Women and Gender in the Bible

COURSE PREVIEW

From Eve to Elizabeth, Miriam to Mary, a host of extraordinary women populate the pages of Scripture. This course explores the roles of women and the presentation of gender in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, asking questions from both Jewish and Christian perspectives. Topics include female prophets and judges, women within the early Jesus movement, and gender dynamics in Paul’s letters. The class presents the favorable views on women and gender equality in Scripture, and also tackles the minority of texts in the Pauline corpus that seem to prohibit female leadership. Join us as we explore the biblical narratives of women and offer interpretive approaches for understanding the questions that remain relevant for gender relations today.

Student feedback:

“Prof. Nicholas, this course has been excellent. Thank you for your wonderful interpretations and explanations. I especially appreciate that you provide us with the Hebrew and Greek words in the texts and expand the meaning of the words used. I appreciate the broader view of women that I think has been so misinterpreted by, as you say, taking one or two texts and allowing those to influence our faith and theology. Thank you so much!” – Sister Mary Rose

“Prof. Schaser, thank you so much for the explanation regarding women in the Bible and the importance of their roles. I have always only pictured the men being prominent; Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Yeshua, Peter, and Paul. This course has shown, that women have also contributed significantly to the events in ancient Israel. The description you gave regarding Jesus rebuking the Syro-Phoenician woman saying, ” Food for the children to be given to the dogs.” – Andrew Soosainathan

“Hi Dr. Schaser, My response is WOW I feel like a sponge just soaking up new incites. This teaching is both liberating and wonderful. I love the explanation of the word submit it has caused a lot of confusion in the lives of women even so much in our younger generation. I love the meaning of the Hebrew word “Hupotasso” its explanation is like a beautiful woven tapestry. Thank you” – Patricia Serieaux