We have to look at God, Scripture, and humanity as a whole, not just focus on the parts we like and dismiss everything that makes us uncomfortable. In attempting to do that we also learn how to love the whole person that God has put in front of us, the good and the bad. This is the Great Commandment.

Referenced in the episode:

God: An Anatomy by Francesca Stavrakopoulou https://a.co/d/5v1H2Ye

After talking about holding authority without taking responsibility, today we look at the opposite: holding responsibility without authority. Paul worked tirelessly and his fruits were good, but he still had to defend himself because his authority to do the work he was doing wasn't always recognized. Perhaps because of this, he was generous in delegating authority to others (or recognizing their existing authority) who were also doing good work in Christ's family.

2 Corinthians 11

Unless it's in an official professionalized setting, often divorced from any practical use, we often demean, dismiss, and denigrate the very female virtue of sustaining life as depicted in Proverbs 31. Yet Christ repeatedly valued sustaining life over sanitized, intellectualized professionalism.

Referenced in the Episode:

A Border Passage: From Cairo to America - A Woman's Journey by Leila Ahmed https://a.co/d/hf8ZB0s

Wycliffe Bible with Modern Spelling https://www.bible.com/bible/2407/PRO.31.WBMS

In considering a man who is exercising authority without responsibility, Christ charges him to take up his own bed and carry it home. How often do we want to wield power over others without taking responsibility for the care of those who serve us?

Referenced in this episode:

God's Ghostwriters: Enslaved Christians and the Making of the Bible by Candida Moss https://a.co/d/gu22IBJ

God challenges us to take risks, mostly in being faithful to him, but also in defying the dominant culture in in being vulnerable enough to build connection. Are you willing to take the risk of rejection for a church community? For friendship? For family? For love?

Referenced In The Episode:

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien https://a.co/d/ggJ8nVw

Tudor Monastery Farm https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08R6VP8GD/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

With the passing of Pope Francis the film Conclave is getting renewed attention, and controversy. But the film beautifully expresses the Scriptural view of women and God's radical, transformative love.

Referenced in the episode:

Conclave - starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini https://www.amazon.com/Conclave-Edward-Berger/dp/B0DLKMHW18

Bart Ehrman discusses Paul's views of women https://youtu.be/M6gXzBrrreM?si=NdvgkMVMhKh_l79Z.

"The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart." - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

What brings happiness, success, and health to men? Scripture and science give us the same answer.

Referenced in the episode:

Mother, Daughter, Queen & Priestess in Ancient Egypt https://youtu.be/L0ZZAsBzUvQ?si=n5__pgGNJOAPGB-2

Jordan Peterson on Megyn Kelly 's podcast https://youtu.be/7nL79J-3hgI?si=CoCJvkp3IQLpuoUt