Feminist Biblical Interp

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Is the Bible irredeemably patriarchal? Can the Bible support women’s liberation? If so, why has the Bible so often been used to limit the rights and opportunities of women over the centuries? This course critically examines the various ways in which interpretation of the Bible has been both an obstacle and a resource in the quest for gender equality. In the process, we will analyze diverse literary portrayals of women in the Bible and situate biblical laws regarding women within their historical contexts. Students will become familiar with the methods by which feminist biblical interpreters have read against the grain of our sources to uncover the roles that women played in ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity. At the same time, we will explore the history of interpretation of biblical passages that have been weaponized against women, including attempts to neutralize the negative impacts of these passages. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to contribute to contemporary debates about gender roles, women in religious leadership, and gendered metaphors for God.