by Irie Lynne Session (Author)
Typically, the stories/narratives detailing the lives and experiences of biblical women are written from the perspective of the male gaze; in service or part of a larger male-centered narrative; misrepresented and misinterpreted reflecting a patriarchal and misogynist culture; divided into mothers and whores; demon possessed or otherwise ill; and rarely studied or the focus of preaching. This Bible study/sermon series will elevate and center the narratives of biblical women who either directly or indirectly, experienced some kind of emotional distress amid a patriarchal culture and found a way to navigate life in ways that enabled their own flourishing as well as that of the larger community. We will mine these stories for womanist tenets of traditional communalism (community wholeness), radical subjectivity (she matters), redemptive self-love (loving oneself regardless-bodycentric), and critical engagement (confronting the Powers).