ATW - Interview with Tara Boothby

AfterTheWell

Summary
In this episode of After the Well, Melissa Lapin engages in a deep conversation with Tara Boothby, a psychologist and theology student. They explore the intersection of psychology and theology, discussing personal journeys, trauma, and the narratives surrounding women in the Bible, particularly Fottini and Mary Magdalene. The conversation delves into the complexities of faith, personal relationships with God, and the implications of attachment theory in understanding love and human connections. In this conversation, Tara Boothby and Melissa Lapin explore the complexities of attachment, biblical interpretation, and the roles of women in scripture. They discuss the subconscious biases that affect how biblical figures are perceived, particularly focusing on the contrasting portrayals of Paul and Jesus. The dialogue delves into the evolution of theological understanding, the importance of engaging with biblical characters as real people, and the significance of personal narratives in spiritual journeys. They emphasize the need for permission to be oneself and the transformative power of encounters with the divine. In this conversation, Melissa Lapin and Tara Boothby delve into the complexities of maternal relationships, the experience of shame, and the importance of historical context in understanding biblical figures. They explore the significance of engaging with biblical texts creatively, the role of saints in the cloud of witnesses, and the power of storytelling in embracing emotions. The discussion emphasizes the journey of unfolding personal stories and the importance of community and connection in spiritual growth.
Takeaways

• Tara Boothby is a psychologist with a background in theology.
• The intersection of theology and psychology can be challenging yet rewarding.
• Personal trauma often drives individuals to pursue careers in counseling.
• God's relationship with us can be complex and defiant at times.
• Fottini and Mary Magdalene represent misunderstood women in the Bible.
• Judgments about women often stem from societal narratives.
• Attachment theory provides insights into human relationships and love.
• Understanding the humanity of Jesus enriches our faith experience.
• The importance of seeing biblical characters through a lens of love and humanity.
• Love nurtures our biological nature and impacts our self-view. We experience attachment as either supportive or limiting.
• Subconscious biases affect our interpretation of biblical texts.
• Paul's writings often overshadow Jesus's teachings.
• Theological understanding is evolving with better education.
• Biblical figures should be viewed as three-dimensional characters.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding scripture.
• Women in the Bible have untold stories worth exploring.
• Engaging with the 'cloud of witnesses' can be transformative.
• Mysticism allows for deeper personal connections with scripture.
• Permission to be ourselves is essential for spiritual growth. The maternal connection with figures like Mother Mary can evoke deep emotions.
• Shame can be a shared experience that fosters sisterhood.
• Understanding historical context enriches our faith and relationships.
• Engaging with biblical texts creatively allows for deeper understanding.
• The role of saints can provide comfort and guidance in our spiritual journeys.
• Emotions can be explored through storytelling and creative expression.
• Personal stories unfold over time and require patience and reflection.
• Community and connection are vital for spiritual growth and support.
• Reading scripture as a story rather than a manual opens new perspectives.
• It's important to honor the humanity of biblical figures and their experiences.