In this episode, we discuss Octavia Butler’s *Parable of the Sower*—a prophetic work of speculative fiction that reimagines God, community, and survival amidst societal collapse. Reading it alongside Genesis 18–19 and 1 John 4, we explore the idea of God as Change, and the power of embodied experience in shaping how we interpret scripture and the world around us.

We’re joined by Dr. Tamisha Tyler, Visiting Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture, and Theopoetics at Bethany Theological Seminary. Tamisha also serves as Theologian in Residence at the Center for Restorative Justice in Pasadena, and is part of the Level Ground Artist Collective in Los Angeles. Her current research explores religion in the literary world of Octavia Butler.

Timestamps:

• 1:46 – Experiencing *Parable of the Sower*
• 35:47 – Emily on Genesis 18-19
• 1:16:18 – Tommy on 1 John 4
• 1:50:34 – Next month’s book

Up Next: *Time of the Child* by Niall Williams

Connect with Us:

• Email: holywritpod@gmail.com
• Website: https://holywritpod.podbean.com/
• Instagram: @holywritpodcast
• Bluesky: @holywrit.bsky.social
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In this episode, we uneasily enter Stephen King’s novel *Misery*—a brutal and brilliant meditation on captivity, creation, and control. Reading it alongside Psalm 88 and 2 Corinthians 3, we wrestle with scriptural images of God as an abusive caregiver, consider the limitations of written words, and reflect on the strange clarity that horror can offer to faith.

Timestamps:

• 1:35 – Experiencing *Misery*
• 20:28 – Emily on Psalm 88
• 54:16 – Tommy on 2 Corinthians 3
• 1:39:48 – Next month’s book

Up Next: *Parable of the Sower* by Octavia Butler, with guest Dr. Tasmisha Tyler

Connect with Us:

• Email: holywritpod@gmail.com
• Website: https://holywritpod.podbean.com/
• Instagram: @holywritpodcast
• Bluesky: @holywrit.bsky.social
• TikTok: @holywritpodcast

In this episode, we delve into John Steinbeck’s sprawling masterpiece *East of Eden,* a novel that reimagines the story of Cain and Abel across generations of rivalry, love and longing. Reading it in conversation with 1 Samuel 15 and Romans 9, we explore the power of names, thinking together about how naming expresses human vocation, God’s calling, and the gift of moral agency.

Timestamps:

• 1:28 – Experiencing *East of Eden*
• 27:53 – Emily on 1 Samuel 15
• 1:00:53 – Tommy on Romans 9
• 1:50:01 – Next month’s book, *Misery* by Stephen King

Connect with Us:

• Email: holywritpod@gmail.com
• Website: https://holywritpod.podbean.com/
• Instagram: @holywritpodcast
• Bluesky: @holywrit.bsky.social
• Tiktok: @holywritpodcast