Stories are significant, especially the ones that get retold each year. Riena Eisler writes, “we humans live by stores” and the Christmas holidays are a testament to that for it is hard not to see a nativity scene displayed in our neighbors’ lawns, in front of churches, or in all types of stores. The stories … Continue reading Reimagining the Story
Bible
Living in the Unknown
"Our life is a faint tracing on the surface of mystery." Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek I think it's fair to say we all had different expectations for 2020 than global pandemic. Quarantine and pandemic are new experiences for everyone and we are equally faced with an unknown future. We also share the experience of … Continue reading Living in the Unknown
The Complexity of the Magdalene: A Film Review of ‘Mary Magdalene’ by Elizabeth Schrader
When I told my mom that I was about to watch the new Mary Magdalene movie, the first question she asked was, “who’s playing Mary Magdalene?” I answered that Rooney Mara was playing the title role, and she gave her stamp of approval: “Well, they might as well get someone pretty!” Classic comment from Mom … Continue reading The Complexity of the Magdalene: A Film Review of ‘Mary Magdalene’ by Elizabeth Schrader
Mistrusting Eve
While in California, Sam and I were able to sneak off on a date to Murphys where we ritually go wine tasting, visit friends and peruse the local bookstore. Unexpectedly, I came across The Bible According to Mark Twain and knew immediately that I had to buy it. I was not aware of Mark Twain's … Continue reading Mistrusting Eve
Mary, Did You Know…
I love Christmas, especially in New England because everyone gets into it. Decorations and lights adorn almost every home and the atmosphere feels festive from Thanksgiving forward. The holiday season boosts our spirits in a way that distracts us from the hard reality that winter is coming. There is no doubt that it will be … Continue reading Mary, Did You Know…
Hidden in the Background
I continue to ask myself, is Christianity good for women as I recollect some of the negative instances that I’ve had in my faith but also as I hear about other women’s degrading experiences. For example, a friend recently told me that her pastor said, from the pulpit, that whenever he sees a strong female … Continue reading Hidden in the Background
Mary Magdalene: Prostitute or Apostle
The four canonical gospels identify Mary Magdalene as the first witness to the resurrection. And yet, later Christian tradition comes to primarily identify this Mary as a reformed prostitute. In the Medieval church there were even women religious orders named after Mary Magdalene that consisted of former prostitutes turned nuns. How did Mary the … Continue reading Mary Magdalene: Prostitute or Apostle
The He/She debate of Gen. 3:15 [Guest Post, by Sam Dubbelman]
Do women have an equal and at times leading role in the way Christians tell the story of redemption? Or, are women subordinated to an inferior and at times even antagonistic role in the way Christians relay the story of God's conquest of evil? Martin Luther spoke of Genesis 3:15 as the first gospel. In … Continue reading The He/She debate of Gen. 3:15 [Guest Post, by Sam Dubbelman]
