The Bible Message without Patriarchy

Genesis 27:1-45, The Story of Jacob and Esau: Masculinity is Not a Prerequisite for Leadership

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.

Genesis 26:1-11, How False Assumptions Have Harmed Indigenous Peoples and Women

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.

Genesis 25:23, A Prophecy About the Nation of Edom; Confronting John Calvin's Views on Women and Predestination

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.

Genesis 25:27-34, Esau's Birthright: Patriarchal Customs are Not to be Mistaken for the Will of God

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?

Genesis 25:19-26: Rebekah Goes Directly to God; A Husband is Not the Prophet, Priest and King of his Household

In today's podcast episode, we read Genesis 25:19-26 from the Common English Bible.  Isaac's wife Rebekah goes directly to God with concerns about her pregnancy.  God answers her directly, and gives her a prophetic message about the future relationship between the descendants of her two sons.  This passage, and many others found in the New Testament, directly contradict the false teaching that men are the prophets, priests and kings of their households.

Genesis 24, A Bride is Chosen for Isaac, and Challenging Patriarchal Traditions Related to Bridal Veils and Head Coverings

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis chapter 24 from the New English Translation of the Bible.  In this passage, Rebekah is chosen to be Isaac's wife.  We also challenge patriarchal traditions related to bridal veils and head coverings.

Genesis 23, Sarah's Burial Ground: "The World's Most Ancient Jewish Site"

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis chapter 23 from the Common English Bible (CEB).  We learn about Sarah's death, and Abraham's purchase of a burial site for his beloved wife.  This burial property in Hebron is the world's most ancient Jewish site.  After hundreds of years of captivity in Egypt, God returned His people to Hebron.  They found their way back to the land of promise only by trusting and following God.

Genesis 22:1-19, God Tests Abraham's Faith, and How to Have Our Sins Forgiven

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 22:1-19 from the International Standard Version of the Bible.  God tests Abraham's faith in a story that foreshadows the coming of the Messiah.  This story points ahead to passages in the New Testament that explain how we can have our sins forgiven.

Genesis 21:1-21, God Tells Abraham to Listen to His Wife Sarah, The Importance of Prioritizing the Safety of Abuse Victims

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 21:1-21 from the International Standard Version (ISV) of the Bible.  In this passage, God tells Abraham to listen to his wife Sarah.  God wants men to listen to women.  He wants husbands to listen to their wives.  He wants churches to respond to abuse by prioritizing the safety of victims.

Genesis 20:14-18, What the Bible Says About Infidelity and Polygamy

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 20:14-18 from the Common English Bible. In this story, God confronts Abimelech for adding another man's wife to his harem.  We also read additional Old and New Testament passages that address the issues of infidelity and polygamy.  Patriarchal theology has distorted the meaning of all of these passages in a way that is detrimental to women.  When read in context and in their oldest available languages, however, each of these passages is a warning against sinful behavior being committed by men.