THIS is (yet another reason) why we need women theologians. We bring a different, much-needed perspective to scripture. It's gotta be women and men working together, not one or the other.
"In the end, whether Isaiah intended a layered meaning or simply wanted a visceral word picture for the defilement of blood, I don’t think it came with contempt for humanity nor for women and the bodily functions God gave them." 🙌🏼🔥❤️
I’ve never thought before of Isaiah’s blood-stained cloth as part of the disappointment and feelings of futility and frustration that come with a cycle’s start when pregnancy is hoped for! (Even though I experienced that again and again.) Thank you for giving me a new idea to ponder regarding Isaiah’s (and Paul’s repeated) metaphor!
What a powerful and perceptive hermeneutic, Marissa. Growing up (like many of us faith-based Substackers) in a religious culture that flung that verse around as an indictment of everyone, but always especially of women, it's a huge relief to be able to take that old interpretation, stick it back on the shelf where I usually keep it, but also place something more alive, more hopeful, right next to it, as if to say, "Yes, that, but also–and maybe instead–there's this."
As an elder and teacher in our congregation, I can say with confidence that I believe your thoughts on this passage will find their way into the hearts of people you may never meet, but people who are dear to me in our community. God bless you for this. Thank you, sincerely.
You are so very welcome. It's lovely to be able to revisit and see things with fresh eyes, isn't it? And thank *you* for these kind and encouraging words, Jason.
Wow. yes, yes, yes.
THIS is (yet another reason) why we need women theologians. We bring a different, much-needed perspective to scripture. It's gotta be women and men working together, not one or the other.
This is incredible. So very powerful!
"In the end, whether Isaiah intended a layered meaning or simply wanted a visceral word picture for the defilement of blood, I don’t think it came with contempt for humanity nor for women and the bodily functions God gave them." 🙌🏼🔥❤️
Thank you for reading, Courtney!
I’ve never thought before of Isaiah’s blood-stained cloth as part of the disappointment and feelings of futility and frustration that come with a cycle’s start when pregnancy is hoped for! (Even though I experienced that again and again.) Thank you for giving me a new idea to ponder regarding Isaiah’s (and Paul’s repeated) metaphor!
You are welcome! A friend and I are working on a paper exploring this more, so maybe there will be a part 2 to share.
And I hear you. ❤️🩹
It is for this kind of depth of feeling and open compassion that I come here. I am so glad I found your sub stack!
Thank you for reading and for these kind words!
What a powerful and perceptive hermeneutic, Marissa. Growing up (like many of us faith-based Substackers) in a religious culture that flung that verse around as an indictment of everyone, but always especially of women, it's a huge relief to be able to take that old interpretation, stick it back on the shelf where I usually keep it, but also place something more alive, more hopeful, right next to it, as if to say, "Yes, that, but also–and maybe instead–there's this."
As an elder and teacher in our congregation, I can say with confidence that I believe your thoughts on this passage will find their way into the hearts of people you may never meet, but people who are dear to me in our community. God bless you for this. Thank you, sincerely.
You are so very welcome. It's lovely to be able to revisit and see things with fresh eyes, isn't it? And thank *you* for these kind and encouraging words, Jason.
This is beautiful and helpful. Thank you.
You are so very welcome.
This is so insightful--thank you!
You are so very welcome.