“Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus began talking with her.” “His disciples returned, and were shocked that he was talking with a woman.” Dehumanizing women was a routine ancient practice. It remains a routine current practice. One aspect … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Pregnancy”
Tag: patriarchy
Possessing a War Bonnet
Ecclesiastes tells us, “All things are vanity! Here is one who has labored.. and yet to another must leave his property and possessions.” In the Gospel Jesus responds to a man worried about his property and possessions by telling him, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life … Continue reading “Possessing a War Bonnet”
When Does Life Begin?
Jesus’ listeners choose to dehumanize Samaritans. Jesus knows this when he is teaching, “Love God… and love your neighbor as yourself.” Thus, when a listener asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus asserts, It is “a Samaritan.” Choosing to dehumanize human life is an element of the ancient and still prevalent religion of Militarism. The religion … Continue reading “When Does Life Begin?”
Authority and Autonomy: Abortion
Jesus sent out the disciples “two by two and gave them authority over unhealthy spirits.” “So the disciples… drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” Authority has roots in the term auger, the farm implement used to open the soil. Auger, and thus authority, means we … Continue reading “Authority and Autonomy: Abortion”
The Power of a Partner
Pharisees ask Jesus a seemingly simple question about divorce, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” Jesus, as always, shifts the unspoken premise away from patriarchy. Patriarchy is devised by and for men; their rights and control – for example over property, which includes a wife. Jesus shifts the premise toward the … Continue reading “The Power of a Partner”