We have been discussing female authority and power in The Bible. Along the same lines, while doing some research recently, I came across several stories of “Christian Witches.” This was not a new idea to me having grown up in The Appalachian Mountains. However, I suspect it may come as a shock to many Christians. So, can a Christian be a witch? Can a Christian Be a Witch? Those Christians who grew up in churches that burned Harry Potter are... Read more
When the subject of rape comes up in Biblical discussion, we often hear about disgust for the law that says the rapist must marry his victim. However, we rarely talk about the fact that the Bible does give us another option. Should a rapist get the death penalty according to the Bible? The story of Dinah provides us with the answer. Dinah’s Rape As stated in a previous article, the Bible provides two responses to rape. The first solution offered... Read more
The binding of Issac is a difficult story for many people. Why would Abraham be asked to sacrifice Issac, his son? What was G-d doing? Is this a test? Is this a lesson? Did Abraham hear a voice of someone other than G-d? These are all valid questions, and I think, perhaps, I have the answer. G-d Tempted Abraham The story begins with the words G-d tested Abraham. A more accurate translation of the Hebrew is G-d TEMPTED Abraham. The... Read more
Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. This year is Year 5784. We celebrate Rosh Hashanah on the date G-d created Adam and Eve. During this holiday we cast off that which no longer serves us, and we prepare for a good year ahead. Rosh Hashanah: The Day of Judgement A prayer for Rosh Hashanah reminds us that on this day everyone passes before G-d. It is then decided who shall live, who shall die, who shall... Read more
Today we take a break from The Women In The Bible Series to learn about the historicity of Moses from our guest blogger Joseph Parks. Ancient Egypt and the Bible Article 4 – The Historicity of Moses Joseph DeWayne Parks RN, BSN August 3, 2023 The Evidence for Moses “From Moses to Moses, there was none like Moses” This saying, which can be found on the tombstone of the medieval Jewish philosopher and rabbi Moses Maimonides, states that although there... Read more
Leah was the older sister of Rachel. Leah’s life was hard due to poor eyesight and lack of true love. Yet, she persisted and became a matriarch of our faith. Through disability and loneliness, she overcame. Despite Leah’s disadvantages, she was a fighter and stood up for herself. The Older Sister Should Marry First Leah was the older sister. Therefore, Leah should have been married first according to tradition, but the text tells us Leah was “weak-eyed.” We may take... Read more
Rachel was married to Jacob, but so was her sister. Her life was tainted by her inability to have children and a deceitful family. Yet, Rachel was deeply loved by both her husband and G-d. That love gave her the power to be a woman in charge of her own destiny and fight for the rights of women in a patriarchal society. Rebecca Wrestled with Rachel Before telling Rachel’s story, I must make a confession. Jacob wrestled with G-d for... Read more
We were supposed to continue the Women In The Bible series today, but instead, we are blessed to have an interview with Rabbi Steven Blane, Rabbi of Sim Shalom synagogue. Sim Shalom is the world’s first and only Universalist synagogue. Please stay tuned for the continuation of the Women In The Bible series next week. Click here to sign up for the newsletter and be alerted when new articles are published. The World’s First and Only Universalist Synagogue Rabbi Blane:... Read more
Today we break from our Women In The Bible series to hear from our guest blogger, Joseph DeWayne Parks RN, BSN. Joseph is going to teach about the historicity of Joseph from the Bible. Please stay tuned for the continuation of the Women In The Bible series this Friday. In the meantime, here is The Historicity of Joseph. August 3, 2023 Joseph (יוֹסֵף) is perhaps the most famous of the Hebrew patriarchs. This is due to the dramatic journey he... Read more
Esau had three wives according to The Torah: Basemath Judith and Mahalath. Basemath and Judith were Canaanite women. Mahalath was the daughter of Ishmael. Two of these women caused his parents grief. The other was called Holy One and restored a broken family. Basemath and Judith: A Source of Grief Genesis 26:34-35 says that Esau married two Cannnite women when he was 40, Judith and Basemath. The text records that the women “were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.” ... Read more
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