Conversations exploring the intersection of Story and Scripture. These conversations are aimed at helping us move through the world in a more present and embodied way—eyes open to the beauty and mystery of creation all around us. And in part 1 of Season 1, host & Mid-South Christian College professor Chase Hairston is introduced to the hit series The Chosen by two of his former students. Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu and at @eyesopenpod on social media.
Keep an eye on this feed for upcoming news about Eyes Open Season 2! In our final The Chosen Rewatch episode, Chase, Jacob, and one-of-the-extras-in-the-feeding-of-the-5000-scene Zack discuss the two-part finale of Season 3. Thanks for listening to Season 1 of Eyes Open. It was fun getting our sea (of Galilee) legs, and we are very excited for our second season, coming Summer 2023! https://www.midsouthchristian.edu
Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson has published several books (most of which are *about* books) including The Scandal of Holiness—winner of Christianity Today's 2022 Book Awards Award of Merit—and the forthcoming Reading for the Love of God, out in March of 2023. On today's episode, our conversation sits at the intersection of literature and theology. Can literature help us in the pursuit of holiness? Does it increase our empathy and humility and can it help make us more present in God's world and the people around us? Jessica says yes. Listen in to hear how. Apply Now to Mid-South Christian College or Learn More at our website. Pre-order Jessica's newest book, Reading for the Love of God. Check out Jessica's other books. Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu
Dr. Andrew Abernethy is the author of several books, including Savoring Scripture and The Book of Isaiah & God's Kingdom. On today's show, we talk about utilizing concepts from the academic study of Scripture without losing the joys of a transformational reading aimed at the heart. We also discuss issues of justice, reading the Bible as a work of literature, how the Scriptures shaped Israel's waiting for the Messiah, and The Chosen. There was also some mutual admiration for Charlie Dates expressed. As Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, Andy is deeply involved in shaping readers who not only study the Word, but *enjoy* it. Listen in. Apply Now or Learn More at Mid-South Christian College's website. Andy's Books Andy's article at The Gospel Coalition, Why Matthew's Disability in 'The Chosen' Matters We love hearing from listeners! Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu (Unfortunately, this episode will not have accompanying video uploaded to YouTube, but we hope you enjoy the listen!)
Like The Chosen's Mary Magdalene, do you continue to carry burdens from your past that you've already been freed from? Chase releases one of his own 10-year-old regrets in this episode. He, Aesha, and Jacob move from goofy and light-hearted to poignant and challenged as they discuss "Intensity in Tent City," the Season 3 transition episode from main story to season finale (which will come in two parts, Episodes 7 and 8). It would be immensely helpful if listeners would be willing to leave a rating and review on their podcast listening platform(s) of choice! And join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu
Chase, Aesha, and Jacob wade through a (broken) cistern of tears to discuss "Clean, pt. 2," the 5th episode of season 3 of The Chosen. They talk about hope, freedom, grief, trauma, the so-called "Messianic secret," and—of course—Jesus liking pickles. Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu Eyes Open is a production of Mid-South Christian College. Apply Now or learn more at www.midsouthchristian.edu
Chase, Aesha, and Jacob break down Season 3 Episode 4 of The Chosen and pick sides (mostly) in the #TeamEden v. #TeamSimon debate. They discuss marital communication, the tolls of ministry, the difficulties of moving through a fallen world with a female body, and overcomplicating the plural of "setup." Are you Team Eden or Team Simon? Answer in our Spotify poll attached to this episode! Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu
Here's a quick suggestion for a different strategy for reading the Bible in the New Year. What if there's a better way than the common "Read the Bible in a Year" plans? Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu
Chase, Aesha, and Jacob discuss Season 3, Episode 3 of The Chosen by tackling (or lightly touching on) questions such as, "Did Jesus fake being bad at toss-ball?", "Was Lazarus a pot-stirring troublemaker?", and of course, "How do we feel about that controversial line about the Law of Moses?" Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu
Chase sits down with Dr. Jonathan Pennington—Author, Pastor, and Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary—to discuss the Sermon on the Mount (& its portrayal on a recent episode of The Chosen), the Bible as an excellent work of philosophy, Story as a primary means of growth and human flourishing, and much more. Dr. Pennington also discusses his forthcoming book with Crossway, Come and See: The Journey of Knowing God through Scripture, T-Rexes, and science fiction. Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu Dr. Pennington's Books Dr. Pennington's tweet about Gestalt Shift Crossway's page for Come and See: The Journey of Knowing God through Scripture Apply Now to Mid-South Christian College
Chase and Jacob jump into the details of Episode 2 of Season 3 of The Chosen and discuss their thoughts on its two cities (namely, Capernaum and the one with the tents) before the winter weather blows in. Then they hear thoughts on the show from the Professor of Human Flourishing himself, Dr. Jonathan Pennington! Be sure to keep an eye on this space for the full interview with Dr. Pennington early next week. (51:02) Interview with Jonathan Pennington Got questions? We MAY have the answers, but we for sure have an inbox! Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu
Chase, Aesha, and Jacob introduce themselves, the show, and their approach to breaking down an episode of The Chosen—starting with Season 3, Episode 1. Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu Check out Episode 2 next week for the next discussion plus our first guest interview!
Chase introduces the basic setup of Season 1 of Eyes Open: A Podcast About Screens and Scripture. Subscribe now and get ready to jump into Season 3 of The Chosen together! Send rewatch questions, requests, and adoring fanmail to eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu