: Specific Contexts and Errors11:57 Interpretive Considerations for Paul's Letters15:31 Understanding the Corinthian Context16:43 Paul's Approach to Order and Disorder23:45 The Role of Women in Early Christianity29:45 Cultural Context and Interpretation35:21 The Call for Theological Humility

SummaryIn this conversation, Jon Pyle explores the essential elements of Christian faith, focusing on the nature of Jesus, the concept of sin, and the importance of forgiveness. He discusses how house rules in various churches can create confusion about fundamental beliefs and emphasizes that sin is fundamentally about separation from God and others. Pyle highlights the greatest commandment of loving God and loving one's neighbor, and he stresses that true love for God is authenticated by how we treat others. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the necessity of forgiveness, both for personal healing and for maintaining a close relationship with God.TakeawaysJesus is central to the Christian faith as God's son and king.Deconstruction of faith can lead to a clearer understanding of beliefs.Churches have different 'house rules' that can confuse newcomers.Sin is defined as missing the mark and separates us from God.Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, demonstrating his divinity.The greatest commandment is to love God and love your neighbor.Our love for God is authenticated by our love for others.Unforgiveness creates barriers between us and God.Forgiveness is a choice that leads to personal freedom.Forgiveness allows God to heal our wounds. Chapters00:00 Gratitude and Worship01:06 Understanding the Essentials of Faith01:31 House Rules in Christianity04:49 Jesus and the Concept of Sin18:17 The Greatest Commandment: Love23:49 The Importance of Forgiveness

In Paul, Women & Wives, Dr. Craig S. Keener presents a substantive, Scripture-based defense for egalitarian theology, principles and practices. Join me as we explore the writings of Paul in a way that liberates women, not subjugates them. We’re finally starting with the crux of the book: exegeting Paul’s letters and diving into Scripture. Keener has divided his book into two parts. Part 1 is about the Roles of Women in the Church (Chapters 1-3). Part 2 is about Women’s Role in the Family (Chapters 4-6). Chapter 1: Head Coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 Keener presents several potential interpretations of the passage that are quite provocative, frankly. However, my takeaway was pretty simple: Paul’s argument about head coverings isn’t about “IF” women can pray or prophecy in the church (prophecy likely isn’t too different from preaching in the modern context), but “HOW” they should do so. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Soul Care in the Digital Age 00:52 Exploring Gender Roles in the Church 09:22 Head Coverings and Cultural Context 18:49 Modesty, Class, and Community Dynamics 35:37 Understanding Paul's Perspective on Women

In Paul, Women & Wives, Dr. Craig S. Keener presents a substantive, Scripture-based defense for egalitarian theology, principles and practices. Join me as we explore the writings of Paul in a way that liberates women, not subjugates them. Check this out on Substack! Introduction “All biblical passages may be for all time, but all biblical passages are not for all circumstances.” - pg 59 This quote is tattoo-worthy. If you engage with the Christian Scripture for any of length of time, with any seriousness, this phrase should be a mantra you should repeat. This is especially true for pastors, elders, group leaders or anyone else who may be preaching and teaching the Jewish or Christian Scriptures. And it’s extremely pertinent to our discussion. The most common accusation levied at egalitarians is that we have a “low view of Scripture” or are throwing out whole chunks of God’s Word to arrive at our conclusion that women can serve in the church in the same capacities as men and aren’t the only party called to submit in the home. For some, that is true. Part of their faith journey (especially those that are deconstructing or recovering from painful church experiences) is how they relate to the Bible. Especially if it was wielded like a weapon in their communities to harm them or control them. Sometimes, that experience leads folks to view Scripture with skepticism or completely disregard its authority in their life and belief system, while still clinging to faith in Jesus. I have nothing but grace and compassion for my brothers and sisters who feel that way. However, that’s not my experience. In fact, it is in my authoritative view of Scripture that led to my egalitarian theology. And understanding this quote is big reason why, as Keener will lay out in further chapters. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Soul Care and Formation 00:29 Egalitarian Theology and Gender Roles 02:49 Understanding Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation 04:54 The Role of Paul in Gender Discussions 08:11 Questioning Women's Calling in Ministry 14:06 Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation 19:03 The Complexity of Biblical Terms 27:14 Scripture's Misuse and the Call for Equality 29:47 God's Design for Gender Equality 34:00 Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Discussion

Check out Dr Beth Allison Barr and buy her books! Hang out with the Matrons of Spice at I Read Something Bad. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 06:36 The Making of Biblical Womanhood: Unapologetic and Radical 09:07 Separating Patriarchy from Faith: The Importance of Historical Context 15:04 Dealing with Pushback and Criticism: Setting Boundaries and Focusing on Evidence 19:07 Finding Liberation in Christianity: Women's Voices Throughout History 24:11 The Reformation's Impact on Women: Solidifying Patriarchal Structures 32:42 The Undermining of Reformation Theology 33:09 The Insertion of Male Spiritual Leadership 34:07 Addressing Residual Patriarchy in Egalitarian Spaces 44:38 Teaching as a Tool for Change 49:57 Taylor Swift: Resilience and Advocacy We’re picking back up with our walk through Paul, Women & Wives next week, but I couldn’t wait to share this pertinent discussion with Dr. Beth Allison Barr about the historicity of egalitarian theology that I recorded MONTHS ago. Not only did I think this detour would give folks a chance to purchase the book and read it without rushing (if they wanted to deep dive with me), I also feel like this conversation adds some super helpful historical context to the soul care/formation aspect of our discussion. Plus… this episode was burning a hole in my pocket and I couldn’t sit on it any longer. Dr. Barr is the author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood, which you should absolutely read too. She’s a professor at Baylor and a bit of a celebrity in the evangelical world because of her research and communication around women’s historical role in the Church1. That’s also why Dr. Barr has been a target for those committed to preserving a patriarchal hierarchy and even folks who want to continue this deeply harmful trench warfare approach to gender roles in Jesus’ movement. The subtitle of her book is “how the subjugation of women became gospel truth,” and that’s so powerful because it speaks to a critical reality of women’s roles in the church: it wasn’t always like this. As a historian, she presents compelling evidence that this concept of “biblical womanhood” we see expressed in the vast majority of evangelical church cultures is not what Jesus intended. Nor was it the way the early church operated. If we listen to Dr. Barr, women were never intended to be subordinate to men or limited in their calling to fulfill the Great Commission. Our conversation explored some of The Making of Biblical Womanhood but also its reception… specifically how the aftermath affected Dr. Barr herself. And it wasn’t great. The way people talked and continue to talk to her is appalling. Just taking a peek at her mentions is to stare into the void. Hundreds of men (and women) spouting some of the ugliest, un-Christlike nonsense. Which underscores the need for a better way to have the conversations around women in ministry. I truly believe listening to Dr. Barr won’t only shift your perspective, it also equip and empower you to follow Jesus and read Scripture in a different way.