Mutuality Matters

(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.  

Mutuality and Masculinity with Zachary Wagner: Part 1 (Home, Church, and World)

This episode is a part of a new 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 

Jesus’ Vision for Masculinity: The (Actual) Best A Man Can Get 

My Kingdom for A World of Such Men: 3 Hallmarks of Healthy Masculinity 

 

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) Comparing Bible Translations with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer

In the first episode, host Dr. Mimi Haddad meets with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer to discuss Bible translation. Aída considers the different goals of translation teams from translations focused on a word for word translation; to meaning for meaning; to thought for thought and those that are a paraphrase. Each translation team from the NRSV, to the NIV, KJV and the ESV elevate their priorities in ways that are often helpful. In addressing the complexities of Bible translation, Aída gave the following helpful insight. She said: 

• Translators are caught between rendering Form vs. meaning. A “formal translation”/formal-equivalence/literal/word for word/linguistic= Translation tries to preserve form (syntax and sentence structure) of the original to convey meaning. The emphasis is the original text, E.g. NRSV, NAS. It Allows the reader to interpret. 

• A “dynamic-equivalence”/functional-equivalence/cultural =Translation expresses the original meaning in the natural form of the receptor language. The receptor language is emphasized. Translators seek equivalence in meaning or thought for thought translation, E.g., TEV, NEB. It does more interpretation for readers. 

• A “paraphrase”=A freely rendered restatement (of another translation) of the author’s thoughts in different words. But it is not a commentary, e.g. Living Bible, The Message. 

 

Aída cited those who contribute to the ESV team, noting their commitment to male-authority. She also expressed her preference for the NRSV assessing how the different translations render the crucial text 1 Tim 2:4–5—as it explains the work of Christ. She said: 

1. “who desires all people (anthrōpōs) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men (anthrōpōs), the man (anthrōpōs) Christ Jesus,” ESV
2. “who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,” NIV
3. “who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, (NASB)
4. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (KJV)
5. “who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, (NRSVupdated)+ CEB
6. “God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is, There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human. (CEV)-a dynamic equivalent
7. “Our Creator longs to set all people free and guide them into the full understanding of the truth. For there is only one Great Spirit, and only one who can bring the Great Spirit and human beings together in peace. That one is Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One, who is himself human.” (First Nations Version)
8. “Our Savior God wants all humans to be saved and to come into knowledge of truth. For God is one, one is also a mediator between God and humans, human Christ Jesus, the One having given himself as a ransom on behalf of all” (ABS). 1 Timothy NCCS ABS 48-51 

For clarity on confusing passages that seem to diminish the dignity, value and agency of women or minorities, Aída recommends Bible translation teams comprised of men and women who do not unite in their preference for male-leadership as the ESV translation team does. Aída also celebrated the diversity of opinion on the NIV translation team which is led by expert Bible translators who differ on their view on women’s leadership. It’s always better to move beyond a single narrative on key issues. 

Aída discussed the NT and OT texts that challenge 3 New Testament passages (1 Tim. 2:11-15; 1 Cor. 14:34-36; Eph. 5:21-23) which routinely eclipse the many passages that demonstrate women’s leadership, like Acts 2:2-21; Gal. 3:28 and passages that demonstrate the leadership of Huldah and Deborah.  

 

Aída ends by emphasizing the oneness of man and woman, cited in Genesis 1:26-30 as both were called to rule over the world together, in a world without sin. Paul picks this up in Galatians 3:28, we are clothed in Christ—a purple robe, our true identity. 

In considering marriage, specifically in Eph. 5. Aída explained that Ephesians 5:18-21 is one sentence in Greek, with 2 main ideas: 

“And do not get yourself intoxicated with an intoxicating substance, in which is wild living, but be filled with the Spirit. 

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? 

Paul then uses 5 participles to describe what it means to be filled with the Spirit: 

1. “speaking to one another in psalm and hymns and spiritual songs, 
2. Singing 
3. Making melody in your heart to the Lord 
4. Thanking always for all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to Father- God 
5. Submitting yourselves to one another in fear/respect of Christ.” 

Verse 22 has no verb in the best Greek manuscripts: “the women…to own husbands as to the Lord…” 

Aída will return next month to address Bible translation as it has been used to further abuse and ethnic prejudice rather than human flourishing. 

 

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 

 

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, Honor, and Head Coverings with Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall (Women in Scripture and History)

In this episode, Kim talks to Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall. Dr. Westfall shares her background, providing context that helps explain her interest in the New Testament and Paul. Her mentors, service, analytical mind and questions led her into digging into the New Testament and Paul, and women’s sexuality. She provides excellent context and interpretations of Paul’s difficult passages. She specifically focuses on how Paul instructs the church to honor the traditionally discarded women with the Ancient Corinthain symbol of honorable women, the head covering.  

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters Podcast 

00:24 Meet Dr. Cynthia Westfall 

01:07 Cynthia's Journey to Faith and Scholarship 

03:19 Struggles with Traditional Interpretations 

07:07 Embracing Egalitarianism 

15:01 Paul's Subversion of Cultural Norms 

19:51 Introduction to the Topic 

20:26 Traditional Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11 

21:22 Questioning Traditional Views 

23:10 Alternate Interpretations Based on Veiling History 

24:38 Cultural Significance of Veiling 

26:55 Paul's True Intentions 

28:54 Implications for Women in the Church 

34:51 Order in Worship Services 

37:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

 

Guest Bio   

Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall is associate professor of New Testament and has been at McMaster Divinity College since 2005, teaching courses in New Testament with a specialization in the book of Hebrews, Greek exegesis, biblical interpretation, intertextuality, women in ministry, biblical social justice and welcoming the other, courses which are devoted to a commitment to transformation by God’s word through its application to all aspects of life and ministry. Dr. Westfall has a constellation of research interests that are focused on issues concerned with the New Testament and its interpretation with contemporary methodologies and its translation. She places a special focus on texts and issues that have been traditionally overlooked. She has a priority of mentoring academic and professional students as well as others. Her ministry experience includes campus ministry, ministry to the urban community, support of the immigrant community in the US and Canada and the support of women pursuing God’s call on their lives. 

She currently serves on the board of Canadian Baptist Missions (CBM). She has served as chair of the board of Wentworth Baptist Church in Hamilton, ON, and continues to serve the church is various ways including preaching, consulting and serving as a delegate as well as speaking and teaching in the churches, organizations and assembly of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ). 

Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall is professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College in Canada.   

Resources by Dr. Westfall

Cynthia Long Westfall. Paul and Gender: Reclaiming the Apostle’s Vision for Men and Women in Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic). 2016. 

Mutuality Matters podcast: Redeeming Paul - Part 1, Redeeming Paul - Part 2 

Mutuality Magazine: Difficult Passages in the Bible and How to Understand Them 

Priscilla Papers: On Developing a Consistent Hermeneutical Approach to the Application of General Scriptures 

 

CBE International Conference Audios:  

Paul and Gender: Highlights and Bombshells  

The Symbol of the Veil in the Ancient Near East and Today: Subjugation or Honor - Part 1  

The Symbol of the Veil in the Ancient Near East and Today: Subjugation or Honor? Part 2 

In Church or at Home? What is 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Really About? 

Answering Those Who Ask: Moving from Defense to a Breakthrough 

 

Relevant Resources  

Roy Ciampa was mentioned in the interview explaining the educational level of women in the New Testament Church his podcast interview with Dr. Mimi Hadad in Women and Words: Marriage in the Greco-Roman World in Translation with Dr. Rogy Ciampa 

Dr. Westfall references Kenneth Baily’s book about women in the Middle East. See Cynthia Long Westfall’s review of his book: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes 

Veil Bound or Veiled Beauty? By Kay Blevins Calabrese 

 

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.  

(Home, Church, and World) The Five Myths of Purity Culture with Dr. Camden Morgante

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, hosts Todd and Tara Korpi sit down with Dr. Camden Morgante to discuss her new book, Recovering from Purity Culture. The conversation explores the impact of purity culture on both men and women, the myths propagated by purity teachings, and practical steps for healing and recovery. Dr. Morgante shares her personal journey and professional insights as a psychologist, offering valuable guidance for individuals and couples striving for a healthier understanding of sexuality and spirituality. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:19 Welcome and Guest Introduction 

01:13 Dr. Camden Morgante's Background 

13:41 Impact on Women Raised in Purity Culture 

16:55 Support CBE International 

17:23 Impact on Men Raised in Purity Culture 

24:41 Techniques for Healing from Shame-Based Sexuality 

27:03 Purity Culture's Impact on Church Leadership 

  

Bio

Dr. Camden Morgante is a licensed psychologist with nearly 15 years of experience as a therapist and college professor. She owns a private therapy practice focusing on women’s issues, relationships, sexuality, trauma, and spirituality, and is a frequent speaker. Dr. Camden’s mission is to help Christians heal their faith from toxic beliefs. She is the author of Recovering from Purity Culture. Dr. Camden lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her husband and their daughter and son. 

• Recovering From Purity Culture 

• Visit www.drcamden.com 

• Follow Camden Morgante on Facebook and Instagram 

 

Related Resources 
5 Purity Culture Myths and Why They Are False Promises 
My Body Kept Score: What Purity Culture Didn’t Know about Trauma 

7 Lies That Purity Culture Teaches Women 

Promises, Promises: Questioning the Protection of Purity Culture 

 

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. 

Bible Translation vs. Interpretation: Where Bible Translators Go Wrong with Hélène Dallaire (Women and Words)

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, Dr. Mimi Haddad and Dr. Hélène Dallaire engage in a rich discussion on women's roles in biblical scholarship, the challenges faced in male-dominated fields, the impact of flawed Bible translations on women, and the crucial need for translating Scripture accurately to empower women. They explore stories of women overcoming barriers, the significance of mentoring in leadership, and the broader cultural implications of hierarchical teachings. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:02 Breaking Gender Norms in Academia 

01:28 Impact of Bible Translations on Women 

05:06 The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Abuse 

05:52 Reinterpreting “Helper” in Genesis 

11:08 Challenges and Progress for Women in Ministry 

18:23 Mentorship and Leadership Development 

25:23 Future of Bible Translation and Women's Roles 

29:51 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement 

33:01 Closing Remarks and Farewell 

 

Dr. Hélène Dallaire earned a PhD in Hebraic and Cognate Studies at Hebrew Union College. At Denver Seminary, Hélène is the Earl S. Kalland Professor OT and Semitic Languages and chairs the OT Department. She has served as Associate Pastor at Word Faith Christian Center in Vancouver and Oakville Canada. Hélène has published widely, with titles such as:  

• The Baker Illustrated Study Bible 

• Apollos OT Commentary Series by IVP  

 

Dr. Dallaire has published articles and chapters in: 

• “Gender Issues and the Role of Women in Joshua,” In Formation and Interpretation of Old Testament Literature. Leiden, Brill 

• “Women: Let’s Use Our Voices – Psalm 68:12;” “Daughter of Zion/Jerusalem – Zephaniah 3:14-17;” and “A Woman in a Basket – Zechariah 5,” in Every Woman’s Bible, Tyndale; A review of 

• Carol Meyer’s, Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context (Oxford) in the Journal of the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament 

• “Women in the OT: A Legacy to Build On” for Denver Seminary’s Engage Magazine.   

Hélène teaches courses on Women in the Old Testament, the Ancient Near East, and Women’s Leadership for the Association of Theological Schools, and with a CBE chapter locally. She serves on the board of the CBE Denver Chapter. Hélène received a 2024 CBE Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Related Resources 

An Update on CBE’s Translation Project 

Words Matter: How a Corrected Translation Transformed a Community 

Correcting Caricatures: Women and Bible Translation 

 

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) How Church Movements Go from Freeing to Restricting Women with Dr. Joy Qualls

This episode is a part of a new 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 as a whole. We’re joined by Dr. Joy Qualls, professor at Biola University and author of God Forgive us for Being Women, to discuss the barriers women face in egalitarian settings to fully walking out their call. 

 

Guest Bio 

Joy Qualls is a nationally recognized writer and speaker.  Joy currently serves as an Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Associate Dean in the Division of Communication at Biola University. Joy writes and speaks on effective communication, leadership, and who we are as images bearers of Christ.  Joy has a passion for the local church and serving the body of Christ through teaching and consultation.  Joy is married to Kevin (a Licensed Professional Counselor) and together they teach on healthy relationships including marriage and parenting.  They are parents to Blakeley and Soren. 

 

Joy is the author of “God Forgive Us For Being Women: Rhetoric, Theology and the Pentecostal Tradition” (Wipf and Stock, 2018) and is featured in several publications including Influence Magazine, The Table, and Biola Magazine as well as an author in several edited volumes.  Joy has been the featured speaker for local church services and events as well as a sought after as a conference speaker and communication consultant. 

 

Follow Joy Qualls on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook 

 
Related Resources

• God Forgive us for Being Women 

• New Voices: Pastors’ Wives and Medieval Religion with Dr. Beth Allison Barr 

• Uncovering and Dismantling Barriers for Women Pastors 

• Resolving Five Complementarian Protests to Priscilla the Pastor-Teacher 

 

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) What is the most mistranslated Bible verse about women? with Dr. Hélène Dallaire

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, “Women and Words: Bible Translation and Why it Matters,” Dr. Helene Dallaire, who holds a PhD in Hebraic and Cognate Studies and serves as the Earl S. Callen Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Denver Seminary. This episode touches on the most mistranslated verse in Scripture, prophetesses in the Old and New Testament, Genesis 1 and 2, and more! 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

01:00 Biblical Texts and Women's Roles 

02:44 Cultural Context and Scripture 

06:21 Ethical Systems in the Bible 

09:52 Women in Biblical History 

11:27 Translation Issues and Gender 

15:22 Prophets and Prophetesses 

28:04 Biblical Equality in Creation 

35:59 Conclusion and Resources 

 
 
Guest Bio  
Dr. Hélène Dallaire is our guest today. Hélène earned a PhD in Hebraic and Cognate Studies at Hebrew Union College. At Denver Seminary, Hélène is the Earl S. Kalland Professor OT and Semitic Languages and chairs the OT Department. She has served as Associate Pastor at Word Faith Christian Center in Vancouver and Oakville Canada. Hélène has published widely, with titles such as: 

The Baker Illustrated Study Bible 

Apollos OT Commentary Series by IVP 

Dr. Dallaire has published articles and chapters in: 

“Gender Issues and the Role of Women in Joshua,” In Formation and Interpretation of Old Testament Literature. Leiden, Brill 

“Women: Let’s Use Our Voices - Psalm 68:12;” “Daughter of Zion/Jerusalem – Zephaniah 3:14-17;” and “A Woman in a Basket – Zechariah 5,” in Every Woman’s Bible, Tyndale 

A review of Carol Meyer’s, Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context (Oxford) in the Journal of the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament 

“Women in the OT: A Legacy to Build On” for Denver Seminary’s Engage 

Magazine 

 

Hélène teaches courses on Women in the Old Testament, the Ancient Near East, and Women’s Leadership for the Association of Theological Schools, and with a CBE chapter locally. She serves on the board of the CBE Denver Chapter. Hélène received a 2024 CBE Lifetime Achievement Award. 

 

Related Resources 
 
Presumption, Bias, and Gender Accuracy in Bible Translation 

A Familiar Picture: An Update on CBE's Translation Project 

The Central Role of Old Testament Prophetesses with Hélène Dallaire 

 

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