Mutuality Matters

(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.  

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.