Ep 3.13 Un-Ladylike: Ruth with the Rev. Dr. Karyn Wiseman

Ruth is one of only two women who have a book dedicated to them in our scriptures. Ruth’s story tells us a lot more about Naomi than Ruth. Naomi orchestrates a marriage proposal to secure a good life for her widowed daughter-in-law through deceit and indecency. Let’s talk about it.

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1. Dr. Wiseman says, “These women had little outside relationships, and use THEIR relationship to claim their place in the world.” Ruth and Naomi travel hundreds of miles to find security and a better life. Where else do we see this happening in scripture? In the world?

2. What risks do we take for our family?

3. Naomi acts with some indecency and puts Boaz in an awkward position. What does this tell us about her character? What do you think of how Naomi orchestrates this marriage proposal?

4. Does Naomi’s actions in the face of survival justify her actions?

5. Pastor A.J. says, “The foreigners, the sex workers, the deceptive women, and all literally included in the body of Christ.” What does their inclusion in this lineage tell us about the family and community of the body of Christ?

6. What do we take away from Ruth and Naomi’s story about what it means to be family?