Holy Curiosity with Kat Armstrong

Kat welcomes Biblical scholars Dr. Beth Allison Barr and Dr. Sandra Glahn to process the interpretations of the earliest theologians.

Kat is joined by Cheryl Luke, a pastor and communicator, for a vulnerable conversation about how Bible readers need to process the storyline of Shechem. Together, Kat and Cherl expose the complexities of trauma, abuse, and highlight the transformative power of faith. The episode offers a raw conversation, urging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find hope in the midst of pain. Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault.  Quick Links Give feedback, ask questions, and download a free learning guide on Kat’s website The In-Between Place by Kat Armstrong: Kat’s book about Shechem and how Jesus can change our stories. Cheryl Luke: https://cherylluke.com/ Find Kat online: Instagram: @KatArmstrong1 Website: Katarmstrong.com The Storyline Project: www.thestorylineproject.com Episode Highlights:  Cheryl opens up about her own life experiences, revealing the complexities of growing up in a broken home and surviving abuse.  Kat and Cherly discuss the impact of silence surrounding rape, drawing parallels between Dinah's story and Cheryl's own journey. They explore the theme of naming and its significance, emphasizing the power of sharing stories to initiate healing. Cheryl's vulnerability in discussing her past experiences brings a unique depth to the conversation, creating a space for empathy and understanding. Cheryl underlines the redemptive role of Jesus, portraying him as the ultimate source of healing and hope in the midst of brokenness.  The episode concludes with a pastoral note, offering guidance to those processing trauma. She offers a poignant reminder: every story matters. And sharing one's experiences can have a ripple effect of healing and freedom. Holy Curiosity is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Producer: Leslie Thompson Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Audio Editing: Kevin Morris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s conversation brings a new perspective to one of Jesus’s most misunderstood disciples, the woman at the well.

Kat welcomes Dr. Tim Mackie to trace Shechem, from Genesis to John. Dr. Mackie–one of the creators of The Bible Project– traces Shechem's narrative thread, revealing places in the Bible carry profound meaning for ancient and modern Bible readers. Together, Kat and Tim uncover God's storytelling genius, showcasing Shechem as a location repurposed by many Biblical authors for literary impact. Episode Content Warning: This episode contains content related to sexual assault.  QUICK LINKS: Give feedback, ask questions, and download a free learning guide on Kat’s website The In-Between Place by Kat Armstrong: Kat’s book about Shechem and how Jesus can change our stories. Mountains Bible study by Kat Armstrong Valleys Bible study by Kat Armstrong The Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/ Find Kat online: Instagram: @KatArmstrong1 Website: Katarmstrong.com The Storyline Project: www.thestorylineproject.com Episode Highlights: The discussion kicks off with Genesis 12, where Abram and Sarah first encounter Shechem. Driven by God's promise, Abram builds an altar at the Oak of Moreh, marking Shechem as a place of divine encounter and blessing. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn in Genesis 34, exposing Shechem's darker side—a crime scene that contrasts starkly with its initial promise. Kat and Dr. Mackie highlight the biblical pattern of children intensifying the failures of their parents. Shechem becomes a recurring backdrop for betrayal and tragedy, as seen in Genesis 37 with Jacob's sons. The contrast between Jacob's reaction to Dinah's violation and Joseph's presumed death raises crucial questions about silence and societal values. The discussion touches on cultural practices and patriarchal dynamics, shedding light on the biblical authors' intention to expose broken aspects of humanity. Dr. Mackie emphasizes the importance of recognizing the discomfort these narratives evoke and the biblical authors' deliberate attempts to challenge societal norms. Dr. Mackie unveils additional references to Shechem in Deuteronomy and Joshua, highlighting its symbolic significance in Israel's covenant journey.  ​​The conversation also touches on the multi-generational aspect of Shechem, illustrating how choices made over generations contribute to the challenges faced by the people of Shechem. It’s a place of both divine promise and human brokeness. Kat and Tim express the profound significance of Jesus choosing to engage with the Samaritan woman at the well with an intentional visit to Shechem.  Production Credits: Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Producer: Leslie Thompson Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Audio Editing: Kevin Morris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode dives into the conversation of abuse in Scripture and the church’s responsibility to address the topic.