Jennifer Bird

In this episode, Tim sits down with Dr. Jennifer Bird, a PHD researcher on the concept of marriage in the Bible. Dr. Bird challenges the validity of evangelical proof-texts for 'biblical marriage', explains why the words 'husband' and 'wife' don't belong in English translations of Genesis, and discusses how the Biblical depiction of marriage is driven by ownership, rather than love.

Dr. Jennifer Bird, a writer and author focused on marriage in the Bible, joins creative spirit Angie Von Slaughter and spiritual director Heather Hamilton. They discuss redefining God, blending personal beliefs with contemporary experiences. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of existence and the need for inclusive and experiential spirituality. They explore the challenges of reshaping traditional views of divinity while advocating for a broader appreciation of the divine feminine and the nurturing of children's imagination.

Desimber Rose, a former pastor and author, teams up with Dr. Jennifer Bird, a writer and marriage expert, and Rev. Dr. Angela Parker, a New Testament scholar, to tackle the perilous effects of bad theology. They explore how distorted interpretations of scripture can harm marginalized communities and perpetuate exclusion. Delving into concepts of God and the politicization of faith, they advocate for inclusive, empathetic theological discourse. Their insights encourage listeners to reflect on their beliefs and the transformative power of understanding diverse perspectives.

Dr. Jennifer Bird, a biblical scholar and author of 'Marriage in the Bible: What Do the Texts Say?', dives into the complexities of biblical marriage. She questions whether traditional interpretations have clouded our understanding. With insights on the limited sayings of Jesus and the challenges surrounding women's roles, Dr. Bird explores how cultural shifts shape contemporary views. The conversation also tackles the implications of scripture on family dynamics and hints at a deeper examination of polygamy, offering a fresh perspective on ancient texts.

Dr. Jennifer Bird, author of Marriage in the Bible, sheds light on biblical conceptions of marriage, debunking the oversimplified notion of 'one man, one woman.' Topics include debates on biblical marriage, objectification of women, power dynamics, societal constructs, double standards in church upbringing, polygamy in the Bible, selective focus on passages, translation of 'Pornea,' and Augustine's influence on Christian views of sex.