The story of God’s love for humanity: highlights from Genesis to Revelation. In the 4th century AD, Bible translations and commentaries were written by men who had a strong prejudice against women. This podcast shares Bible passages and commentary drawn from sources that predate the latter part of the 4th century AD. We hope you will be encouraged! For additional resources, feel free to visit awakedeborah.com.
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 35:16-21 from the Good News Translation, Today's English Version. We read about the death of Rachel in childbirth, and how God responds to her tears with a promise of redemption for her children.
In this episode, we read Genesis 35:1-15 from the Good News Translation, Today's English Version. Jacob and his family turn from idolatry. This entails leaving behind jewelry that was engraved with the images of Canaanite gods. This does not mean that women may not wear jewelry. It also does not suggest that the outward beauty of women will "cause men to stumble." In addition to examining the original meaning of Genesis 35, we also investigate the meaning of other biblical "modesty" passages, in their original languages and contexts.
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis chapter 34 from the Good News Bible, Today's English Version. We read about the rape of Dinah, Jacob and Leah's daughter. We also confront patriarchal commentary on this passage that blames women for the sexual crimes of men.
In this episode, we read Genesis chapters 32 and 33 from the Good News Translation of the Bible, Today’s English Version. In this story, Jacob humbles himself before his brother Esau, hoping that Esau will not seek revenge for being tricked out of his birthright. The language of this passage in the Greek Septuagint helps us to accurately translate 1 Peter 3:1-6. In this New Testament passage, when properly translated, wives are not told to “accept the authority” of their husbands; nor does Sarah “obey” Abraham, calling him “master.”
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 30:25 to 31:55 from the Good News Translation, Today's English Version. In this story, Laban tries to control Jacob through divination and deceit. Jacob is delivered when he has faith in God's promise to him. When fleeing from Laban, Rachel does something that could symbolize an important truth.
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 29:31 - Genesis 30:24 from the Good News Translation, Today's English Version. This story tells us how two sisters sought love or social standing by giving birth to male children. Sadly, some movements claiming to be "Christian" have twisted passages from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in an attempt to portray marriage, motherhood and housekeeping as "God's will" for all women.
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 29:1-30 from the Good News Translation, Today’s English Version. Many English translations of this passage do not accurately reflect what ancient Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts say about Leah. Also, though this passage contains historical examples of polygamy, slavery and patriarchy; none of these ancient customs are depicted as “God’s will.”
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis chapter 28 from the Common English Bible. A thorough investigation of the Bible's language and context reveals that God stands opposed to racism and sexism, as well as the violence that often results from prejudice.
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 27:1-45 from the International Standard Version of the Bible. In this story, Jacob receives a blessing intended for his older brother Esau. We also examine the ancient cultural viewpoint that hairiness and "manliness" are prerequisites for leadership.
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 26:1-11 from the International Standard Version of the Bible. In this story, Isaac fails to learn from his father Abraham's mistakes. Acting on fear and false assumptions, he relates to Abimelech and the Philistines in a manner that causes strife and distrust. Similarly, throughout church history, fear and false assumptions have led to the oppressive treatment of women and indigenous peoples.
