Discover the untold story of Artemis of the Ephesians, a goddess who challenges traditional beliefs about women's roles in the first century. Join Dr. Sandra Glahn as she uncovers surprising connections between Artemis and the early church, leaving us questioning everything we thought we knew. Are we ready to face the truth?
My special guest is Sandra Glahn
Prepare to indulge in an enriching discussion with our guest today, Dr. Sandra Glahn. A distinguished professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, she is admired for her profound knowledge in media arts, worship, and gender studies combined with an in-depth understanding of women's culture and the role of the arts. Her diverse background and versatility have enabled her to contribute to over 20 books, broadening perspectives and sparking thought-provoking debates. With her forthcoming book, Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament, she invites us to delve into a distinct historical journey tackling the intriguing cultural context of Artemis of the Ephesians. Sit back and prepare for an enlightening chat!
Jesus is stronger. And I think that what he is saying is, women will be saved... That Christ is going to show himself the ultimate midwife. - Sandra Glahn
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Explore the transformative roles of women in the early church and society and comprehend their lasting impact.
• Unveil the mystical cultural context surrounding Artemis of the Ephesians.
• Gain insights into the intricate gender dynamics and power structures that shape the church.
• Appreciate the importance and benefits of an egalitarian approach to partnership between men and women.
• Discover the deep significance of language and cultural diversity in understanding the scriptures.
Mystical Cultural Context
Understanding the cultural and religious framework of the first century is crucial to make sense of Biblical texts and the reference to figures like Artemis. This was a period marked by different beliefs and practices, and Artemis's portrayal deviated considerably from the fertility goddess stereotype. Sandra's research unlocks this mystical cultural context, providing a fresh perspective on Biblical narratives and their meanings.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
• Purchase Dr. Sandra Glahn's book Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament to learn more about the connection between Artemis and the Book of Ephesians. https://www.ivpress.com/nobody-s-mother
• Explore Dr. Sandra Glahn's other books, including Vindicating the Vixens, Earl Grey with Ephesians, and Sanctified: Sexuality and Sexual Intimacy in Marriage. https://sandraglahn.com/
• Visit the Dallas Theological Seminary website to learn more about Dr. Sandra Glahn and her work in media arts and worship.
• Join the conversation about Artemis of the Ephesians and the Book of Ephesians by engaging with the A World of Difference podcast and Dr. Sandra Glahn on social media. https://twitter.com/sandraglahn
Artemis of the Ephesians was as likely to take out women as she was men... She might have been the inspiration for Wonder Woman, but she is not as nice as Wonder Woman. - Sandra Glahn
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
00:01:15 - Dr. Glon's Background and Book,
00:07:28 - Artemis as a Midwifery Goddess,
00:09:50 - Wonder Woman and the Amazons,
00:14:27 - The Discounted Mother,
00:15:19 - Fear and Communal Culture,
00:16:41 - Misinterpreted Verses,
00:19:08 - Church Fathers' Views on Women,
00:22:55 - Partnering and Imaging God,
00:29:29 - The Importance of Female Metaphors for God,
00:31:44 - The Dignity of Women in Christianity,
00:32:28 - Jesus' Relationship with Women,
00:33:52 - Expanding the Definition of Women's Callings,
I had to go back to start over with Scripture and ask where I've picked up that idea. - Sandra Glahn
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and guest, Dr. Sandra Glon, who has written a book called "Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament." The book explores the connection between Artemis of the Ephesians and the verses about women in the New Testament, especially in the Book of Ephesians.
00:01:15 - Dr. Glon's Background and Book,
Dr. Glon shares her personal journey of infertility and pregnancy loss and how it led her to question the traditional view of a woman's primary calling as motherhood. She explains that her research on Artemis of the Ephesians began when she discovered a connection between the goddess and the phrase "she will be saved through childbearing" in Paul's letter to Timothy.
00:07:28 - Artemis as a Midwifery Goddess,
Dr. Glon discusses her findings that Artemis of the Ephesians was not a fertility ...
