Female Disciples in the Ministry of Jesus: Dr. Holly Carey
Feb 3, 2025
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Dr. Holly Carey, a Biblical Studies professor and author of "Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels," shares her insights on the pivotal roles women played in Jesus' ministry. She contrasts the faith responses of various figures, highlighting women's embodiment of true discipleship. The discussion critiques traditional interpretations and emphasizes servanthood as a key to leadership in the church. Carey encourages a reassessment of women's contributions, celebrating their vital presence in early Christian communities and their impact on shaping faith today.
Dr. Holly Carey emphasizes the significant roles of women in the Gospels, challenging traditional views on their contributions to discipleship.
The podcast discusses how narratives featuring women underscore their agency and determination in seeking support for their families.
Dr. Carey highlights Jesus' redefinition of leadership through servanthood, inviting a reevaluation of power dynamics and inclusion of women.
Deep dives
The Role of Logos in Bible Study
Logos is highlighted as a leading Bible study software, renowned for its extensive search engine capabilities. Users can easily investigate specific passages, gaining insights from various commentaries and scholarly resources at their fingertips. This innovative tool streamlines the study process, allowing users to access a wealth of information without the burden of carrying multiple physical books. With its affordability and a risk-free trial, Logos is positioned as an invaluable asset for pastors, students, and anyone participating in Bible study.
Dr. Holly Carey's Background and Influence
Dr. Holly Carey, a professor of biblical studies at Point University, brings a unique background to her teaching, being both a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and an accomplished author. Her formative experiences in a complementarian household shaped her view of women's roles in the church, which she further explored in her studies, culminating in a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Carey's book, 'Women Who Do, Female Disciples in the Gospels,' serves as a foundation for discussing the portrayal of women in the New Testament and their significant contributions to discipleship. Her academic journey demonstrates a passion for exploring women's roles in scripture and nurturing interested students in the Biblical studies.
Exploring Women's Discipleship in the Gospels
The podcast delves into the narrative of women in the Gospels, emphasizing how they exemplify the qualities of faithful discipleship. Dr. Carey points out the contrasts between the actions of women in the Gospels and the failures of the male disciples, particularly the Twelve Apostles. Events such as the encounter of the Syrophoenician woman and Jesus illustrate women's agency and determination in seeking help for their families. These narratives challenge traditional views regarding the roles and impact women had in the early Christian community.
The Significance of Mary and Other Women
Dr. Carey highlights key instances where women played pivotal roles in the Gospel narrative, notably emphasizing Mary and her act of anointing Jesus. Despite their traditionally perceived subordinate cultural status, women in the Gospels are portrayed as critical figures in spreading the message of Jesus. The podcast discusses how their stories contribute to the understanding of discipleship and the early church's inclusive nature. Through such examples, the conversation underscores the vital lessons that contemporary communities can extract regarding leadership and service.
Leadership Lessons from Servanthood
The conversation culminates in discussing the nature of leadership as demonstrated by Jesus' teachings, particularly Mark 10:42–45, which frames true leadership as servanthood. Dr. Carey articulates that Jesus redefines greatness by emphasizing service rather than authority, challenging conventional power dynamics. The instances of women serving, such as Peter's mother-in-law, illustrate how these themes of leadership and service are intertwined. This perspective invites a reevaluation of how leadership is defined and encourages recognition of women within these transformative narratives.
Dr. Holly Carey is the author of Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels (Eerdmans, 2023). Dr. Cary is the Professor of Biblical Studies and Department Chair of Biblical Studies at Point University (West Point, GA). A graduate of Point and of Asbury Theological Seminary, she earned her Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins at the University of Edinburgh. She serves as a contributing editor to the Stone-Campbell Journal, is a member of the SBL Mark Seminar and its Passion Narrative steering committee, and lectures and preaches at conferences, workshops, and churches around the country. Dr. Carey is married to Warren, and they have four children. She likes to read, swim, hike, preach, and is a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo. In this conversation, we talk about the content of her book Women Who Do. Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com
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