Search

The article analyzes a link between the tale of Judges 19 and the modern problem of human trafficking. Cited are several topics contained in Judges 19 such story of misogyny, subjugation, rape, murder and dismemberment. Also highlighted are several studies that have focused on the topic of rape in the Hebrew Bible. Noted also are other issues being interpreted in the Bible such as homosexuality, hospitality and gender inequality.

An essay on barren wives in ancient near East is presented. It examines legal texts pertaining to polycoity and polygyny as well as about divorce and abandonment. The author notes that scholars continue to provide inferences on the issue of barrenness as only few biblical materials are available. She suggests that legal provisions and precedents were set to provide a secured future for a barren wife. Mentioned are biblical narratives of barren wives including Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah.

An essay is presented on the short story "The Book of Ruth" in the Hebrew Bible. The author believes that the writer of this book had depicted Ruth's character of strength, covenant faithfulness, and fear of God during the time of Israel and David as a model to be emulated by present-day faith communities. Also mentioned are Hesed as the answer to gender bias, Orpah's character, and women in the Old Testament with stories of liberation and empowerment like Ruth such as Naomi, Rahab, and Esther.

An essay is presented on the story of Tamar found in 2 Samuel chapter 13 verse 20. It offers a brief history of King David's rule and family in Israel, and highlights the rape of the princess by her half-brother Amnon. The author suggests similarities between Tamar's desolation after the rape and her own sadness as a victim of sexual abuse. She expresses hope that Tamar's voice of outrage and wisdom continue to live to the present day through biblical writing.

An essay on biblical interpretation of the relationship of sexes found in chapters 1 to 3 of Genesis is presented. It offers different interpretations of God's creation of Adam and Eve. It states that both complementarians and evangelical egalitarians agree on equality of sexes in the prologue chapter 1, but have opposing views on female subordination as seen in chapters 2 and 3. Also discussed is Pope's stance on the issue by laying down hermeneutical guidelines for Roman Catholic Church.

The article focuses on the marginalization and abuse of females as a consequence of ontological devaluation. Information is provided on the observation of early evangelicals about the link, and offers biblical challenges to the devaluation. Explored is the comparison between slavery and the emancipation of women, how prejudice muddled the interpretation of the Scripture. Biblical interpretation in support of the ontological equality of females is also discussed.

The article discusses biblical interpretation and examines the methods and resources for interpretation of the teaching regarding Christian community, women and marriage found in the New Testament book "Epistles to the Ephesians." It informs that the interpretive task for today's Christians is to understand and determine what Apostle Paul was telling the Christian in first-century Ephesus. The article also mentions the metaphorical language on the passages contained in Ephesians chapter 5, verses 21 through 33, including the use of head metaphor.

The article focuses on the interpretations of 1 Timothy 2:12 regarding the distribution of gifts from the Holy Spirit and how women are not allowed to use the hermeneutical principles. It notes the roles of women in the Christian community while the church tries to limit their roles. It also notes the difference between what is written in Timothy 2:12 and Romans 12:1-8 which includes hermeneutic imperialism resulting to different patterns of injustices, that is, generating a different theology for women than for men.

The article analyzes how complementarians interpret key scriptural passages. Topics noted include the transition of basis of complementarianism to exegetical base, Christian egalitarians' belief in the role of humility in the process of exegetical theology, Wayne Grudem's views on authority in the book of 1 Timothy 2:12, and interpretation of prophecy by Thomas Schreiner.

The author expresses gratitude to the contributors of the October 2014 issue of the publication including Theresa Garbe, Betty Elliot and Gretchen Gaebelein Hull.