Is Our Theology about Women Aligned with Scripture? (w/ Dr. Sandra Richter) - Ep. 134

Throughout history, women’s stories have often been overlooked—but the Bible offers a different narrative, one that uplifts and honors the contributions of women. Join Catherine and renowned biblical scholar Dr. Sandra Richter as they dive deep into the often-overlooked yet powerful roles women play in Scripture, and consider whether the Bible’s representation of women is fully embodied in the church today.

Episode Highlights:
🌟 Women’s Vital Presence in the Bible: Sandy explains how the Bible’s acknowledgment of women as gifted leaders and contributors transcends time, challenging interpretations that have minimized their roles.

🌟 Understanding Cultural Context: Sandy unpacks the importance of reading Scripture in its historical and cultural context, offering a fresh perspective on passages often misunderstood or misapplied.

🌟 Profiles of Biblical Trailblazers: Meet extraordinary women like Sarah, Hagar, Deborah, Hannah, and Huldah from the Old Testament—and discover the influential roles of New Testament women like Mary, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia, who shaped the early Christian Church.

🌟 Modern Lessons from Ancient Texts: The conversation addresses contemporary challenges, including restrictive attitudes within parts of the church today. Sandy shares how the Gospel’s message of equality calls for partnership, not hierarchy, between men and women.

🌟 Debunking Myths from Genesis: From the term "helpmate" to the meaning of “ezer kenegdo,” Sandra breaks down misconceptions about women’s roles in Genesis, revealing the equality and partnership God intended.

🌟 Prophetic Voices and Leadership: The episode highlights women like Deborah and Miriam, whose leadership shaped Israel’s history, and explores Huldah’s pivotal role during King Josiah’s reign.

🌟 Resources to Dig Deeper: Explore Sandra’s recommended reading list, including works by Judy Gundry, Dr. Lynn Cohick, and Beth Felker Jones, as well as her teachings at Westmont College.

This eye-opening discussion challenges traditional interpretations and celebrates the indispensable contributions of women throughout Scripture.

✨ Don’t Miss Next Week’s Episode! Catherine and Dr. Sandra Richter will dive deeper into the story of Deborah—perfect for modern families and women looking for inspiration.

About the guest: Dr. Sandra Richter holds a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Harvard University and  Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. Dr. Richter has authored several works available on Amazon, including a Bible study on Deborah. Her extensive research seeks to illuminate the scriptures for contemporary audiences.

Connect with Dr. Richter:  Amazon Author Page, Facebook Page, Westmont College Page

EPISODE LINKS:

Resources Referenced:

The Epic of Eden (series) - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges

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