Mutuality Matters

(Women in Scripture and History) The Women of Exodus with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes

In this episode, Kim talks to Dr. Carmen Joy Imes about the women of Exodus. Dr. Imes brings her deep knowledge of Exodus to the average Christian audience, explaining how the structure and literary parallels of Exodus to show how the women are the rescuers of Moses, who then rescues the Hebrews. She provides the details of the midwives’ spiritual work of saving lives. She demonstrates how Pharaoh’s daughter displayed God’s character as she sees Moses’ misery, heard his cry, and took pity on him. She explains the Hebrew that illustrates how Miriam took a stand at the river to address Pharaoh’s daughter just as Moses later took a stand to address Pharaoh. And she explains how Zipporah literally saved Moses’ life as he decided which people group he belonged. Amidst these detailed portrayals of the Exodus women, Dr. Imes also points out the narrator’s use of humor to depict the bumbling and nameless Pharaoh. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:02 Exploring the Role of Zipporah in Exodus 

01:04 Meet Dr. Carmen Joy IMEs 

02:06 The Mystery of Exodus 4:24-25 

03:26 Theological and Structural Significance of Zipporah 

14:33 The Role of Women in the Early Chapters of Exodus 

21:49 Elevating Women in Scripture 

22:00 A Word from CBE 

22:37 The Women of Exodus: Zipporah, Pua, and Shiphrah 

22:52 The Story of Moses' Birth and the Women Who Saved Him 

32:07 Moses' Identity and His Encounter with God 

39:37 Closing Thoughts and Resources 

41:20 Final Remarks and How to Stay Connected 

 

  

Guest Bio  

Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in Southern California. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the forthcoming Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Carmen has a YouTube channel where she releases weekly Torah Tuesday videos and you can find her writing on various websites, including Christianity Today, The Well, and The Politics of Scripture blog. Carmen is passionate about equipping the church to engage the Old Testament well and to see its relevance for the Christian life. 

 

Find Dr. Carmen Imes at: 

 

X: @carmenjoyimes 

Bluesky: @carmenjoyimes.bsky.social 

YouTube – Torah Tuesday: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6bwfe08fufzGaY2YImWQK12Ye7VX15X2 

Resources Mentioned in the Interview: 

 

Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters 

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters 

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters 

Every Woman’s Bible published by Tyndale 

 

Other CBE Resources: 

 

Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us About Freedom by Kelley Nikondeha. 

“Rational and Emotional Faith” by Megan Greulich in Mutuality 

“Who’s Who? Biblical Models of Women in Leadership” by Gracy Ying May in Priscilla Papers 

“Black is Blessed: A Study of Black/African Women and Men in Scripture” by Catherine Clark Kroeger in Priscilla Papers 

“Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach us about Freedom” by Mary Lou Wiley a Book Review on Defiant 

Women in Scripture and Mission: Zipporah by Kimberly Dickson 

Women in Scripture and Mission: Miriam by Kimberly Dickson 

Women in Scritpure and History: Puah and Shiphrah by Kimberly Dickson 

 

 

Disclaimer  

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.  

 

(Women and Words) Which Bible Translation Is Best in Latin America? with Mayra Ugalde: Part 3

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, hosted by CBE International, the focus is on the significance of Bible translation and its impact on women's lives worldwide, especially in Latin America. Special guest Maya Ugalde, honorary director of the Bible Society of Costa Rica, shares her extensive experience in Bible publishing and distribution. The discussion covers the importance of diverse translation teams, avoiding biases, and the role of traditional translations in fostering a deeper connection with God. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

01:19 Welcoming Our Esteemed Guest: Maya 

02:48 The Importance of Diverse Translation Teams 

05:49 Overcoming Bias in Bible Translations 

10:38 Successful Bible Translations: A Global Perspective 

16:42 The Role of Traditional Language in Bible Reading 

28:46 The Spirit in the Text: Engaging with God's Word 

31:00 Critical Thinking in Bible Translations 

35:37 Conclusion and Future Discussions 

 

Guest Bio 

Mayra currently serves as Honorary Director of the Bible Society of Costa Rica, where she serves in different areas of the publishing, promoting, and distribution of the Bible all over Costa Rica for more of 43 years. Mayra also serves on the Publishing Committee for the United Bible Society where she participates in developing and publishing different study Bibles and specifically in the developing of the Bible for Latin American women that’s called The Women in the Bible and also a Bible for adult women that was called The Bible I Adore.   

Mayra has an MBA in Administration, and a postgraduate degree in Bible. She publishes articles in national newspapers and nowadays writes devotionals and blogs leading readers to interact with the Bible.      

 

Related Resources 

Women and Words: From Oppression to Empowerment with Mayra Ugalde: Part 1

Women and Words: The Intersection of Culture and Bible Translation with Mayra Ugalde: Part 2

How American Evangelicalism Has Been Weaponized Against Women

IJM’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in Latin America with Brad Twedt

 

Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

(Women in Scripture and History) Who was Mary Magdalene really? with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt

In this episode, Kim talks to Rev Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt about Mary Magdalene. She discusses the Biblical witness of Mary Magdalene, and what happened historically to Mary so that she came to be understood as a prostitute. She also discusses the meaning of Apostle and why the Eastern and Western churches remember Mary Magdalene as an apostle to the apostles. 

 

Bio  

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt is the Franklin S. Dyrness professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Wheaton College. She is an award-winning author, fellow in the Royal Historical Society, and ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian church. Her latest books are Know the Theologians (Zondervan, 2024), a finalist in the 2024 CT Book Awards for Popular Theology, and The Mary We Forgot (Brazos, 2024). She and her husband co-founded McNuttshell Ministries that seeks to serve as a bridge between the church and academy. 

 

Find Rev, Dr Jennifer McNutt 

• Substack: The McNuttshell https://substack.com/@jenniferpowellmcnutt  

• Contact: https://jenniferpowellmcnutt.com 

• McNuttshell Ministries: https://mcnuttshellministries.com 

Scripture References

• Woman identified as “Sinner Woman” that gets conflated with Mary Magdalene: Luke 7  

• Highlighting women with Jesus, part of his ministry, traveling with Jesus: Luke Chapter 8:1-3 

• Scriptural definition of Apostles: 1 Cor 15, 1 John 1,  

• Mary’s Message and Being Sent: John 20, Matthew 28, Luke 23-24, Acts 1 

Other Resources Mentioned in Interview:  

Scholars who have investigated Roman system of patronage: Lynn Cohick, Amy Brown Hughs, Susan Highland 

CBE Resources: 

• Book Review of Jennifer Powell McNutt’s, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostle Teaches the Church Today by Kimberly Dickson 

• Women in Scripture and History: Mary Magdalene by Kimberly Dickson 

• To learn about the Middle Eastern culture and its impact on the movements of men versus women and children, see: “God’s Word to Middle Eastern Women,” by Kevin Zabihi in Mutuality, October 20, 2021. 

• “Christ is Risen: The Nonsense of a Hysterical Woman,” by Chesna Hinkley in Mutuality April 15, 2020. 

• “Frequently Asked Questions about Mary Magdalene,” by Lidija Novakovic in Prisicilla Papers, June 5, 2006. 

Disclaimer  

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.  

(Women and Words) The Intersection of Culture and Bible Translation with Mayra Ugalde: Part 2

This episode of the Mutuality Matters podcast, hosted by CBE International, features an in-depth discussion with Mayra Ugalde, the Honorary Director of the Bible Society of Costa Rica. Mayra shares her perspective on growing up in a Latin family with traditional gender roles and delves into the complexities of Bible translation. She emphasizes the importance of diverse translation teams to avoid bias and promote a holistic understanding of Scripture. The episode also touches on the historical and cultural contexts in biblical narratives and highlights the significant roles women have played in both the Old and New Testaments. Through shared expertise, listeners are encouraged to engage with the Bible personally and critically, guided by the Holy Spirit and informed by a community of believers. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

01:29 Welcome and Guest Introduction 

03:05 Complexities of Bible Translation 

05:42 Diverse Perspectives in Translation 

11:22 The Role of Commentaries in Bible Reading 

14:38 Women and the Bible: Cultural Contexts 

20:29 Women Leaders in Christianity 

30:00 Boaz and Ruth: A Cultural Example 

35:16 Conclusion and Future Episodes 

 

Guest Bio 

Mayra currently serves as Honorary Director of the Bible Society of Costa Rica, where she serves in different areas of the publishing, promoting, and distribution of the Bible all over Costa Rica for more of 43 years.  Mayra also serves on the Publishing Committee for the United Bible Society where she participates in developing and publishing different study Bibles and specifically in the developing of the Bible for Latin American women that’s called The Women in the Bible and also a Bible for adult women that was called The Bible I Adore.  

Mayra has an MBA in Administration, and a postgraduate degree in Bible. She publishes articles in national newspapers and nowadays writes devotionals and blogs leading readers to interact with the Bible.     

 

Related Resources 

Women and Words: From Oppression to Empowerment with Mayra Ugalde: Part 1 

How American Evangelicalism Has Been Weaponized Against Women 

IJM’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in Latin America with Brad Twedt 

 

Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

(Home, Church, and World) Family and Mutuality with Rev. Dr. Emily McGowin

In this episode, we’re joined by Rev. Dr. Emily McGowin, professor of theology at Wheaton College and author of the new book Households of Faith, to discuss the theology of family. 

 
Guest Bio 

The Rev. Dr. Emily McGowin is associate professor of theology at Wheaton College. She is also a priest and canon theologian in the Anglican diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others (C4SO). Her latest book, Households of Faith: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God is now available for pre-order from IVP. Dr. McGowin earned a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Dayton, M.Div. from Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, and a B.A. in biblical studies from Criswell College. She has been teaching theology in university, high school, and local church settings for almost 20 years. She is married to Ron and they have three teen children. Together they enjoy exploring forest preserves  
and playing Dungeons & Dragons. 

• Follow Emily on Facebook, Instagram, and X 

• Visit Emily’s Website 

• Buy a copy of Households of Faith  

Related Resources 

Mutuality Matters: A Theology of Family + An Apocalyptic Advent 

How One Church Is Growing Toward Full Biblical Mutuality 

Culture, Gender, and the Family 

Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

(Women and Words) From Oppression to Empowerment: Women in Scripture

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:02 Cultural Background and Personal Story 

01:33 Guest Introduction: Mayra Ugalde 

03:24 Mayra's Experience with the Bible 

07:22 Impact of the Bible on Women's Lives 

13:41 Challenges and Misinterpretations 

16:40 Mayra's Work and Contributions 

21:38 Jesus's View of Women 

24:02 Translation vs. Interpretation 

43:49 God's Maternal Love 

52:11 Conclusion and Resources 

Speaking as a Christian born, raised and in the Latin culture where she continues to work, Mayra explores the complex influence and tension between Bible translation and culture, including Bible culture. Mayra observes how often culture and church tradition have more influence than one’s one reading of Scripture. Mayra briefly explores the history of Christianity in Latin America with the influence of the Catholic church. It wasn’t until 1966 that the dominant religion opened opportunities for lay people to read Scripture, on their own. At this time, the British and Foreign Bible Society distributed these throughout Latin America. As people began to read the Bible, they began to change some of their perspectives. 

Mayra’s mother believed her daughters should serve their brothers. Mayra’s father treated her brothers as kings. Her father said women should have and raise children. Life’s work was defined by gender. Mayra met a man who did not believe girls and women should read the Bible without a man in the room. Reading scripture for herself, Mayra found Sheerah’s story (1 Chron. 7:20–24) empowering Though Sheerah’s father was disgraced by having a daughter, Scripture notes that her name means “At least one woman”; and this one daughter--Sheerah brought honor to her family and nation by building two large, strategic, and successful cities. While people believe that God’s word says negative things about females, if read well, Scripture challenges gender bias by honoring women like Sheerah as strong rescuers.  

Throughout her career, Mayra noticed how Bible translations and commentaries teams were produced by scholars holding to a single perspective. From this she learned the importance of including scholars that honor the authority of Scripture yet hold diverse perspectives on key issues. Mayra reminds us that the Holy Spirit guides us as we read Scripture. This is especially true and crucial for women who too often are told by pastors what the Scripture says about women. But by reading the text themselves, the Spirit can liberate women from cultural, church and denominational gender bias. Women in the Church have to read the Bible for themselves to hear the Lord speaking to them because the pastors are not God, as Paul said about the people from Berea, in Acts 17:11 “... Day after day they studied the Scriptures to see if these things were true.”  

It is fascinating how Jesus interpreted Scripture, introducing woman as the “daughter of Abraham” at a time when women were not considered equal heirs with the “sons of Abraham.” Luke’s Gospel is very clear about the welcome Jesus gave to women. 

Mayra discusses the importance of understanding Bible translation as a science. Skilled translators understand Bible culture and realize that Scripture was written by about 40 authors over 1,200 years. In lapses of time like this, there were vast changes in the culture; in languages; and in the people’s views. The Bible is a collection of books of many authors from many differing cultures, many of whom did not know each other. It’s important to understand the unique culture of each text we read and to understand what is applicable for us today.  

Consider the story of Vashti (Esther 1.15-20) as it honors how Vashti challenged the cultural expectation that a wife obeys their husband in everything even as he asks her to do something morally reprehensible. Vashti resisted evil. Her expectation was that her husband would behave as Paul notes in Ephesians 5:25-33.  

When you read the Bible, you need to recognize the historical and cultural context of the text, as every culture upholds good and permits evil. Mayra considers the story of Hagar and Sarah as examples. It’s possible that Pharoah gave Hagar to Sarah as they left Egypt as a cultural practice. We need not judge Egyptian culture, but we can learn from the story, that God never abandons Hagar or Sarah. God is very tender and sees their (and our) suffering.  
 
The greatest impact in freeing women are texts like Gen 1:26–27 (woman is created in God’s image); Gal 3:26–30 that being clothed in Christ is our highest identity regardless of race, class or gender; that Jesus found women who suffered (in Samaria and Syrophoenicia) and he freed and gave women respect, dignity and empowerment. 

Mayra explored the Motherly Love of God as it heals the church, especially women. God’s Motherly Love is noted in: 

• Gen. 3:8–21 when God sewed clothes (like a mother) for Adam and Eve, after they sinned and were naked and afraid. God does not abandon his son and daughter after they sin but sends them his maternal love. God loves us from his depth, from the bottom of his heart. God has maternal love for his creation, and for the human being. 

• In Hosea 11:3–4 Like a mother, God took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them. 4 I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me; I bent down to feed them. 

• Deut. 32:11 God, like a mother bird, swooping down to catch it’s young  

• Isaiah 49:15 God, like a mother, cannot forget the child she bore, fed and nursed with her own body. Even if a mother forgets her child, God cannot not forget God’s children. 

Guest Bio 

Mayra Ugalde currently serves as Honorary Director of the Bible Society of Costa Rica, where serve in different areas of the Publishing, Promoting and Distribution of the Bible in all over the country, for more of 43 years.  Also serves in the Publishing Committee for the all American Continent in the United Bible Society, where participate in the developing and publishing different study Bibles and specifically in the developing of  Bible with helps for the women for Latin America that’s call “The Women in the Bible” and also a Bible with helps for the women in the adult time that was call “The Bible I Adore”. Mayra has an MBA in Administration, and Postgraduate in Bible, publish articles in national newspapers and nowadays writes devotionals and blogs leading readers to interact with the Bible.      

 

Other CBE Resources 

God as Motherly Father and Fatherly Mother 

Three (Faulty) Objections to Feminine Language for God 

Why Mothers Matter as much as Fathers in Shaping Our Perception of God 

(Side by Side) Together in All Things with Kelsey and Dane Schuett

Married couple Kelsey and Dane Schuett are together…a lot. Not only do they serve on the same church staff team, but they also serve alongside one another in mission with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Most importantly, they are co-parenting their young son Leo. In this episode, hosts Rob and Layla are joined by Dane and Kelsey who invite listeners into their theological journeys, the joys and struggles of partnering together, and their vision for an egalitarian community where “people get our best, not our must.” 

Guest Bios 

Kelsey and Dane Schuett are campus staff ministers with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College. They are also pastors at New Life Church Santa Barbara. Kelsey and Dane live here in Santa Barbara, CA, with their one-year-old son, Leo. They both love coffee, the beach, sit-coms, our InterVarsity students, music and worship, and our awesome faith community! 

Kelsey Schuett’s sermon: https://nlcsb.org/media/r9fsvmv/advent-week-2 

Related Resources 
Leading Together in Christ: A Biblical View of Authority 
 
Leading Together: Lessons From Sharing Leadership in Ministry and Marriage 

Women and Men Leading Together: “Exchanging a Muzzle for a Microphone” with Rici and Phil Skei 

Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

(Home, Church, and World) Mutuality and Masculinity with Zachary Wagner: Part 2

This episode is a part of a segment of the Mutuality Matters podcast, hosted by Tara and Todd Korpi. In this segment we discuss headship theology––dynamics of power, authority, and gender, and how they function in Christian homes, the local church and society. In this special two-part interview, we’re joined by Zachary C. Wagner, director of programs for the Center for Pastor Theologians and author of Non-Toxic Masculinity, to discuss the role unhelpful views of masculinity impact how women and men function together. 

 

Guest Bio  

Zachary Wagner is a writer, researcher, and ordained minister––thinker of thoughts and feeler of feelings who lives in Chicagoland. He is pursuing a DPhil (PhD) in New Testament studies at Keble College, University of Oxford. He also serves as the director of Programs for the Center for Pastor Theologians, where he co-hosts the CPT Podcast. His research interests include economics in the ancient world, divine wages in Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity, Pauline epistles, the Gospel of Matthew, and New Testament masculinities. His first book, Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality, was published in 2023 with Intervarsity Press. Zach’s other writing interests include evangelical and “post-vangelical” Christian discipleship, theological formation, and speaking against church-based abuse. 

• Buy Zachary’s book, Non-Toxic Masculinity 

• Follow Zachary on Instagram and X 

• Read “Broken Masculinity” on the Center for Pastor Theologians 

 Related Resources 

New Voices: Non-Toxic Masculinity with Zachary Wagner 

Let God Reign: Ditching the Umbrellas of Hierarchy 

Let’s Stop Talking about Masculinity and Start Talking about Discipleship 

 

 Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

(Women and Words) Bible Passages that Support Women’s Leadership with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer

In the second episode, Dr. Mimi Haddad meets with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer to explore key ways Scripture goes against the grain of culture. While some scholars uphold Bible cultural as the moral standard, Aída encouraged readers to begin in the New Testament. For example, in the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42), Martha was anxious that Mary would help her serve the disciples a meal. But Jesus said, “Martha, Martha … You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus reversed women’s priorities from domestic spheres to theological spheres: learn God’s truth. Paul also said, in 1 Tim 2:11, “A woman should learn in quietness (silence) and full submission.” Insisting on women’s silence was/is a to call women to learn as the theological scholars (Rabbis) did at the time of Christ, in silence—with rapt focus. Aída believes we need more scholarly reflection on women and silence in Scripture.  

 

Aída ends with a warning to always view people as created in God’s image and considers passages also embrace the shared dignity and agency of women. Reflecting on the marginalization for Native Americans who were accused of and punished for alleged idol worship, by white colonizes who believed they were given the US given as theocracy, Aída and her husband William David Spencer address both topic in a powerful article titled, Calling on God or Colonial Oppression.  

 

Aída addresses the leadership of women in the early church, with a focus on context. Whereas women’s leadership in Ephesus was different from women in other contexts, like women planting churches like Lydia in Greece.  

 

Aída ends by reflecting on Helen Barrett Montgomery (1861-1934) was elected the first president of national Woman’s American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. She was also elected the first president (and woman) of an American denomination, the Northern Baptist Convention in 1920. She’s also the first woman to translate the New Testament in 1924. Her translation of Roman 16:1-3—interpreted Pheobe as a “minister” and “overseer,” yet it has taken so very long for other translators to see the same biblical truth (in 1843). Barrett Montgonery’s The New Testament in Modern English was republished in 1952, and translated Romans 16:1-2: “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a minister of the church at Cenchreae. I beg you to give her a Christian welcome, as the saints should, and to assist her in any matter in which she may have need of you. for she herself has been made an overseer to many people, including myself.” Prostateo, the verb meaning to be leader or ruler of, hold office, authority for providing, regent (Liddell & Scott’s classical dictionary). 

 

Guest Bio 
Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer, Ph.D., Th.M., M.Div., is Senior Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, S. Hamilton, MA. Born and reared in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she has served as community organizer, minister, and educator in a variety of urban and suburban settings. She has over 200 publications, including 20 books, among these are commentaries of James, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, and 2 Corinthians and books encouraging women in leadership, such as Beyond the Curse: Women Called to Ministry, Global Voices on Biblical Equality, Christian Egalitarian Leadership, The Goddess Revival: A Biblical Response to Goddess Spirituality, Marriage at the Crossroads, and the novel Cave of Little Faces. An ordained Presbyterian minister, she is married to the Rev. Dr. William David Spencer. Their blog is entitled Applying Biblical Truths Today. They have one adult son, Stephen. 

 

Related Resources 

Creating Gender-Accurate Bible Translations 

Video: Gender-Accurate Bible Translation Panel 

Presumption, Bias, and Gender Accuracy in Bible Translation 

(Women in Scripture and History) Pandita Ramabai, a Bible Translator and Social Activist with Dr. Boaz Johnson

In this episode, Kim talks to Dr. Boaz Johnson about the Indian scholar and activist Pandita Ramabai. Through this interview we hear both about Dr. Johnson’s own background growing up in India and how the writings of Pandita Ramabai influenced his own faith. As the interview unfolds, we follow the progression of Ramabai’s own life from being an orphaned Hindu whose father secretly taught her the Hindu religious scriptures to becoming a Christian challenging and re-translating the poor bible translations. Always a rule breaker, Pandita Ramabai left a legacy of how to stand for the truth of God’s word.  

  

Guest Bio  

Rev. Boaz Johnson (PhD, Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is a professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University in Chicago, IL. His writing has appeared in publications such as Christianity Today and The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. 

 

Resources by Dr. Boaz Johnson

Mutuality Matters podcast: Women and Words: Women Pioneers in Bible Translation with Dr. Boaz Johnson  

Mutuality Magazine: Pandita Ramabai's Legacy: How Gender Conscious Bible Translation Impacts Christian Ministry  

CBE International Conference Audios:  

Pandita Ramabai: India and the Pandemic, Plague, Plight of Women with Boaz Johnson at the 2020 CBE International Conference  

Male, Female, Slave, and Free in the Context of a Pandemic: In the Thought of Katharine Bushnell at the 2022 CBE International Conference  

 

Related Resources  

Words Matter: How a Corrected Bible Translation Transformed a Community by Kimberly Dickson 

The Theological Quest of an Indian Woman: Dogma, Doubts, and Debates in Pandita Ramabai’s Early Christian Life  

Caste and Gender in India: The Bakht Singh Assemblies and Egalitarianism  

Radio: Women in Scripture and Mission 

 

Disclaimer  

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.