A Conversation with Cynthia Shafer-Elliott Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible / Old Testament at Baylor University

The Bible is often assumed by traditionalist conservatives to enshrine an idealized notion of “family”. Progressive Christians counter with assumptions about ancient gender inequality and patriarchal dominance that anachronistically project current notions onto ancient historical cultures. But recent archeological and social-historical studies suggest both of these fail to understand the ancient world of the Hebrew Bible on its own terms.

While family inheritance was usually passed along through male heirs and patriarchy was a reality, the average household was larger and more complicated than many recognize, allowing for a more fluid sharing of authority and responsibility among the men and women in a community. Join us as Prof Cynthia Shafer-Elliott introduces us to the latest research of ancient households.

Cynthia Shafer-Elliott Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible / Old Testament at Baylor University

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