The Bible Message without Patriarchy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we read Genesis 12:10-20 from the Common English Bible.  We read about Abram's fear that Pharaoh will kill him and take his wife, on account of her beauty.  We also examine an unhealthy culture in some churches that holds women responsible for the sexual sins of men.

In this episode, we read Genesis 12:10-20 from the Common English Bible.  We read about Abram's fear that Pharaoh will kill him and take his wife, on account of her beauty.  We also examine an unhealthy culture in some churches that holds women responsible for the sexual sins of men.