The Bible & the English Major
All Articles & Episodes
Maren's articles marry her love of stories and her fascination with living connected to a God who loves us. The Bible and the English Major examines Bible stories the way an English major would, through multiple methods of interpretation presented in fun, accessible bites.
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The Gospels are Raining Men, Part 2: But Why?
Jairus, Nicodemus, and an unnamed lawyer all take their places in the Gospels to show us how blinding privilege can be. Wanna see Jesus? Look where he's looking: at the pain of the marginalized ones. For their own reasons, Mark, Luke, and John use the men to help us focus on the fringes.
The Gospels are Raining Men, Part 1: But One is Missing
The Samaritan Woman at the Well reports that her privileged male counterpart has gone missing. Could it be the Pharisee, Nicodemus? Investigate John's use of juxtaposition through characterization, plot, and mood to find her foil.
Woman at the Well, Part 6: Conversations With a Friend: DanaLee Simon
We conclude our series on John 4 with a conversation with Pastor and Spiritual Director DanaLee Simon. DanaLee and Maren use their spiritual imaginations to explore the mysteries of the Samaritan woman's story. Then DanaLee introduces us to spiritual direction practices to help us soak up some good Living Water.
Woman at the Well, Part 5: Living Water Flows Where She Flows, Baby
An angelic tour guide takes the prophet, Ezekiel, on a trippy journey through a restored temple gushing with Living Water. John clearly digs the imagery because he uses it over six centuries later in his story of the Woman at the Well to reveal God's groovy side. Right on, Holy Spirit!
Woman at the Well, Part 4: Jacob and Rachel, Sitting in a Tree
Gospel writer John knows a thing or two about romance. His Woman at the Well story contains the same juicy narrative elements as Rachel and Jacob's betrothal in Genesis 29. Scandalous, you say? Just like the extravagant love of God.
Woman at the Well, Part 3: The Messiah Who Sees
Hagar and the Samaritan woman talk theology at a watering hole and discover they share intriguing similarities. To find out why, we'll eavesdrop on their conversation, inspect John's motives for writing, and even uncover an ancient (chiastic) pyramid. Get ready to dig.
Woman at the Well, Part 1: Biblical Banter
Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well have a blast trading names, theology, and Messianic revelation. She's filled with Living Water, Jesus is filled with satisfaction, and as usual, the disciples are filled with confusion.
Woman at the Well, Introduction: Hey! God Likes You!
Welcome to this new series! This mini-episode is a personal introduction to the story of The Samaritan Woman at the Well. I love this story because of its joyful tone and the connection between Jesus and the Woman. It's so fun to be liked, isn't it?