![Mutuality Matters](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec.jpg)
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Women, Men, Mutuality, and the Bible CBE’s Mutuality Matters podcast is part of CBE International’s online library of free resources! Hosts of CBE’s Mutuality Matters team offer weekly conversations with leaders, pastors, authors, scholars, activists, and humanitarians on women, men, shared leadership, and Scripture. CBE International (Christians for Biblical Equality) advances the gospel by equipping women and men of all cultures, races, and classes to lead and serve as equals. Founded in 1989, CBE has supporters and ministry partners in over 100 denominations and 65 countries, and offers annual conferences, adult and youth curricula, a curated bookstore, multi-media resources, award-winning publications, and a blog. Learn more at cbeinternational.org.
Episodes
![(Women and Words) Exploring Women’s Biblical Equality Through Bible Translation with Dr. Roy Ciampa](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
This episode of the Mutuality Matters podcast, hosted by CBE International, features Dr. Roy Ciampa, the S. Lewis and N. W. Armstrong Professor of Religion at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Ciampa discusses the significance of Bible translation in promoting women’s biblical equality, his background as a missionary, professor, and Bible translator, and the process translation teams undergo to resolve translation challenges. Highlights include the impact of Western translations like the NIV and ESV on global Bible translation, specific New Testament passages supporting women's shared leadership, and common translation issues facing the church today. Dr. Ciampa also addresses translation choices related to female and male relationships in Scripture. The episode emphasizes CBE's mission of advocating for equal authority and leadership of women and men in the home, church, and world through biblical scholarship and translation.
00:00 Welcome to Mutuality Matters
00:31 Introducing Dr. Roy Ciampa: A Renowned Bible Translator
00:54 Dr. Ciampa's Journey in Bible Translation and Scholarship
04:36 The Conservative Nature of Bible Translation
06:46 The Influence of Western Translations on Global Bible Translation Efforts
19:52 Navigating Translation Challenges: From Legal Issues to Cultural Contexts
23:55 Addressing Translation Issues Affecting Women in Scripture
29:41 Exploring Key New Testament Passages on Women's Leadership
41:51 Supporting CBE International and Mutuality Matters
Guest Bio
Dr. Ciampa has authored numerous scholarly essays on NT themes, especially on the interpretation of the Old Testament within the New Testament, but also on issues more directly related to Bible translation (including articles that address translation issues in Acts 17:11 and 1 Corinthians 7:1 that became footnotes in the CSB. He is also that author of a book on The Presence and Function of Scripture in Gal 1 and 2, and co-author with Brian Rosner of the Pillar Commentary on 1 Corinthians. Roy is an ordained minister.
Related Resources
CBE’s eLearning Course: Beyond Bias: Aligning towards God’s Vision for Women and Men in Bible Translation
CBE’s Bible Translation Project: Creating Gender-Accurate Bible Translations
Correcting Caricatures: Women and Bible Translation
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.
![(Intersectionality) Telling Her Story through Allyship and Agency with Rev. Dwayne Jackson](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Sit down this week with hosts Angela and Liz as they chat with Rev. Dwayne Jackson. Rev. Jackson shares his expertise about working with the Reformed Church of America and how the stories from his fellow sisters in ministry catapulted his everyday practice of mutuality. He also describes his love for those at the margins and his pastoral position as he pastors alongside his wife as equals. Tune in and hear not only his story but HER story as well!
Guest Bio
Born and raised as a son of the Mott Haven Reformed Church Dwayne Jackson served in the role of deacon then as an elder where he worked with the finance committee, youth ministry, Sunday school, Christian education, choir, and men’s ministry. His educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from New York Institute of Technology with a Minor in Computer Science, and a Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Dwayne was invited to serve as a Student Pastor of the First Reformed Church of Astoria, following his ordination in January of 2000 he accepted the call to continue as their Minister of Word and Sacrament where he remained until June of 2017.
In the community of Astoria and Long Island City, Queens Rev. Jackson served as the Clergy Liaison for the local police command. His work involves mediation between members of the community and helping them to build a peaceful relationship that will benefit both the local citizens and the patrol officers, where mutual respect is fostered. He provided spiritual guidance and assistance for the members of the Astoria Senior Citizen’s Center and mentoring for young children, teens and young adults at the community center.
Rev. Jackson has been a part of the African American / Black Council in a number of capacities. He served the RCA as the Coordinator of Social Witness and Social Justice and served on the RCA Commission for Women. In 2021 Rev. Jackson was elected into the position of VP of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America and concluded his service as President from 2022 to 2023
Serving as Co-Pastor of the Second Reformed Church of Hackensack along with the Rev. Anna M. Jackson, Rev. Dwayne Jackson has promised to dedicate his life to preaching and teaching the un-compromised Word of God to all the people of God and making Disciples for Christ.
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 in Scripture and History) Esther, Mutuality, and the Gospel with Dr. Karen H. Jobes](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
In this episode, Kim Dickson and Amber Burgess interview Dr. Karen H. Jobes about Esther. As a lifetime teaching professor, Dr. Jobes skillfully explains the academic complexities of Esther in a way that brings her listeners along to understand the significance of Esther’s story in the broader canon. She describes how Mordechai’s challenge to Esther that she is in her position “for such a time as this,” causes Esther to come into her own, fulfilling who God had created her to be. Dr. Jobes demonstrates how Mordechai and Esther work in mutuality, both submitting in obedience to one another’s authority. She completes the interview highlighting how the text of Esther demonstrates the scriptural redemptive pattern of bringing life from death.
Bio
Karen H. Jobes is the Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor Emerita of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College and Graduate School (Illinois). She earned her doctorate in Biblical Hermeneutics at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia, 1995) and has served as a tenured professor at Westmont College (Santa Barbara, CA, 1996–2005) and at Wheaton (2005–2015). She was a translator on the NIV Committee for Bible Translation for many years and is the author of several books and many journal articles. Her research specialty has been the Septuagint as a literary and exegetical background for New Testament interpretation. Jobes is a member of Oreland Evangelical Presbyterian Church and serves as an elder on Session there.
Other Resources
Contact Dr. Karen Jobes at karen.jobes@wheaton.edu
Books Referenced in Interview:
Karen H. Jobes, Esther: The NIV Application Commentary from Biblical text . . . to contemporary life.
Karen H. Jobes, The Alpha-Text of Esther: In Character and Relationship to the Masoretic Text, SBL Dissertation Series 153.
Michael V. Fox, Character & Ideology in the Book of Esther: Second Edition with a New Postscript on a Decade of Esther Scholarship.
Summary of Karen Jobes as the first woman Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) woman president in: Making Room for Women: 2023 ETS Annual Meeting Recap by Kimberly Dickson
More CBE Resources on Esther
Women in Scripture and Mission: Esther
More Than a Beautiful Body: Star Wars, Beauty Standards, and the Imago Dei
Power Brokers: Vashti, Mordecai, and Esther
Women Leaders Navigate the Patriarchal Systems of Family and Church: Young Lee Hertig
Esther: When God Calls for Disobedience
Character Counts
Calling all Deborah’s, Esther’s and Junias
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) Translation Bias and How to Read the Bible Well with Dr. Roy Ciampa](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Dr. Ciampa explores the complexity of Bible translation, through his experiences both as a translator and professor of Bible translation, working beside translation teams worldwide. He considers both challenges and opportunities facing translation teams given the limited resources of translators in the majority world in contrast to the wealth of the minority world and its capacity, therefore, to influence translation teams worldwide as they depend on translations produced by the majority world and those widely available to teams/communities without a translation in their mother tongue. Small translation teams depend on larger, well-funded teams in the West and hence their influence worldwide. Bible translations can be (and are) commissioned by individuals who share a particular theological view of male-authority, e.g. the ESV. Other teams rely on consultants who provide an additional layer of oversight and diversity.
As women are now receiving the same education as men, women are joining Bible translation teams and serve as consultants more and more, especially in the majority world. Roy observes that minimizing translation bias was the result not only of diverse translation teams but also accessibility to a variety of translations in one’s mother tongue. Roy also points out “reading” the Bible well plays a critical role in grasping the full thrust of Scripture as a primary means of guarding against translator bias.
Finally, Roy explores how one language, e.g. Portuguese is spoken very differently in various regions around the world. He considers the importance of including more paratextual information explaining the background and significance of many of the passages that have impacted women or that could more positively impact women should be a priority. Increasing the number and roles of women in the translation work would help not only in helping teams pay closer attention to these issues, but also in helping the teams understand how the translation or interpretation of these passages impacts the lived experience of their mothers, sisters, daughters, and other women today, leading to a greater prioritization of this issue.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Roy Ciampa: is the S. Louis and Ann W. Armstrong Professor of Religion and Chair of the Religion Department at Samford University. Roy served the Nida Institute for Biblical for the American Bible Society providing advanced professional development in biblical studies, Bible translation and Scripture engagement to leaders in that area of scholarship worldwide. He also served as Professor of New Testament and chaired the Division of Biblical Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he continues to provide leadership for their Doctor of Ministry track in Bible Translation. Before that, Roy was a missionary professor of biblical studies in Portugal and served as a translator for the Portuguese Bible Society’s contemporary Portuguese translation of Scripture.
Dr. Ciampa has authored numerous scholarly essays on NT themes, especially on the interpretation of the Old Testament within the New Testament, but also on issues more directly related to Bible translation (including articles that address translation issues in Acts 17:11 and 1 Corinthians 7:1 that became footnotes in the CSB. He is also that author of a book on The Presence and Function of Scripture in Gal 1 and 2, and co-author with Brian Rosner of the Pillar Commentary on 1 Corinthians. Roy is an ordained minister.
Related Resources:
eLearning: Beyond Bias: Aligning Toward God’s Vision for Women and Men in Bible Translation
Why We Need to Correct for Patriarchal Bias in Bible Translations
Presumption and Bias in Bible Translation
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.
![(Intersectionality) Where Do We Begin? Finding Our Place in God’s Plan](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Friday Feb 23, 2024
(Intersectionality) Where Do We Begin? Finding Our Place in God’s Plan
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Listeners are in for a treat as veteran host, Dr. Angela is interviewed by new co-host, Rev. Liz Testa. As Liz got to know Angela and listened to past episodes, she realized the wealth of insight sitting behind the mic that people needed to hear about. You don’t want to miss hearing Angela share how she got involved with CBE (hint, it connects with her doctoral work), what led to the creation of this podcast, and highlights of her most intriguing learnings from her guests along the way. Most importantly, hearing Angela’s vision of intersectionality as part of God’s reconciling work in the world is a true inspiration. You will leave this episode with fresh ideas for creating healthy, compassionate spaces of inclusion and equity in your context... and most likely a desire to go back and relisten to a previous episode or two!
Learn more about Dr. Angela's Streams in the Wasteland mentioned in the podcast at https://www.streamsinthewasteland.org/.
Bios
Rev. Dr. Angela Ravin-Anderson, a native Texan, is an ordained minister with a true passion for seeing the people of God become an authentic expression of God’s love in the world. Dr. Ravin-Anderson created the Streams in the Wasteland Leadership Institute, a training program to equip and prepare transformational Christian leaders, especially women, based on their unique personalities, passions, and spiritual gifts to minister to the marginalized. She is also a facilitator for Project C.U.R.A.T.E., a faith-based initiative to bring about racial reconciliation and social justice reform within the Christian community. Dr. Ravin-Anderson is an adjunct professor at Abilene Christian University within the Bible Department teaching courses in Old and New Testament Studies, Christian Leadership, and Spiritual Formation. At Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church where she serves as part of the clergy team, she gives leadership to the Social Justice ministry and develops curriculum for adult Christian education and discipleship training programs. She holds a BA in Behavioral Science from Rice University, an MBA and MHA from the University of Houston-Clearlake, received her Master of Divinity degree, Summa Cum Laude from Houston Graduate School of Theology, and her Doctor of Ministry in the area of Pastoral and Missional Church Leadership from the same seminary.
Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Testa, raised bi-culturally in New York and Spain, is a pastor, speaker, creative visionary, and community builder who is passionate about encouraging people to embrace their gifts and usher in a vision of God’s reign as women and men of all backgrounds serve together, freely and fully. She currently serves the Reformed Church in America as the ministry executive for Women’s Transformation and Leadership and Equity-Based Hospitality. In this capacity, she helps the RCA pursue a vision for the full inclusion of women’s gifts, influence, and leadership in all areas of the church and equips faith communities to develop equitable, hospitable practices that build and strengthen the body of Christ for mission in the world. Liz is the founder and host of the Lavish Hope: Stories of Resilience and Overcoming, a podcast that engages fresh perspectives from women and people of color. Rev. Testa holds a BFA (magna cum laude) from Syracuse University, and an MDiv from the Drew Theological School, where she was the John Heston Willey awardee for excellence in Pulpit Oratory and Manner. Her first career was as a professional actress and spokesperson, and she delights at how God uses those experiences to enhance her calling in ministry. Rev. Testa is currently a doctoral student in transformational preaching at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, NJ.
Learn more about Dr. Ravin-Anderson and Rev. Testa’s passions and projects:
RCA Women’s Transformation and Leadership and Equity-Based Hospitality
Related Resources
Intersectionality: The Narratives that Shaped Us with New Co-Host Rev. Liz Testa
Intersectionality: Diversity as God’s Design: A Conversation with Rev. Michelle D. Williams – Part One
Intersectionality: Words Matter! Freedom through Lectionary and Bible Translation with Rev. Dr. Wilda C. Gafney
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) “We All Read the Bible Through a Cultural Lens” with Dr. Diphus Chemorion](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Host Dr. Mimi Haddad continues her conversation with Dr. Diphus Chemorion, a member of CBE’s Bible translation Old Testament team. Dr. Chemorion states that the goal of CBE’s Gender Accurate Bible translation (GAB) is accuracy related to the dignity and agency of women and men. The team has worked to elevate what has been downplayed through a clear process of deliberation, reading of needed source material, and prayer. When the team disagrees, even in heated conversations, they agree to and practice a discipline of prayer and sleep after a disagreement, and come together to land on a good decision, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead them. And, the Spirit has done just that. Dr. Chemorion says working with the GAB team is his favorite translation team he has yet to experience.
An expert in Old Testament, Dr. Chemorion explored the translation process and decisions made in texts from Genesis chapters 1-3, Job 2:9, Numbers 7:4, and more.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Diphus Chosefu Chemorion is an ordained Minister of the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA). He earned his BA in Social Work from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Divinity from St Paul’s University. He also holds a Master of Theology from Emory University (Candler School of Theology) and a Doctor of Theology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Rev. Prof. Chemorion has served as an associate professor of Old Testament and dean of faculty of theology at St. Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya. He is also the RCEA Synod professor of theology. Dr. Chemorion has been active in CBE as a speaker and Bible translator.
Resources by Dr. Chemorion:
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is author of Community Participation in Scripture Version Design: An Experiment in Translating Jonah into Sabaot and Introduction to Christian Worldview: Meaning, Origins and Perspectives.
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is co-editor of Contested Space: Ethnicity and Religion in Kenya
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is co-author of The Quest for Gender Equity in Leadership, Published by House of Prisca and Aquila
- Human Dignity: Interrogating Biblical and Cultural Perspectives on the Creation Mandate in Genesis 1–3
Works Cited:
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is author of Community Participation in Scripture Version Design: An Experiment in Translating Jonah into Sabaot and Introduction to Christian Worldview: Meaning, Origins and Perspectives.
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is co-editor of Contested Space: Ethnicity and Religion in Kenya
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is co-author of The Quest for Gender Equity in Leadership, Published by House of Prisca and Aquila
- Human Dignity: Interrogating Biblical and Cultural Perspectives on the Creation Mandate in Genesis 1–3
![(Women and Men Leading Together) Picking Up the Weight Together with Scott Sinner and Bekah Townsend](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Pastor Scott Sinner might have “stumbled onto” the idea of mixed-gender ministry partnership, but now he and his colleagues at Green Valley Community Church in Placerville, California, operate out of a place of deep conviction. In this episode, Pastor Sinner and Pastor Bekah Townsend tell Layla and Rob how they live out shared leadership with an emphasis on a clear vision, a foundation of trust, and a commitment to engage one another with vulnerability and grace. Come learn from Scott and Bekah as they tell us how they “pick up the weight together!”
Guest Bios:
Rebekah Townsend
Rebekah Townsend joined the pastor team at Green Valley Community Church in August of 2022. She preaches at weekend services and oversees their Next Gen. ministry. For the last twenty-three years, she served in a variety of ministry roles in many different places, but her passion has been the same. She is dedicated to helping people come to know Jesus. Bekah has been married to her husband Ryan for almost twenty years and they have three amazing kids. They enjoy traveling and going on adventures together as a family.
Scott Sinner
Actively leading and teaching in the church for over thirty-four years, Scott communicates God’s word through an interactive fun, storytelling style. He is passionate about the local church and believes that when it works right, it can change the world. Scott has been married to his wife Kellie for over thirty-four years, they have two beautiful daughters, two great son-in-laws, and one magnificent grandbaby. When not recovering from some injury, Scott enjoys playing basketball and golf. Growing up in the Bay Area has made the Sinner family avid Raider fans — proof that God has a sense of humor.
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.
Other Resources:
Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships
(Men & Women Leading Together) Creating Safe and Thriving Mixed-Gender Partnerships
![(Women and Words) Bible Translation as Communication with Dr. Diphus Chemorion](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Host Dr. Mimi Haddad meets with Dr. Diphus Chemorion, a member of CBE’s Bible translation Old Testament team. Dr. Diphus Chemorion clearly and methodically describes the process of Bible translation primarily as communication versus theological exposition. The task of translation teams is to aim at biblical clarity in addressing their specific and intended audience. Bible readers can learn more about the translation priorities of each translation team by carefully reading and attending to the preface and footnotes in all Bibles where translation teams disclose their objectives, goals, and intended audience.
Dr. Chemorion states that the goal of CBE’s Gender Accurate Bible translation (GAB) is accuracy related to the dignity and agency of women and men. The team has worked to elevate what has been downplayed through a clear process of deliberation, reading of needed source material, and prayer. When the team disagrees, even in heated conversations, they agree to and practice a discipline of prayer and sleep after a disagreement, and come together to land on a good decision, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead them. And, the Spirit has done just that. Dr. Chemorion says working with the GAB team is his favorite translation team he has yet to experience.
An expert in Old Testament, Dr. Chemorion explored the translation process and decisions made in texts from Genesis 1–3, Job 2:9, Numbers 7:4, and more.
Resources by Dr. Diphus Chemorion:
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is author of Community Participation in Scripture Version Design: An Experiment in Translating Jonah into Sabaot and Introduction to Christian Worldview: Meaning, Origins and Perspectives.
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is co-editor of Contested Space: Ethnicity and Religion in Kenya
- Dr. Diphus Chemorion is co-author of The Quest for Gender Equity in Leadership, Published by House of Prisca and Aquila
- Human Dignity: Interrogating Biblical and Cultural Perspectives on the Creation Mandate in Genesis 1–3
Works cited:
- God’s Word to Women, by Katharine Bushnell, MD.
- Other resources on or by Katharine Bushnell, MD can be found at godswordtowomen.org.
- More information on Katharine Bushnell
- Dr. Christiane Nord
Guest: Dr. Diphus Chosefu Chemorion is an ordained Minister of the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA). He earned his BA in Social Work from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Divinity from St Paul’s University. He also holds a Master of Theology from Emory University (Candler School of Theology) and a Doctor of Theology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Rev. Prof. Chemorion has served as an associate professor of Old Testament and dean of faculty of theology at St Paul’s University, Limuru- Kenya. He is also the RCEA Synod professor of theology. Dr. Chemorion has been active in CBE as a speaker and Bible translator.
![(Global Impact) Partnering with Courtship and Marriage Foundation in Zimbabwe, Africa with Rev. Herbert Mazonde](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Saturday Dec 30, 2023
Saturday Dec 30, 2023
In this episode, hosts Mimi and Kim discuss CBE’s partnership with Rev. Herbert Mazonde as he works to restore the church to the heart of God with women and men working in partnership and mutuality. The team experienced some technical issues throughout the episode with Rev. Herbert’s audio, but even through the barriers of technology and distance, Rev. Herbert shows just how powerfully God is moving through CBE’s partners in Africa to make a significant impact for women and men, especially regarding gender-based violence and child marriage.
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.
Guest Bio
Herbert Mazonde is an ordained senior reverend at Harvest House International Church in Birundu, Zimbabwe. He is an experienced church planter, having planted fourteen churches since 2006. But his true passion is the establishment of healthy marriages to serve as an epicenter of human-development that can transform underpriveleged and downtrodden communities. This passion and interest has led him to counsel marriages in over eighteen countries as well as become founder and director of the Courtship and Marriage Foundation. He is married to Rev. Thando and they have one daughter and two sons.
Other Resources:
Learn more about CBE’s Partners in East Africa: Partnering in Africa - CBE International
Listen to “A Lie Long Planted: Unearthing the Deep Roots of Gender Based Injustice” by Medad Birungi
Listen to Mutuality Matters podcast interview with Deborah Asio who oversees CBE’s East Africa partnerships
Listen to Mutuality Matters podcast interview with Emily Onyango to better understand the East African situation for girls and women.
Listen to Terran Williams on patriarchy in South Africa: (New Voices) How Complementarianism Just Makes No Sense with Terran Williams | Mutuality Matters (podbean.com)
![(Women and Words) Refined Gold: The Resilience of Strong Women in Scripture with Dr. Boaz Johnson](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/6090582/MutualityMattersLogoWhiteBG_e3raec_300x300.jpg)
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Building on part one, Dr. Boaz Johnson considers how women throughout the Old Testament are characterized by strength (Chayil in Hebrew). Part of women’s strength is the result of much suffering, like Job’s wife who becomes the mother of seven boys and three girls. The girls are named but not the boys. Consider the Song of Songs, the Shulamite woman was also a shepherdess who experienced much pain but also and exhibited even more strength. Consider Ruth who is considered a Proverbs 31 woman. She is also a foreign woman who had much to overcome including much pain. Consider Esther, also portrayed as a Proverbs 31 woman. She too faced unbearable circumstances, but God was faithful and evident in her strength. It is by passing through much suffering that we are made rich with insights and intimacy with God, particularly noted in the Psalms of lament.
Consider Psalms 22:1 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” These are the 7 last words of Jesus on the cross. Scholars note that while dying on the cross, Jesus was singing Psalm 22-23 which are songs of hope! The translation team came to the conclusion that this is not a cry of despair. It’s not a question but a statement that God will not forsake those in pain and who are suffering. Psalm 22: 9-10 was translated by the team as: “You are the one who drew me from the womb. You made me safe at my mother’s breast. Upon you I was cast from my birth. You have been my God from my mother’s womb.” In this passage, God is portrayed both as the father and also as mother. Remember, that while Christ was dying on the cross, the disciples ran away and hide behind locked doors. But the women remained with him, listening to Christ sing as he died. These words were preserved by the women as they remained vigilant with their dying Lord.
Throughout the podcast, Boaz expresses his delight in hearing the voices and insights of the women scholars on CBE’s translation team. The power of their collective wisdom will definitely bring much healing to our world overall, and to the future of Bible translation teams going forward. Thanks be to God!
Guest Bio: Dr. Boaz Johnson, PhD
Dr. 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 Priscilla Papers, Mutuality, Christianity Today, and The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. Boaz is a member of CBE’s translation team and a sought-after speaker. As an Old Testament scholar, Boaz has served on CBE’s Bible Translation Team from the very beginning. See CBE’s website for more resources from Boaz.
References
Women of Strength, in Hebrew—Chayil
Who is a Virtuous Woman?
Correcting Caricatures: Women and Bible Translation
Finding “The Proverbs 31 Woman”
Psalm 22 NIV
Books by Dr. Boaz Johnson
The Marys of the Bible: The Original #METOO Movement
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.