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Discover the untold story of Artemis of the Ephesians, a goddess who challenges traditional beliefs about women's roles in the first century. Join Dr. Sandra Glahn as she uncovers surprising connections between Artemis and the early church, leaving us questioning everything we thought we knew. Are we ready to face the truth?
My special guest is Sandra Glahn
Prepare to indulge in an enriching discussion with our guest today, Dr. Sandra Glahn. A distinguished professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, she is admired for her profound knowledge in media arts, worship, and gender studies combined with an in-depth understanding of women's culture and the role of the arts. Her diverse background and versatility have enabled her to contribute to over 20 books, broadening perspectives and sparking thought-provoking debates. With her forthcoming book, Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament, she invites us to delve into a distinct historical journey tackling the intriguing cultural context of Artemis of the Ephesians. Sit back and prepare for an enlightening chat!
Jesus is stronger. And I think that what he is saying is, women will be saved... That Christ is going to show himself the ultimate midwife. - Sandra Glahn
In this episode, you will be able to:
Mystical Cultural Context
Understanding the cultural and religious framework of the first century is crucial to make sense of Biblical texts and the reference to figures like Artemis. This was a period marked by different beliefs and practices, and Artemis's portrayal deviated considerably from the fertility goddess stereotype. Sandra's research unlocks this mystical cultural context, providing a fresh perspective on Biblical narratives and their meanings.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Artemis of the Ephesians was as likely to take out women as she was men... She might have been the inspiration for Wonder Woman, but she is not as nice as Wonder Woman. - Sandra Glahn
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
00:01:15 - Dr. Glon's Background and Book,
00:07:28 - Artemis as a Midwifery Goddess,
00:09:50 - Wonder Woman and the Amazons,
00:14:27 - The Discounted Mother,
00:15:19 - Fear and Communal Culture,
00:16:41 - Misinterpreted Verses,
00:19:08 - Church Fathers' Views on Women,
00:22:55 - Partnering and Imaging God,
00:29:29 - The Importance of Female Metaphors for God,
00:31:44 - The Dignity of Women in Christianity,
00:32:28 - Jesus' Relationship with Women,
00:33:52 - Expanding the Definition of Women's Callings,
I had to go back to start over with Scripture and ask where I've picked up that idea. - Sandra Glahn
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and guest, Dr. Sandra Glon, who has written a book called "Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament." The book explores the connection between Artemis of the Ephesians and the verses about women in the New Testament, especially in the Book of Ephesians.
00:01:15 - Dr. Glon's Background and Book,
Dr. Glon shares her personal journey of infertility and pregnancy loss and how it led her to question the traditional view of a woman's primary calling as motherhood. She explains that her research on Artemis of the Ephesians began when she discovered a connection between the goddess and the phrase "she will be saved through childbearing" in Paul's letter to Timothy.
00:07:28 - Artemis as a Midwifery Goddess,
Dr. Glon discusses her findings that Artemis of the Ephesians was not a fertility goddess but rather a goddess of midwifery. She explains that Paul's advice to Timothy regarding marriage and childbearing was influenced by the context of Ephesus, where virginity was highly valued.
00:09:50 - Wonder Woman and the Amazons,
Dr. Glon mentions the connection between Artemis and the Amazons, who were real women warriors buried with weapons and horses. She explains that while Wonder Woman may have been inspired by Artemis, the ancient goddess was ruthless and not as benevolent as the fictional
00:14:27 - The Discounted Mother,
The discussion focuses on Artemis, a mother figure who was often discounted in the culture at the time. Paul's writings in First Timothy acknowledge her influence but also emphasize that Jesus is superior.
00:15:19 - Fear and Communal Culture,
The fear of childbirth was a significant concern for women in the community, as it was the leading cause of death. The communal culture added to the fear, as being wrong could bring disaster to the whole community. Paul's message of Jesus as the ultimate midwife provided comfort and salvation for women.
00:16:41 - Misinterpreted Verses,
The verse about women being saved through childbearing has often been misinterpreted. It cannot refer to salvation in the traditional sense, as Paul consistently taught salvation by grace through faith. Understanding the cultural context and the influence of Artemis helps interpret these verses accurately.
00:19:08 - Church Fathers' Views on Women,
Many church fathers, influenced by Greek philosophy, held views that women were defective or weaker. Augustine's views on women were shaped by his broken sexual history. It is essential to critically evaluate their teachings and focus on the essential equality of men and women.
00:22:55 - Partnering and Imaging God,
The early church got it right by emphasizing the partnership between men and women. Art depicting men and women officiating communion together demonstrates the importance of unity and collaboration. Rather than focusing on gender differences, we should recognize that both men and women bear
00:29:29 - The Importance of Female Metaphors for God,
The conversation begins by discussing the use of metaphors and similes for God as a female in the Bible. The guest emphasizes the importance of representing both male and female voices as the voice of God in dramas. The influence of traditional depictions of God as a male figure with a long white beard is also mentioned.
00:31:44 - The Dignity of Women in Christianity,
The guest highlights the significance of the Incarnation and how it represents the dignity of women. The fact that Christ chose to inhabit a woman's womb for nine months challenges the notion that women are considered dirty or inferior. The guest emphasizes that women have an important role in Christianity and should be listened to and valued.
00:32:28 - Jesus' Relationship with Women,
The guest discusses how Jesus listened to and elevated women, setting an example for his male disciples to do the same. His appearance as the resurrected Lord before a woman further emphasizes the importance of women's voices in the faith movement. The guest encourages Christians to recognize the significance of women in the church.
00:33:52 - Expanding the Definition of Women's Callings,
The guest shares her personal journey of realizing that motherhood and being a wife are not the only callings for women. She hopes that her book will help set people free from narrow views of women's roles and inspire them to recognize the diverse ways in which women can live out their callings.
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