The Bible and Beyond Podcast Episode

Odes of Solomon, Part 2:
Contemporary Musical Settings for Early Christian Hymns

An Interview with Natalie Perkins and Deborah Saxon

Natalie Renee Perkins (Kris Rogers Photography) and Deborah Saxon

In this second podcast in the series on the ‘Odes of Solomon,’ Natalie Renee Perkins and Deborah Saxon chat together about Natalie’s contemporary musical setting of some of the odes. Deb, a scholar of ancient Christian texts, explains the feminine imagery, the reference to Sophia (Wisdom), and the purpose of ancient hymns used by both Jews and Christians before they diverged. Natalie, a professional singer, writer, and composer plays some of them on the podcast.

Natalie Renee Perkins is the digital minister at Middle Collegiate Church in New York City and a chaplain at New York University. She is also a professional singer, writer, and composer who has performed all over the world. She intertwines early Christian material with contemporary society through a social justice lens.

Deborah Niederer Saxon, PhD, teaches at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the author of The Care of the Soul in Early Christian Texts. Her special interest is in research of the newly discovered Christian texts, women’s voices, the inclusive perspectives they reveal, and the intersection of gender and religion.