9: Jessica Hooten Wilson: Reading for the Love of God, Fiction for the Sake of Truth

10: Loaves and Fishes-Out-of-Water (The Chosen, Season 3 Episodes 7 & 8)

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 [https://www.midsouthchristian.edu]

9: Jessica Hooten Wilson: Reading for the Love of God, Fiction for the Sake of Truth

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 [https://midsouthchristian.edu]. Pre-order Jessica's newest book, Reading for the Love of God [https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/466173]. Check out Jessica's other books [https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AJessica+Hooten+Wilson&s=relevancerank&text=Jessica+Hooten+Wilson&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1]. Join the conversation at eyesopen@midsouthchristian.edu

8: Andy Abernethy: Savoring Scripture, Pursuing Justice

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 [https://www.midsouthchristian.edu]. Andy's Books [https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AAndrew+Abernethy&s=relevancerank&text=Andrew+Abernethy&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1] Andy's article at The Gospel Coalition, Why Matthew's Disability in 'The Chosen' Matters [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/matthews-disability-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!)

7: Claudia the Dreamer (The Chosen, Season 3 Episode 6)

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

6: Clean and Teary, Eyes Open but Bleary (The Chosen, Season 3 Episode 5)

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 [https://www.midsouthchristian.edu]