The Bible Message without Patriarchy

Genesis 20:1-13: Abraham and Sarah, a Marriage of Mutual Submission

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 20:1-13 from the Common English Bible.  In this passage, Abraham expects Sarah to mislead others on his behalf.  This story raises an important question: "Does the Bible teach wives to 'obey' their husbands?"  To answer this question, we examine what the New Testament teaches about marriage relationships.  We examine verses in Ephesians chapter 5 and 1st Peter chapter 3, specifically focusing on the language of "headship" and "submission," and the meaning of these terms to a first century, Greek-speaking audience.

Genesis 19:29-38: Rape and Victim-blaming

In today's podcast episode, we read Genesis 19:29-38 from the Common English Bible.  In this disturbing passage, the two adult daughters of Lot decided to serve their father enough wine to make him drunk, so that they could have sex with him without his knowledge or consent.  Ancient traditions about this passage actually blame Lot for the sexual assault committed against him.  Both rape and victim-blaming are prevalent in too many cultures today.  Only by holding offenders fully responsible for their own actions can we ever hope to truly promote much needed change. 

Genesis 19:14-28, The Destruction of Sodom, and the Truth about Lot's Wife

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 19:14-28 from the Common English Bible.  We distinguish between horribly inaccurate commentary, and what the Bible actually says about Lot's wife.  We then examine Jesus' prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, and how he compares these events to the destruction of Sodom.  In both cases, people are urged to immediately flee from evil, and from God's judgment against it.

Genesis Chapter 19:1-13, God's Response to Sexual Violence, and a Warning Against Trusting in Human Strength

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 19:1-5 from the Common English Bible, and Genesis 19:6-13 from the Good New Translation.  Once again, we identify and correct androcentric language found in the English Standard Version (ESV).  In this passage, we see God's response to ongoing sexual violence.  We also learn that trusting in human strength does not lead to a positive outcome.  Speaking to the New Testament church, the apostle Paul warns against depending on human leaders, rather than on Jesus Christ.  Today, the church must turn aside from trusting in "male leadership," and depend instead upon God's Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.

Genesis Chapter 18:16-33, Correcting the Masoretic Text, Highlighting God's Justice and Mercy in Response to the Crimes of Sodom

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 18:16-33 from the Common English Bible.  We identify a problem with some English translations that are based on a scribal notation in the Masoretic Text.  The Masoretes embraced oral traditions that rejected Jesus as the Messiah, and also excluded women from leadership. After correcting the assumptions of the Masoretic scribes, we then focus on the actual meaning of this passage: God balances justice with mercy, as He considers the crimes of Sodom.

Genesis Chapter 18:1-15, Sarah Receives God's Blessing, Through Faith

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis 18:1-15 from the Common English Bible.  We also read Hebrews 11:11 from the International Standard Version.  Both passages describe Sarah's response to God's promised blessing of a miraculous child.  We address patriarchal translation and commentary that attempts to exclude Sarah from a list of positive role models--all of whom accomplished great things through faith.

Genesis Chapter 17: Feminine Imagery for God, and the Meaning of Circumcision

In this podcast episode, we read some sections of Genesis chapter 17 from the Common English Bible, and others from the Darby Translation.  In this passage, in its original Hebrew language, we find a powerful feminine image for God.  This chapter also helps us understand the symbolic meaning of the Old Testament ritual of circumcision.

Genesis Chapter 16: God Meets with a Woman Named Hagar

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis chapter 16 from the New International Version of the Bible.  This passage contradicts a number of patriarchal assumptions about the manner in which God relates to women.  Unfortunately, its message has been badly obscured by prejudiced translation and commentary.  In our oldest available manuscripts, we see that a woman names God, and that God meets with her in her place of distress.

Genesis Chapters 14 and 15: The Mercy and Judgment of God, and how Righteousness comes through Faith

In this podcast episode, we read portions of Genesis chapters 14 and 15 from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.  We challenge an English translation that suggests leadership should pass from one generation to the next through "male heirs."  We then explore God's message concerning Abram, that righteousness comes through faith.  We also see that God is patient with those who do wrong, granting them time to repent before the day of judgment.

Genesis Chapter 13: God's Promises and Humanity's Response

In this podcast episode, we read Genesis chapter 13 from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.  We begin by identifying that a number of English translations use androcentric language in this passage.  They include the ESV, KJV and NASB.  We then focus on God's promise to give the land of Canaan to Abram and Sarai's descendants, the Israelites, "forever."  If God made such a promise to the children of Abram, why was Israel later expelled from the land God had given them, and sent into exile?  This passage sheds important light on issues related to God's promises and humanity's response.