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Episode 457: Paul, Power, & Patriarchy with Beth Allison Barr


Hold on to your bonnets, Holy Posters. Phil is joined by Kaitlyn Schiess and, while Skye’s away, guest host Mike Erre to talk about the scandals and misogyny plaguing evangelicalism. Phil wonders—are these bugs or features? And is it possible to love evangelicals but hate evangelicalism? Kaitlyn and Mike also explain what keeps them committed to Jesus and his church amid so much mess.


Then, Skye talks to Baylor University history professor Beth Allison Barr about her new book, “The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth.” Barr explains why Paul’s writings about women are widely misread, how women have led throughout church history, and how the Reformation created the domesticated vision of womanhood still idealized by the church today. All of that, plus science can’t explain a sea worm’s perplexing number of posteriors.






47 commentaires


harpearnest
harpearnest
25 sept. 2021

I am so thankful that at least parts of the evangelical church is looking at the unbiblical and damaging teachings we hold about woman, children and minorities. It is way past time that we deal with our misogyny and racism. I also think it is worth noting that these same systems harm the white men they keep in power. These teachings allow men to be abusers. They prevent men from truly living in community with other Christians who are not like them. If you look at women and minorities as inferior, how will you ever learn from them, grow in Christ with them and experience the unity in diversity God calls us to. If you really believe that all …

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Kra789
31 juil. 2021

It took me a long time to finish this book - not because it was un-interesting but because the reviewers of this book were male theologians who discounted it. These male reviewers all asked why Dr. Barr kept referring to herself as a Professor of History. One reviewer even made a comment that “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

What is striking is that these reviewers were not PhDs in history but in theology. This was striking to me as faculty at a medical school and a physician in particular because when I publish a scientific article, it goes through a process called “peer review,” which means that other physicians in my same specialty review my article. It…

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PaulJ
PaulJ
06 juin 2021

Love your Podcasts, and this was a good one. Offended for Kaitlyn though at the 38:40 mark when Mike comments to her “Is it hard being that smart”. The hoped-for humor was based on the sexist idea that men are smarter then women, and “Oh what a surprise Kaitlyn you’re so smart. I didn’t expect that“. There was a similar comment earlier in the podcast as well. C’mon guys... you can do better 🙂.

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PaulJ
PaulJ
06 juin 2021
En réponse à

Thanks Phil... I know no disrespect was intended, and humor is a captivating element of of the show. Might be instructive to ask Kaitlyn how she felt.

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Laura Priebe
Laura Priebe
31 mai 2021

I listened to this podcast several days ago, and it was very thought-provoking, as usual. I also really enjoy Kaitlyn's regular presence and input. In Skye's interview with Beth Allison Barr, they discuss the fact that the protestant tradition has encouraged us to read and interpret the Bible ourselves, and that often leads to us looking at God's word only through our own cultural lens, without considering the context in which it was written. In the worst cases, it's led to weaponizing the Bible. In my podcast listening and reading over the years, I have come to a greater awareness of this lens, and I guess that's the first step to greater understanding. Yet I feel a certain uneasiness …

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Beth A Barr
Beth A Barr
02 juin 2021
En réponse à

Dear Laura--you make such a good point. It is very important that we keep focused on Jesus--not on people. I think the question to ask yourself is why do you interpret scripture a certain way. Sometimes just walking to the Bible with the intent of looking at it with fresh eyes can help so much. Also, I think it is good to use a range of different folk and ideas when you study scripture. so if you find you are getting all of your commentary from the same group of people, change it up a bit. It might not change your mind but it can broaden your perspective. I hope this helps! Beth


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Caitlin McHale
Caitlin McHale
28 mai 2021

Hi again. Is there somewhere I can comment on Episode 16? 🤐😁

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Caitlin McHale
Caitlin McHale
29 mai 2021
En réponse à

Oh, I just did on the newest posts' comments but I will add that you all were wittier than ever back then. And where did the bell go? 😂 I'm gonna listen to the Ham on Nye one next. I watched that debate about a month ago.

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