Are the Bible’s perspectives on women outdated and misogynistic, or are they, in fact, revolutionary? In this eye-opening episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Sandra Richter, a renowned biblical scholar from Westmont College. With decades of research and a passion for making scripture accessible to all, Dr. Richter unpacks the ways the Bible challenges cultural norms and uplifts the status of women from its very first pages.

Together, Catherine and Dr. Richter explore:
Radical Equality in Genesis 1: How the creation narrative establishes men and women as equally created in the image of God, setting a profound precedent for dignity and value.
Cultural Critique in Genesis 2: What does it mean for a man to leave his family and cleave to his wife? Dr. Richter reveals how this challenges patriarchal norms of ancient cultures.
Normative Texts vs. Situational Ethics: Understanding the difference between universal spiritual principles and context-specific instructions is key to navigating scripture’s teachings on women.
Women as Prophets: From Miriam in the Old Testament to Anna in the New Testament, women played vital and often underappreciated prophetic roles in biblical history.

Addressing Cultural Context:
The conversation also highlights the impact of Hellenistic and Jewish traditions on attitudes toward women in New Testament times:
Rabbi Eliezer’s shocking statement: “If any man gives his daughter a knowledge of the Law, it is as though he taught her lechery.”
The Jerusalem Talmud’s severe stance: “Let the words of Torah be burned up, but let them not be delivered to women.”
Josephus’s commentary: Jewish law regarded women as “inferior to their husbands in all things.”
The Berakhot’s daily prayer: Jewish men would thank God for not being born a gentile, a woman, or a slave—language reflective of broader Greek cultural influences.

Dr. Richter provides essential historical and theological insights, helping us see how the Bible subverts cultural norms and offers a radical perspective on women’s worth and roles.

Why This Matters for Parents:
In a world where gender roles and equality are hotly debated, understanding the Bible’s revolutionary view of women can profoundly shape how we teach and guide our children. This episode equips parents with a scriptural foundation to affirm the dignity, value, and purpose of every family member—mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers alike.

Don’t miss next week’s continuation with Dr. Richter, where we’ll explore the biblical celebration of motherhood and women’s contributions to faith and family.

Subscribe, Share, and Stay Connected!
If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe on your app at on Catherine’s website, leave a review, and share it with others! Let’s continue the conversation about faith, parenting, and the transformative power of scripture.

About the guest: Dr. Sandra Richter holds a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Harvard University and  Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. Dr. Richter has authored several works available on Amazon, including a Bible study on Deborah. Her extensive research seeks to illuminate the scriptures for contemporary audiences.

EPISODE LINKS:

Resources Referenced:

The Epic of Eden (series) - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges

Why Not Women: A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadershipby Loren Cunningham & David J. Hamilton

What Did Paul Really Say about Womenby John T. Bristow

 

Articles by Catherine:

“Why We Should Reconsider What the Bible Really Says about Women in Ministry”

“Does Scripture Oppress or Liberate Women”

“Why Does Paul Tell Women to Be Silent in Church and Not to Teach?”

 

Other Episodes in this Series:

Ep. 134 "Is Our Theology about Women Aligned with Scripture"

Ep. 135 "Mothers Who Saved a Nation: What Deborah and Jael Teach Women Today"

Scriptures Referenced:

1 Corinthians 11 & 14

Romans 16

1 Timothy 2

Galatians 3:28

Are the Bible&rsquo;s perspectives on women outdated and misogynistic, or are they, in fact, revolutionary? In this eye-opening episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Sandra Richter, a renowned biblical scholar from Westmont College. With decades of research and a passion for making scripture accessible to all, Dr. Richter unpacks the ways the Bible challenges cultural norms and uplifts the status of women from its very first pages.
Together, Catherine and Dr. Richter explore:
<ul>
<li>Radical Equality in Genesis 1: How the creation narrative establishes men and women as equally created in the image of God, setting a profound precedent for dignity and value.</li>
<li>Cultural Critique in Genesis 2: What does it mean for a man to leave his family and cleave to his wife? Dr. Richter reveals how this challenges patriarchal norms of ancient cultures.</li>
<li>Normative Texts vs. Situational Ethics: Understanding the difference between universal spiritual principles and context-specific instructions is key to navigating scripture&rsquo;s teachings on women.</li>
<li>Women as Prophets: From Miriam in the Old Testament to Anna in the New Testament, women played vital and often underappreciated prophetic roles in biblical history.</li>
</ul>
Addressing Cultural Context: The conversation also highlights the impact of Hellenistic and Jewish traditions on attitudes toward women in New Testament times:
<ul>
<li>Rabbi Eliezer&rsquo;s shocking statement: &ldquo;If any man gives his daughter a knowledge of the Law, it is as though he taught her lechery.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The Jerusalem Talmud&rsquo;s severe stance: &ldquo;Let the words of Torah be burned up, but let them not be delivered to women.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Josephus&rsquo;s commentary: Jewish law regarded women as &ldquo;inferior to their husbands in all things.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The Berakhot&rsquo;s daily prayer: Jewish men would thank God for not being born a gentile, a woman, or a slave&mdash;language reflective of broader Greek cultural influences.</li>
</ul>
Dr. Richter provides essential historical and theological insights, helping us see how the Bible subverts cultural norms and offers a radical perspective on women&rsquo;s worth and roles.
Why This Matters for Parents: In a world where gender roles and equality are hotly debated, understanding the Bible&rsquo;s revolutionary view of women can profoundly shape how we teach and guide our children. This episode equips parents with a scriptural foundation to affirm the dignity, value, and purpose of every family member&mdash;mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers alike.
Don&rsquo;t miss next week&rsquo;s continuation with Dr. Richter, where we&rsquo;ll explore the biblical celebration of motherhood and women&rsquo;s contributions to faith and family.
Subscribe, Share, and Stay Connected! If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe on your app at on <a href="https://catherinesegars.com/resources">Catherine&rsquo;s website</a>, leave a review, and share it with others! Let&rsquo;s continue the conversation about faith, parenting, and the transformative power of scripture.
About the guest: Dr. Sandra Richter holds a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Harvard University and&nbsp; Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. Dr. Richter has authored several works available on Amazon, including a Bible study on Deborah. Her extensive research seeks to illuminate the scriptures for contemporary audiences.
EPISODE LINKS:
Resources Referenced:
<a href="https://my.seedbed.com/product/epic-of-eden-deborah-unlikely-heroes-and-the-book-of-judges/">The Epic of Eden (series) - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Why-Not-Women-Biblical-Leadership/dp/1576581837/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1J2PB1ZE9RHWL&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9S9mldqSQMKzRTx0oy-tGf1PfindA9M2n4RmefWkmhrVv5DrOq3wkUVuU_kO4Z6pbgkAABNgLm0_Y8xRYjL8OqEoOIJTK90NifWV32FnmsknnexKZKXAU3c8CXXfVusVcOj2ijXf0NKV_Zg7B-0uuw.sMr2xKIDeD8uRTcehgr8_ZYt0dcTyA-OsahuVBkjUDY&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=why+not+women+loren+cunningham&amp;qid=1736630958&amp;sprefix=Why+Not+Women%2Caps%2C211&amp;sr=8-1">Why Not Women: A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership</a> by Loren Cunningham &amp; David J. Hamilton
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Paul-Really-About-Women/dp/0060610638/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20GCAYVS3XX1E&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wr89q0_3Xsr67T5ttJNRm7Hgwl0SffMkPW5uJKQDfF1yJ7ORsvR7eiwbUECW1yBlqCkRvq-d9S66nKn22dWmCQ.MS0NPKfPNHdYLw7BoY_hn92MnwlOQ_YwgKzCC9k_ra4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=what+did+paul+really+say+about+women&amp;qid=1736631062&amp;sprefix=What+Did+Paul+Really+say+abou%2Caps%2C135&amp;sr=8-1">What Did Paul Really Say about Women</a> by John T. Bristow
&nbsp;
Articles by Catherine:
&ldquo;<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/why-we-should-reconsider-what-the-bible-really-says-about-women-in-ministry.html">Why We Should Reconsider What the Bible Really Says about Women in Ministry</a>&rdquo;
&ldquo;<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/does-scripture-oppress-or-liberate-women.html">Does Scripture Oppress or Liberate Women</a>&rdquo;
&ldquo;<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/why-does-the-apostle-paul-tell-women-to-be-silent-and-not-to-teach.html">Why Does Paul Tell Women to Be Silent in Church and Not to Teach?&rdquo;</a>
&nbsp;
Other Episodes in this Series:
Ep. 134 "<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/is-our-theology-about-women-aligned-with-scripture-w-dr-sandra-richter-ep-134">Is Our Theology about Women Aligned with Scripture</a>"
Ep. 135 "<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/mothers-who-saved-a-nation-what-deborah-and-jael-teach-women-today-w-dr-sandra-richter-ep-135">Mothers Who Saved a Nation: What Deborah and Jael Teach Women Today</a>"
Scriptures Referenced:
1 Corinthians 11 &amp; 14
Romans 16
1 Timothy 2
Galatians 3:28

The Christian Parent, Crazy World podcast with Catherine Segars equips moms and dads to be godly parents in a world that often opposes their faith. As a passionate apologist and seasoned communicator, Catherine unpacks the tough cultural issues facing families today, offering insightful, biblically grounded guidance. Each episode helps parents understand the challenges of our times and respond with wisdom, confidence, and grace.

Topics covered on this podcast include:
What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith
Can Our Words Change the Future?
Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?
13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year
5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z
What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?
How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview 
Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children

Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

The Christian Parent, Crazy World&nbsp;podcast with Catherine Segars equips moms and dads to be godly parents in a world that often opposes their faith. As a passionate apologist and seasoned communicator, Catherine unpacks the tough cultural issues facing families today, offering insightful, biblically grounded guidance. Each episode helps parents understand the challenges of our times and respond with wisdom, confidence, and grace.
Topics covered on this podcast include:
<ul>
<li>What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith</li>
<li>Can Our Words Change the Future?</li>
<li>Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?</li>
<li>13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year</li>
<li>5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z</li>
<li>What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?</li>
<li>How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview&nbsp;</li>
<li>Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children</li>
</ul>
Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Christian Parent, Crazy World is a podcast dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world.