February 15, 2019
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.
January 31, 2019
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.”
January 16, 2019
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.
December 30, 2018
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.
December 7, 2018
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.”
November 10, 2018
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.
October 28, 2018
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.
October 12, 2018
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.
September 29, 2018
In this podcast episode, we examine a common misinterpretation of God's prophecy to Rebekah, found in Genesis 25:23. We also confront John Calvin's view of women, and his belief that God arbitrarily chooses some people for heaven and others for hell.
September 12, 2018
In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 25:27-34 from the Common English Bible. In this story, Esau sells his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. Were patriarchal customs like the inheritance rights of first born sons "God-ordained," or are they an example of fallen human culture?