Paul’s teaching on the role of wives and slaves in the Christian household are among the most (tragically!) misinterpreted passages in scripture. In this episode we examine the tension between ideals and reality, between what is ultimately true and how close (or not) we can approximate it at any particular moment in time.
As we discover that Paul never intended to baptize the oppression of others, we also get a closer look at the process of biblical study and interpretation – how we can (as much as possible) recover the intent of the original author.
If you have ever wondered if Paul is a misogynist, winced at the idea of wives “submitting” to their husbands or been outraged at the New Testament’s seeming legitimation of slavery, I hope this conversation will help – not only in Paul’s answers, but in assisting your ability to respond to those who argue otherwise.
This is a sermon that was originally presented at Canvas (a Presbyterian church in Irvine, CA), July 20, 2014. To learn more about Canvas, click here!
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